Cocker Spaniel as a Family Pet
CHARLES DEWITT
to kidney disease several years ago, just before our children were born. We
both miss having a dog "in the family". We had assumed that we would adopt a
small mixed breed dog from an animal shelter in another year or so.
But now one of my wife's friends who breeds Cocker Spaniels has offered us the
gift of a one year old female who has been raised in the breeder's own home.
(The dog is the daughter of the breeder's own pet and has lived with the dog's
mother and one littermate inside the breeder's house.) The breeder tells us
that the dog is very friendly and romps and plays well with the breeder's
nieces and nephews who visit most weekends. She says she doesn't want to keep
her any longer because the dog is getting jealous of the attention the breeder
gives to the other two dogs. The breeder would like the dog to go into a home
where she'd be the only dog and where she'd get a lot of attention.
Before we decide whether or not to go visit the dog, I'm curious to read
people's opinions about Cocker Spaniels as family pets, since our only
experience has been with mixed breed dogs as family pets.
(Hoping to avoid flames, I'll point out that whatever dog we end up adopting,
mixed breed or pure, _will_ be neutered and _will_ receive proper adult
supervsion and care.)
Txai Jo
making them ideal family pets. Yes, Cockers have gotten a bad reputation
the last few years because irresponsible breeders have destroyed their
temperament, creating dogs who are nervous fear biters. This said, I
firmly believe a good Cocker can not be beaten for a loyal companion! My
advice, watch the dog in question carefully to see how it interacts. If
you can, "borrow" the dog for a few days to see how it does in your home,
keeping in mind it'll be looking back for its own home. Good luck!!
***Joanna***
****"win or lose, it's the attempt that's important****
Skitronics
cockers over the years, I wholeheartedly give my recommendation!!! They
are a most loving dog that you will find in a very short time is totally
devoted to pleasing its owners. As puppys they are extremely easy to
housebreak. We had ours housebroken by 10-12 weeks of age. The last thing
they want to do is displease you so they try hard!!! We have found they
tend to bond more strongly with one or the other owner but show total love
to both. Please remember though that they are House! dogs and you will
break their spirit if you intend on chaining them to a doghouse all day.
Ours love all grownups but one is a little nervous with strangers small
kids although after spending 2 weeks with my sisters 1 year old they
played together like two best friends. I would watch closely at first
until your sure of yours personality.
One word of caution...our third cocker came from abreeder after one
year also where it had been kept in your typical kennel cage. We had a
very hard time housebreaking it as it was used to going whwnever it
wanted! I'd ask about that and be prepared to keep a close watch!!!!
As far as a cockers reputation for bad temperment it is my personal
experience that almost always bad cockers come from bad breeders!!! Check
references, ask to see their papers, ask to talk to other owners of her
dogs.
In closing we have never found a smarter ( sometimes too smart ) and
more affectionate breed of dog. Good luck and please feel free to E-mail
me for more info!!
Guy D. Cirinelli
(Skitronics) wrote:
> As far as a cockers reputation for bad temperment it is my personal
> experience that almost always bad cockers come from bad breeders!!! Check
> references, ask to see their papers, ask to talk to other owners of her
> dogs.
Please check out Pet Visions videotape, "Dog Lover's Video Guide To The
Cocker Spaniel". It walks you through everything you need to know about
acquiring and owning a Cocker Spaniel.
It helps people decide if the Cocker Spaniel is the right or wrong dog for
their family, how to pick a dog from a litter, responsibly caring for the
dog, etc.
Their phone number is 1-800-915-2666. Other titles are available.
Katharine E. Maus
many with health and temperament problems, but there are also
plenty of nice ones. I would recommend that you evaluate your
friend (for this purpose) as you would evaluate any other
breeder from whom you might be buying a dog. What does she know
about cocker spaniels? Does she test her breeding stock for
inherited defects? How good, physically and temperamentally, is
the puppy's dam? How did your friend go about choosing a sire?
Etc.
The only way to see how good the dog is with kids is to visit
it, with your kids. Cockers vary. They OUGHT to be good with
kids, but some are snappy. Remember that the dog is likely to
be more hyperactive when you've just come to visit than once it
has settled down in your home and is used to you; you just want
to look for a generally outgoing, lively personality.
Katharine Maus