[Closed] Tell me about springer and cocker spaniels

AWESOME!!!!!

I have one of both and they are great dogs. Lots of energy and great company. Also quite small, so a good size for today's modern life.

They are lovely dogs but be aware of this [url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rage_syndrome ]possible problem[/url]

Have you considered a Lab/Springer cross? Love ours and will happily laze around the house/by the fire or run and run and run.

How do springers and cockers compare?

I worked with working springers years back and they were brilliant. Now have a 16 week working cocker. Love him to bits. Extremely intelligent. House trained more or less within 4 days using a crate. Recall, sit, stay and paw he picked up straight away. Thinking of field trial lessons purely to keep him entertained. Doesn't chew furniture and has learned his place quickly. I'm trying not to exercise him too much because of potential hip problems later on. He gets a 15 min walk on the lead and free run of the garden every day. That's where the only problem is! He has chewed everything in the garden to the extent ive fenced some areas off for the time being. He also has a nasty habit of hunting and eating snails. They can cause lung worm so making sure his worming is up to date.

He's a proper lap dog and very affectionate. He's not allowed up on furniture so he knows the minute I sit on the floor it's cuddles!

Got a black sprocker myself, absolute nut case in the woods, loves chaing me around when i'm riding. At home sweet affectionate calm doggy. Always wants to snuggle up for a cuddle. great with my daughter.

I grew up with springers and the wife grew up with cockers, so a perfect choice for us.

He's in a for his 2nd summer groom today before heading to cornwall for the week.

Are they good trail dogs? I can't imagine a staff would be though tbh.

Springer FTW had both but cockers can be a bit snappy especially in adolescence. Not all of them but it can be an issue. Make sure you get one from a working line not a show bred one which are thicker than mince. One of the most rewarding breeds to own and will love you unconditionally.

Lovely dogs. Smart, loyal, affectionate.

I wanted a springer, but the opportunity came up for a blue roan cocker. TBH the cocker is a better size for "modern life" - small enough for our house, big enough to be a "proper dog" 😉

Our first is from a show bred line. She's certainly not thick, but more inclined to lazy indifference. Second is a liver & white 50:50 (show mother, working father). Excellent dog - very loving and affectionate, but mad as a box of frogs. Much more energetic, always running around following her nose and quick as a whippet (almost). Most folks mistake her for a part grown springer

Excellent dogs and as a retriever type gun dog they would make great trail dogs. Lived next door to a Welsh Springer, very well natured and was our Collie's best friend till we moved away.

They're nuts.
Their ears dangle in their food.
They'll outrun you. (even the little ones with bandy legs)

Grew up with a springer and have a 2 year old springer from a working line now, will run further than you can ride (they just dont know when to stop) You will be their whole world totally unconditionally, and they will make you laugh every day!

My wife grew up with german shep's and when we were looking at a dog both were an option, the springer won on size (we go caravanning.......ahem)the wife wouldn't go back now, there is just something about this breed.

These just about say it all......

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We've a Springer Spaniel called "millie", she is 7 now and recovering from meningitis (something i had no idead dogs could get), she is a very affectionate dog and very good tempered, we were happy for our daughter to go near her from the minute she could walk and she absolutely loves her. She is a bit barmy, she loves nothing better than chasing leaves and shadows for hours on end, and is happy round the bike.

She came from my brother in law who breeds gun dogs and he has two of the other bithces from the same litter still working.

He also has a rare breed called a Clumber Spaniel, huge paws and chunky jaw, lovely dog but a lazy gun dog.

This is our Milli doing what she does best.

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Yeah cmon get your pics out, puppies Please??? 😀

Don't have either (I've a Lab/Shepherd cross), but see loads of them in the park/on the river where I walk mine. Fantastic dogs. Particularly like Springers which are a bit larger and more boisterous. Full of character, intelligent, good fun. They are originally gun dogs, so they will need a lot of mental stimulation and a lot of exercise (2-3 hours a day). Probably best with a relatively experienced dog owner, or someone who is prepared to get into it properly.

I'd +1 the Labrador/Springer cross. Met a couple on my travels with dog and it is an excellent cross and less likely to suffer from any hereditary issues.

FWIW Staffs are great dogs. Super friendly, great with kids and lots of energy. Can sometimes be a bit funny with other dogs, but this probably more to do with owners. Not sure how they'd do as trail dogs, those little legs and stocky bodies..

Not sure about Spaniels either to be fair. Gundogs weren't bred to cover vast distances at pace. You'd probably be better off with a terrier. I've heard that border terriers make great trail dogs and they have bags of personality and are relatively compact!

Anyway, have fun, dogs are great and add loads to people's lives!

SPRINGERS ARE BRILLIANT!!!! So much fun and they don't tend to scare people (rightly or wrongly) like staffies tend to. I know all the stories of how loving and wonderful staffies are but this has not been my experience as an owner of another breed. Daisy (my working springer) regularly gets hassled/attacked by staffs. Way more than any other breed. She can spot one a mile off and stays well clear now.

My springer is almost identical to the hustlers ^^^.

She's crackers outdoors but really chilled at home. She has always been superb with both of our kids who are both younger than the her. Will retrieve a ball for as long as you're able to throw it. Is excellent around the bike and will run forevermore should you let her. Has never chewed anything other than the stuff we give her (the exception rather than the rule) and is just brilliant to have around. She is a bit nervous and can get spooked easily by household noises but is bold as brass out on the trails.
We purposefully got one with a tail although most were docked despite it being made illegal (except with dispensation) but I regret that. She constantly cuts her tail which occasionally gets infected. We have recently had her tail docked down to half length in an effort to reduce it from happening. She's currently 2 weeks into a month of wearing the cone of shame. She hates it as do I but thems the breaks I'm afraid. I would definitely say think carefully about getting a working springer with a docked tail because it could save you quite a bit of anguish and vets trips.
She is mine and my wife's first dog but I grew up around springers so I suppose I'm just used to them. They are a fantastic breed but they really respond to training and knowing their place. If you get one you won't regret it. And if you do then let me know and I'll have it off you. 🙂

And for what it's worth daisy is happy with whatever walks she gets. She will get a minimum of 30mins a day but usually more. She only starts going crackers if she doesn't go out for a couple of days. This is only usually following one if her many injuries.
I mention injuries because she's had a fair few. The vet and I put it down to the fact that she is a beater/ retriever and as such loves to go into brush and scrub, and hedges. Around where we live that's where the local morons chuck their glass bottles so she does get cut pads fairly frequently as well as cut ears, nose, tail (as mentioned) and other minor scrapes.

I Have a Sprocker (mix of the two) mad as a box of frogs that is all.

+1 for springer

I do love cockers but for me it has to be a springer. Or I quite fancy a field spaniel as they are quite rare and it would be nice to support a breed.

As for trail dogs...not ideal and there are better dogs. You just have to be aware that they will need plenty of decent breaks as they are a point and shoot type dog. They can stay out all day in all weathers but they are not a husky or a dalmation in terms of distance. They will show you up around any twisty and steep terrain though (as will most dogs but spaniels are exceptional) and they won't be as ultimately controllable as a collie as they will want to deviate and do some loops off the trail, especially when you slow down on hills.

They do make fantastic family pets though that you can take riding.

Forgot the one word of warning, they do love their water and mud.........

Both are great, I have a preference for cockers and I just love the look. I had a black lab and if we'd wanted a smaller dog or a pair we would have got cockers. Staffies are a bit to "static" for me, not active enough.

Forgot the one word of warning, they do love their water and mud.........

This. Daisy could find smelly mud in a desert. Also when she drinks 80% of the water ends up on the kitchen floor. 10% actually get into her mouth the rest soaks into her ears, even with a proper spaniel water bowl.

A scruffy pre-groomed Sproker in the folks back garden.

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We have a Sprocker, mum was a working cocker, dad a working springer, and we love her to bits. She's just coming up to 9 months so we still need to be careful about over walking but she gets at least an hour a day (prob a bit too much at the moment) and absolutely loves running full tilt through the woods with her nose down. She's just starting to swim too.

Poppy:

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She's great with the kids too, ours and all the neighbours that come round to call for her. This was a few days after we picked her up, so she'd have been a couple of months old or thereabouts.

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My first Staff was a great trail dog, only took him on tight twisty rides so he didnt need to fly down hill or go to fast, only problem is that I carshed once and knocked myself out he and wouldnt let anyone come and help me 😯 a bloke came over to see if I was ok and the dog growled at him. I came to after about a couple of minutes and the dog was fine with him then. Very protective hound was Caesar.

The second one was hopless kept biting the wheels 🙄

OMG I want one, But the wife says NO!!!! My kids would go crazy If I brought one of those home.... If I was at home in the day then yes but Im at work and they would have to spend most of the day 8-3 at home with Hugo the house cat!!!! Do they mix???

Oh, and I can also vouch for their ability to find the smelliest mud and promptly lay in it as well as the love of slugs and snails. The last two nights I've let Poppy out for a wee before bed and she's come back in with some weird slimy, sticky mess stuck all over her nose and mouth. The only thing I can think is that she's found a slug and then ground it into the dirt with her snout. It's really hard to get off too!

Bigface - 8 to 3 is a bit long.

As for mixing with other animals I wish I had a camera on me the other day as the dog was in her bed (for a change as the cat normally steals it), the cat was lying down having a wash about 1 foot away and the rabbit was laid down inbetween the two of them.

In fact I just looked up and the dog is fast asleep in her bed, the cat fast asleep on a cushion on the chair next to her and the rabbit fast asleep under the table next to the chair. All happy animals 🙂

Yep, slugs and Snails, wonderful toys and treats as far as Maisy is concerned. Will vouch for the muddy puddle thing as well, especially as she has stumpy little legs.

Very hard work if you buy from working stock, still hard work even if you don't.

What is your level of dog experience, and what's your situation at home?

Agreed, 8-3 is a bit long. As for animals, it all depends how well you socialise them I think. If they're used to cats, rabbits, etc being around they won't feel the need to chase them. Mine will still chase squirrels and birds as she's young and they're fun, she'll say hello to cats but wouldn't dream of chasing them as all the local ones tell her off.

Due to the missus's allergies, we went down the mongrel route and have just got a cockapoo.

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We've had her about a fortnight. She's mad as a bag of frogs and her favourite new game is to launch herself onto the top of one the garden hedges for the soft landing.

Our springer is absolutely fine with our cat and rabbit. As is the cat with the rabbit (they actually play together).

But outside the springer will still get all excited when she sees a cat an I have to tell her 'no' and she will still sit and point and ask to chase the wild rabbits (and i say yes as it gives her a good run).

Squirrels, deer and seagulls on the beach are the three things she just bolts for without asking. Pheasants and rabbits she waits to be told what to do.

The cat spends his days outside hunting the wild rabbits but only catching mice.

My sister has a cockapoo. He's ace but a bit thick with zero spacial awareness. He also acts as a sponge and will stay wet for hours if not thoroughly dried. Consequently he can be a bit smelly. But he is a lovely temperament if a bit docile for my tastes.

There is a liver and white 14 week old springer for sale not far from me. Tempted...

I miss our cocker who died this year age 15. She was everyone's friend, bombproof in every way, gentle, mischievous, biddable and stubborn. We took her everywhere *sigh*.

Our adopted Welsh Springer is a different dog entirely and very hard work.

Buy from a reputable breeder, make sure you see the dam (mum) before you see the pups. Train and socialise as soon as possible.

http://www.englishspringerrescue.org.uk/homes-required.html

There is a liver and white 14 week old springer for sale not far from me. Tempted...

I did think about getting a lunch time dog walker Mon-Thurs to come in but thats just another cost... Ive been thinking about getting a dog for the last 3 years!! The only thing holding me back is leaving it((

Leo post groom

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tonyd - Member

There is a liver and white 14 week old springer for sale not far from me. Tempted...

Do it.

[spoilsport] Please [b]don't[/b] do it unless you have seriously looked into everything about dog ownership and know you are ready.[/spoilsport]

Please don't do it unless you have seriously looked into everything about dog ownership and know you are ready.

Am currently looking for a staff pup but the wife is suggesting a spaniel of some sort

Because of allergies again (my daughter's) - we got a designer mongrel cocker cross - coming up a year and a half old.

Absolutely hatstand. Current favourite is barking at any sunlight / shadows interfaces on the walls or floor. And woe betide if the sun should reflect off a watch, or glass, or something, she'll go beserk.

Pic with her walking friend Coco (at 11 months still very much a pup), whose favourite game is trying to corner Bonnie and then sit on her.

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Here's my 2 springers. Another Millie, ,now 9 1/2, and Wagtail who's 4[URL= http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/photo_zpsleovevsq.jp g" target="_blank">http://i1343.photobucket.com/albums/o784/petetallboy/photo_zpsleovevsq.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]

We got Minsky just before Christmas. She is a 4 year old springer, but tiny. She is a rescue dog. She was a gun dog but had wrecked her cruciate and her owner couldn't afford the surgery. She is doing rehab now for the second op, done correctly this time. She is brilliant. Happy to loaf about the house but LOVES being outside running about mad whatever the weather. Another month before she can be let off the lead again. She comes back instantly when called. She was well trained. As said above she can find mud in a desert, and until told not to one of her favourite delicacies was cow shit. It gave her really vile breath. I wouldn't be without her now. On really bad days, I got made redundant a month ago, seeing her enthusiasm and zest for life perks me up no end. I love her to bits.

And she is great with our house cat, and the two ferals that live in the shed, and the sheep and horses in the fields next to us.

I've got a big black and white male springer and I've just had the pick of the litter from his first pups, I've chosen another black and white springer but female this time, so I should have a good pair of working dogs.

I'm stuck in Belgium at the moment and can't get pictures off my face book onto here.

Excellent dogs with good temperament as I hate dogs that don't socialise after my first border terrier who was a nightmare with other dogs!

OK nope didn't work

Another mongrel cross owner here (hence the username) - Boxer X Sprocker. Fantastic cross - short coat so keeps nice and clean, has a mix of spaniel trainability and Boxer "screw you" indifference! Happy to sleep at home whilst we're at work (I get home to walk him at lunch), comes to the yard and runs about daft whilst we ride horses, loves coming out with the bikes. Only destroys his toys, nothing else. OH and I fell asleep on the sofa last night with a plate of food on the floor - woke up to find it untouched! He's definitely inherited the spaniel trait of being able to find the muddiest puddle in any given location..
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We never drop food in our house. Or at least it never reaches the floor. Although she has to be in another room while we're eating she can hear the air rush around a falling scrap of food and get from wherever she is to wherever we are before it hits the deck. It's an impressive skill to watch. Think 'Dash' from The Incredibles.

Couldn't resist one more photo, not the best quality but shows Poppy in her preferred location

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tonyd - Member
Please don't do it unless you have seriously looked into everything about dog ownership and know you are ready.
The OP suggested to me that they've already done just that.
Am currently looking for a staff pup but the wife is suggesting a spaniel of some sort

I'd ask again what the OP's dog experience is and what the home situation is... Which makes a huge difference to which dog might be appropriate... Alternatively: cats, gerbils and hamsters are apparently also available...

I have a snappy adolescent cocker right now.

The dirty bugger is dry humping everything he can at the moment and we've had to make some efforts to make sure he knows his place recently too. It's just a phase though, he's a loving, people focused boy and a total dickhead to boot.

He's a bit older than this now.
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I'd ask again what the OP's dog experience is and what the home situation is... Which makes a huge difference to which dog might be appropriate... Alternatively: cats, gerbils and hamsters are apparently also available...

I appreciate your concern, however I am an adult and am able to make decisions without parental consent...

The 14 week old springer has gone now. Probably a bit too big of a dog for our household anyway tbh.

We've both, a working Cocker and a working Springer.

Top dogs the pair.

The Cocker we've had since a puppy whereas the Springer we got at 2 y/o from our local rescue centre who also happens to breed them. Ours came back as his owner moved jobs from working on an Estate to an office job.

While they will walk/run all day, they'll also do bu99er all quite happily too - but we are lucky where we are as they can take themselves off for a walk if they want plus my folks live nearby (50yds) and we've a secure open area they've access too.

Our adopted Welsh Springer is a different dog entirely and very hard work.

We have had a rescue Sprocker for the last four years. He was abused prior to us getting him and the charity (CAESSR) clearly failed to diagnose his physiological and psychological issues. Subsequently he doesn't like me, and pisses all over the floor daily, which is very wearing. I'm not prepared to give him back to the charity because of the state they allowed him to exist in, and he costs us over £100 per month on insurance and medication.

They are hardy, robust and mostly friendly dogs, but I'm not sure I'd get another, sadly...

Our pair

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Working Cocker here. Awesome dogs, just keep them entertained. Walks, gundog training, agility and now he's 2 and a half running with the bike.

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My Ozzy, several weeks old Cocker now going on 10 years[URL= http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr204/ohnomojo/ce3f95de-a725-40b6-b239-0c300205f924.jp g" target="_blank">http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr204/ohnomojo/ce3f95de-a725-40b6-b239-0c300205f924.jp g"/> [/IMG][/URL]