Hi all, I'm a long time lurker but don't post often. My family and I have been thinking about getting a dog but I'm feeling a bit confused. We really like spaniels and we thought we had decided on a cavalier king charles spaniel as from what I've read they seem good family pets. However I'm concerned about the health issues with this breed. Obviously I would insure any dog I get but I'm worried that no matter how well I think I've researched breeders etc I could still end up with a dog that suffers.
So now I'm looking at cocker spaniels. How are these as family pets? I have 3 children aged 8,6 & 3. My main concern is that I've heard people say you can never wear them out! I'm a stay at home mum so whilst I am around much of the time, it's inevitable that the pup would have to be left alone at some point in the day (for example when I need to go to supermarket or school run) and I would hate to think it would be bored and unhappy because I hasn't worn it out enough!
Can anybody who has a cocker tell me how much exercise/simulation they need. Is there a great difference between show and working?
I should've said we live in a modem detached house but garden not huge. In s village surrounded by woods and fields so plenty of lovely walks. My husband and I have never owned a dog as adults but had family dogs as children - we do have a cat and a tortoise though.
Thanks in advance for any help, sorry if this is garbled - thinking as I'm typing and confusing myself!