Any cocker spaniel lovers out there? (long)

[spunkadelic]

I know, I know, it's been forever since I've posted!
I was watching Crufts the other night after a long day at work and saw the American Cocker Spaniel. I remembered a friend of mine who used to have two (Libby and Sammy) and she started to show them - they were the best dogs. So I did a little research and I'm beginning to think that they are more cut out for me then I realized! But I just want some more information before I make my final decision and open up my "cocker spaniel fund".

1) I may move into an apartment within the next year so small size is a must - and I know that Cockers are small(er). Can they make good apartment dogs? But this is not likely as the homes in my area are very inexpensive and may just purchase a small home with a small yard.

2) I'm a semi-active person and becoming more active by the day. There are trails, beaches and lots of places to go in my new town and I want a dog that would love to go for walks in the parks or for a romp on the beach. Do Cockers like this?

3) I know that they are a sporting breed and were bred to flush game. But I also read that Cockers does not retain the majority of it's hunting instincts - this is important to me because I have a cockatiel that is very friendly and loves to come out and play. I want to make sure that the new addition wouldn't hurt my feathered friend. I also have a cat - but since I don't think I'll be getting my dog until I move out, this won't be a problem, it's really my parent's cat - and I just love him to pieces. So are they good with other animals?

4) I work 9 hours a day, 5 days a week. Is this too much time to be spending away from a dog? I'll be purchasing a crate to help housebreak, and I intend to take a week off when I first get him/her to help housebreak and just get him/her adjusted. I've also trained several dogs, and am currently training two German Shepard Puppies for just the basic commands.

5) I want a dog that can get up and go - but be just as content to lay on the couch next to me to watch t.v.. Are Cockers good inside dogs?

6) I know that they are a very high maintence breed - how often a week do I need to brush his/her coat? How often do I have to clean his/her ears? How often do I need to clip his/her coat?

7) I also know that the breed has a reputation for being "unhealthy". What things in specific should I watch out for? I've heard stories of two year old Cockers going blind from cataracts. I've also heard about patellar luxation, skin disorders and ear infections. But if I keep on my toes with certain things, will the dog develope these things anyway?

8) Since I'll be living by myself, I just want a dog for a companion. I might do some agility somewhere along the line - but it will mostly just be my friend. Can a Cocker be happy not doing hunting? or not doing flushing? Will I be making the dog unhappy by not doing something for it that it was bred to do?
I also want it to be able to give out a warning bark when someone approaches the house - but I don't want a dog that is going to attack the screen or door anytime someone tries to enter. Do cockers do this?

Thanks for all the advice!

[Rachel]

It's hard to generalize too much about any breed, and I've only had one cocker (Tucker). What I can say is that both my veterarians and dog groomer comment on how sweet and cooperative he is, unlike many other cockers they have dealt with.

He certainly is not a retriever, but when it comes to chasing small animals, the hunting instinct kicks in. We have had several unfortunate bunny incidents in the back yard. I would not trust him with a bird or any small pet in the house. And yes, we are currently dealing with both skin problems and, eye, and ear problems.

As far as attributes, there are more than I have time to go into right now, but I will try to come back later.

[Tina]

My parents had two cocker spaniels both at the RB now.

Their first cocker Chase we got him from a family that could no longer care for him. We got him when he was around 6 years old. He loved rocks! He would find a rock and carry it under our porch and chew on it. He did chase a few rabbits but never did hurt them. He lived to be 10 or 12 years old. He was sadly hit by a truck when he was over at my grandmas. We believe he didn't see the truck since he was blind in one eye and slowing going death.

Their second cocker Freddy well he was a good dog too. But had a very high prey drive. He killed a couple of my grandparents chickens and also killed some rabbits that we had. He was a pretty active dog he loved to go on walks.

I think he did pretty well when they took him to the groomers also, but they did do alot of the grooming their selfs. He did not like baths though. It took two or three people just give him a bath.

He sadly passed away 2 years ago. He was a good dog but just wasn't great dog to have around small animals.

[Kfamr]

I don't know much about the breed myself, but my friend has a Cocker named Norman who absolutely loves swimming.


Being gone 9 hours a day, it may be best that you get an older dog, possibly one from a shelter or rescue.

Here's a Florida Cocker rescue.
http://www.floridacocker.com/

As far as attacking the screen door, any and every dog could possibly do that, if he/she does, you can more than likely train not to.


BTW, you're not far from me at all... the next town over.

[spunkadelic]

Yep. I just moved here from New Smyrna a few weeks ago and I love it!

Thanks for all the input guys it was pretty helpful

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by Rachel
It's hard to generalize too much about any breed, and I've only had one cocker (Tucker). What I can say is that both my veterarians and dog groomer comment on how sweet and cooperative he is, unlike many other cockers they have dealt with.

Our ButterScotch was an exception to the rules, much like Rachel's Tucker! ButterScotch was a SWEETHEART of a dog, devoted and family oriented, an EXCELLENT "mom" to kids and cats alike. Her prey drive was zilch; we trusted her fully with ALL our pets (cats, birds, mice). A true-er lady never existed.

As she got older, she developed warts and fatty tumors. The vet said the warts were something that purebreds (esp. cockers and poodles) often get and I think the lipo-whatever (fatty tumors) are just caused by old age. Oh! She also had chronic ear infections. (Cockers have heavy ears and so the air doesn't get in there and circulate as it should.) I've heard that many cockers are HYPER and also big Pee-ers (peeing when they get excited). We didn't experience any of this w/ our dog.

We had Miss ButterScotch for 15 wonderful years.

[spunkadelic]

I really like this breed - and I'm sure that it's how you raise it that will make the difference, right? Not all cocker spaniels can be mean or vicious - just like not all pit bulls are mean and vicious. I have researched this breed all day and I'm not saying that you guys aren't being helpful, because you are - but I am saying that out of every website I've been to, every organization that I've been to, these were the only real "negative" or "bad" comments I've gotten on the breed - and it wasn't from actual owners - correct me if I'm wrong, you both said that your cockers were an "exception" to the rules. I've been to at least 25 websites dealing with cockers and they are all saying that it is a happy , go get 'em type of dog. Even the rescue groups.

I know that there are certain breed traits that come with the Cocker such as bad health problems, and I'm willing to take that risk and I'll take care of the dog that I get because I will love it and cherish it. I also know they are overbred and there can be bad dogs in one of those many litters. I'm not planning to just jump on in and get the first dog I see - I'm trying to figure out just what is right for me and what temperments. I'm also planning on doing basic obedience and doing some training myself - I wouldn't let my dog be the "other cocker spaniels".
I will care for my dog, and treat it with kindness - just like I did with my cat and just like I did with my bird - and both of them are well adjusted and love human contact. Even vets. Even groomers. My dog will be well socialized and handled every day and it will be my friend - someone I can talk to on bad days. Someone that I can take on walks, just to get some fresh air. Someone to take to the special doggy beach just to let it romp in the gulf. Someone to give treats and kisses to. The child I might not ever be able to have.

All I really wanted to know was just basically a generalized statement about the breed and you guys gave that to me and I appreciate it. Thank you. Please don't be mad at my reply, it's just that I've researched a lot of different breeds and every time I try to find a breed that I think is right people are always telling me "You have to make sure it's right for you", "they can be a handfull, are you willing to train it?" etc. etc. These are all good questions, ones that I've been asking myself, and ones that I asked here - but ones I don't really think were answered. I do appreciate every single one of you for replying and offering your input. Thank you.

P.S. I'm really sorry that your dog developed tumors - and I know that she's at the Rainbow Bridge waiting for you to give you warm doggy kisses.

[cocker_luva]

i LOOOVE the breed!!! my first and only dog is my girl, jesse!!! what a sweetie! we've had some behavioral problems along the way, but hey, isnt that the case with every dog. there is just a portion of my input on the incredible american dog.

[spunkadelic]

Thanks for the reply - and she's adorable!

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by spunkadelic
Correct me if I'm wrong, you both said that your cockers were an "exception" to the rules. I've been to at least 25 websites dealing with cockers and they are all saying that it is a happy , go get 'em type of dog. Even the rescue groups.

I completely agree that (in general) they are happy dogs. I'm basing my opinion of my cocker being an exception on the grounds that several owners I've talked to said their dogs were hyper, "pee-ers," and (some even) nippy. Granted, some of these owners might not have taken the time to socialize the dogs. I've also talked to groomers and vets who were quite frazzled with the breed's behaviour. (Again, consider that the groomer/vet's probably isn't the most exciting place for a dog to be! lol) Based on that conversational knowledge, I label my dog an exception.

I think you hit the nail on the head when you mentioned overbreeding. To me, this is what makes the "bad" cocker spaniel. (Well, that plus the owners who aren't willing to train/socialize the dog.)



You lost me here:

All I really wanted to know was just basically a generalized statement about the breed and you guys gave that to me and I appreciate it. ... people are always telling me "You have to make sure it's right for you", "they can be a handfull, are you willing to train it?" etc. etc. These are all good questions, ones that I've been asking myself, and ones that I asked here - but ones I don't really think were answered.

I honestly don't know what you're asking. The questions in your first post are pretty common sense - everything varies because of the individual dog's personality and how much time you're willing to put into the dog. They can make good inside/apartment dogs provided they get enough outside romp/walk time. If s/he's dirty or shaggy looking, take a trip to the groomers. (I'm really not trying to be a smart alec, but it varies dog to dog. There isn't a set way.)

I addressed my personal experiences regarding number seven in my earlier post. As for number eight, my cocker never hunted a day in her life and I think she lived a long, happy life. (Firecrackers used to scare her to pieces - can't imagine what she'd do if she heard a gunshot.) My cocker was an awesome watch dog, letting us know when someone was coming. I only saw her "attack" twice. Once, someone was trying to break into the house and she went bezerk trying to get after them. The second time, (I was maybe 9 then) a friend was play shaking me by the shoulders. ButterScotch growled once and then put her paws on the other kid as if to say, "TIME OUT!"

As for your last comment ("These are all good questions, ones that I've been asking myself, and ones that I asked here - but ones I don't really think were answered"), I'm unclear what it is you want answered. Are you wanting us to tell you whether it is a good dog for you? That decision is entirely up to you. It sounds like you've done your "homework" and have pretty much made up your mind!

Good luck with your decision!

[spunkadelic]

It wasn't that I wanted you guys to tell me that it was the right breed for me (it's vice versa. I want to make sure that I'm a right fit for the cocker!!! LOL) , it was just that I wanted to make sure in my mind that I was finally settling on the right breed, so I wouldn't be getting a dog and not know what I was getting into. Or asking a dog to do something it wasn't prepared to do, something that wasn't in his nature, or something that it wasn't bred to do.
I listed the things that I had been asking myself and was asking for others who had cockers to give me some insight - to make sure that I was a right fit to a cocker spaniel - basically I didn't want to get a dog that was a total mismatch with me and my life and have it be unhappy. I know what I want and I am positive that I've found it in the cocker.
It's just that what I saw on other websites and what you guys were telling me didn't add up. I am just one of those people who can't stand an equation that isn't true (which is why I don't like Algebra). You guys were saying that you had these perfectly wonderful dogs - but others (your vet, groomer etc.) were saying that it was a rare find. But the AKC, breeders, rescue groups all said that Cockers were a happy breed, and a good breed - which is why I got a little peeved. I felt like I had to defend my choice of breeds because I would get one of the "bad" cockers that are out there.

I also wanted to make sure I knew what I'm getting myself, well, into. I want to make sure that I understand the parameters that comes with a Cocker Spaniel - such as his hunting instints or his need to go to the groomers. Some little dogs have big energy, that's why I asked if they could become an apartment dog. To make sure the dog I get will be happy.

Thanks for the replies!

[zippy-kat]

Originally posted by spunkadelic
It's just that what I saw on other websites and what you guys were telling me didn't add up. I am just one of those people who can't stand an equation that isn't true (which is why I don't like Algebra). You guys were saying that you had these perfectly wonderful dogs - but others (your vet, groomer etc.) were saying that it was a rare find. But the AKC, breeders, rescue groups all said that Cockers were a happy breed, and a good breed - which is why I got a little peeved. I felt like I had to defend my choice of breeds because I would get one of the "bad" cockers that are out there.

Please keep in mind that the AKC and/or most breeders WON'T paint an "ugly" picture of any breed. Rightly (or wrongly, depending on your viewpoints of the AKC and breeders as a whole) so, as it's their business (literally!).

Also, keep in mind that everyone thinks s/he owns the best dog in the world! So viewpoints can be biased! lol

(I loved algebra... LOATHED geometry, trig, and calculus though! )

[snappy]

As the proud parent to two beautiful Cocker Spaniel Boys and one Beautiful Cocker Spaniel Girl who has gone over the rainbow bridge - I can tell you that all of them have different personalities. Just like any children. You need to take the time to socialize your dog (work with the hands and feet - they are sensitive to having them handled) and you will have a loving companion for your walks, swims, and life. I wouldn't trade my boys for anything!

I try to brush them at least once a week - and keep the coat cut short so that it doesn't get to tangled. They have both had some ear problems but we are on top of them now - and they get an ear cleaning every other evening with Epiotic cleanser. The vet wanted to adopt the older boy if we ever felt we couldn't keep him. But that isn't likely to happen!

good luck with your adoption! Love them and they will love you!!!

[spunkadelic]

(See? I'm on the contrary, I loved Geometry....lol, zippy cat, )

Snappy, thanks! Is there a special way to work with the feet to make sure that the dog is comfortable with it? How young do I start doing that? What about working with the ears....how do I get the dog used to that? LOL.

Thanks SO much for advice.

[snappy]

I started 'puppy massage' from the time I brought them home. It was a way to keep them calm and also get the dogs used to people touching them everywhere. It is also a really nice Mom and puppy time as well

As for the ears, the sooner you start working with them by rubbing, lifting up the ears to inspect them etc. the sooner the puppy will get used to this happening! If you ask the Vet for some ear cleaning tips and and Rx. I was told don't use a Q-tip but use a cotton ball to get the excess cleaning fluid out of the ear after 'squishing' the fluid for a few seconds. It really helps keep the infections/problems down with the ears.

I have met too many long eared dogs that have had to have their ear canals removed and I didn't want any of my kids to have that happen to them - so I am a HUGE proponent of the cleanings and inspections!

Enjoy your adoption with whatever type of dog you choose (I think they choose you sometimes) to share your space with. Let me know if I can help you in any way!