Considering a Sprocker Spaniel for our first dog.

[lostguider]

Can I please have your views of whether this is a crazy idea or your tips to help please?

I have been researching but would like other views please.

I think most dogs could become batshit crazy if you left them to their own devices and didn’t bother to train them. We have a cockapoo and he is very calm around the house and is very loving. He needs at least an hour off lead each day plus some training or brain games. I know a few people who own a cockapoo, and their dogs are friendly and well behaved too.
Look at the characteristics carefully before deciding on a breed/cross breed. Choose a dog that will fit with your lifestyle from healthy parents with good temperaments.

OP you need to think about your lifestyle and what you can realistically offer a dog in terms of training and daily exercise, and then look at breeds that fit with that.

The following are a few small/medium-sized breeds that generally make good family pets:

Tibetan Terrier
Whippet
American Cocker (don't be put off by the show coat, most people keep them in a pet trim)
Border Terrier
Miniature Schnauzer
Miniature Poodle (again can be kept in a 'teddy bear' trim if you prefer a shaggier look)
Havanese
German Spitz Mittel
Japanese Spitz
Shetland Sheepdog
Lagotto Romagnolo (active dogs but not crazily so)

I work with a spaniel rescue.

I own 2 working cockers and have fostered several sprockers.

They are wonderful dogs. But they are not easy dogs.

Neither are cockapoos. Not sure why they would be advertised as good first time dogs.

As both sprockers and cockapoos are cross breeds. Therefore they can take after one more that the other. I have seen very small sprockers and ones as big as springers. Cockapoos usually just look like poodles. But again can take more after one than the other. Gene's can always throw back too and a pup may not be like either parent. You could get a cockapoo that is essentially a working cocker.

Sorry posted too soon.

I am not against cross breeds, but just like people breeding single breed dogs, theres shit ones and UK can end up getting something that isnt what you are expecting.

I know quite a few cockapoos. All lovely. Also a couple of standard poodles. Again, lovely. I adore springers and cockers.

Sometimes dogs do have similar temperaments to their parents. But how they turn out is mainly down to their new home, how they are treated and how they are trained. But most importantly, how effect the new owners are at spotting potenial issues and how good they are at dealing with them.

Realise it might be useless advice this year, but we have a local dog show (not pedigree posh type, but families that love their petstype) where I met a couple who were looking at the different breeds to see which might suit them. They said how useful it was to speak to different owners.

I have a working cocker spaniel and a cockerpoo. My aunt had springers who were lovely but nuts. I think cockerpoos are a good choice. Mines quiet small, has quite a mischievous streak, but can be a right cuddle monster when she wants. Consider the two parents what kind of cocker and kind of poodle. Then take time to think. If you look at the pictures of puppies, your heart will take over. Also plan your time, it's like having a baby. Prepare for tears when they just won't get training but he rewarding, each dog has their own character.

We got a springer pup 4 weeks ago. He is really full on. I've grown up with dogs, two collies and a spaniel so I'm used to dogs that need exercise and mental stimulation. But even so I'm wondering if I've bitten off more than I can chew so to speak! Our family spaniel was a really gentle, easy, lovely dog and the perfect pet. So it does depend on the actual dog and its personality but I'd think really carefully before getting a spaniel!!

I got a cocker for my first pup (a working one) she is the neediest, loveliest thing ever. She is wonderful with my children - toddler and 8 year old. She’s been great to train and is pretty well behaved. Lead training has been the hardest followed by jumping up at people. She’s 17 months now and getting better.
She does need a lot of walks. Recently we haven’t been able to do them so long or as often due to how the quarantining has affected our family but she has been fine.
We’ve tried to do brain games in the house too tire her out and we have a Saint large garden she plays in with the children.
There’s a lovely springer selling the street from us who plays with her in the field...or used to... we don’t see them often now.

Just back to show off my girl. I agree puppy times are tough but worth every second.