My mom had gotten a cocker for us kids when we were still quite young. As we got a bit older we collected two other cockers. In middle school my twin and I found out about 4-H and decided to join. Soon my brothers wanted to join as well. Because we already had cockers and liked them, my brothers got cockers too. When it was time for me to get a new 4-H dog, I never even thought about getting another breed. So, after all of that, we ended up with seven cocker spaniels.
When we found out my sister's cocker had Cancer my parents decided she needed a new puppy. Eventually Pepper will pass on, and they wanted her to have another dog to care for when she does... you know, help her adjust and morn(sp?). My sister had trained my dog training instructor's English Springer Spaniel. So she did have some experience with the breed. That is how we got our now almost 1 year old BYB springer.
And then.. We got Marq, a Pointer. My first plans were to get a vizsla. I wanted a Vizsla more than anything. Due to the lack of Vizslas available as Jr dogs in my area... I ended up giving up on finding one of these... and I had heard about Pointers. I loved seeing my friends' pictures of them over the internet. So, honestly, it was a desperate decision to look for a Pointer. I didn't even go out and meet the breed and get vast experience with them before I contacted breeders. I honestly expected more of a longer wait to meet a couple before actually bringing one home.. but that didn't happen. We brought Marq home not too long after finding a breeder. Fortunately, I ended up with a wonderful dog. (If only his owner was like-wise as wonderful.)
After experiencing owning a breed other than spaniels,... I have become even more appreciative for my cockers. Marq IS a wonderful dog,.. but I also know that the cockers suit me, my personality, and my lifestyle better. Marq will stay with me until the day he dies. I got this dog, and even if he is not as easy as my cockers, it was my decision to get him. I'm just going to have to make it by and treat him the best I can.
I know for a fact that I want my next dog to either be a cocker, or a rescued mixed breed.