Cocker Spaniel finding help

[Fezler69 10]

hello Forum!

 

We have finally decided to get a dog, a puppy to be precise. We would liek a working cocker spaniel but are struggling to get started in our search. Could anyone offer any advice on where is best to buy from? Or any contacts would be even better

 

ta in advance

[Gemima 10]

Hello Fezler.

 

What are you wanting to do with your cocker. You say you would like a working cocker is this because you are wanting to work it in the field or just because you prefer the working type to the show type?

 

If you are wanting to work your Cocker in the field then you would be better contacting the local shoot and they will be able to offer names of breeders/trainers for you who will point you in the right direction.

 

If you just want to keep a working Cocker as a pet then I would say dont... for many reasons, they are typically very highly strung, can be nervous and basically are best working and not as pets. There are lots of Cockers ending up in rescue, bought as a pet which should be working. The result is owners that cant cope and get rid of them. I love Cockers both working and show types, they are beautiful dogs, need tons of grooming and exersise but similar to Springers they arnt for the faint hearted! (unless of course you go for a show type Cocker which are bred to be much calmer)

 

Good luck in your search whatever you decide to do.

[twibstix 10]

If you just want to keep a working Cocker as a pet then I would say dont... for many reasons, they are typically very highly strung, can be nervous and basically are best working and not as pets.

 

I have a working cocker and a friend has 5 show. My working cocker is a lot less high strung than friends show. Any dog can be nervous, its not a particular "quirk" of the cocker. Make excellent working dogs and pets (in my experience).

 

There are lots of Cockers ending up in rescue, bought as a pet which should be working. The result is owners that cant cope and get rid of them. I love Cockers both working and show types, they are beautiful dogs, need tons of grooming and exersise but similar to Springers they arnt for the faint hearted! (unless of course you go for a show type Cocker which are bred to be much calmer)

 

Many dogs end up in rescue for many reasons the cocker is no more or less likely to. If it (or any dog) is trained then there should be no problem, with whatever life path it ends up in (working or pet or both). Any spaniel is definitely not for the feint of heart - when they are having an "energy spurt" you will get dizzy watching. Mine is 2 and has never had a haircut (unless you count what the bleep who stole him did to him) and his ears/feathers etc dont seem to get tangled either (must be lucky here) and he does not need any more exercise than all the others (ranging in age from 10 down to 10 weeks - in fact the 10 week old is a proper holy terror, fear?? What's that then????).

 

If the OP still wants a working cocker if they pm me, I can ask around.

Edited June 2, 2009 by Draggletail
Quote tags added

[willman 10]

I can agree with both responses i've had working cockers for 20 years and still have two non workers. They are very adaptable and can be very hyper (keep 'em off the Bakers) ours need clipping every 6-8 weeks to reduce matting and furry paws.

 

There is a breeder local to me in Killamarsh (Danmiad) whose pups and dogs i know personally - although i don't have a number. Failing that phone the local rep for the cocker rescue - they will know all the local breeders.

 

 

(Buy a boxer - sorry getting carried away again.)

[claire1976 10]

All pedigree breeds have a purpose in mind when they were developed. Working dogs are just that - bred for working. I currently own 2 springers, have had 3 in the past and they are completely mental! They love to work and make great pets but as with cockers and most working breeds they can and will develop behaviour problems if their needs are not met. Of course this can apply to most dogs, even mongrels but from experience working breeds will suffer more if exercise needs and mental stimulation is not met.

They will require more off lead exercise than most dogs and cockers are not always as tolerant with children as springers are. My springers get 2-3 hours a day off the lead walking and would do that several times a day if they had the chance. They don't tire easily!

As with any breed I would suggest lots of research, speak to owners and breeders and make a decision based on what you can offer a dog and not what it looks like etc.

[Fezler69 10]

I can agree with both responses i've had working cockers for 20 years and still have two non workers. They are very adaptable and can be very hyper (keep 'em off the Bakers) ours need clipping every 6-8 weeks to reduce matting and furry paws.

 

There is a breeder local to me in Killamarsh (Danmiad) whose pups and dogs i know personally - although i don't have a number. Failing that phone the local rep for the cocker rescue - they will know all the local breeders.

 

 

(Buy a boxer - sorry getting carried away again.)

 

Ok so after many hours of research and discussions I think we're getting a boxer! They seem to suit us down to the ground. Any tips on breeders willman?

[katie3 10]

We bought a Boxer pup a couple of years ago, and found his breeder through the Kennel Club website.

 

Didn't really like them to start with, but best decision we made (even though at nearly 3 he's still barmy!) Wouldn't swap him for anything now.

Edited June 2, 2009 by katie3
spelling mistakes

[Strix 11]

Ok so after many hours of research and discussions I think we're getting a boxer! They seem to suit us down to the ground. Any tips on breeders willman?

I think Willman's boxer is a rescue

 

You can find breed rescues listed on http://www.rainrescue.co.uk , where pups occasionally crop up for homing (some people find they can't cope after just one week with a pup ), or if you are determined to have a pup straight from a breeder, I'd suggest getting to one of the championship shows (of which there are around 12 per year) so you can meet lots of breeders in one place and compare their dogs. Doing your research this way will be less likely to get you sucked into a purchase you're unsure about, and should give you a bit of background in which breeders to avoid too

 

Always purchase a pup which you've had to be on a waiting list for (else the breeder is likely to be breeding for profit rather than welfare), and ensure you'll be signing a 'lifetime back to breeder' contract for if (for whatever reason) you can no longer care for your dog

[willman 10]

I did rescue one of my boxers , but i have bought a pup via the ad's in the papers. Everything is great with the dog, the papers were in order , i even met the owner of the stud dog on collection. The only reason i considered it was because he is white.

White dogs are usually the last to go,IF the breeders keep them to sell them.

 

I can make some calls if you need some numbers via the rescues. If you want to meet my beast(s) just let me know.

Boxer rescues currently have a waiting list for dogs to rehome .

[Vixc 10]

My advice is is you want an energietic active breed that you could do lots of walking with, lots of training and even agility or other activities, then get a boxer or a working cocker. However, IF your idea of 'exercise' is a walk round the park once a day, dont get either! Working cockers have a strong hunting instinct as do working Springers. Once they get their nose on a scent, they can be off, especially if you walk them near the scent of game such as in woods etc. Thats not to say they can't be trained nor channelled into being a good pet, but be prepared for a high level of commitment to training and exercise.

If you dont meet the needs of these breeds and give them 'things to do' they can develop behaviour problems. I see many working dogs in my behaviour and training practise and most of them are under stimulated under exercised and waaaaayyyyy to smart for the average pet owner! Sorry... but true.

 

Boxers are lovable clowns that never grow up. Again very energetic, very boisturous and slow to mature. Some male boxers can have issues with other dogs but so can lots of other breeds that aren't socialised properly from a young age.

Whatever breed you get make sure you get into a reputable puppy school preferably with qualified and experienced trainers using reward based methods and make sure that IF you attend a 'puppy party' that it is not a free for all rough and tumble as this is where problems often develop.

 

Statisitcs gathered by The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, have shown an increase in aggression since the onset of puppy parties some 10 years ago. So be warned!

 

If you need puppy school please check out my webesite for up to date info on courses.

 

Good luck in your search and enjoy it whatever you get

[laura_17 10]

we got ours from foxisle gundogs, shes brill. They have a site if you google it