Info on American Cocker Spaniels, Please?

I'm trying to find out more information about their temperament. I've heard that they're sweet and good with children and I've also heard they can be "demon dogs." What's everyone's experience with the cocker spaniels they've known?

 

All of the Cocker Spaniels I've come across have been sweethearts. My friends used to have one that always wanted you to pet him and my cousin has a Cocker Spaniel named Stanley that always wants to cuddle with you.

 

I've met some very sweet cocker spanials and then i've also met some very territorial, snappish ones as well. I do believe it depends on the dog and how it was socialized.

 

Thanks for the info. I'd love to hear from more people as well. I just have to say--someday, that your girl annie is one of the most beautiful pits i've ever seen. she has such a pretty face!

 

My Mom had a couple of Cocker Spaniels. They were quite friendly with adults, but seem to have a low tolerence to small children. Kind of snippy with them. But I'm sure that's not true with all of them.

One thing's for sure, they're a high maintenence dog. Constant grooming. Not just their coats, but eyes and ears. My Mom was constantly shampooing her dog's ears because they would always fall into the food dish when the dog ate.

One thing I've noticed is Cockers seem to live a longer lives. My Mom's last Cocker passed away a couple of years ago and the dog was almost 19yrs old. The one before that was around 15 or 16 yrs old.

 

Thank you!

 

I remember having one when I was somewhere around 6 years old. She was the sweetest thing ever and one of my favorites! I think she was older though, I dont remember having her as a puppy and she was blind in one eye. Her name was Jayne... I miss her.

 

"They were quite friendly with adults, but seem to have a low tolerence to small children. Kind of snippy with them. But I'm sure that's not true with all of them. "


I have heard the same thing

honeybear

 

Thanks for the info everyone.

I think I like the cocker spaniel. This would be my first dog and I like that they're a more submissive breed...i don't think i could handle a dominant dog yet. And I've heard that they're very sweet.

I don't have children or plan to have them any time soon, but i do have children guests sometimes. As far as that, do you think if i adopted an adult i'd have a good chance of finding one that is good with children?

Also I plan to keep the coat clipped short, so grooming probably wouldn't be that big of a problem. But I do know they tend to get ear infections and i wouldn't have a problem cleaning ears as much as is needed.

 

If you are adopting an adult, make sure of how it behaves with children BEFORE you adopt it. An adult dog that doesn't tolerate children can sometimes be trained to accept them, but it's not something for a new dog owner to try doing and it could take a LOT of work.

My advice is to find a cocker rescue and look for a dog there. They are fostered in homes and the foster family will tell you up front everything you want to know about the dog. They are very frank with you about anything "wrong" with the dog because they don't want him to be returned. Any foster family with kids should be able to confirm that the dog is okay with them.

Then after you get the dog, just keep on socializing with all sorts of people.