Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel experience

[Hatter The Mad]

Hi

I live with my girlfriend in small-to-average sized two bed flat with a huge roof terrace.

We live (literally) a 30 seconds walk from a huge open space (Hampstead Heath: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=ham...d+heath&cid=0,0,10820877427633115979&t=m&z=17).

We want to get a dog which we have ample time to look after (girlfriend is able to take the dog the work if I am not working from home).

We love working springer and cocker spaniels (wouldn't touch the show line) and believe them to be around the right size and temperament/intelligence.

Does anyone have any experience with either working springers and cockers, and maybe offer some insight as to which might be best suited to how we live or things to look out for?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

I thought they were supposed to be very easy to train and incredibly intelligent?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

spaniels need LOADS of exercise

Our dog would probably get far more exercise than one with a garden in a concrete suburb...

in fact no dog should only have a roof terrace.

We live (literally) a 30 seconds walk from a huge open space (Hampstead Heath: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=ham...d+heath&cid=0,0,10820877427633115979&t=m&z=17).

Appreciate your input

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Also agree totally with the comment about them potentially jumping off the roof terrrace.

It'd probably be about 5 foot high

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Are cockers quieter in temperament compared to springers?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

i just guffawed and got a funny look. What's the reasoning behind that? I have no doubt you know more about dogs than me i just find it amusing.

So that they don't chomp into the game when retrieving it for you

 

[Hatter The Mad]

I would say living in a flat would be a cruel way to keep any dog, especially working dogs.

Don't see why - it's what most people do on the continent, and the majority of dogs in this country are vastly under exercised regardless of the size of home or location.

It'll have a better quality life and more varied exercise with us than most people with larger homes in suburbia - we're certain of that; firstly because of our proximity to the biggest open space in London, and secondly because my girlfriend is a veterinary surgeon and won't have it any other way

and at least one long and one medium sized walk a day and extra special walks at the weekend

Good to know, thanks

 

[Hatter The Mad]

You might want to consider a Sproker (Cross bettween a Springer and a Cocker) I've never met one but they get great write ups and might be the best of both worlds option.

You might just be a genius. I'll check that out!

 

[Hatter The Mad]

I also wouldn't necessarily rule out the show breeds as you get most of the charecteristics with less of the energy and a Sproker gets rid of a lot of the genetic risks inherent in show dogs

If we're crossing, then you're right. I avoid thorough pedigree show breeds for the obvious reasons.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

They are mental. Not a good idea for someone who sounds like they don't have much dog experience imo.

Beyond the original post I explained I do have dog experience and my partner is a veterinary surgeon, so experience wouldn't be a problem - we just haven't lived with a spaniel before!

Thanks

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Ok, we're going to do it. Mad, I know. We are currently checking out Cocker puppies!

I'm inclined to find a Kennel Club registered ones, with the various hereditary checks and hip-scoring (first to promote responsible breeding, second to enhance quality of life and save on future vet bills!).