Working Cocker Spaniels

berks

Hello.
I'm looking to get a working cocker spaniel in the new year.
I have a wealth of experience looking after this breed having looked after one part time for the last year, and having known him from a puppy.
I don't under estimate the exercise and involvement they require, however they seem to be very hard to find. Inparticular the breeders I have found online seem to be very biased towards their use as working dogs and not very keen on their use as pets.
Does anyone know of any pet friendly breeders, especially in the south?

thanks

Duncan

Annando

If you are going to have them as a pet (i.e. not a working dog) would you mind if it is a cocker spaniel and not a working cocker? Also if such is the case, have you considered a rescue cocker spaniel from the cocker spaniel rescue network?

Good choice of breed! They are my favourite! Although if you have children or don't have a lot of experience with dogs I would recommend a part colour as opposed to a solid colour one. And also females tend to be more amiable, although I know a certain one who has been a devil since she was a puppy!

berks

I really love the working strain because of their character, intelligence, engery, loyalty and occasionally their singlemindedness!
I would consider rehousing one yes, but relish the chance to bring one up from a puppy too!

Annando

I might be able to help, I'll PM you if I can find the number for the breeder. I'll PM you the phone for the rescue too for good measure.

single-mindedness ???????? A cocker spaniel??????? Nooooooooooooooooooooooo LOL LOL LOL

Annando

This might help you for now:

http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/cscrinformation.pdf

At the end there is a number for WORKING COCKERS. If there aren't any available for rescue at the moment, they might point you to a suitable breeder.

foreign_correspondent

Have the breeders said why they are reluctant to let you have a pup? - I can understand their reluctance if you work full time, or do not have a lot of spare time for training, exercise and stimulation.

ETA - someone on here was really struggling with a working cocker pup recently, as he needed so much attention - even though they work from home they were finding it very hard going - all pups are a full time job at first, and will poo and wee on your carpets, and chew things they can get hold of, but a working breed like a cocker is extra-demanding!

berks

Yes, I think it's mainly due to preconceptions of 'the family pet', and I understand that working cockers are very demanding in that role.
However I know the breed very well so i'm not going into this blind, and he won't be left at home alone.
A lot of breeders don't seem to consider this breed as a suitable 'pet' however..

foreign_correspondent

berks wrote: »

A lot of breeders don't seem to consider this breed as a suitable 'pet' however..

I expect that this is the result of lots of experience - and probably of lots of initially optimistic people finding the pups are more than they can handle as pets...

berks

I do understand for a lot of people they aren't suitable pets.

foreign_correspondent

I believe the breed club is the place to start. To be honest, I would be wary of a breeder who was overly keen to sell to pet homes, without asking a lot of questions first. I dont know a lot about spaniels, but I have had collies, and if working breeds of dogs are not kept very busy, they do tend to go 'self employed' - i.e. they will find themselves a job.. just not necessarily one you want doing!

Hintza

Why don't you work it?

Will give you a hobby
Will give you excercise
Will give you a happy contented dog

Get yourself down to a shoot and see what's involved.

PS Try and get a GSP from a German Breeder, never mind the dogs pedigree you will be asked for a pedigree 8 generations back....