Springer Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel experience

hlxbravo said:
If you have the time to train them, then I believe they are one of the best breeds, intelligence wise. I saw a guy once with a pair, they both sat motionless when he opened the rear of his car, one click of the fingers and out bounced one and sat by the owners feet, another click of fingers, the second one did exactly the same. He then threw their ball and both of them just sat, excitedly waiting for his command to go, click of fingers and away they went like rockets. It was a similar story when he returned, both sat, door opened, click...one in, click....second one in....truly was an awesome thing to watch, one of the main reasons I decided to look at them....shame they are just generally nuts.
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Sadly I know a few people who have seen similar things and think Spaniels will be instantly obedient, they have ended up getting rid of the dog as it drove them crazy.
 
I have a Springer Spaniel X Labrador and he is absolutely awesome. Well trained and easy to get on with. As soft as a pillow and great with my little boy.

Full of energy but very rewarding to keep. We probably don't quite exercise him enough as the Mrs had to go back to full time work last year but she is going part time again very soon so he will soon get worn out.

Dog was bred from certified working Labs and Springers (5 purebred generations at same kennel each side on papers) but obviously is not registered himself being a X.
 
A majority of the posts here show that the problem as with all dogs regardless of breed is the owner not the animal.

Springers and cockers are working dogs, and must be trained and exercised as such.

If you can't walk it at leat twice a day for at least an hour its not the breed for you.

They are easy to train as that is what they were bread for. Another thing to check is whether they have a soft mouth (hold an egg in the mouth without breaking it) as this will show they are from good breeding stock and not a puppy farm.

Dogs only chew if they are bored. if you and you other half both work, a young Springer puppy is not for you, as you won't have the time to train it properly to prevent the issues already raised here.
 
oddsbodikins said:
Another thing to check is whether they have a soft mouth (hold an egg in the mouth without breaking it) as this will show they are from good breeding stock and not a puppy farm.
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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. :p
 
I have 2 cockers at home up north. This pic explains a lot.

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Springer Spaniels are indeed loopy dogs. They need a big garden and at least one long and one medium sized walk a day and extra special walks at the weekend. When they are young they are likely to tear your house apart if you leave them alone for too long and something gets them wound up, like the door bell/phone going.

I would say living in a flat would be a cruel way to keep any dog, especially working dogs.
 
bushmins said:
I would say living in a flat would be a cruel way to keep any dog, especially working dogs.
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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
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Good to know, thanks
 
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Springers are hard to tire out, but lovely dogs. Cocker spaniels are a bit more calm and better suited to house life. If you're a very outdoorsy person or have a big backyard then springers are good, but if it's just your flat/work then a cocker might be easier to manage.
 
I live on a farm and have a spaniel which is a working gun dog. Even after a long full day out shooting he still has energy to burn. I couldn't imagine him being couped up in a flat even with regular exercise. Now that he is 10 he has calmed down a bit, but the first few years he was crazy and he did take a lot of training, and would chase pretty much any amimal that moved bar cats (best mate with our cat).
 
By looking at both the working breeds rather than the show breeds you are obviously taking on more, as the name implies both are working dogs so will need a lot of exercise but more importantly than that they are intelligent dogs that will need a lot of stimulation and dicipline to stop them being the 'crazy' dogs many in this thread are describing.

Personally in your situation I'd go with a cocker as they tend to me slightly smaller less energetic dogs but they will still require just as much attention and training. I'd only get a Springer if I live in open countryside.

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.
 
Hatter The Mad said:
If we're crossing, then you're right. I avoid thorough pedigree show breeds for the obvious reasons.
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Totally agree the pedigree certificate isn't for me either, it's putting crazy pressures on breeds and some of the effects are really saddening.

Can't believe the number of people who are describing these breeds as 'nutter' and 'crazy' these breeds are supposed to be working gun dogs the role of gun dog and crazy nutter just doesn't go together. Properly trained, exercised and stimulated dogs shouldn't be eating your house, destroying you shoes and jumping all over your guests. I have met loads of well trained springers and cockers that were perfectly calm and well behaved.
 
My family have had English Springer Spaniels since before I was born and they're a family favourite. They train well, they're loyal, they're loving and eager to please. Ours have always been great around other animals and children. We've always had more show stock rather than working. Springers from show background differ slightly physically (Longer legs, bigger ears) and are tamer and less 'hyper' than working. In fact Louie, our Spaniel, is one of the most chilled out and easy going dogs I've come across. Don't get me wrong he needs daily exercise (Which most dogs should get) but for the rest of the day he'll plod along....until he hears the food cupboard open! :D

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You know you want one!

EDIT: Be aware they can have problem with their ears and if not regularly checked-up they will get smelly. They shed quite a lot of fur as well.
 
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