Cocker spaniel as first family pet?

Cyrus

We are thinking of getting our first dog in the summer, and a cocker spaniel is top of the list at the moment. My kids (girls) will be 4.5 and 9 respectively and my wife currently looks after them full time after taking redundancy a few years back so she will be around most of the time.

We will put a big focus on training, including crate training etc, but just wanted to get opinions on a cockers suitability as family pet in case i am missing anything?

Sophia Petrillo

A lovely dog but can be snappy. Very popular in the sixties-eighties resulting in in-breeding. With small children and someone who is home a lot I can think of more suitable breeds such as labradors, retrievers, Maltese Terriers.

Cyrus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120270705#Comment_120270705

our ideal dog would be a lab or a retriever but concerned about size

CoBo55

Are you getting a male or female? Females are usually a nicer temperament than the males especially around children.

Cyrus

female for sure, its just me in the house in the male department!

IceT

Cocker spaniels are a great pet, great choice. They are known for being gentle, easy-going and affectionate yet lively. They are generally considered good with children. Cocker spaniels tend to be non-aggressive toward other animals and people, although that means that they are not particularly good watchdogs, but that's not why you get them to be honest.

I will say that in the UK and Ireland Cocker spaniels became so popular they were overbred, which resulted in some high-strung dogs and dogs with health problems, ideally get a mix or from a good breader with a history of dogs with good temperaments.

You mentioned Labradors or a Golden Retriever, Both breeds are well known to be energetic, Golden Retrievers are very clingy and dependent on their owners where Labrador are more independent and have a real sprightly hyper streak. They are big dogs (can get up to around 30/35kg) and they both require a moderate amount of exercise daily.

Especially the lab can get too energetic for some families, especially in confined or small houses bouncing around, knocking over kids and generally veibg boisterous. But they are amazing pets.

A Cocker spaniel is honestly a great choice but hace you considered a King Charles Spaniel? Amazing temperament, much easier coat to deal with and one of the most chilled, loving small dogs around. Plus extremely cute

Esel

Isn't the red cocker spaniel supposed to have 'rage issues' or something like that? I wouldn't get a red one anyway.

DBB

I've been meaning to reply to this enquiry!

I would be very slow to advise a Cocker, of any colour, to a family with younger kids. They are hugely overrepresented in cases of resource guarding issues, which usually entails aggression towards the owners around food, toys, bed/sleeping area.

Unfortunately, so are Retrievers, and increasingly, Springers. All gundog breeds that have become hugely popular as pets, interestingly.

It is very difficult to find a well bred Cocker that's suitable as a pet dog, in Ireland. The dogs from working lines are more inclined to have nicer temperaments, but the flip side is that they have boundless energy and need a lot of appropriate exercise and training.

Cavaliers tend to have a great temperament, but lordy... the health issues 😔 Almost all of them succumb to heart problems which take the majority of Cavs by age 10-11, and cause quality of life issues (and expensive medication) for several years before that.

Are you hell-bent on a puppy? Just bear in mind that managing pups around smaller kids can be a real challenge. Pups bite, bite and bite. It's bloody hard to convince a now-terrified young child that this time will pass, but it takes months 😬 Puppies are VERY hard work. I think most people underestimate just how much work and attention they need... even experienced owners, myself included, are shell-shocked when a new pup arrives, because you forget how challenging they are!

There's loads of scope for individual variation within breeds of course, but you might just be better off considering a young adult dog whose temperament and behaviour is somewhat known, who has settled a small bit, and who has gone past the biting/chewing/peeing/pooping everywhere stage?! By way of example, I know of a gorgeous 1 year old yellow labrador looking for a home now due to a substantial change in circumstances... not the dog's fault, and he's nicely trained and settled now, loves kids. So, when the time is right, somebody like him might fit the bill perfectly.

You may be able to find a suitable candidate through a good rescue group (preferably one that places their dogs into foster homes rather than kennels, as a fosterer gets to know all the foibles, and does a bit of training with them), or you may be lucky enough to find a breeder of a breed you like who has kept a pup back for a few months to see how they develop, but decide to let the young adult go due to it not being a "perfect" show specimen!

IceT

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120276906#Comment_120276906

I think you are referring to Rage syndrome, it's known to be in Spaniels but it's anecdotal at best. I've yet to come across a client with a Spaniel with red rage, so far it's green mostly behavioural issues which were ironed out. But it us why I referred to the breeding of the dog. I would recommend a mix from a rescue or failing that, a dog from a good reputable breeder with a good history of good dogs with good temperaments

Cyrus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120277018#Comment_120277018

Thanks for the detailed answer, looks like a rescue is off limits given the age of my youngest unfortunately.

Anything in particular you would recommend?

Sorry I saw a cav at the end, I like them and was around a lot of them as a kid but my wife is less keen on them unfortunately, might raise it again!

Tony H

Cockers are lovely dogs but they need a lot of exercise , king Charles are great dogs , but be prepared for a lot of vet fees ,

We have a retriever bitch and she's our fifth retriever , she is the easiest of the lot to manage , size wise never found any problems ,

If you need a recommendation on a breeder there are a few of us here with them so ask away

Jim_Hodge

Honestly, having had them, I wouldn't recommend cockers for a family of young kids, if you haven't a large secure garden, and willing to exercise them well every day. King Charles' have many health problems. Keep looking at breeds, you'll see something that ticks all the boxes.

DBB

Not all rescues rule out kids, so no harm to shop around!

I haaate recommending particular breeds 🫣 because of the individual variation, and because sometimes, some breeds become hugely popular, the hype somewhat contributed to by discussion forums like this, and popularity of a breed in Ireland is the death knell for that breed 🥺

But... I might just break that rule... a little bit... maybe... have you considered a whippet or small lurcher? 😊

DBB

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120277069#Comment_120277069

If Retrievers are on the shopping list, then this is great advice and I know Tony H and other Retriever fans here will help you out with finding a breeder who's doing all the right things!

To be honest, when bigger breeds are well behaved and nicely trained, their size doesn't tend to be a huge issue. I know there's that difficult stage between having a pup and having a well behaved adult 😁

I love and adore cockers, and had my last girl for 12 years (she was a two year old rescue when I got her.)

Despite being a seized cruelty case, I never saw a single second of aggression out of that particular dog in all the years she was with me - so not all cockers are snappy. But - I have had other cockers, including a few that I fostered, that eventually were rehomed in adult homes only, and I really do agree that in general, they are better suited to families with children older than yours. I would say 12 and over.

Best of luck finding the right dog for your family, whatever you decide. 🐶

Faith

Are you hell-bent on a puppy? Just bear in mind that managing pups around smaller kids can be a real challenge. Pups bite, bite and bite. It's bloody hard to convince a now-terrified young child that this time will pass, but it takes months 😬 Puppies are VERY hard work. I think most people underestimate just how much work and attention they need... even experienced owners, myself included, are shell-shocked when a new pup arrives, because you forget how challenging they are!

Strongly agree!! We have a 10 month old golden retriever and I wouldn't trust her near young kids still. For the first few months, it was biting issues, and now it's excitement jumping. I've only recently stopped having reveries about giving her back to the breeder so that my life can go back to normal.

Our friends got a Cavalier when they had a small toddler and they're great friends, but the health problems are rife as said. Their dog is only 2 and has already cost them a fortune in vet bills.

pauly58

If you are looking for a cocker I would spend an evening researching health problems, Acral mutilation syndrome is one in cockers, health testing of the parents is the answer but very few breeders do it here.

Most breeds are racked with health problems, we have had many breeds over the last nearly fifty years, you would think a whippet cross lurcher would be healthy, we lost her at six to epilepsy, a cluster fit.

We've had six GSD's, the last was lost at seven & was unhealthy most of his life, I won't get another. I'd really love a Dobermann but their health problems are unreal, heart problems being one.

A common bred springer can be nice not field trial or show champion bred we've had a few now.

My wife now has a Springer/ Blue Picardy Spaniel, unusual but he looks to be healthy. Good luck in your search because luck plays a big part in it.

Reminds me, we had a Rottweiler who made ten without seeing a vet in her life, lost her to bone cancer in the end.

delboythedub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058285305/cocker-spaniel-as-first-family-pet

I hope that you will give consideration to a rescue/ shelter dog as in my experience they can make great pets . I adopted a Yorkshire Terrier last year from Wicklow SPCA and he settled into his new home very well. ''Always remember that with a Rescue /Shelter dog that You may not get the breed of dog you want but with a bit of work you just might get the dog you need''. Best of luck with your new furry friend.

Cyrus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120286360#Comment_120286360

Thanks follow them online but they won't rehome to houses with kids under 6 generally

FREDNISMO

Neighbour has one and it's very snappy, has bitten two of my relatives while they were visiting the house wouldn't have one around the house, cousin also had one with similar traits.

Buddy Bubs

The cocker spaniel could be a great pet, probably will be, but there are question marks around certain behaviours and breeding lineage. Go onto YouTube and watch videos listing best family dogs.

Labradors and golden retrievers top them consistently. Yes they're a bit big but won't take up more space than a spaniel but no concerns about any of them. Can be a handful as puppies because they're so energetic but get through that first year and you've the best dog breed out there. They can do everything other breeds can and much much more. Look at the jobs they're capable of, guide dogs, therapy dogs, search and rescue and obviously fantastic retrievers too.

Shedding would be about the only negative too the breed.

Jim_Hodge

Consider a Rough Collie if you can get one. Very gentle generally and especially so around kids. Intelligent and easily trained.

pauly58

I'd be very careful with rescues, there's always a reason they are there & it might not be "due to change in circumstances" with the increase in lockdown pups a lot weren't socialised . Yes, I've known some nice dogs from these places but I've also heard of some horror stories. Also you have no way of knowing if the parents were health tested.

Labradors & Goldens can be lovely, but I wouldn't go to see a litter unless the parents were tested for all the things both breeds are prone to.

In general, the secretary of the breed clubs is a good place to start rather than Dogs.ie .

AndrewJRenko

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120287618#Comment_120287618

DSPCA don't seem to mention any such policy on their website.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120287704#Comment_120287704

This seems like a fairly damning indictment of rescues. Any responsible rescue will have gotten to know their dog fairly well, and will have a good feel for what kind of home it is suitable for. They would all have gone through vet review and care also.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120287693#Comment_120287693

Oh lord, yes.

We had two at home. Our first RC was a big male, and the most beautiful, gentle dog - I always said he was the most "gentlemanly" of dogs. Very intelligent, and very protective. But grooming them is a lot of work. And they need lots of exercise and play. Our second RC was a rescued girl, very nervous and abused, a puppy farm dog used for churning out pups, but when she came to trust us, she was wonderful. Also extremely gentle and protective.

micar

We have golden cocker spaniel....probably 10/11 at this stage.

She's an absolute lunatic.

She's so affectionate. She'd leap onto your lap and lick the face off you.

She's not great with small children. We always need to watch her when the kids (nieces and nephews) are with her. She has snapped but you can see the warning sign.

Ordinarily, she wouldn't go near any of them.

She now seems to be fine with my 8 year old niece.

Cyrus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120287824#Comment_120287824

Click on any listing and it's there to see

https://www.dspca.ie/puppies---various-see-below

DBB

Mod note: folks, can I just remind you that naming and discussion if individual rescue groups is not permitted in this forum.

Thanks,

DBB

Mike Litoris

Cockers are brilliant dogs. I've always had them and either rescued or took them from people before they were surrendered. They're super energetic especially when young and need a lot of exercise at that age or else the can become destructive around the house so you need to consider this for yours and the dogs sanity. That said they are super friendly, loyal, intelligent, fun and well behaved if you put the time and effort in. I think a lot of the bad press comes from people and kids seeing them a little teddy bears and treating them as such. They will let you know if you're treating them too roughly. This goes for most breeds though.

All mine were raised with or around kids and we never had a problem. My newest, Scooby, I have him a little over a month and is 7 months old. He's great but he likes to jump on you and has knocked my 3 year old nephew over a couple of times. It's not done out of badness just pure excitement and he's already responding to a little positive reinforcement training. :)

Good luck with whatever breed you go for! Dogs are the best! :)

Anawilliam850

I find that this breed of dog is ideal for a family, although you have to be patient with them, because they are very crazy and have a lot of energy, I had a cocker spaniel for 17 years and until the end, he looked like a puppy

Larbre34

Cockers are great dogs for sure, but I agree with others that they are likely to be a bit highly strung and that may not manifest itself immediately if you get a puppy of 8 to 10 weeks of age.

As I always recommend to people, please do try the rescues and shelters. You will find great people there to profile and advise you and they will facilitate visits to do meet and greets so you can spend some time with potential fits, ideally just you and your wife to begin with so you can shortlist to your requirements and then get the kids involved.

In my experience of dogs, the best are the mid size Irish mongrels that tend to be mixes of collies and terriers and greyhounds and what not. They generally have better health and longer life expectancy than any of the pure breeds and you'll quickly get sense of their personality if you're adopting one of maybe one to two years of age.

Best of luck!

beertons

Cavaliers tend to have a great temperament, but lordy... the health issues 😔 Almost all of them succumb to heart problems which take the majority of Cavs by age 10-11, and cause quality of life issues (and expensive medication) for several years before that.

This. ^

11 years we had ours, I'm still not over her loss.

The Red Ace

Like a lot of other people who replied I have had spaniels for the past forty years mostly the brown springer spaniels , great hunting dogs and most with a great temperament towards children, last dog I had was a cross between a springer and a cocker, he was the best of all, kids could pull drag or lay down on him with no retaliation, lasted thirteen years. Replaced him with a 3 month old cocker and is he a handful, he cannot stop chewing everything that comes his way even at 8 months and I reckon he will be at it for another 8 months, he is very affectionate but does he need space to get rid of his energy. One other breed that I have had in the past was a Weimaraner, actually had two, superb temperament look them up, could be quite pricey. Best of luck with whatever dog you buy.

micar

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120393173#Comment_120393173

My sister's Cocker who's quite small for the breed is 10 or 11 and still looks like a puppy.

griffin100

We have a 'red' cocker and he's a great family pet. He came from a non working line. Affectionate, can walk all day without a problem and no aggression towards strangers. However he needed a bit of work when younger to manage a tendency to snap if upset. He also barks - a lot!! He's also not that great with other dogs, he's not aggressive he just doesn't like them despite lots of socialization. That said it only took about 10 days to get him used to our new dog when our other dog died. As a pup he was an energetic destructive bundle of joy, but lots of pups are. Now he's happy with a 45 minute walk every day and gets on great with our second dog (we have an acre of a garden so they can run around all day if they want).

Our friends have a similar dog that came from a working line. He's extremely friendly but jesus at two years old now he's still unbelievable hyper - unmanageable I'd say. He never stops running and jumping.

Interestingly a friend who's a vet recommended not getting a cocker due to the spaniel rage issue but not sure how common that is.

tritriagain

im nearly 50 and have dogs all my life. I got a black cocker spaniel about 7 years ago and I can honestly say he is the best dog I ever had. I love them all but he is just fantastic. sitting on my lap now but would run the fields all day as well. just perfect. I also have a 1 1/2 year old golden retriever who is a high energy loveable rogue. the cocker more or less trained him for me. if the GR gets out of hand in the house one growl from the cocker quietens him down. if you're prepared to put in the time a cocker is a great pet. I can't comment on the red rage but I have certainly heard it exists and my sister was bitten by a GC when younger so maybe something in it

Gael23

Had a cocker spaniel for 15 amazing years.

can’t recommend enough. We got him from a reputable breeder, rescue wasn’t the right choice for a number of reasons.

He was fine with children, the only thing was he could jump on a child out of pure friendliness and knock them over with his weight, but no aggression of any kind.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120410268#Comment_120410268

Interestingly a friend who's a vet recommended not getting a cocker due to the spaniel rage issue but not sure how common that is.

Rage syndrome is rare, but it does exist, and not just in cockers. It also affects some other breeds, including Golden Retrievers! 😮

One of my fosters had rage syndrome. Male, golden cocker, about 10 months old when I fostered him. From a VERY reputable breeder, came with all his pedigrees and IKC registration.

The first time he attacked, it was absolutely terrifying. One minute he was fine, the next he was staring and snarling and biting. This happened a couple more times. He was totally unpredictable. My own cocker became terrified of him.

Unfortunately the family that surrendered him did not tell the rescue the whole truth of why they were giving him up (they claimed it was due to lack of time to exercise him). But when I reported back to the rescue what was going on, they contacted the former owners who then admitted he'd been biting and attacking them too. They thought the rescue would be able to "sort him out" and find him a new home.

He was genuinely too unpredictable to rehome so the rescue consulted with their vet who agreed the best thing to do was to humanely euthanise him. Very sad to see, as otherwise, he was a beautiful dog.

The DayDream

I worked in an animal shelter for 3 years where 75% of the dogs we had in were pit bulls (not in Ireland). But despite their reputation they were almost never surrendered because they bit a person in the family, while I remember it happening with cocker spaniels more than once. I'm not saying get a pit bull (they're restricted here anyway I believe) just for comparison sake as I believe their reputation as snappy is well deserved.,

Of course, I also think most of the bites likely happened because the kids did something to invade the dogs space, especially while it had a toy, treat, or was eating etc.

If your kids are old enough/mature enough/obedient enough to not do things that might cause a dog to snap after it's explained what not to do, chances of a bite go down IMO. But you never know.

I have a collie who is just the sweetest dog and so gentle, she is afraid of kids if they're rambunctious especially, but will only run away, has never growled or bared teeth at all. My 2 year old nephew is visiting and he was petting her nicely as she was lying on her leather chair, but then he decided suddenly to go for a headbutt. Lowering your face into a dog's face is the absolute worst thing you can do to provoke a bite (and since the face is right there, that's what's gonna get bit and scarred). Normally my heart would be in my mouth but I had (almost) no fear at all as I know my dog and she didn't react at all other than to sit up and look at me like, 'What the heck?'

So, I vote for a collie. Shelters are full of them and my girl was 80 euro with all vaccinations and spaying included from the rescue I got her from. She's 11 now (got her at 11 months) and never needed the vet once other than routine checkups and booster shots. They are generally nowhere near as inbred as other breeds so have the healthy attributes of a mongrel. (My sister who's kid is with us this weekend has a lab, great with the kid, but is less than half the age of my dog and already had to have a hip surgery and might need another, and has skin problems.

I have heard the odd story of mean collies but they usually belonged to mean farmers who didn't socialize them enough. They do need a lot of exercise and stimulation though, I give mine 2 walks a day and almost every day a game of fetch with a ball and ball launcher, weather permitting.

dublin49

i have a Cocker border collie cross and she is a dot,I have seen a cocker Spaniel chasing birds on Dollymount strand and I was gobsmacked by the endless energy,never seen the like .