Cocker Spaniels

[Amber]

Can anyone tell me about them?
Playfulness? Friendliness? Trainability? Grooming? Health problems? Exersize needs? General personality?

I'm still trying to think about what my next breed (before I'm in the position for a pit bull..) should be. Again, I'm looking for something medium - small (probably not much bigger than Junior, but able to keep up on our runs).

TIA!

 

[MafiaPrincess]

American or English?

English tend to have less health issues. A good American breeder who health tests will give you reasonable healthy dogs. The description of a well bred American describes them as merry. They should be happy and playful.

In the winter when I'm busy in school my pair get screwed for exercise, they do alright. Smudge and I can happily run 5km or so 3 days a week, but it's not the end of the world when we don't. They are definitely trainable as the multitude of titles in my siggy proves.

 

[Brattina88]

Well... I'll try... lol

Playfulness?
Pretty playful, a lot of them love balls and to play fetch, and take zoomies. Maddie really likes the puzzle toys, and to swim... and to 'wrestle' with my hands She only recently became "very" cuddly... at 9 years of age lol

Friendliness?
To ditto Maf... they are supposed to be "merry!"
A lot of people will tell you some of the poorer bred ones can be a little iffy... as with any breed, just do your research with where they come from

They used to be WAY TOO popular, and popularity tends to ruin breeds. Hence the health and behavior problems you'll hear about, but I think its not as bad as it used to be (since they're a lot less popular now)

Trainability?
I've found them to be pretty easily trained, very food motivated and "eager to please". They respond really well to clicker training, positive reinforcement, etc
They can be stubborn, if they want... On one of the cocker forums (that I'm not a huge fan of, TBH) they call this "cocker'tude" ... Like... determination to shred TP lol
I've heard that they compare to a golden in that sense... but I've never had a golden, so I can't really say for sure
My fosters were always quick learners, Maddie always excelled in training classes and knows quite a few tricks. I only wish I would've gotten her CGC when she was younger, and went for this RallyO stuff when she was younger. We still may do it, though

Grooming?
Depends on the cut... typically they have to be done thoroughly every 4-6weeks if you take them to the groomer. You could also buy a decent clipper set and DIY at home A short 'puppy' cut needs very little maintenance... The longer the coat, the more you'll have to brush and take care of. With the rescues, I've seen a lot of variances in the coat texture & length, field coat (super easy to care for), to more 'cottony-type' and mats super easy...
It's easy to me, but I've been doing it for y e a r s

Health problems?
Cockers can be prone to a number of things..Glaucoma, Cataracts, Hip Dysplasia & Luxating Patellas, Auto-Immune Diseases... Hypothyroidism, Cushings, Addisons, Anaemia, to name a few.

But, more often they're prone to ear infections (due to their long ears) and skin infections &/or allergies. My own Maddie has Vitamin A Responsive Dermatosis which was misdiagnosed as "just" allergies for years... until I took her to the dermatologist.
Ear infections can be kept at bay with simple ear maintenance. Skin problems are often related to poor diet... but if you go to a reputable breeder your less likely to have to worry about it

Exersize needs?
IME, Cockers are a breed that will GO GO GO when you're ready. We hike for miles, or SWIM, or just walk and socialize.
But are also content to sleep on the couch if you are not feeling well, or if its a rainy day


General personality?
I am very biased, as Maddie is my heart dog... she's smart, funny, laid back, expressive, and determined, loving and lovable, and sometimes a dork. The foster's I've had have some of these qualities, but not all. Some are more serious, or more of a goofball, some are kinda like "derrrr"... but it depends on the breeding and upbringing I reckon.



If you have any more questions feel free to ask! I figure this is too long and ramble-y already! And if you ever need a suggestion for a rescue or whatever, let me know. I don't really keep up with the breeders anymore, and Maddie's breeder retired years ago... I bet Maf would be more help in that dept

 

[Moth]

I have had both English and American cockers.

I love the breed, but after having 15-18 years with all that hair and the need to go to the groomer I decided it was time for a wash and wear coat

I think they are wonderful dogs. Friendly and bright.

Important to go to a good reputable breeder as skin and eye conditions abound in the breed. One of mine had epilepsy...but he was a rescue and I am not sure what breeder he came from.

My guys always loved to go hiking and were tireless when doing so, but they were also great to snuggle on the couch.

 

[SoCrafty]

I'm going to go with the American because it's what I know.

Playfulness?
It really depends on the dog. Some are really playful, others are laid back. Mine used to get the zoomies after every bath. She loved running through her tunnel I had in my living room at the time. When I would do yoga, she would do yoga with me too She LOVED playing ball and "find the toy." I really tried to be a good doggy mom to her with the kinds of mind stuff I would do with her to engage her.

Friendliness?
This should not be a timid breed. They should be happy and eager to meet new people, within reason. Not every dog is going to be in your face, but a well bred, comfortable Cocker should not be the type to shy away from meeting someone new. Their tails are like whirl winds, they never stop!

Trainability?
This is where I am going to have to say it depends on you. My Cocker was extremely hard to housebreak. She was never 100% reliable because it has to be a joint partnership between you and your other household members. If you both don't agree on the training regimine, this will be a difficult breed to train. When it was just myself at home I had to take her out every 3 hours or so to potty. My ex-Fiance (there is a reason he's an ex) did not believe in potty schedules, so by the time she was 3 it was a big mess (literally!) She could not be trusted during the day, or during the night. Even with pee pee pads she would pee half on half off.

But other than housebreaking, she was smart as a whip. Very intelligent. She learned to sit in about a day, crawl took about a week. Paw, was very quick, other paw was pretty quick as well...you get the idea.

Grooming?
My Cocker, bless her heart, was *not* a healthy dog. I kept her as short as possible to help myself get to her hot spots and skin problems.

Health problems?
If you haven't won the lottery, this might not be the breed for you.

I'm kidding. Sort of.

Cockers in general are not a healthy breed. They are so over-bred it's not even funny. You really have to do your homework with this breed (which I did not. I'm a lot smarter nowadays!) Skin problems, teeth problems, eye problems, ear problems, heart problems, joint problems. The most common thing I've seen - especially on this one forum I was on - were cancers, blood disorders, glaucoma, cherry eye, skin problems, tummy problems, ear problems...oh wait. I think I just named the same list.

This is definitely not a cheap breed to maintain. You have to clean their ears all the time because of their long ears. If you shave the underside of the ear it does increase the airflow to the inner ear which can reduce ear infections. Definite doggy odor. Flaky, oily skin is common. Cysts, acne that all happens too. Anal glands need to be expressed fairly frequently. I think I tried 9 million different brands of food, from Ol' Roy to Dick Van Pattents, to Innova, to Eukanuba. She was picky, and I couldn't pinpoint her allergies.

Those dogs you get from a good breeder seem to have less problems. You really need to do your homework with these breeders. If your breeder doesn't health test, please pass.

Exersize needs?
Cockers are that dog that could go forever, or crash at your feet. When it was just me and her in the apartment, she loved to lay with me. We used to snuggle up on the couch and watch t.v. When the ex came home he'd take her from me and lock her up in the bedroom and spend time with her...until it was time to take her out. She was definitely good with a 30-45 minute walk a plus the 15 minute walks I would take her out to potty. Weekends I tried to take her out to the local wildlife park. She LOVED that. She would run around forever and then zonk out in the car.

General personality?
I really loved my dog. She was faithful, dependable and a joy to be around. She was so sweet. She could be trusted off leash. The garbage can was her weakness. She hated bathtimes (because I would give her a good scrubbing). She sat without a noose and I free groomed her with clippers, readily offered her paw to trim between her toes. She could not be trusted around a bird, or small creatures but loved her cats. She was great in the car, obedient. She was shy with new people, okay with kids.

Most of the Cockers I have met are exhuberant, happy, fun loving dogs that would love to be with you, as close to you as they can possibly be without BEING you.

If the breed were healthier and had a short coat (even the field coat needs to be trimmed), I would consider it. Overall Cockers, have great personalities but a big pocket book can be necessary if not purchased from a reputable breeder.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

Trainability?
This is where I am going to have to say it depends on you. My Cocker was extremely hard to housebreak. She was never 100% reliable because it has to be a joint partnership between you and your other household members. If you both don't agree on the training regimine, this will be a difficult breed to train. When it was just myself at home I had to take her out every 3 hours or so to potty. My ex-Fiance (there is a reason he's an ex) did not believe in potty schedules, so by the time she was 3 it was a big mess (literally!) She could not be trusted during the day, or during the night. Even with pee pee pads she would pee half on half off.

This has nothing to do with cockers. That would happen with any breed. They are quite trainable.

Health problems?
If you haven't won the lottery, this might not be the breed for you.

I'm kidding. Sort of.

Cockers in general are not a healthy breed. They are so over-bred it's not even funny. You really have to do your homework with this breed (which I did not. I'm a lot smarter nowadays!) Skin problems, teeth problems, eye problems, ear problems, heart problems, joint problems. The most common thing I've seen - especially on this one forum I was on - were cancers, blood disorders, glaucoma, cherry eye, skin problems, tummy problems, ear problems...oh wait. I think I just named the same list.

Health issues are a concern with any badly bred dog regardless of its breed. Highlighted are things that are NOT considered cocker health issues. Even my dog from a puppy mill is very healthy and has NONE of the health issues listed above. They do have a lot of eye problems, so just dont' gamble with non health tested lines/breeder. They can have knee issues (but not joints in general, hence the bold) once again don't go to a badly bred dogs. Now with heart issues never came across that one, not even online. Cancer isn't a concern except there is a line of popular byb dogs that are prone to it, but outside of that kennel its a non issue.

Ear issues can exist, but if you feed a good food, groom your dog and use blue power ear wash on occasion its no big deal. Delicate stomachs isn't something you ever hear about (except maybe with puppy mill types) they are kind of like labs-iron cast tummies.

This is definitely not a cheap breed to maintain. You have to clean their ears all the time because of their long ears. If you shave the underside of the ear it does increase the airflow to the inner ear which can reduce ear infections. Definite doggy odor. Flaky, oily skin is common. Cysts, acne that all happens too. Anal glands need to be expressed fairly frequently. I think I tried 9 million different brands of food, from Ol' Roy to Dick Van Pattents, to Innova, to Eukanuba. She was picky, and I couldn't pinpoint her allergies.

NEVER, EVER have we had dog odour. My parents have been shocked (as non pet owners) that you can't tell we have dogs by smell. (lol the toys around give it away) Shaving under the ear is a normal thing. Once again if you feed crap (like some of the above mentioned foods) its pretty common for any dog to have skin issues. You are what you eat!

Those dogs you get from a good breeder seem to have less problems. You really need to do your homework with these breeders. If your breeder doesn't health test, please pass.

If the breed were healthier and had a short coat (even the field coat needs to be trimmed), I would consider it. Overall Cockers, have great personalities but a big pocket book can be necessary if not purchased from a reputable breeder.

Perhaps if you got a dog from a decent breeder you wouldn't have any of the issues you seem to fear. Yes they have grooming requirements, but you can always take them to a groomer every 6-8 weeks.

 

[Brattina88]

This has nothing to do with cockers. That would happen with any breed. They are quite trainable.




Health issues are a concern with any badly bred dog regardless of its breed. Highlighted are things that are NOT considered cocker health issues. Even my dog from a puppy mill is very healthy and has NONE of the health issues listed above. They do have a lot of eye problems, so just dont' gamble with non health tested lines/breeder. They can have knee issues (but not joints in general, hence the bold) once again don't go to a badly bred dogs. Now with heart issues never came across that one, not even online. Cancer isn't a concern except there is a line of popular byb dogs that are prone to it, but outside of that kennel its a non issue.

Ear issues can exist, but if you feed a good food, groom your dog and use blue power ear wash on occasion its no big deal. Delicate stomachs isn't something you ever hear about (except maybe with puppy mill types) they are kind of like labs-iron cast tummies.




NEVER, EVER have we had dog odour. My parents have been shocked (as non pet owners) that you can't tell we have dogs by smell. (lol the toys around give it away) Shaving under the ear is a normal thing. Once again if you feed crap (like some of the above mentioned foods) its pretty common for any dog to have skin issues. You are what you eat!

Those dogs you get from a good breeder seem to have less problems. You really need to do your homework with these breeders. If your breeder doesn't health test, please pass.



Perhaps if you got a dog from a decent breeder you wouldn't have any of the issues you seem to fear. Yes they have grooming requirements, but you can always take them to a groomer every 6-8 weeks.

I agree!

I've had probably at least a couple dozen cocker fosters (maybe more, I lost count)... from all walks of life. Some were hoarded and NEVER let out of their house with TONS of other dogs, some were puppy-mill breeders and never let out of a small crate, some were basically allowed do to whatever they want and have no manners, and some were... perfectly well behaved Anyway - all of them were house-trained pretty easily I can only think of one who I had a lot of accidents with, and that was because she was a 12 week old puppy and I hadn't had a puppy in 8 years so it was 100% my fault! lol Even my totally blind foster was easily house trained!

Lots of stinky dogs eat Ol Roy :rofl1: I agree with Maf on the odor... IMO if there is an odor, there is a problem (and there shouldn't be) So I also wanted to add/warn that untreated skin conditions can cause odors - after fostering so many, I can pretty much tell if the dog has a yeast infection vs bacterial infection just from smell eep! And, that can also happen with many breeds, unfortunately

 

[SoCrafty]

I had to take a step back on this one guys because when I first read your replies my panties got in a twist. I apologize in advance if my reply sounds in any way mean or spiteful, just a lot of bad memories on my end.

I do have to partially agree with the doggy odor thing. I personally might notice it more as I am allergic to them. I have seen plenty of Cockers with skin issues (and Labs, too). Your dogs may be better because you were better prepared, or you might have gotten lucky. I have seen plenty of posts from the boards the three of us have frequented. How many times have people on the other board mentioned having Cockers with heart problems, or having to feed their dog canned pumpkin and boiled chicken with rice because their dog is having stomach issues again? Or that their dog is itchy, scabby and whatnot. How many times have you read about someone asking for prayers for their dog because they have a tumor related issue?

I have known several people that have had a hard time housebreaking their Cockers. My issue may have been personal, but it may have been her.

As for the you are what you eat thing, I have to be honest, I felt like that was a personal jab. I agree, but when you've tried every high class food on the market at the time you have the dog, including Innova, Innova Evo, Wellness, Avoderm, Raw sometimes you have to go a little low class. If those aren't the "in foods" now, they were back then. The OP asked for info and I provided my opinion. I provided her my experience. I do think the breed is a great breed, I do like them, I think they are a great breed but I still feel like you have to take a good look at the whole picture, not just what people want you to see.

I'm very happy you have all had good experiences with your dogs. Maybe I just didnt do my homework back then. Maybe times have changed and things are looking up for the breed. I really don't know. It's a chapter I tried to close.

 

[MafiaPrincess]

I had to take a step back on this one guys because when I first read your replies my panties got in a twist. I apologize in advance if my reply sounds in any way mean or spiteful, just a lot of bad memories on my end.

I do have to agree with the doggy odor thing. I personally might notice it more as I am allergic to them. I have seen plenty of Cockers with skin issues (and Labs, too). Your dogs may be better because you were better prepared, or you might have gotten lucky. I have seen plenty of posts from the boards the three of us have frequented.

Not sure what forums you are referring too as your responses make no sense in regards to my experience. While I have heard of it, I can't say I have met a cocker with a skin condition.

How many times have people on the other board mentioned having Cockers with heart problems, or having to feed their dog canned pumpkin and boiled chicken with rice because their dog is having stomach issues again? Or that their dog is itchy, scabby and whatnot. How many times have you read about someone asking for prayers for their dog because they have a tumor related issue?

Um never? Unless its the byb board that I no longer frequent I can't say I have EVER heard of these issues. Not in person with the people I meet at dog sports, not in any of the 6 dog forums I DO frequent.

As for the you are what you eat thing, I have to be honest, I felt like that was a personal jab. I agree, but when you've tried every high class food on the market, including Innova, Innova Evo, Wellness, Avoderm, Raw sometimes you have to go a little low class.

You mentioned allergies. Going low class won't get rid of ingredients that your dog will react too. It wasn't personal, but it you wish to believe that go for it.

The OP asked for info and I provided my opinion. I provided her my experience. I do think the breed is a great breed, I do like them, i think they are a great breed but I still feel like you have to take a good look at the whole picture, not just what people want you to see (pot calling the kettle black here).

They are your experience, to a point. When you want to claim that pretty much you need to be made of money to own a dog of this breed, its more than an opinion. Now if you had bred them for years, or it was a common issue that everyone had heard of, then sure. But as someone who is passionate about the breed MY back gets up when the breed gets slandered for issues they don't have. (you want to rant about eye issues, I will be totally down with that)

Providing a well rounded counter point is not calling the pot calling the kettle black.

I'm very happy you have all had good experiences with your dogs. Maybe I just didnt do my homework back then. Maybe times have changed and things are looking up for the breed. I really don't know. It's a chapter I tried to close.

The first one was cause a room mate bought a puppy mill dog from a pet store and then was going to dump it. I had never owned a pet in my life till then. I did lots of research as soon as I got her. I can't say any of what you claim is rampant or typical has been my experience, or anyone I ever known's (out side of you) experience either.

So I am just posting MY experience with the breed.

 

[Dekka]

So Crafty...

Your response sound to me like the people in my breed who get a badly bred JRT and then run around perpetuating the stereotype that Jacks are hyper out of control dogs. Sure there might be the odd one that is, but that isn't typical by any means. Nor if someone gets a dog from rescue or a good breeder would getting a hyper out of control dog be a risk.

 

[Brattina88]

I'm glad you took a step back or whatever I am not sure if this was directed at me, but I wanted to say that in no way was my post meant to be a "jab" or condescending or whatever.
If we want to discuss food, then we should take it to the food section as to not derail the thread... IMHO

I wonder if your baby had another underlying issue with the skin? Since it sounds like it was an ongoing problem and foods and such didn't help.
As a side note... there are things with Nikki (childhood dog-non cocker ) that we didn't research, weren't prepared, she was on crappy food for most of her life, and obese honestly, we were lucky she was as healthy as she was.... I feel bad looking back, but live and learn I guess.... I can relate ...

I'm very happy you have all had good experiences with your dogs. Maybe I just didnt do my homework back then. Maybe times have changed and things are looking up for the breed. I really don't know. It's a chapter I tried to close.

Actually, things are looking better in the breed all the time GOOD breeders are focusing on the health and temperament that the BYBs tried to ruin with the popularity. Now, of course there are still those BYB strains with poor health out there, bt since they're not AS popular, there lessining. While I can't foster right now, I'm still active in the rescue world - there's a bunch of cocker rescues that network together to help eachother out across the states, it's awesome that they do that and I like to keep updated with it as much as I can (summers are always so busy for me personally!). Off the top of my head, I'd guess that the luxating patellas are the most "common" thing that they're prone to :/. The other problems are usually owner-rescue related. Fleas and matting, and malnourishment but I'm certainly not counting or keeping statistics
with cockers especially you just have to do your homework for a breeder heck, my standards are higher now and if Maddie's breeder was still breeding (she's not) it probably go with another one, to be SAFE

 

[Brattina88]

And I appologize for my spelling. I tried to fix most of it. iPod / autocorrect = :rofl1:

 

[SoCrafty]

Thanks Dana, I appreciate your reply. That made me feel a lot better I was trying to tread lightly on this subject LOL. You were always one poster I did enjoy reading from as you knew what you were talking about! Good idea about the food - it's always a touchy subject, even in the world of birds!! (I always get questions on this surprisingly) lol.

I really don't know if she had other issues with her skin. I was not in the financial position at the time to really take her to specialist after specialist, though I am 100% sure for all the money my ex spent on other girls and toys and vacations, I'm sure he could have coughed up some dough. I know that I tried lots of homeopathic things to try to relieve her symptoms, along with a ton of different shampoos to try to keep her skin in check. I am sure it was probably an actual illness, coupled with a mild or moderate case of Staph. But that poor girl had so many things wrong with her. Epilepsy, entropion, allergies, thyroid problems. I do wonder how she's doing. The last I heard, her new owner was having a hard time getting her to stay housebroken but she'd gotten her off of either the Epilepsy or Thyroid meds.

I am much smarter now, am much more financially secure without a freeloading "man" to bring me down lol. Any dog I bring home with me in the future is going to have a great home with me. For all the research I've been doing over the last year or so is going to pay off LOL. We all live and learn.

I'm so glad to see that things are looking up for the breed. They were popular for so long. Perhaps a good breeder will be easier to find for the OP and he or she won't have any major issues. It's such a shame that people feel like they can just breed for money and get away with it. But that's for another subject

ETA: I had to switch to my laptop so I could write my reply. Autocorrect on the iPhone is just as bad as on the iPod LOL

 

[SoCrafty]

I didn't see the other replies until this morning.

I'm so sorry, MafiaPrincess, I thought I recognized your dogs from one of the other forums I was on. I do apologize if I have been mistaken.

Dekka, I appreciate and understand what you're saying. However, I wasn't basing my opinion on just my dog. Yes, I was under-educated when I purchased my dog. Yes, the breeder lied about the health testing. No the breeder wouldn't tell me if the other puppies in my dogs litter were having the same problems.

But, I have known several people personally that: 1) got her dog from a breeder who performed mostly in performance events and the health tests were pending. The dog has sensitive stomach, skin problems and battled constant ear infections. 2) cousin rescued a dog, the dog had stomach issues, along with a heart murmur. 3) aunts best friend got a dog, from a breeder which developed juvenile cataracts, had skin problems and allergies 4) my other cousin had a dog which had epilepsy, ear problems and a sensitive stomach.

This forum I read, has one sub board for health problems and advice. This is not a small board. First several topics: AIHA/IMHA, Cherry eye, stomach problem, Thyroid issue, allergy problem, grain free food which one poster clearly says her dog had itchy skin problems, sebaceous cyst, on the main forum one persons dog had a heart mumur, one just passed away from cancer, one needs their eye removed from glaucoma.

I do not understand why, after basing my statements off of others that have had these problems is telling me I am perpetuating the breed stereotype.

I did not mention that they were bad dogs, I just was saying that good breeders = a chance at a healthier dog. I wanted the OP to know it can be an expensive breed to maintain. Especially if they have problems.

I apologize again if I have stepped on anyone's toes, and I mean that. That honestly was not my intention. I bet if I had kept my original post more un biased I wouldn't have offended anyone. I will say it again, it's a great breed, I do love them, but some do have health problems, but I am sure any breed could have the same things.