Is a cocker spaniel better than a lab?

Question

Because I'm thinking about getting another dog.

Answer 1

Do you want a big dog or a midsize one? I've had both, and found that my lab, like many of her breed, loved to dig in the garden. It was a bit of a chore to teach her not to do that. She also loved to get out and run, whereas my dear old cocker, while she also liked to play, wasn't nearly as rambunctious. I loved 'em both. My most recent dog was a cross between a terrier and a miniature daschund. A little, twelve-pound black mutt, in other words. She was the sweetest little dog I've ever had. I miss her terribly, and so does my college-age daughter - that was the only dog she ever had. Anyway - you choose. Both of your options are good dogs. Oh yes, almost forgot: the cocker will need more attention paid to grooming it's coat. They tend to get massively dirty when playing and that nice, luxurious coat of hair tends to bring half the barnyard into the kitchen when you open the door. Not that labs don't get dirty too, but the shorter hair is easier to groom.

Answer 2

If u have children then i would reccomend a lab, because a cocker spaniel is more attached and more comfortable around adults, but a lab is more social with children than a cocker is, but a cocker spaniel will tolerate children.

If you dont have kids choose which one u would rather have and which one would be better for a nother dog. if u have another big dog u should definatley go with the lab because if u get a lab eith another small dog the smaller one could get hurt. Also Labs are better with other dogs than cocker spaniels are.

Answer 3

Labs and golden retrievers are always great dogs for any body. Trust me sometimes cocker spaniels can have an attitude but labs are always happy and very loyal ,take it from a dog lover who knows what she's saying.

Answer 4

A cocker spaniel would be nice in a smaller place than a lab. But, lab's are wonderful pets.

Answer 5

What it gets down to is the personality of the dog and genetics of the breeding. Make sure inbreeding has not taken place - on either side of the parents - because that can cause problems. Why the two breeds?? Both are very different dogs and have different behaviors they tend to exhibit. Yin and Yang. Maybe take a look at other breeds or even a mix? Take a look at what each breed was bred to do. . . a herding dog is high energy and needs a lot of exercise. A hunting dog still needs a lot of exercise, but does not pace/patrol like maybe a German Shepherd dog will(they do this to expend energy). Be sure you know what you are getting into. www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/cockersp.cfm
www.akc.org/breeds/recbreeds/labdoret.cfm
may be two links to give you more information.
Good Luck.

*Sorry, both links will not print. /cockersp.cfm
/labdoret.cfm

Answer 6

If you have children a lab is a much better choice. Cocker spaniels are known for biting.

Answer 7

I think Labs are very human oriented, well-rounded dogs. Cockers seem to have more problems, from what I have seen, such as skin and grooming.
The two breeds are pretty different in temperment, size, exercise requirements, etc.
Try http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm to take a quiz to help you decide which is best for you.
Finally, consider adopting. Check out www.petfinder.com.
Good luck! Remember, your pet will be with you for around fifteen years in most cases, so the more thought you put into this, the better!

Answer 8

I had a black lab that was the greatest dog ever. I am really partial to them, and wouldn't consider getting a cocker spaniel after owning such a good, loyal, smart lab.

Answer 9

Cocker Spaniels can tend to have epilepsy. Just do your homework. Each breed offers different positives and negatives.

Answer 10

keep in mind as puppies both need lots of exercise, after about 2-3 years, cocker spaniels can get really boring. i had one when i was a kid and all he did way lay around. labs are too hyper for me. both shed - yuck! try a schnauzer - they come in mini, standard and giant - and are great dogs and don't shed.