What Breed Of Dog? Westie or Cocker Spaniel?

Question

my husband and I want a dog but which would be best for us, we have no children and have a garden and I work from home

A West Highland Terrier looks like this
http://www.puppyparadise.com/Breeds/westie.jpg

or a Golden Cocker Spaniel looks like this
http://www.seefido.com/assets/images/autogen/a_Cocker_Spaniel_Dog.jpg

OR PLEASE SUGGEST ANOTHER BREED THAT IS NOT TOO BIG AS I WANT TO TAKE IT EVERYWHERE WITH ME (BUT NOT A TINY THING!)

GOOD POINT ABOUT MY HUSBAND NOT WANTING TO WALK A WESTIE, ESPECIALLY IF IT HAS A SPARKLY COLLAR LOL !

THANK YOU

Answer 1

We've had Westies for over 25 years, and are very partial to them. They are energetic, loving, active, loud (sometimes), intelligent, and sturdy. Our previous Westie loved us and was indifferent to most everyone else. Our current one loves everyone: if she reacts negatively to a workman, it's a real sign we need to keep an eye on the guy!
All dogs have 'issues', as you know. Westie issues are frequently of the skin & allergy type. We've found Miss Molly to be allergic to almost all grains: when we removed those from her diet, voila! her allergies disappeared. (She's on a fish and sweet potato hard food diet from Wellness). No red meat or fowl, and one has to be careful about which 'cookies' she gets (loves dried pineapple, though).
Our kennel owner, a lady from Germany, once told us, "No man minds being seen vith a Vestie!" It's true! Westies are truly 'big dogs in little bodies.' Cute, too.

Answer 2

All dogs have their own problems that usually result from the owners so, as they say, bad dogs aren't born, they're made. Anyway, look into the reasons you chose a westie and cocker spaniel and see if you can apply those same reasons with another dog. Check out "groups" i.e. toy group, non-sporting group, and terriers. They all have different types of dogs with different characteristics that could give you the same qualities as a westie or spaniel. Seeing the different dogs could also help your husband choose which ones he'd rather be seen walking with. Take the dog's looks and add them with the purebreds attributes to find what kind of dog you'd want. Do as much research as POSSIBLE!! and if you still can't make up your mind...look into shelters-there are always dogs waiting for a home :) Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I had a cocker spaniel for about 7 years. She was 4 when we got her. She had a lot of health problems and it took a lot ot take care of her. I understand you work from home and you will ahve the time to do that, but I would still recommend not getting a cocker spaniel. Just the agony of seeing the dog go through that pain is enough. I don't know the exact health situation with Westies but I wouldn't get a cocker spaniel.

Answer 4

Cocker Westie

Answer 5

I have known both dogs to be sweet but be aware that a west highland terrier is a typical terrier who needs a lot of exercise and attention as most terriers do. A cocker spaniel is somewhat more laid back than a westie but they are still going to be a lot of work. Research the breeds more and make sure that whichever you get is the right fit. Both will need training to keep them out of the garden as both love to dig. It may be a good idea to put chickenwire around the garden if the backyard is fenced in. Otherwise just keep the dog away from the garden. Since you work at home you are going to need to establish with the dog what work time is and what play time is so the dog leaves you alone while you are working. Good Luck I hope you get the perfect little puppy but be prepared for a lot of work with training.

Answer 6

I've grown up with Cockers. So I can give you some good and bad on them, but I have no expereince with the Terriers.

First off, Cockers are notorious for being difficult to potty train. The first one I had was a female she lived to 14 years old and was never potty trained. ( I will say that she was *my* dog but I was four when I got her and hardly knew anything about training a dog. My father and mother were going through a divorce so neither actually took the time to train her.) My second Cocker is a male. He's still about. 5 Years old. And he's been potty trained since 6 months old at least. The trick is getting them on a schedule. My female was also never fixed, where my male is... so that may have some impact on it as well. Overall, I had no trouble getting him potty trained. But once you're past the puppy stage I'm not sure that it's possible.

Secondly, and this didn't happen with my female, but Cockers are loyal! They are YOUR dog and no one elses. (That doens't mean that they won't seek attention from others.) This can be good and can be bad. I'm 33 weeks pregnant, and if I'm home alone and a male that he doesn't know comes to the door, he goes off. Super protective. And while I really like that while I'm home alone, sometimes it's too much.

I'm also finding, with my male, that Cockers are apparently prone to epilepsy. He's had two seizures just recently and we'll be taking him to the vet sometime soon to find out what the cause is. It might be epilepsy or it could be something as simple as his dog food not agreeing with him.

Now for the good -

All through out their life Cockers are super cute with amazing personalities. I've never seen a breed of dog that's so quirky. My male will tell me everything he needs or wants. Not vocally. But with his eyes. We can have full conversations. He's pretty spectacular. He catches the the first syllables of commands and therefore is very well behaved. His favorite toy is a tennis ball, so if you like to spend time at the park throwing the ball with a littl dog. (It's one of my favorite things to do.) He really is an amazing addition to our family. When he leaves us we'll definately be looking into getting another Cocker. Perhaps another female, they seem to be much more relaxed.

Best of luck to you in choosing your dog! Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 7

Hi i have a 9 year old cocker spaniel i got her when she was 6 weeks old. she very loyal sweet & intellangent i also have a english staffordshire terrier & they have a better nature then the cocker spaniel & the westie. my aunty has a westie and she is always filling in wholes and bathing it as white dogs show the dirt easy.
cocker spaniels do have ear problems so if you want a medium dog that loyal gentle and eager to please get a staffordshire terrier all they when from you is love food a walk and some where warm to sleep....

Answer 8

I do not know much about either breed, but my cousins had a cocker spaniel. They can be a little rough. When I was younger the dog supposedly bit me right on the ridge of my nose. I have a Brittney Spaniel. I grew up with him. He can be ice at times, but know that he is coming close to reaching his limit he gets angry when you disturb him or try to help him. He can't jump up on to the couch and he bit me when i tried to help him up. He his a good hunting dog. Sometimes he forgets his age when he sees a chipmunk run past him. I will warn you this whatever dog you choose to get, do not go on vacation a lot. At least do not put him in a kennel. One summer we put my dog in kennel when we went to Florida. The kennel was hit by a Tornado and apparently my dog saw it. He has never been the same in a storm again. Even if it rains he panics. He has to take tranquilizers to calm down.

Answer 9

COCKER SPANIEL. my friend has a westie a white one just like the pic but its a right yapper well most westie's are tho little ankle bitters lol. i think cocker spaniels are better good luck xx

Answer 10

Get the Spaniel

As your husband would look a pratt taking a westie for a walk