Show cocker or staffie?

[bushproblems]

DH and I are looking at getting a puppy in the spring but we’re really torn on which breed to go for.

I have always had staffies and most people in my family have a staffie too, but I feel a pull towards getting an all black show cocker, but I don’t really know much about their temperaments.

We both WFH, are fairly active but also love a lazy Afternoon on the sofa. What should we be thinking about, pros and cons, for either breed?

Staffie 100%

We’ve got an all black show cocker asleep on my lap now. She loves walks off lead in the forest and then sleeps the rest of the day. So loving and easy to train go for the show cocker 😊

I have had both - at the same time. Totally different personalities - the staffie was more laid back and a real companion. The cocker was more highly strung, loving with her family but suspicious of strangers.

I don’t think it matters much, I’ve never had a dog whose personality was an issue and they all enjoy some walks and some lazy time. What’s more important is where the dog comes from and that you’re committed. I won’t get on my soapbox but if there’s any way you would consider a rescue, of any type of dog, have a look around at who is in need of a home… xox

Absolutely a staffie !
I work in a vets , very rarely do we see a staffie with 'issues' on the other hand cockers .........
You know where you stand with a loyal ,loving staffie .

I would consider a rescue, but we have young children in the family (not our house) but regularly look after them etc. and even though Ive had rescues, no knowing a dogs past worries me around kids.

When everyone is a bit older, we would definitely look at a rescue again. DH has never had a dog, and I want him to experience the magic (and brutal hard work 😂) of a pup.

I have a show cocker he’s a cuddly idiot. He’s cost me pence per year in vet fees he is very hardy.
i adore staffs though i expect I will have one next time.
they are in some ways quite similar but staffs are calmer I think.
my boy is unusual in this but he hates other dogs and is a bit fixated on me.

Never had either so I don't know..but many of my family have had show cockers, and I have a few friends with working or show cockers and they seem to be quite hard work to keep satisfied. On the other hand all the staffies I've met have been total poppets and little huge munchkins. Albeit built like mini tanks.

Staffie!!!!

always

cockers too active

So lovely to see a staff loving thread!

Bomb proof, as my mum says

And one of the only dogs to show compassion - they try to comfort humans crying 🥰

unlike my greyhound who just stepped over me when I fell over 😂

I have a show cocker.

Get a staffie, OP.

Unless you live somewhere miraculously mud-free and lacking in grass seeds?

I have a cocker, although half show half working. They are bonkers. Great fun but bonkers. I live on a farm and he gets hours and hours of exercise - he’s like a Duracell bunny and can keep going for ever. I don’t think I’d have a cocker unless you’ve either got a lot of space or time to do long walks with some off lead.

Neither.

Working cocker

However, it you really only had those two choices - staffie. Proper staffie

My black show Cocker who is 3 1/2 years old is an absolute dream so I wouldn’t never hesitate to recommend

I think both make great dogs, both need training, socialising and exercise 🤷‍♀️

I’d worry about separation anxiety with the spaniel as I know a few that suffer with it.

I’d never really wanted a dog until we met the most gorgeous black show cocker in the pub one night.

We ended up with a (rescue) staffy though 😁

Staff. Cockers are lovely but I’ve met too many bonkers ones. We have half staff half whippet who is extremely laid back and well behaved as an adult, not so much when a pup.

Also completely bomb proof.

I bloody adored my little black show cocker but he was possibly the most stubborn dog I’ve ever met, if he didn’t want to go somewhere on a walk he would lay down on the pavement and refuse to move. He followed me everywhere, I didn’t go to the loo unaccompanied for almost 13 years. Absolutely bonkers, constantly on the go and looking for mischief.

He was incredibly friendly though and adored people. To the point where he thought everyone was his best friend and got a bit offended if they walked past without acknowledging him.

If you do opt for a cocker, get very, very good insurance. Mine had to have a couple of surgeries for entropian, pulled a cruciate ligament chasing a deer, several bouts of pancreatitis and had arthritis in both hips as he got older. The vets bills were astronomical.

Lovely little dog though and I miss him every day.

What a nice decision to have @bushproblems both are lovely breeds, albeit different.

Not helpful advice I know.

You are compelled to come back with photos when your new puppy arrives.

Staffy all the way! Such fantastic dogs, they just need a little more dog socialising when pups, compared to other breeds. Fab family additions.

I would suggest avoiding the dilute colours (blues) if possible- lots of "breeders" are breeding between two blue dogs, increasing the risk of skin issues etc due to recessive genes. A black/black brindle or even a red are likely to have less gene issues.

Staffy for me too but I’m biased!!

I read the title as slow cooker or staffie at first glance 🤪

My vote is for a staffie.