Show cocker - working line in bloodline

[trying2022]

Hoping to find some cocker spaniel experts on here! We are finally in the position where we can look into getting a dog. We have decided on a show cocker spaniel as we feel this breed meets our needs and suits our lifestyle. We particularly wanted a show as we wanted a slightly more chilled out cocker (friends of ours have a working cocker who is high energy!)

We have found a breeder that we like, have checked them out and are satisfied that they are legit. I have looked up the parents on the KC register, and have also looked into the family history on the Cocker Spaniel Database. I can see that both the sire and dam both have working lines, albeit very diluted down as it looks like it's their 7th great grandparents that were working. I've done the math and it looks like these puppies will have 1.1%ish working in them. Does anyone have any experience with owning a show cocker with working strain? Should I stay away? Will this affect the puppy in any way?

We have a half show half working cocker, and he's an absolute star. A lovely mix of both, loves to spend his time lying about sleeping, but equally happy bounding through a forest on a long walk. Very friendly and great with kids.

I wouldn't think such a small amount of working line would have much of an impact, but if it does you'll still have a lovely dog.

Most show type Cockers have some working lines in them. There is no official breed distinction, so it's normal for lines to be mixed. Even working can have a bit of show in them too.

I do have a show type cocker with the previous 5 generations all show champs. Even major show lines are still hyper and energetic - like all spaniels. It's just they can cope if the odd day means a mini or no walk. For example when I had COVID back in the pandemic we had 10 whole days of no walks. my cocker coped better than my cavalier did, with a ball been thrown about and some chew toys, with no walks.

Also the more show type they are the hairier they are - so a little working in them will hopefully reduce it and make their fur easier to manage.

OP you know dogs come with a personality and they aren’t made to order? There are huge variations within breeds in terms of energy levels etc. if you are this concerned about this, maybe you should spend some more time with some cockers to see if they would suit your lifestyle? Cockers make great pets overall, mine is a worker but so chilled.

At that distance, it won't make a difference. Breeds are like a bell curve in terms of temperament. Most dogs in the breed will cluster around the middle, but there will be outliers. Breeds with a deep show/working split (cockers, springers, labs, etc) will have two bell curves within the breed, which will overlap in parts. Some working traits might be retained or pop up in the show lines (most labs are pretty keen retrievers for example), but show lines are usually less manic and less driven (though there will always be a few exceptions where a keen show dog is more energetic than a very idle working one).

I need to get new glasses, I thought at first this was a slow cooker thread!

Despite their name, show cockers are still a working breed and still require a decent amount of exercise and stimulation.

They're unlikely to be as manic as their full working cousins but it's still something to keep in mind if you go down that road.

I have a working cocker. He’s the most chilled dog I’ve ever owned, gorgeous personality, loves a walk and play but also happy to fit in and around work, unwell children etc. I often get compliments on his behaviour but he’s just a delight really, it’s his nature, absolutely a stroke of luck.