Advice on spaniels

pink-lady

I have a Cocker Spaniel, he's only just 8 months old. He is absolutely wonderful and I love him so much! :A

However....... he is rather giddy! He follows me around everywhere I go, he's even tried jumping in the shower with me! (must remember to lock the door!!). Oh yes, he loves water and will jump in any water we pass on our walks hence I always keep a towel in the boot of the car!

He loves his walks and would stay out all day if I had the time. He's great with other dogs and generally loves people. He needs lots of attention and loves to play fetch with his frisbee!! At the end of the day when I'm sitting down to watch a bit of TV, he will jump up and sit on my knee! (I know I should discourage this but I really don't mind, in fact I love a cuddle from him!).

I agree with all the other advice you've been given on here regarding lifestyle etc. It's such a big responsibility to take on any dog but in my honest opinion, I would not swap my Cocker Spaniel for anything:beer:
Good luck with whichever breed you decide on. xx

bouncydog1

Long term owner of cockers (20 years +) and springer (15 years). I would not suggest either of these breeds if you have not had a dog before.

Springers need huge amounts of exercise in open spaces as whether they are show or working strain this is in their breeding. Walking on a lead a couple of times a day is not enough. They also often do not calm down until around the age of 8/9 and still have outbursts of energy/madness! Fantastic dogs personality wise - very loving and faithful but do need you to put in the effort to train them otherwise they are unmanageable.

Cockers look appealing - chocolate box faces with those lovely long ears. However cockers do require substantial grooming so unless you are prepared to put in the daily care - ears, feathers, feet - to avoid problems I would not suggest you get one of those. You also need to be aware that there are well documented health issues in cockers - not all - that have largely been caused by elements of inbreeding to get the perfect colour, coat etc. This has resulted in some cases in problems with eyes and in the reds some have a predisposition to "rage" syndrome, where they show elements of very aggressive behaviour.

If you are determined to get either one of these breeds then I would suggest that you do your homework so you realise what is involved. Talk to other owners, rescue centres, research on the net, animal trainers etc.

I would not have been without any of our dogs - we lost the last two earlier this year - but it was a steep learning curve for us and on reflection (particularly with the golden cocker) I think we saw the pretty side without fully doing our homework.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

jenhug

what about something like a sussex spaniel?

slummymummyof3

Have you thought of a border terrier?

Raksha

Regardless of which breed of dog, have you had a dog before, and are you aware of the impact on your new found freedom a dog can have?

Most retirees are looking forward to being able to do things at the drop of a hat - days out, holidays etc... Do you have the support network in place to deal with this?

Caroline_a

Having had dogs all my life I would say that in a lot of ways it's a bit like having a baby... the theory sounds wonderful, in practice it's hard work, messy and 52 weeks a year! Additionally, you, if you do it right, end up with a wonderful companion who will love you regardless, keep burglars away, keep you fit (with walks) and reward you in so many other ways that you can't imagine being without them.

However, it is about doing it the right way. Be prepared (if you've had dogs before, I apologise for the unnecesary info ) for vets bills for vaccinations, spaying/neutering, any day to day ailments and injuries (if it's dangerous, a pup will find it..), paying out for flea and worming medications, kennelling if you go away, dog training classes (should be mandatory imho), collars, leads, bowls, toys (and replacements when said pup has destroyed the last lot) and, of course food. I reckon my animals (one German Shep and one Maine Coon kitten) cost far more than I do! But I wouldnt be without them....

moneylover

what is different about a sussex spaniel- suggested by Jenhug?

tizerbelle

moneylover wrote: »

what is different about a sussex spaniel- suggested by Jenhug?

Don't know much about the sussex but there is a comprehensive (and witty) explanation on the sussex spaniel website

Raksha

Sussex Spaniels aren't as common as Cockers (so will have a smaller gene pool, but also hopefully fewer problems associated with poor breeding.) However - a working strain Sussex and a working strain Cocker will have similar 'drives', be just as demanding and are quite similar in looks - the Sussex tends to be a chocolate brown colour, mostly solid, with maybe a little white on the chest.

Remember these dogs were all bred to do a job - a Cavalier was bred to be a companion, so don't be guided so much on looks, but ask yourself what needs the dog will have that you can meet.

angelaloveschocolate

Please don't rule out a mongrel. Having kept a mixture of mongrel and pedigree dogs in the past, I have to reccomend a mutt.

They are less likely to suffer from inherited illness's and generally have a stronger, healthier disposition. Happy too and they live longer. All pedigree dogs are more susceptable to illness's due to a certain amount of inbreeding.

If you check out the mother you'll have an idea how a mongrel pup may turn out. And notice I said 'they' because I'd also reccomend that you take two pups from the same litter. Not twice the work, simply twice the pleasure and they'd be company for each other if you have to leave them for long periods.

Don't fret about the choice between breeds, it does'nt matter because the real choice is commiting to get a dog once you have him you'll fall in love with your new family member.

Having said all that I currently have two cockers, my sister has a king charles, either breed is a winner.

Best of luck