YorkshirePurdey Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 We were thinking of getting a cocker spaniel in the next couple of weeks. (I have previously had a lab') We were thinking along the lines of a cocker as we only have quite a small house, but we have plenty of access to land as we live in the middle of nowhere! It is going to be mainly a family dog, butI intend to use it as a working dog too in the winter. We have 2 children aged 4 and 1. Just wondering if anyone had any opinions good or bad about them, cockers, not our kids lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshirePurdey Posted May 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 well how bad do I feel now? No-one wants to reply to my post!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiltsmark Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hi mate i'm no expert but kinda in the same position as you, i looked into getting a cocker apparentely the solid coloured one tend to be a bit snappy, and it also depends on what sort of work you had in mind to do with one, in the end i decided to go for a springer, won over by the pics of nickcass's new put which is on here somewhere. if this has been no use to you least you got a reply Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 as said cockers can be a bit snappy with youngsters, as a family dog / part time gundog a lab is probably a better option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechessam Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Hi mate i'm no expert but kinda in the same position as you, i looked into getting a cocker apparentely the solid coloured one tend to be a bit snappy, I think someone was winding you up. I have 6 Cockers, 2 Springers, a GWP and a Border Terrier, none are snappy all have excellent temperament and have grown up around my young son with no issues ever. Please do not slate a breed based on something you have been told by people who clearly do not have the experience or knowledge to pass judgement. Cockers are fantastic people dogs, very affectionate and loyal and make excellent workers and pets in the right hands. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiltsmark Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Like i said, "i'm NO expert". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechessam Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Like i said, "i'm NO expert". Neither am I, but I know my dogs their breeding and the traits of the breed. Take a good look at a decent Cocker, get to know them and I think you will be very impressed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshirePurdey Posted May 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Dilemma now... been offered a springer.... springer or cocker? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechessam Posted May 11, 2009 Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Dilemma now... been offered a springer.... springer or cocker? Get a decent one of either and I am sure you will not be disappointed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshirePurdey Posted May 11, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 11, 2009 Going to look at some of Marks springers tomorrow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magman Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Going to look at some of Marks springers tomorrow You will not be disapointed i had one off him last year and she's comming on great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ROBLATCH Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 cockers all the way for me.no probs with mine around kids or anyone else in that case.excelent all round little dogs in my oppinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Both breeds have their fans. I think the snappy reputation of cockers is often due to an active dog not getting enough excersise. I think dogs which are brought up with kids are less likely to be snappy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lloyd90 Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I voted springer but only because I have never worked with a good cocker gundog, I have worked a great springer a couple of times! Regardless of which one you get aslong as you put the time and effort in im sure you'll be fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 I voted Springer as I have one and I could not ask for a more devoted dog. Even though he is sulking at the moment as we have just got back from the vets and he has had his annual booster jab. He is always ready to work and will work all day and night if needed. I have seen some excellent cockers as well so the choice really is yours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGD Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Get a decent one of either and I am sure you will not be disappointed. The sire/dam, the lines and their traits - make sure you know what you're getting, make sure it's a good one and they're both great breeds. My personal preference is for springers, but each to their own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huntinlass Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 (edited) Both breeds have there ups and downs, you hear good things and bad things about each breed temperament. I think you search well and don't just pick the pup from the first litter you see, ask questions like what the temperanment of parents are, around people, children, other dogs etc. Meet both the parents in at all possible- definately the mother. A pup is likely to just adjust qiute happily into your family. As long as your children don't pull the pup about and get rough with it you should have no probs with the pup growing up snappy. Research some good reliable breeders and go looking. Springers my personal choice though. Edited May 12, 2009 by Huntinlass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshirePurdey Posted May 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 Well we've made a choice. Gone for a springer from Mark ( Thanks Mark), picking him up in the middle of June. In the meantime a couple of pics to be going on with.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted May 12, 2009 Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 no worries Matt. was nice to meet you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YorkshirePurdey Posted May 12, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2009 no worries Matt. was nice to meet you all. Thanks Mark, and you too. We made it home alot quicker than the time it took to get to you lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popgun Posted May 19, 2009 Report Share Posted May 19, 2009 I've allways had cockers never had a snappy one i think there used to be problems with the show Cockers stick to the working cocker . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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