CockersOnline Forum

Cocker Specific Discussion => General Cocker Spaniel Discussion => Topic started by: Parklife78 on January 24, 2016, 08:58:41 AM

Title: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Parklife78 on January 24, 2016, 08:58:41 AM
I bought a Cocker Spaniel Puppy 3 months ago under the impression it was a show type (we bought her as a family pet not with the intention to actually show) Now coming up to 6 months old and someone suggested that she looks more like a working then a show Cocker. To be honest it makes no difference to us as she's here with us to stay, but for peace of mind id like to know for sure.

If someone can advise how I might add a couple of pictures of her I'd be grateful for anyone's help on this. Thanks.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Murphys Law on January 24, 2016, 10:20:22 AM
On the help and assistance page of the photo thread there is all the info you need. I would link it but I'm on my phone and don't know how to do it.

I will be interested in this because I bought murphy as a show and like you, I was told he looked more like a worker. It turns out he is a bit if both.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Emilyoliver on January 24, 2016, 10:44:09 AM
Hi, what is your dog's registered name? If you post that it can be checked on MyKC and probably worked out what strain your puppy is.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Markr64 on January 24, 2016, 01:51:17 PM
Did you not get any papers with the pup? I know that some home breeders don't do papers and this is not a crime. The only trouble is that you do not know whether you are getting a pup who is from a certain type or a mixture.

As you have said it makes no difference now as she is now part of your life and you are happy. Post some pictures and I am sure there will be lots of friendly advice on what people think she is.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: daw on January 24, 2016, 05:46:57 PM
I've owned both types, two show, two workers. Both so adorable and wonderful it's hard to distinguish. I think on the whole workers are more intelligent- and maybe more active. Both seem equally sensitive, desperate for company and human contact and willing to give you unconditional love and loyalty so long as you don't abuse their trust. Why would anyone want one? Can't imagine.
 
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Parklife78 on January 24, 2016, 11:01:47 PM
The mum was a family pet and she was bred with a stud dog, and is from a litter of 9. The breeder showed me kc papers for the mum but didn't have details for the dad. We purchased her as a family pet, and are very happy with her (the Mrs might disagree at times as she is still working on the toilet training so that its all outside)

I'm not concerned either way whether she is show or working as I have no intention of showing her and no intention of working her. Would just be nice to know what characteristics to look out for should she be one, other or mix of the 2 and maybe look to adapt accordingly if required.

I'm sending this from my phone and I can't quite work out how to add pictures but will get logged on the computer and upload a few photos...

Thanks again.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Parklife78 on January 26, 2016, 01:06:30 PM
(http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt14/Nick_Ellicott/IMG_7687_zpsh3jkwdyb.jpg) (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/Nick_Ellicott/media/IMG_7687_zpsh3jkwdyb.jpg.html)

(http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt14/Nick_Ellicott/IMG_4941_zpsoacozuzb.jpg) (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/Nick_Ellicott/media/IMG_4941_zpsoacozuzb.jpg.html)

(http://i593.photobucket.com/albums/tt14/Nick_Ellicott/IMG_4992_zpshdkpxmay.jpg) (http://s593.photobucket.com/user/Nick_Ellicott/media/IMG_4992_zpshdkpxmay.jpg.html)

Any advice as to whether she may be a working or show would be appreciated. thanks
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: BobnDot on January 26, 2016, 01:33:15 PM
I'd say that she's a gorgeous Working Cocker……

Comparing the photos with those of our Worker, Chaz, at that age and looking at the flatter head and ears positioned higher up and the shape of the ears, I think you're going to have a very interesting and wonderful time with your young lady  :luv:

She'll probably turn out to be very intelligent, very fast and will soon be able to read your mind. Be prepared for one of the closest and most rewarding relationships in the hooman/dog world  ;)

Bob.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: MacTavish Boys on January 26, 2016, 01:43:57 PM
I agree with Bob, a beautiful working Cocker puppy, she is absolutely gorgeous  :luv: :luv: I just love her pink belly, perfect for kissing and blowing raspberrries :003:
Stephanie, George and Hamish xxx
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Redked on January 26, 2016, 02:43:16 PM
I'd say a mix of worker and show. She looks more working type going on the shape of her head and ear size but she looks oh so gorgeous  :luv: :luv:
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Murphys Law on January 26, 2016, 02:51:35 PM
There is definitely strong working lines in there but my guess is there is some show too.

Whatever she is, she looks gorgeous and I am sure you will have some great adventures together.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: bizzylizzy on January 26, 2016, 02:56:20 PM
just to put my oar in  :005:, I haven't got a clue   :huh: but she's a beautiful looking puppy, whatever she is! Have a wonderful life with her!!! ;)
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Jane57 on January 26, 2016, 04:08:20 PM
Gorgeous, mostly worker but I think a bit of show there too.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: daw on January 26, 2016, 04:19:58 PM
Working or mainly working. Incidentally there are breeders crossing working and show - what's called dual purpose- so you could get the best of both worlds. Beautiful anyway so lucky you. 
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: chrisp on January 26, 2016, 04:39:31 PM
Definitely worker in there - she's beautiful!
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: MIN on January 26, 2016, 04:43:07 PM
a little stunning worker to show off  ;)

a pink belly for raspberry blowing   :009:
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: vixen on January 26, 2016, 05:32:16 PM
This is my Stevie  :luv:  She is very similar to your pup.
She is 100% worker.  She is now 8 years old and one of the best girls ever.  Very biddable, kind and a joy to live with.  I hope you have as much enjoyment from your girl as I have had from my two  :luv: :luv:

(http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad199/vixen_07/Cockers/P9230007.jpg) (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/vixen_07/media/Cockers/P9230007.jpg.html)

(http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad199/vixen_07/Cockers/P9230001.jpg) (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/vixen_07/media/Cockers/P9230001.jpg.html)

She was very sleepy in the first photo  ;) :005:

And at 6 years old  :luv:

(http://i935.photobucket.com/albums/ad199/vixen_07/Cockers/DSC_5145-Version3_zps688a1c33.jpg) (http://s935.photobucket.com/user/vixen_07/media/Cockers/DSC_5145-Version3_zps688a1c33.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: vixen on January 26, 2016, 05:58:46 PM
Incidentally there are breeders crossing working and show - what's called dual purpose- so you could get the best of both worlds.

Personally I don't think you should be crossing the lines.  I can't think what a show type could bring to the working line or vice versa  :huh: :huh:   And as to the best of both worlds  :huh:  with luck you could do but you could end up with the worst of both types.  Sorry for being blunt but serious reputable breeders wouldn't mix the lines. 
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: daw on January 26, 2016, 06:11:38 PM
Mmm...I'm not sure there is a worst of both types. There is one huge advantage and that is a wider range of mates- hence genetic diversity- hence lower CoI - hence health, happiness and longer life. But of course many breeders may be in denial about these. :-\ A pity because the majority of spaniels live in pet homes.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Helen on January 26, 2016, 09:17:31 PM
No decent breeder is crossing the lines Daw - the mix is no good for working or showing so if people do its merely for the pet market.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: Murphys Law on January 26, 2016, 09:43:22 PM
No decent breeder is crossing the lines Daw - the mix is no good for working or showing so if people do its merely for the pet market.

I would guess that 90% or more of cocker owners neither show or work their dogs.

Though I completely understand why people would be against the idea of mixing the lines, there is nothing to say that a worker/show cross won't make a fantastic pet for the average owner.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: PennyB on February 07, 2016, 01:12:27 PM
and there is a worst of both lines as well as you can get health problems you don't want or need for your dog - don't be fooled into thinking because a dog is a cross they won't have health problems as you don't know where the genes will fall as it doesn't necessarily mean they will be diluted (I have a sprocker from working lines on both sides who has had to have a cataract op age 2y old)

also some may think they are getting a show type then end up with a working dog with high prey/scent/working drive and can't cope or have the time to train

and at the end of the day a crossbreed is a crossbreed
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: AlanT on February 07, 2016, 03:20:49 PM
Here is a show Cocker as a puppy:

(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3757/12793657184_eb15754c0e_b.jpg)

and at 2-years he looks like this:

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1655/24232215362_c52cae05b2_b.jpg)

You can see how the ears seem to be fixed lower down. Actually its the skull which gradually domes up.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: MooreMadness on February 07, 2016, 04:09:42 PM
Heres Bonnie as a Pup and Fully Grown.

(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/simonref/4c449ee6-d210-40f7-8fc8-d3d4247c9366_zpsgr0nvomr.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/simonref/media/4c449ee6-d210-40f7-8fc8-d3d4247c9366_zpsgr0nvomr.jpg.html)

(http://i746.photobucket.com/albums/xx106/simonref/DSC_0883_zpspemld8xc.jpg) (http://s746.photobucket.com/user/simonref/media/DSC_0883_zpspemld8xc.jpg.html)
 
Bonnie as you can see goes more toward the working side,though  Her Sire is a Stud Show Cocker.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: bizzylizzy on February 07, 2016, 04:26:09 PM
Bonnie's beautiful!
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: minimoo on February 08, 2016, 12:40:18 PM
Incidentally there are breeders crossing working and show - what's called dual purpose- so you could get the best of both worlds.

Personally I don't think you should be crossing the lines.  I can't think what a show type could bring to the working line or vice versa  :huh: :huh:   And as to the best of both worlds  :huh:  with luck you could do but you could end up with the worst of both types.  Sorry for being blunt but serious reputable breeders wouldn't mix the lines.
I agree the pure  show strain is getting very hard to get these days as a lot of breeders breed for colour and often use worker or part workers and its a shame
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: AlanT on February 08, 2016, 12:59:57 PM
I think we nailed it here. They are quite hard to tell apart when puppies.
But after about 18 months the show face appears.

You can work a show dog. Mine can blind-retrieve by scent, follow a whistle and loves agility.
But his legs are heavy and he's not quick.
Title: Re: Working or Show Advice
Post by: bizzylizzy on February 08, 2016, 02:09:17 PM
[
But his legs are heavy and he's not quick.
[/quote]

Story of my life!!  :005: :005: