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?

My last dog was a staffie and my current dog is a show cocker. Both bonkers playful and happy things. My staffie was more steadfast. He didn't like long walks. My cocker I have found to be much more in tune with emotions and what's going on. Anyone upset? She's in for the snuggles, everyone lively and loud she's in there with it all. She loves her walks which suits me. They don't have to always be long but they have to be regular. She certainly lets me know when its walk time. But a lot of it is brain work too, she's very intelligent and we play a lot of silly little games with her which she loves and tires her out mentally. It's great being able to take a dog out and about with us more. She will come to the beach, come shopping, camping, whatever, she is happy. By 8pm every night she is done for the day amd takes herself off to bed. However she is up early. She seems to be a lot more in tune body clock wise. Staffie would fit in with us and if we wanted a lay in he would happily lay in. I wanted a change of breed, but still a smaller dog with a big personality. Worth bearing in mind the cocker will require much more grooming. I dont think you could go wrong with either. They all have their own personalities anyway. Have fun choosing your new puppy!

God the grass seeds
and when they roll in fox shit
and the dog grooming

bloody gorgeous though 😉

Staffie

Staffie!! Always a Staffie!!

Miniature poodle. I know you didn’t ask about poodles but they are the most fantastic dogs.

All the Staffordshire Bull Terriers that we meet have to be on a lead, as they aren’t good with other dogs.

Spaniels can be hyper, even the show ones.

I have 4 rescue spaniels and foster for Spaniel Aid so biased lol. They tend to be bonkers, please make sure you factor in the grooming fees particularly with a show cocker unless you're looking to learn to groom them yourself. As someone else said, they are also grass seed magnets!

I did too. Very funny.

Maybe ask them? I wouldn’t let my very young child be in a house with a staffie.

Cockers are very bitey as pups so if you have kids I’d watch that. Also very hyper, not bad to train but hyper so tons of exercise needed

Neither..

We had a rescue staffie and so did my in-laws. Absolute sweethearts (both male, don’t know if that matters)
Rescue places are pretty good at matching you with a dog; they say if suitable for young children etc. I’m team rescue all the way.

PeonyPatch
Neither..

op I commented above but actually I’d consider other breeds too, as someone above said I wouldn’t love Staffies around kids

Omg so did i 😂😂

If I can find a red/ginger that’s what I’ll be going for. Short legged, tank body with a black mask would be my dream.

In our family we have all two black, a brindle and we lost a tri colour a couple of years ago.

Like this beauty

OP

I just had to come on and say, I'm dyslexic and several times I have seen this thread and thought it was slow cooker or staffie.

😂😂 a slow cooker may be less hassle than either dog!

I’m open to any suggestions! We love labs too, but our house is quite small, and even though we have a big garden, I don’t want to be tripping over a huge dog.

Why’s that?

Me too, I clicked expecting this to be a unique dispute between a couple!

My show cockers were were wonderful, so we'll behaved and gentle, really beautiful souls. Loved a good run and their walks generally but were calm in the house. I've not had a working cocker, but apparently they're more energetic.

Like my boy 😃

I actually decided on a sbt for my first dog because it was one of only 2 breeds in the uk that specifically say they are excellent with kids in the breed standard.
I'm now on my second and third. All full staffords and excellent examples of the breed both physically and personality wise.
They are a very versatile breed and very easy to train.
I wouldn't be keen on a show cocker around kids as if you look at breed rescues such as spaniel aid, they are often in rescue due to resource guarding.

Show cockers can be wonderful, but there are so many poorly bred ones about.

Given that either would potentially suit you, I’d be tempted to look in to breeders and find the right puppy with the right breeding, rather than prioritising either breed. (Or the right rescue dog)

I personally don’t like Staffies. I also think there’s a lot of people out there who don’t and will avoid you if out on a dog walk. I appreciate there are also a lot of people who like them too.

Think there are far too many cockers out there.

Team Staffie