Cocker Spaniels?

Question

Anyone have a cocker spaniel and would like to tell me how they are as pets? What should I consider when choosing one?

Answer 1

I am a cocker spaniel breeder. Cocker spaniel are great pets if you find the right breeder and right puppy. We have 7 cockers and three children. They all get along fine. Cocker spaniel need a lot of socialization, require a lot of grooming, they do shed, can have ear infections and can have skin allergies. Those are things that you should be aware of before you buy a cocker. However the right puppy/ dog will be your friend for life. They are sweet, loving, and intelligent dogs. You need to find a breeder that puts health and temperament as a first priority. A good breeder will never breed a dog that has personality defects, or health problems. Look at the parents because they are a good example of what the puppies will be like. Remember that a cheap puppy might cost you a lot more down the road.

Answer 2

I have had several and they can be wonderful dogs. Not sure how true this is, but I once had a veterinarian tell me that there tends to be more inbreeding with the pure black cockers and there can be some serious personality problems. She said she had been bitten by more black cockers than any other dog. If I had to do it again, I would go for a cocker mix instead of a purebred to avoid the problems with inbreeding. As for health, they have those long ears, so ear infections are almost always an issue. They can have folds under their chin on their neck which can get pretty goopy or smelly after they drink water and its gets into those folds (gotta keep them clean at all times). One other problem with cockers are eye problems i.e. cataracts and retinal atrophy. The best thing to do is when they are 2 years old, take them to a veterinary ophthalmologist to get their eyes looked at - this is usually when you can still do something about an eye problem. Other than that, they are sweet wonderful dogs.

Answer 3

Yes have had a cocker. They are very loving animals. Also they are very high-strung and nervous. If raised with kids it should be fine, however, if getting an older dog it may not take to kids very well. Some can be a bit nippy because of the nervousness. They do need a hair cut from time to time. If you are a person with alot of patience and time to give to your cocker spaniel it will make a great pet. They like to please their people and go for walks and play ball.

Answer 4

First, only use a good breeder. http://dogplay.com/GettingDog/index.html

And be prepared for a grumpy posessive dog. I've been bitten 3 times in my life, and two of those were from a Cocker Spaniel. I believe they are or were the number one breed for dog bites in the US.

Of course, buying from a good breeder will help to reduce this chance, as will proper care and training.

They can also have potty issues, can be diggers, and can have a prey drive. But a good one is loving, affectionate, and quite intelligent.

http://www.ecsca.org/whatisecs.html is a great page that has information on English Cocker Spaniels. Also visit http://www.ecsca.org/index.html for more help on how to find a good dog. : )

Answer 5

I have a female (not fixed) that is the greatest dog ever. She is almost two years old and still has puppy moments (very excitable) but is a wonderful dog. She is intelligent- can sit, stay, give both paws, lay down, and stand up tall. She is now best friends with a kitten we brought into the home a few months ago. (Only took a couple hours and they were playing!) She is very loving and cuddly and is really a great dog.

I have heard things about cocker rage so just be sure you get papers on the dog before buying so you know it came from a good bloodline.

Answer 6

I had a cocker spaniel (who recently passed away) and he was a great family dog. I was told that he was not like a typical spaniel. He was great with kids, did not bark much, and very friendly. He was an absolute sweetheart. I think their temperment can depend mainly on how they're raised, just like with any breed. I would recommend one, as long as you are keeping him inside. They are not meant to be outside dogs, not that any dog should be left outside.

Answer 7

Cocker Spaniels are my absolute favorite. Please know that you will have to devote their entire life-time to excellent grooming. They have to be clipped regularly. We had ours clipped at least 6 times per year. Also know that you'll have to keep their ears cleaned constantly. Their long heavy ears make them susceptible to ear infections. Also you'll have to have their teeth cleaned and checked by a good vet on a regular basis. Also make sure to have them spayed and neutered and up to date shots. They are a wonderful companion dog. Very loving and very loyal.

Answer 8

They're often pretty tempermental (yippy and nippy), and not very sound psychologically...just a personal opinion. This might be due to bad breeding and owners, but honestly....I've never met one I liked much. No offence intended to Cocker owners.

Answer 9

When they get excited, which is easily, they pee on the floor.