Cocker Spainels?? what are they like?

[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. 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.