A companion for our dog

[FoxesSitOnBoxes]

We have a 3 year old working cocker spaniel. She is lovely; very gentle and all she wants to do is cuddle. She gets excited when visitors come but settles quickly and isn't a hyperactive dog at all. She doesn't like being by herself- howls for about 2 mins and then takes herself off to bed (we've spied on her through the letter box) but we don't leave her often as I'm a SAHM and she is able to go to work with DH
We have 2 children age 1 and 3 who are pretty good with dogs- not that interested and know not to bother her but occasionally try to give her a cuddle or over enthusiastic stroke. She doesn't mind and I don't leave her with them.

(Scene setting!)

So question is that we'd like to get another dog to keep Ddog company. She loves playing with other dogs but we don't really know anyone with dogs for her to run about with.
I don't think we'd be happy with a rescue dog as I'd worry about it with the DCs (& I doubt any reputable rescue would let us take one given the children)
I don't think we'd get another working cocker as we have met a lot with MUCH higher energy levels than ours and I dont fancy that. Are show cockers more chilled out? Can anyone recommend a small dog breed that is good with children and not completely nuts? Toy dogs or others but not particularly keen on terriers.
Many thanks for your expertise and advice!

[FoxesSitOnBoxes]

Hopeful dog bump?

[Greyhorses]

A second dog often won't cure or help with seperation anxiety. Lots of the time it is linked to the human and another dog won't make any difference to whether the dog is stressed or not. I would try some behavioural training before getting a second dog otherwise there is a risk of having two with the same problem if the younger one copies the older one! I have seen this happen more than once as I work with dogs and its a pain to cure as you could have two stressed dogs instead of one. You could be lucky though if your dog closely bonds to the new one but it is a gamble!

However having two dogs can be lovely and I much prefer a pair. Mine play and tire eachother out and it can work well if you get a good match.
Small dog wise I would go for a whippet, I have never met a bad one. If you wanted something a little smaller then I do like a small health tested poodle (not a designer poodle cross which are mostly bred by backstreet breeders out to make money who don't health test and claim their dogs are hypoallergenic when they aren't...but that's another thread )
I also like bichon frise and they seem to be quite happy little dogs with not too many issues if from a reputable breeder.

I also wouldn't consider a show cocker due to the huge amount of health problems they seem to come with. The majority of the ones I see have awful skin and other issues which cost lots to deal with. The working cockers seem much healthier.

[FoxesSitOnBoxes]

Thank you! very helpful a happy little dog is just what we're after!
From a separation point of view I think Ddog is ok- she settles v quickly, has never been destructive and, to be honest, is never really alone anyway. It's more that it'd be nice for her to have a little pal to run about with.
Thank you!

[PiglettWithAttitude]

Schnauzer? don't know much about them, but I know a few people with them.

[FoxesSitOnBoxes]

Ooh, yes, thanks Piglet. On the list

[LumelaMme]

Schipperke? We had one when I was a child, and she was very steady and reliable (though not fond of children, me included, due to her experiences before we got her, she would still play with me). I gather they can be quite feisty, so check out the character of the parents. They seem to be pretty healthy too.

[Claraoswald36]

I have a show cocker with no health issues but like the op I want a companion. I have also been recommended a whippet on here
Don't suppose you live in Plymouth op - we could mad spaniel play date