Opinions on working Cockers invited

[dangirl]

Very keen on the idea of getting a dog to join our family :-)
I grew up with dogs and I would very much like to give my children - 3 and 7 - the same opportunity.
DH is in on the idea. He has never lived with a dog and therefore probably doesn't quite understand the commitment/work involved.

I have met and fallen in love with the working cocker. Am aware that they need lots of exercise and contact. They seem such lovely dogs though and full of life!

We live in London with a small garden - but close to a number of large parks. I am not working and if I do go back in a couple of years time, it will not be full time.

Has anyone got any advise to give re this breed? the amount of work involved/how they interact with the family and others/ with children etc.

TIA

Oooo....Autumn is a great time for a new puppy. I am rather

I was so shocked to find this thread tonight as I have spent all evening looking for a working cocker myself.
A lady in my office at work has brought hers in every day now since a pup and he must be about 1.5 now - he is such a lovely dog. However, I was looking at springers and cockers too.

My problem is that I do work and leave the house at 8:30 and dont get back til 4pm and cant think of anyway of having a dog and not having to leave it for 7.5 hours. I do not want a puppy and definately would like to have an older dog, but it wouldn't be fair would it!

You can get dog walkers in though - or even a dog sitter. Cockers and springers are very active and sociable dogs though and need lots of exercise and lots of company - so worth thinking of which breed might be the most suitable :-)

They are lovely dogs though!

I have a working cocker and that was purely by chance. We went to buy a show cocker (not realising that the working strain was enjoying a revival!) and the breeder didn't tell us which we think is unfair. We didn't want a mad dog but ended up with one and that is how I'd describe him. Adorable, lively, energetic, a handful and never tires. He's great with the kids but personally I don't think they should be sold as house pets as they need so much stimulation as it goes against the grain of what they are made to do. So all in all, gorgeous animals but I think FAR more energy as a Springer and I have to confess that I struggle to cope!

Hello there
Did you get your Working Cocker? I am in the same situation now, and would love to hear how things worked out for you. Have fallen in love with Working Cockers. Our very much loved Greyhound may be leaving us sooner than we expected and have been looking / researching for when that time comes. Would be very grateful to hear from you