Any info on buying a Cocker spaniel for my family

[Patp]

Yup Cockers for me too.  After years of not having a dog due to work commitments, (but previously owning Retrievers and Red Setters) I decided on a show cocker, who has just turned 1 years old.

She is like a little shadow, even having to come to the toilet with you    Oh and did I mention they can be quite stubborn and there isnt an ounce of work in Jinley!! 

Please be aware that when they are referred to by others as crockerdiles - we are not joking!!  Perhaps have your new pup whilst your toddler can wear long trousers and long sleeves and make sure you have a puppy pen for time out.

Your toddler at 3 will be able to understand to leave the puppy alone during feeding and when he/she is tired and needing to sleep, which is good.  They will grow up as firm friends I am sure.

Pat

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

She is like a little shadow, even having to come to the toilet with you    Oh and did I mention they can be quite stubborn and there isnt an ounce of work in Jinley!! 

Yes, toilet company - Charlie is now happy to wait at the door for me...unless I've been out then he needs to be right there with me. He also comes in the bathroom when I'm in the shower.

Charlie isn't stubborn but he has his own brain and does think about things rather than just doing it because he's been told.

[carras]

I also always had golden retrievers before getting Rowan (bitch show chocolate roan type). I loved my retrievers to bits and never thought any dog could match up but she is everything the retrievers were, loving, funny, intelligent and stupid at the same time. Two differences I've noticed is that cockers are more stubborn (retrievers are so biddable) but this gives added character and also you get all the gundog nature traits at a more manageable size. My retrievers weren't allowed on sofas as they were just too big, dirty and boisterous but as others say, the sofas are now Rowan's and we squeeze in where we can! Now I've had a show cocker I know I'll never have any other dog. She is perfect for us, two teenagers plus visiting/neighbouring young children. Outside she's active and would run for miles but inside very much a gentle loving pet happy to play and snooze or our laps. Do your research thoroughly as we did, take recommendations from others, go to shows/events to see the different strains. Most of all find a breeder who breeds for temprement and is health checked.

We are looking for a pup at the moment and I log onto COL several times a day as it is very helpful but  also very addicitve.  With regards to finding a breeder who breeds for temprement how would you go about knowing this, can you tell from the adult dogs and the way the pups are?  This would be really helpful to know. 

[piph]

I also always had golden retrievers before getting Rowan (bitch show chocolate roan type). I loved my retrievers to bits and never thought any dog could match up but she is everything the retrievers were, loving, funny, intelligent and stupid at the same time. Two differences I've noticed is that cockers are more stubborn (retrievers are so biddable) but this gives added character and also you get all the gundog nature traits at a more manageable size. My retrievers weren't allowed on sofas as they were just too big, dirty and boisterous but as others say, the sofas are now Rowan's and we squeeze in where we can! Now I've had a show cocker I know I'll never have any other dog. She is perfect for us, two teenagers plus visiting/neighbouring young children. Outside she's active and would run for miles but inside very much a gentle loving pet happy to play and snooze or our laps. Do your research thoroughly as we did, take recommendations from others, go to shows/events to see the different strains. Most of all find a breeder who breeds for temprement and is health checked.

We are looking for a pup at the moment and I log onto COL several times a day as it is very helpful but  also very addicitve.  With regards to finding a breeder who breeds for temprement how would you go about knowing this, can you tell from the adult dogs and the way the pups are?  This would be really helpful to know. 

As the previous poster said, go to shows/events, and see for yourself. You will be able to tell by the way they handle their dogs and by the way the dogs react to them. There are plenty of knowledgeable people on here who will give you names of reputable breeders, but they will PM you rather than putting them on the open forum.  Just ask, and say what part of the country you are looking in.  Also if you contact a fairly local Cocker Spaniel Club, they will also be able to advise you.  Just 'Google' Cocker Spaniel Clubs and take your pick!