Suitabilty of a cocker spaniel

Fire_Fox

Pthree wrote: »

Really??

How do they do that? I know you get miniature / standard poodles, but mini labs??

Or do they take normal size labs and cross them with miniature poodles?
And then I guess its fingers crossed that pups are on the small side so they can flog them as minis?

Or is someone going to wow me totally and tell me you actually can get miniature labs....?

Some miniature animals are just the runts of the litter and some are apparently bred from mother's they know cannot carry a litter to full term. :eek:

pawsies

Pthree wrote: »

Really??

How do they do that? I know you get miniature / standard poodles, but mini labs??

Or do they take normal size labs and cross them with miniature poodles?
And then I guess its fingers crossed that pups are on the small side so they can flog them as minis?

Or is someone going to wow me totally and tell me you actually can get miniature labs....?

It's normal lab x mini poodle.

Presumably they pick the smallest and breed to another (hopefully not related!) lab x min poodle.

bluepatchworkcat

We have a 6 month old puppy, Mum is a King Charles and Dad is a Springer (a happy accident ). She has the springer madness (bless her!) but will be smaller than a springer when fully grown. We were concerned about the heart problems associated with King Charles too, but our vet says the risks are already massively reduced because she's a cross. So maybe if you would otherwise think about a King Charles, think about a cross breed one?

moneylover

thanks everyone, really useful replies.

jemb

We have a cocker, and unless you have time for 6 miles minimum a day then please dont get one as they will destroy your house! Luna as a tiny puppy was a normal mile a day pup, but since she's grown, she needs alot more.

They do get easily bored and Luna is a star, v well behaved as long as she is taxed on the old grey matter! HOWEVER, she is totally against alot of the points you made or your friends and collegues made about cockers too.

She is very cuddly, but very independent (she's 1 tomorrow) likes to play with the cats outside (we have two). Loves to go to Grandma's (My mums) and will quite happily be left with friends should we need (she's very personable so just likes being around people generally). She's also one for her bed and her own space but is fine to be left for up to 6 hours (although not a breed trait!). Oh and she uses the cat flap, however that's her that's trained herself to do that, much to the cats disgust!

Cavvies however, my Mum has had for years, do you know there are two sizes? The old breed standard and the new? The new are small, but Ebony (black and tan cav) is bigger than Luna by a mile and Luna is a regular sized cocker. She will walk when my parents walk and be happy for cuddles and treats. When you say health problems, I assume you're talking about heart problems? Cavvies due to their breed live up to about 10 years old. My Mum is on cavvie number 4 and only one had a heart problem. Keeping them fit and healthy and not too big (fatty wise!) means they should live like any other dog. Perhaps look for pet insurance? Ours is £8 a month for Luna, but is there as a just in case God forbid.

bethie

would you be looking at a show or working cocker? show are calmer, but still have their spaniel moments....

just a quick note about rescues - some of the springer/cocker breed specific get puppies in - would you be interested in them? often times the checks the adoptees have to undertake is just as stringent as what a good breeder would insist.


for cavvies - i think they are much more prone to health issues, and http://www.thecavalierclub.co.uk/health/helthintro.html may helps you out.


but obviously whichever breed, make sure all the appropriate tests have been done.

@jo78 - just wait! she will get mad as well!

jemb

If show are calmer I think I'm !!!!!!ed! :eek:

nuttywoman

Its a week today since our 10yr old cocker had to be pts. He was so funny, they are little comics but if you let them they`ll rule you. He was a rescue dog , we got him when he was 2yrs old and we would never had gone for a cocker but now we love them xxx

pawsies

jemb wrote: »

We have a cocker, and unless you have time for 6 miles minimum a day then please dont get one as they will destroy your house! Luna as a tiny puppy was a normal mile a day pup, but since she's grown, she needs alot more.

I think part of that may be down to the fact she got a mile a day as a pup. The more you exercise them the more they expect and sometimes can't cope if you are ill for a day or whatever.

Dogs don't need to be exercised daily, they will adapt to people's lifestyles (provided they aren't already super active!) however from a welfare point of view it is seen as better to exercise them regularly.

moneylover

If I had a cocker I would be thinking of exercising it twice a day being out for about 40 mins a time. I expect the dog, once it could go off the lead would cover 6 miles... however it does worry me that I am taking on quite a bouncy demanding dog - grey matter and exercise and I do think that maybe I should have a breed that is a little less demanding. So may well go for the cavs.
I will def go to Discover Dogs in Nov as I will look at some breeds too (am not a terrier persion and not dachsunds and not poodles)
IN a way I think perhaps I have missed the boat age wise re a cocker. I have to be sensible for both our sakes
I notice on Champdogs there are usually with golden cockers and with blenheim cavs usually just one male left by the time people advertise, so I will have to get going and sort out breeders.
I might post again and ask people about cavs.
Those of you with cockers, you are very blessed I think.
Thanks again for all the help
Hilary