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!
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