Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I am absolutely in love with them and wanted to see how has them and can give their experiences.

Typically how much do they cost?
Do you have a reputable breader?
How do you find their personality/barking/with kids/training, etc?

TIA!!!!!!

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I've never owned one, but a very close friend did and I dogsat so here is my opinion.

Positives:
Sweet, sweet dog - one of the best temperments I've ever seen. Extremely lovable and cuddly. They are fairly small, about 25 - 30 pounds I would guess. Easily housebroken, she worked and still was able to housebreak her pup with very few problems.
Negatives:
Very prone to ear and eye problems. Her dog had terrible ears and Drs. had recommended that she have the ear canals removed to stop the ear infections. Same sort of thing for the eyes, they had to give her daily drops and her eyes were always runny. She started going blind at six.

I would go to the AKC website to find a breeder or rescue.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Def look into rescuing one(when you are ready). Petfinders.com is great place to start.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I have a Cocker Spaniel, he is almost two. He is absolutely gorgeous, but has a horrible temperament. And, I know of a lot of others who have the same complaint. My vet has told me this is quite common in Cockers. I personally wouldn't recommend this breed if you have or want to have children. Also, they shed a lot, they tend to have a odd smell to them, and chronic ear infections. I love my baby, but it has been a LONG 1.5 years with him.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

In addition to all of the above-mentioned issues, their grooming is also quite difficult. The fur mattes very easily, but to keep them in a puppy cut can expose their skin to itching issues.


Have you considered a King Charles Cavalier? They have a much easier temperament, and are not as prone to ear/skin issues. They are also less prone to hip and patella issues.

There are several rescue orgs for both breeds, and I would definitely begin with a rescue.....but I also have the name of a reputable KCCS breeder on LI if you want.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I have a cocker that is 4 and he is the sweetest most amazing dog. My sister and aunt also have cockers that are great. I have heard that they can have bad temperments but we were all lucky and got great ones. If my husband would let me I would get another one. If you have any questions let me know.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

really, they have that many problems.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Message edited 5/7/2007 6:42:02 PM.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

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Message edited 5/8/2007 12:36:33 AM.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Sarge is adorable!

Yes I have just begun the investigating process for a puppy. We are going through a lot of changes right now, so it's for down the road, but I do want to do my research prior!

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I have a cocker spaniel! We adopted him at a year and half from save a pet in port jeff station.

I don't have any prior experience with the breed and have heard mixed reviews, but ultimately I think we got really lucky because (knock on wood) he is very healthy and has an excellent temperment with us).

As stated previously, cockers are prone to certain problems, especially ear infections, but we have been lucky in that area so far. We haven't had any health problems with JJ yet, but he is only 3.5 years old so you never know.

Cockers are also known to have a "spaniel rage" at times. This is because they were very popular at one point and a lot of irresponsible breeding took place and therefore they became known for a bad temperment.

Grooming is key with this type of dog - our dog goes to the groom every 6-8 weeks. We have the inside of his ears shaved down and we try to keep them short so that they don't go into his food and get infected with crud.

I don't think this helped any, but if you have any questions feel free to ask!

ETS: I should add that they are great dogs because they are a good medium size, not to big, not too small. Our dog is also very active and loves running outside and swimming too! With the experience I'm having with our dog, I would definitely adopt a cocker spaniel again.

Message edited 5/8/2007 4:35:43 PM.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I have one and he is just the biggest mush ever! I actually grew up with cocker spaniels. I got my latest one, Phil, at a shelter and he is just the greatest. He was two when I got him three years ago.

If you are looking to get a cocker, go to a shelter. Phil was housebroken when I got him, along with neutered and had all his shots. They told me exactley what his temperment was. I have two step-children and he is fabulous with them . They can do whatever they want to him and he takes it. He doesn't bark or bite. I found him on petfinder.com.

I have no grooming issues with him. His hair doesn't matte. I do have to clean his ears every day or two, but he hasn't had any infections.

He is 100% cocker spaniel. FM me with questions.

This is a picture of my Phil! He is just the cutest ever!

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Message edited 5/8/2007 6:42:27 PM.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

We all should have a cocker spaniel GTG.

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

Posted by Deedlebug126

Posted by Pebbles

We all should have a cocker spaniel GTG.

Oh my. how cute would that be?

Re: Anyone have a cocker spaniel?

I have a cocker spaniel. I adopted him from a shelter when he was about 4 years old. He's a sweet and loving dog although he can get a little cranky....most if you disturbe him when he is sleeping. He's also a food theif but honestly I think that is because DH & I gave him human food when he first came to live with us and we never took him to training. He is a good dog though....very loveable. I love my little bear and Thank God I have never had problems with his eyes or his ears. Good Luck! Cockers are beautiful doggies!