Springer or Cocker?

[vigglewiggle]

I have another thread about springer spaniels which covers a bit of this ground, but I thought I would start a new thread to get a clear comparison.

I am leaning more towards Cockers (not helped by a beautiful photo of a chocolate cocker pup that a breeder has sent to me) but also because of the size. DH has been influenced by our butcher who has one of each and says that Cockers are much more difficult and demanding than springers.

Any thoughts?

We have DD's aged 4 and 6 and lots of time and energy (well DH does ).

Sorry that's www.cockersonline.co.uk

Are you considering show or working cocker? I understand there is a big difference between the 2. I love all spaniels though

One thing though , you do need to be a clear about getting a working or show cocker , they are quite different dogs ; workers are less stocky and have more fluffy ears like a springer. Also look at the pedigree to check they have not mixed them.The only skittish cockers I have met have been working strain or with a large part of worker in them

Also make sure all the genetic testing has been done , both breeds now have inherited conditions and it is important to exclude these .

I agree with Outtolunchagain re making sure that which ever breed you choose has been health tested.

If you chose a Springer, then check the parents have been tested for DNA FUCOSIDOSIS & DNA PRA (eye), this will mean that your pup is hereditarily clear for those diseases. I would also pick a Kennel Club Assured Breeder.

Good luck, I'm sure you will be very happy with either breed. Can you tell I love Spaniels

I'm biased but it's a working type cocker we've got, and she's wuvvly. She was so easy to toilet train etc but is obsessed with food. She hardly ever barks either but when we first got her we worked really hard training her and didn't let her away with anything. she is very laid back and loves playing but isn't as keen on small children, she lies out the way or goes upstairs rather than being chased about by wee ones.
I do agree that it is down to the dog, not the breed as well. Ooh I can't wait till we get another one at the end of the year.

Oh when we got her my children were 2, 7 and 9 and she stopped the nippy stage after about a month I think, once she learned to chew toys instead of ankles lol. She is brilliant with children though, just prefers to run about instead.

Ok, I think we have decided. We are going to see a working type springer bitch on Monday. She is 10 weeks old. Her pedigree is excellent (as recommended by an independent third party) and according to the breeder she has a lovely temperament (but she would say that I suppose ).

It's a bit of a compromise because DH was more Springer and I was more Cocker, but as we are agreed on getting a bitch, he will be outnumbered 4 to 1 in the house so I guess he can get the choice of breed!

I do really love springers and the comments on here have convinced me that she won't be too big or too crazy for our family to handle.

Thanks all and I will report back after Monday and perhaps I'll have some photos on my profile by then!

How exciting that you are seeing a pup!

We are in the springer camp here. Working springer bitch 18months old. She is small at only 14 kgs and because we have been focused in training is now great at home.

Has the odd five mins of loon behaviour but overall we all love her!

She is happy with two off lead walks of about 40mins each but will go for longer .... As she did yest as she was lapping the pond chasing ducks so obv need to work on that!

She is fairly chewy so needs her things to chew as a few plastic toys have teeth marks/holes in.

In fact she is smaller than a neighbours working cocker.

Oooh good luck, its a very exciting time. Sounds like a good compromise to me

Can't wait to see pics when you bring her home