Cocker Spainels?? what are they like?

[Luvin-My-Jack-201]

My Family is thinking about getting another dog for my jack to play with and not be alone in the human world! I dont know to much on them! I tried looking on Google but not things on what they are like came up pics of them came up!! Can someone tell me what they are like! if you have them that will be great if you can give me some advice before i buy the dog ands its a pain!!

[LilacDragon]

Please be very careful and make sure that you get a puppy from a responsible breeder that takes great care with the temperments of the dogs they breed!

Of all the dogs that I have owned in my life, the only one that was NOT safe with children was a Cocker Spaniel. The safest - my beloved rottweiler.

[Love That Collie]

Had 2 Cockers a long time ago. They always piddled when excited. They were the only dogs I've ever had do that.........ever. The vet always said it's how most or many of them are. I didn't buy the second one it was given to me because the neighbor was moving and she was going to take it to the Animal Shelter and I didn't want that to happen so I took in that Cocker and when the piddling never got better I re-homed him. Never before or since have I ever had a dog or puppy do that after they were housebroken. I have a cousin that has one and sometimes she does that also.

Mine were better with adults but weren't all that patient with smaller children. They didn't snip or growl or anything they just didn't want to be bothered with them and would just get up and move away every time. They loved adults though.

[dab_20]

I have had two Cockers in my lifetime... I currently have a parti color named Sam, he's in my signature.

They are one of the most wonderful breeds, in my opinion. They LOVE people, they thrive on attention. True to their hunting dog heritage, they love the outdoors and cannot be cooped up in the house all the time. Both of my Cockers have been wonderful with other animals and dogs. They are content to sit on the couch with you and snuggle, or go out and be active with you. Seperation anxiety is common in the breed so it would be best if you didn't work all the time. They need at least a half hour of outdoor activity if not more a day, whether it's playing fetch or going for a walk. Potty training has proven to be a little more difficult with my cockers than the other dogs I've owned, but as long as you have the time it can be done just as easily as other breeds. They've got long, silky coats so they need to be brushed daily and need to be groomed frequently. They are wonderful with children, as long as the children are respectful with them. The long ears that Cocker Spaniels have are prone to ear infections, Sammy (my cocker) has already gotten one at 11 months of age. To avoid ear infections, clean his/her ears with cleaning solution about every two weeks. You can find it at your local vets office.
Cockers are more sensitive to correction than other breeds. If you correct them by yelling at them, they may start to pee a little when they are excited or frightened. It's very common in this breed. Sammy had it when he was a pup, but he eventually grew out of it, many dogs do.
Make sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder or shelter. Fear aggression and rage is common in BYB/puppy mill Cockers. My parents got Missy, my RB Cocker, from a BYB when I was 5. She had horrible fear aggresion her whole life.

Hope you find the perfect dog for you! Cocker Spaniels are a wonderful breed for the right person. Good Luck. :)

[BOBS DAD]

These responses are perfect... My FIL has always had Cockers, and I would say that all the before mentioned comments were correct - even down to the peeing. I would also add that although friendly and loving to respectful adults (especially ones that would play fetch endlessly), but they would sometimes even nip at all the little grandchildren running about!!!

[dab_20]

These responses are perfect... My FIL has always had Cockers, and I would say that all the before mentioned comments were correct - even down to the peeing. I would also add that although friendly and loving to respectful adults (especially ones that would play fetch endlessly), but they would sometimes even nip at all the little grandchildren running about!!!

I think it depends on the dog. Both my Cockers tolerate/d children... and some don't.

[Rachel]

Although I've only had one cocker, my Tucker, because of having him I've heard a number of comments about the breed from my vets and groomers. Unsolicited, I'm told that he is *an exception* because he is so good while being examined or groomed.

Allergies and ear infections have plagued my boy for the last several years. He gets along well with other dogs as long as he is not intimidated by them. If he is off leash at a dog park he is fine. Meeting another dog while he is on a leash can be a bit dicey as he feels constrained. He did have serious separation anxiety when we first got him but then he had been a stray so who knows if that came from his previous experience. He adores his sister dog, Hannah, and is good with kids but even I am careful not to get him into a position which he feels backed into a corner. He loves to be close and is the dog who taught me how to sleep spoon fashion. :rolleyes: He's not a barker and an ideal size - not too big, not too small. He has a high prey drive and that has resulted in a few unfortunate incidents with the bunnies who live in our yard. If I were ever attacked, I have no doubt that it would be Tucker who would come to my rescue.

All that said, every dog has their own personality. Maybe you might want to talk with people at a cocker rescue organization. There you would be able to find out about the personality of a specific dog and maybe find the perfect dog for your family to adopt.

[borzoimom]

They are delightful little dogs. However- they do have some genetic health issues, so I would recommend finding a good breeder. The puppy may be more money, but in the long run cheaper for less vet bills, not to to mention a happier, healthier life for the dog.

[Genny]

My friend has one and it's really hyper! Everytime I go to her house the dog jumps all over you, but she hates other dogs!

I've heard that some are aggressive and not good with kids, but that doesn't go for all cocker spaniels because her cocker is great with little kids

[SunsetRose]

Cockers are great little dogs judging on the ones I've met and the mixes.

They do tend to piddle alot though lol. I picked up one once and he peed on me cause he was so excited and happy. My grandmother also had one who she named "Piddles", one guess why :D

[IRescue452]

Wish I had more time to comment.
First, look for rescues, show-bred cockers seem to have more health and temperment problems. Of all my experience in cockers, the ones from show breeders averaged a few years less in lifespan and many more health issues.

Second, be prepared for people to cross the street when you come toward them, and be prepared for bad comments. Overbreeding a few decades ago ruined the temperment of many cockers and to this time period I'd have people telling me how aggressive my dog is (she's dead now), even though they never met her. I've rarely met a cocker that had any aggression, but people tell me all sorts of stories about "evil" cockers. I was at the dog park one day with my mom's cocker and somebody who didn't know it was my dog proceded to tell me that "that's the kind of dog that will bite you in the face if you stare at it." He then proceded to stare down my dog, what idiot stares down a strange dog. Pepper just wagged her tail and ignored him.

Kids and cockers are a great combo if they are trained right (the kids and the dog).

They will piddle. Possibly for life. Know this before you get the dog. I'd hate to see a dog dumped off because somebody didn't do their homework. Pepper stopped doing this at a few years of age, but many don't stop.

Playtime depends on the dog. Some are very happy, bouncy dogs. Others are lavery serious and aren't bothered to play for long. They may not be playful enough to keep up with another dog.

[kallisto4529]

I have had two cockers, both of them for a total of about 14yrs, I have recently lost my girl at age 11, but they were both great dogs. Very loving, great with other dogs, cats, even ferret's. Both of mine have been wonderful with children, they grew up with my nephew and various other children and never once nipped or even acted like they were going to be anything but good to them. They both actually really loved kids and my male Mousse use to let us know when a baby was over was crying or needed changed or anything, he was there guard dog. They are very loyal, when I met my husband, I had Mousse for 8 yrs already, he never completely let Jeff in, he was completely and totally loyal to me, however Ginger let him in completely and was a true daddy's girl. they both did the "cocker puddle" as there vet called it when they would get overly excited about something, but as they got older it happened rarely! To me they are one of the best dog's to have. I have had a rottweiler as well that was just as loving and wonderful. Cockers are prone to ear infections, besides the cleaning, I also found when they got groomed to keep the inside portion of there ears shaved and it helped cut down on alot of the ear infections.
Good Luck with your choice.

[Santo Domingo]

If properly socialized, and trained, they make great companion dogs. My girlfriend has one, named Lucky(generic but whatever). They tend to pee when excited, as numerous people mentioned, but not every cocker will. Lucky doesnt and he is also very good with ANYONE, including children.

However, despite popular belief that bully breeds (like pits, cane corsos, presa canarios,etc.) are the most aggresive dogs, cockers and golden retrievers are far more likely to bite someone. They just cant inflict the serious damage that a strong jawed bully-breed can, hence the ignorant view of mainstream america.

That aside they do make great pets and more importantly companions to the responsible owner. I dont know that I'd ever get a dog simply as a companion to another, but if your family is serious about adopting a cocker I'd look at a breeder website, or maybe the cocker spaniel club of america or whatever the group calls themselves, for information on general temperment and managability so that you know what you're getting into. I dont mean that in a negative way, I love all types of dogs, but I personally think every owner should heavily research any breed before commiting to it.

Oh by the way, if you do go cocker...get a puppy of the opposite sex than your other dog especially if its a male. Yes a lot of people get away with having multiple males and/or females in the same house but I've seen too many good dogs get the boot simply because they are a dominant dog and so too is their "buddy".

[jenluckenbach]

I never owned a cocker, but as a dog groomer I see PLENTY of them.

My observations.

1- they ALL pee when you touch them. Even their owners tell me this.
2- 90% have horrible skin and ears. VERY STINKY. and greasy, and scaly. this could be from the over breeding and not buying a GREAT puppy.
3- the ones with the thinner/lesser hair are less likely to have skin problems, and much more likely to be aggressive.
4- owners are fiercely loyal to their breed, and even after years of horrible skin and innappropriate peeing, they will buy another cocker. (assumption: they are a good companion)

My suggestions:
1- get a mix breed. less likely to inherit the skin problems.
or
2- get a TOP OF THE LINE dog! and ask a million questions about its hertitage.

[theterrierman]

I've never owned a cocker, but I've had experience with a few, two of which had some issues. American Cockers, IMO are an extremely overbred and overly inbred breed. They pee alot when they're excited, many are very touchy, some are downright agressive. A perfect American Cocker is an absolute joy to own, one owner told me they're like a little Labrador Retriever temperament wise. I strongly suggest, that if you want a Cocker, get an English Cocker spaniel. Also, make sure to go to a reputable breeder that belongs not only to the AKC or UKC, but preferably to a local or state-wide breed club. If you're not dead set on a cocker, I suggest a Brittany. They are an amazing dog, with not near as many health issues as the American Cocker, the typical friendly spaniel temperament, and they are a light shedder.

Sorry...forgot to add this in the original message. GET A RESCUED MUTT!!!! I made a few suggestions RE: purebred Cockers and other dogs because some ppl REALLY want a puppy of a specific breed, but seriously, if you're not that particular, go to the local SPCA/Humane Society/Kill Shelter/Volunteer Rescue, and take home the dog that best suits you. Look up a dog on Petfinder.com in your area. I guarantee that if you can live with a 20+ pound shedding dog, you can find the perfect one very quickly. And if you want a small or non shedding breed, go to a breed specific rescue, fill out an app. and they'll call you when thry get a dog that suits your family. And finally DON'T GO TO A PET STORE TO BUY A PUPPY! THEY BUY FROM PUPPYMILLS, NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL YOU.

[Taz_Zoee]

My boyfriend had a cocker when we met. This dog was his "son". He never had any aggression problems toward children or other dogs, or peeing issues. The only downfall was the ear infections and how smelly it can be if you don't keep it clean. :(
When DJ passed away last year we wanted to get another dog, but my boyfriend didn't want another cocker for two reasons. #1. It would remind him too much of DJ #2. He didn't want to have to deal with the ears.

Although our second dog was from a breeder (I will not do that again), I agree with the other posts, get a rescue dog.

[theterrierman]

I forgot to mention in my last post that Jack Russells can be extremely dog agressive. Even if they play nice with dogs on the street, they may want to kill your new puppy.

[Jakesmom]

You also might consider an English Cocker. They are less common than American Cockers (in the US, in the rest of the world they are one of the most common companion dogs) and hence are less "overbred". They seem to have fewer health issues, their ears are easier to care for as the canals are not so narrow. They also (according to my breeder) do not have the "piddling" issue. My ECS was difficult to house train compared with my Golden (took until 10 months of age to be totally reliable), but now she has free run of the house when I'm not here and we have never had an accident, nor does she pee even when very excited (and she gets pretty darned excited). The grooming needs are pretty intense, as with American Cockers, and it definately pays to keep up with it. Personality-wise, they are very playful, loving, friendly dogs.

Good luck.

Jake's mom

[wolfsoul]

We groom several cockers a day.

Just like with alot of breeds, cockers seem to range from one extreme to the other. Despite their flaws, I do like American cockers. They are very sweet dogs with very affectionate temperaments.

Despite a previous comment, I do recommend a show breeder. Cockers are a breed that are felt over alot by the judge, and so they need to have a decent temperament. It's true that shy/aggressive dogs can be handled in a way to make them appear normal, but alot of breeders don't want to deal with the effort involved and would just prefer to own show dogs with level eough temperaments to be shown.
Show-bred cockers will also lack some of the common health problems, such as bad ear infections and skin problems. I've never seen as bad ear infections in any other breeds. Cockers develop the fullout hematomas, their ear canals close right up and fill with mucous, and get very smelly. Their skin problems are also quite bad. I find the most common problem is dry seborreah, but you also get alot of greasy dogs, hots spots, etc. They are also the worst for developing warts.

I love the American cockers I've met at shows. Especially the puppies. ;) They've all been such sweet, lovely dogs. We only have one show cocker that we groom and he is a doll. No fear whatsoever. 95% of American cockers will pee when you take them out of the crate, pick them up, and then again during their blowdry where they will also poop 4 times, in between going outside to the "bathroom." While I find them to still be very nice dogs, they do not seem to have any control over their bodily functions when they are scared, excited, stressed, etc. Most of the cockers I've mt have been wonderful family dogs, great with kids. Some of them seem to have a screw loose though and will take after children -- of course there is springer ragesyndrome, which isn't common, but is in the breed.

I like them much better than English cockers. I haven't ever touched an English cocker at a show, only the ones we groom. There is only one nice English cocker that we groom. The other ones all bite, without warning, and very viciously. My ex roomate was bitten very badly by one. I don't know how they act outside the grooming parlor. It's hard to judge breeds when you work with them -- Belgians aren't good to groom either -- but most breeds, whether bad to groom or not, will warn you before biting, and I don't like that these dogs don't.

Just my personal experiences!

[EnchantedGypsy]

There are already some great replies, but I must reiterate:
**Buy ONLY from a reputible breeder!!**

A well-bred, well-socialized Cocker is a loving, sweet companion dog. HOWEVER, the breed was originally a hunting dog, so they must have an outlet for their energy since they more than likely will NOT be used as gun dogs anymore. If owners do not provide a suitable outlet for the breed's energy, then behavioral problems from "hyper-activity" to aggression are likely to develop. Having a "big yard for the dog to run" is not a suitable outlet. All sporting/gun dog breeds have a need to interact with their human family, so interactive exercise is required for Cockers.

Common hereditary diseases for American & English Cocker Spaniels include: hip dysplasia; seizure disorders; thyroid disorders; Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA); Retinal Dysplasia (RD); entropion/ectropin (inward/outward turned eyelid); and cherry eye. Entropion/ectropin and cherry eye all require surgery to the affected eye(s). Hip & thyroid results are registered with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals); PRA, RD, & other eye results are registered with CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation).

If a breeder claims their dogs "are healthy" and "don't need" to be tested, RUN don't walk away from this person!!

As for English-vs-American Cockers.... American Cockers are plentiful in the U.S., so it is harder to find an ethical breeder amongst all the BYBs. There are NOT many English Cockers in the U.S. which makes finding an ethical breeder easier, but the breed's gene pool is limited in this country & there aren't many litters produced as often. I like both breeds.