Cocker spaniel: girl or boy?

[loresho]

I'm finally in a position to be able to have a dog again, and going for a cocker spaniel. Just wondering whether there is any real difference in temperment between dogs and bitches though. I've always been around dogs (at one point we had 7 because my dad couldn't resist a stray) but they've always been male. I'm not averse to a bitch, but having had no experience of them just want a bit of insight.

A friend of mine has had 2 working cockers (at the same time). The male was quite growly/grumpy and generally 'vocal' but as daft as a brush - not aggressive. Very placid, with people and other dogs. The female is quite 'nervy' and has always been a huge attention-seeker in every way, but very loving (typical of breed) We have recently got a pup (male), and her advice to me has been that they are not the easiest of puppies (very high energy) but well worth it as they turn into the most loving, fun, comical dogs - male or female. So far we are finding him very bouncy, not the easiest to housetrain, but very bright in most other ways. We met his mum and talked to his breeder about her at length - fantastic temperament, friendly, sweet-natured but not easy to tire out!!

Don't know if there is any truth in this, others will have their own insights - but my friend researched so-called ''cocker rage'' before getting hers, and came to the conclusion that it is more confined to solid-colour cockers, particularly goldens.

HTH

My dad has had 4 cocker bitches so far, most of them have been lovely (although a tad spoilt!) but one of them was very highly strung. she'd let you stroke her and act all nice but then would flip all of a sudden. Couldn't trust her with adults never mind kids.

No experience of dogs though.

Completely anecdotal opinion here but I'd have a girl.

My parents have a bitch cocker she's the most placid loving dog I've ever experienced, she's very active and friendly. Great with kids. She's deaf but you wouldn't know it.

A family friend has her mother and she's exactly the same her brother however is highly strung, leaps around can be quite overbearing.

Another friend has a male he is crazy even at 6 years old he leaps on people, barks, I've seen him growl and he even tried to bite dh on the arse one day so I'm very reluctant to be around him.

I've had a girl and she was quite overprotective. Two boys and both lovely

Another anecdotal account here but my old boy was a working cocker and he was a fabulous dog. So easy to train, obedient, quiet, well behaved. He was really lovely. A real little personality.

There is some concern about the golden coloured cocker spaniel. Apparently they can be liable to cocker rage. Never seen it myself but have heard several stories. Sudden aggressive tantrums and attacks. Might be worth googling. Don't think it's gender relevant.

I have three Cocker Spaniels, a boy and two girls, two blue roans and a black. They are different in temperament: the blue roans are more needy nut cases and the solid black girl is more reserved and peaceful . They are fab with kids as kids equal attention and easy pickings for food. They are not quiet dogs, they yodel and growl and grunt and act like a canine doorbell. (A huge advantage if you don't want to buy/listen to the caller as you just shake your head sadly at the hooting idiot dogs). Two of mine will pee on command, one looks at me like I'm stupid. Two have good recall. one buggers off with anyone she fancies. The boy is most trouble but easily the most affectionate, he steals underwear and buries it in the garden but will climb up and cuddle me if I'm sad. They hate being left alone and that's how we ended up with three! But, they don't shed hair much, (we clip them), are very portable and apart from having to be careful of ear gunk they are healthy and happy dogs that never chewed the furniture (only pants & socks). Two came from breeders and one was a re-home and there is no difference in behavior, maybe we were lucky, but they are happy souls and so much fun.

I have a male and a female (although not cockers) and can honestly say I wouldn't choose to have another female dog. I've always preferred males, they just seem to be easier going and more fun ime, we had numerous dogs when I was growing up and it was always the males I really fell for although I loved them all. My girl was an 'accidental' rescue and I adore her but she's definitely harder work and more highly strung than my boy and has been harder to train. It's personal preference really but, unless another girl falls in my lap and I find myself unable to turn her away (which is perfectly possible as I can't resist a stray either ) I will always choose males in future.

Temperament is down to the individual dog.
I'd personally spend more time considering working line v show line as that's where the real difference is.

Honestly? I don't think there is a huge difference in temperament between dogs and bitches. But you will walk this dog a lot so it depends on whether you like the rhythm of walk, walk, sniff, wee, walk, walk, sniff, wee (which I do but my friend hates as a waste of time) or if you like to just walk with only the occasional toilet breaks.

I've had two cocker bitches. Both lovely girls but quite neurotic.

I prefer boys if I'm honest. Loving and a little more chilled out.

IME their behaviour is much an extension of their personality and every dog is different, so whether you have a bitch or a dog it makes very little/no difference. having had both cockers and springers, the only thing you're guaranteeing with a cocker is a loving, loyal companion who is as mad as a box of frogs. good luck in your search for a new doggy friend OP!