Cocker Spainels?? what are they like?

[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

[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.