Cocker Spaniels
By blogyourself
@blogyourself (1577)
United States
January 9, 2007 9:59pm CST
I have wanted to get a cocker spaniel since I was a little girl but having a dog just isn't right for us right now. We live in a small apartment with two cats. However, I would like one in the future. I am a little worried because I have heard these are high maintenence dogs. Anyone have any experience with cocker spaniels?
2 people like this
5 responses
@creativedreamweaver (7297)
• United States
10 Jan 07
I currently have two cocker spaniels. Libby is 14 and I have owned her since she was 5 weeks old. Little Red is 8 and he is her puppy. I also owned Libby's father who was a Washington State Grand Champion. I guess you could say I have a lot of experience with cockers. LOL There are a few pictures on my profile page. Yes, they can be high maintenance, but they don't have to be. Girls are much easier to train and raise. They also seem to be less tempermental than the males. They get along great with cats though, at least mine do. I have two cats also. It is hard to raise them in an apartment though. They need room to run a bit and play, at least a fenced in yard. I groom them myself, so I don't pay for a groomer. It is pretty easy to learn the proper technique to cut their hair. I would suggest getting one at 6-8 weeks of age though, it will be easier. They are very smart dogs and I just love mine. I wouldn't trade them for anything. If you have any specific questions I'd be glad to answer them.
1 person likes this
@blogyourself (1577)
• United States
10 Jan 07
Oh wow. This has been very helpful. I guess the main thing I am concerned about is the grooming part. How do I say this so you get a good idea about my personality? lol Ok, my husband once decided I should try to cut his hair and the first time it took me two hours. From then on out I made him go to the barber. Do you know how much it would cost to get them groomed? I will keep the part about the females being easier to train and raise in mind. Easy is good. Do you know why it is easier though? Just curious.
2 people like this
@shelonewolf1969 (486)
• United States
10 Jan 07
Just make sure you buy it from a good breeder that test the dogs cockers can have a few genetic problems with thier ears and eyes most of all .Also back yard breeder and worse pet store thier temperment is not as good as from good breeders .
2 people like this
@creativedreamweaver (7297)
• United States
10 Jan 07
LOL, I can't cut hair either. I tried to cut my son's once and would have been better off putting a bowl ion top of his head. But somehow with clippers and the dogs it is much easier. I think grooming around here runs about $45-50 for cocker spaniels. If you trim them, you shouldn't need to do it more than once every three months. What she said below is correct, make sure that it is a reputable breeder. Cockers have small ear canals and are prone to infections which you can get ointment from the vet for. Females are easier in general, just as with men, males are more stubborn and harder to train. Males also have a tendancy to really dislike small children, unless raised around them. They get very protective by nature. I just have always found the females to be smarter, more controllable, and all round easier to train. We seem to have a lot in common, you and I. I am glad to find someone else that loves cocker spaniels. Thank you again for best response.
1 person likes this
@classyphotobuggy (647)
• United States
4 Feb 07
We have a cocker spaniel here. We don't know if she came from a reputable breeder or not. She ran away and was placed in a pound. I can say that she has an excellent temperment, has never bitten or snapped at anyone, even little kids that bother her. She just walks away. She has a bright personality too. I would highly recommend this type of dog. The only downfall is the ears, that have to be cleaned frequently, or they will get ear infections. I just try and do it once a week to keep the infections away. Hope this helps!! :-)
1 person likes this
@dnatureofdtrain (5273)
• Janesville, Wisconsin
25 Apr 07
I lover cockerspaniels,
High maintenance can be attributed to their playful energy, and as they get older they are more prone to eye and ear infections.. My sister had to have her cockerspaniels tear ducts surgerically removed, and had to always give her fake tears... So that is one thing to think about too.. Is care as they get older...
However, They were wonderful pets, and I enjoyed baby sitting them, and helping care for them with my sister.
- DNatureofDTrain
@xdianex (29)
• Philippines
16 Sep 07
I have 5 cocker spaniels.. and they get along very well with our 2 cats.. they even live on the same floor.. they're not separated with whatsoever.. cocker spaniels are very gentle dogs.. they're so lovable esp if the owners provide them with lots of care... they're also playful dogs.. and they don't bite.. well based on my own experience they never attacked any of our visitors.
@dollcarole (142)
• China
21 Nov 07
I have an American cocker spaniel. He just turned 1 year old. He's so smart! He understands a lota words n can do a few tricks.
