So are cocker spaniels really so snappy?

[Sisterjacqueline]

We are looking at getting a puppy in a couple of years, when youngest dd is starts school. Since I was teenager I have always really liked spaniels, especially the working range. I am very 'outdoorsy' and will have the time to train and walk extensively.

Having read the "Not to understand why anyone could choose to have those ugly looking dogs?" thread, I am now wondering if spaniels can be really annoying, especially for children as they bounce around them and maybe are snappy?

I would love to hear form other spaniel owners to find out if snappiness is indeed an issue.

tia

"They could run to the end of the world and back without getting tired." Sounds a bit like dd1 .

As and when we are ready, we'll have to find a reputable breeder, though it have presently no idea how to go about that, we'll see, I have another couple of years .

I have a six moth old liver (chocolate) working cocker, and he is the very best thing in the world. He loves people, he loves other dogs, he loves our cat (she loves him more than she loves us, but she's a cat . . . !). A friend with long experience of Labs was impressed at how 'un-mouthy' he was in comparison to her dogs, but he does need good, consistent training to keep him from chasing birds.

Where I live, there is quite a big community of WCS owners, and I haven't met a single snappy or grumpy one; they are very people focused, but you do need to know what you are letting yourself in for in terms of training and energy - cockersonline is good, although the working cocker forum is a bit moany - for a more positive experience try reading totallygundogs.com/ and join their Facebook group even if you only want a cocker as a pet- Pippa Mattinson's book Total Recall is also a must for a well trained WCS

I was bitten by our family cocker as baby. The only other dog that has gone for me was a cocker.

Make of that what you will. I love dogs and them normally love me.

I wouldn't have a cocker with children.

I have a male golden cocker, 7 years old, and he has been snappy. (He bit my 2 yo nephew) He still has his moments and 'guards' long lasting treats - although not toys or his food. He's mad as a box of snakes, super hyper and I would never trust him unsupervised with any child, but he's also loving, adores me and he's my baby and I could never be without him and have to manage him carefully around my 3yo ds.

I thought cocker rage was known to be a myth now, or something that happens with some dogs, in several breeds, but I won't derail this thread!

I grew up with a black show type cocker who was eventually pts after he went for my mum (who was absolutely devoted to him) and pretty much tore her ear off. When we came to get our dog my dh was very keen on a spaniel, but I was put off my my childhood experience and also tales of general neediness and nuttiness. We got a golden retriever in the end - has all the positive qualities of a spaniel (active, intelligent, family orientated), but very calm - obviously much bigger though, and hairy and probably smellier too!

Followed this with interest. My sister had a golden retriever which was very badly behaved and mardy and killed a kitten once. I couldn't consider one though I know some nice ones. We have just got a golden cocker because lots of my foster carers have them and they are very loving and family friendly - the ones I know obviously I can't comment on the breed in general. In my job I see dogs daily - cockerpoo - mad!! Jack Russell - neurotic. DDB - gentle giants. Ageing golden retriever - live carpet beagle cross collie most gorgeous dog I have ever met but couldn't find one!

Our working cocker is 11 months old. He's solid black and he is absolutely adorable. Not at all snappy, I cannot imagine a less snappy dog to be honest. Loving and cheeky is how I'd describe him. Agree that he wants to be in the centre of everything, he thinks he's human I think.

I lived for years in a very farming/shooting/naice area, gundogs and working dogs abound, including working and English cockers. I think they're wonderful dogs, never met one that wasn't completely delightful, if not a little bonkers. Great choice of dog if you are prepared for the time and training they need, which you seem to be. Go for it.

Not a myth Le Chein, but we can control it with a drug. Very, very scary when you see one in full rage.

That's interesting LoneCat. How does the drug help? The rage cocker we know is terrifying when in a moment he seems like a psychopath