Should I get a Beagle or a Cocker Spaniel?

Question

I am torn between getting a minature 12" Beagle Puppy or getting a Cocker Spaniel Puppy. What should I get and why?

Just to add...we have do have small children and a huge back yard. I am looking for a loveable dog that will be a good companion for the whole family.

Answer 1

I would never consider having a cocker spaniel around kids! Beagles, like all other dogs, need exercise, that's true - but they are very easy going dogs and great with kids. You need to stay on top of them to make sure they don't get in the habit of barking or baying, but they're smart dogs and learn quickly.

Answer 2

I've had five cocker spaniels and loved them all dearly. They DEMAND attention with lively personalities and constantly wagging tails. They are wonderful with kids and a great sized little dog. I have many many great Cocker stores including ones about our little Aspen the fishing dog or Louie who never ever left our toddler's side.

They do have a tendency to ear problems and need frequent brushing and trips to the groomer.

By the way, for the former person who claimed to know all about the insurance claims, see the list on the link. Cocker spaniels are not mentioned.

Look at an English Cocker, too. Less grooming, a slightly larger dog and not quite as constantly "pay attention to ME" as an American. But more expensive.

By the way there is no such thing as a miniature Beagle. Beagles are shown at under 13" and under 15" and can come out of the same litter. Smaller parents might be an indication of a small pup but not necessarily. Beagles LOVE to escape and run.

Answer 3

I fostered both before, And I would go with a Cocker Spaniel hands done.. the Beagle needed alot of running room, was hyper.. And he was the older dog too.. The Cocker Spaniel wasn't has hyper at all, he didn't get long walks to calm him either.. Plus a added plus is that Cockers spaniels are very pretty dogs, altho ya need to think , they need groomed, as where the Beagle wouldn't need to be groomed..

Answer 4

By far I would say get the beagle. I have a beagle mix and he is a wonderful dog - absolutely loves everyone, even when the young grandchildren accidentally step on his tail or pull on his ears. I have had a cocker and they tend to have one master they are truly devoted to. they can also be very aggressive - say if a small child tried to take his food. Also be ready to spend lots of money and your own time to keep a cocker groomed. It usually cost me about 15 to 20 minutes a day plus going to the groomer at the very least once a month at about $60 a pop. My beagle cost $20. Both the beagle and cocker are prone to ear infections but if you clean the ears regularly you won't have much of a problem. All in all the beagle would be my choice. He only demands love and he is so sweet that's easy. Good luck with your choice.

Answer 5

I would go with the Beagle.I have had two,and they were the best dogs ever.They are friendly,smart,cuddly and a breeze to groom.And I had no trouble housebreaking mine at all.I have known too many cockers to be snappy and nervous,and they require extensive grooming to keep their coats from matting.Also,their ears pick up all kinds of gunk(food,dirt,etc.).I would recommend a fenced yard for any dog,although Beagles will run if they get the chance(they follow their noses)Obedience training and spay/neuter surgery can nip this behavior in the bud,but it has to be done early on,while the dog is young.But for personality,in my opinion,you can't go wrong with a Beagle.And ,yes there are such things as miniature Beagles.They are called "Pocket Beagles" and are quite a bit smaller than a typical show Beagle.Click on this link to see.
http://www.pocketbeaglesusa.com/index.htm

Answer 6

Both are great dogs. I have had them both before. I would say go with the Cocker Spaniel because Beagles like to run and not be contained in a fence (they will dig). They also have very hard heads and it is hard to train them. They also like to bark alot.

When we had our Cocker Spaniel he was a great dog to have. A little bit more laid back than a beagle. The only thing about them is their ears need a particular drop of medicine in them (I don't remember what) because of their longer droopy ears they tend to get infections sometimes, but personality wise they are great.

Answer 7

I would get a beagle - the cocker spaniel will requiring grooming from a professional groomer (can get expensive) and regular brushing at home, with two small children you probably won't have time for that. Also they are predisposed to have ear infections.

Beagles are smart and also used as detection dogs. They shed a little but seem energetic - good for kids.

Answer 8

I have a 12" beagle and I love her. She is my little princess. I too was torn between a cocker spaniel and a beagle. I'm so thrilled that I decided to get a beagle. They are very low maintence and the breed adapts to your families life style. They only problem I have had is with her ears, they need to be cleaned frequently. other then that she she is just a cutie. She is a year old now and I still have people telling me she is the cuteest puppy they have ever seen. GET A BEAGLE!!!

Answer 9

I think you should do research on both breeds to see which one fits you and your lifestyle better.

Beagle people are going to say "Get a Beagle!" and Cocker Spaniel people are going to say "Get a Cocker Spaniel".

Do some research and decide for yourself as YOU are the one that is going to have to live with, deal with, care for and provide for that dog for hopefully many many years to come.

Here is a link to a quiz to help decide which dog breed is best for you.

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/search.htm

Answer 10

I had a beagle for 12 years. She was a great dog!

The only thing bad about beagles is that they are prone to running away and are also very hard to house break.

However, if you can handle that beagles have great personalities and are very lovable.

They do need a lot of attention and exercise (they love to eat).

Mine was so spoiled she actually had to be put on separation anxiety medicine wheh she got older.