tell me the good the bad the ugly
Yuck, I'd stay away. I've had a cocker since I was a kid. They don't like kids at all because they don't want to play at all. I remember when I was a kid, my dog took half my face off, and then my nose. Not a good time. And I'm not irresponsible, I was just a kid, you know? Anyways, he's going on 13 years old. He's got thyroid issues, fatty tumors, he's had one of his back legs re-done. He's had ear problems all his life, and now he's getting blind. Case in point: they don't age gracefully. And they gain weight FAST. My cocker weighs more than my 2 year old lab mix. But that's because his body doesn't process fat anymore, and it just builds up into all these tumors all over his body and since they're not malignant, only just fatty lumps, the vet said it wouldn't make a difference but yearly we get his tumors out. They're very protective of who they love, though. They love eating. They're energetic as puppies but after that, it's like having a cat. They're pretty good at learning new tricks. When I was a kid I taught my dog how to jump up on a table because I was thrilled with agility, but eventually my dog would just jump up on the table and eat the sugar out of the sugar bowl. He's on the last leg of his life now and he's annoying as ever. Now that he's almost blind, he scrapes at the doors all the time because he doesn't know if they're open or not. I know it sounds mean, he's been a good dog and he's lived a full life, but I just never remember him being fun. He was just mean and lazy. But like I said, I have a lab mix now and she's the best dog in the world. I would recommend going to a shelter (that's where I got mine and that's where I spend my Friday nights volunteering). Shelter pets are much sturdier because they're generally a mix of different breeds. There are a lot of breed-specific illnesses, but if a dog is mixed, they'll be less likely to get those diseases. Any dog with floppy ears will have ear problems, so don't let that discourage you from a cocker if you NEED one. But go for shelter dogs, there's some number like 5 million domestic pets are put to sleep in shelters every year, and for every shelter dog that is put down, two more purebred pups are born. Shelter dogs are amazing but I won't lecture you. Just if you're thinking of a cocker, don't have any kids around. They just don't mix.
-
We hate spam as much as you do! Your details will be kept 100% confidential and are not shared with anyone. You can un-subscribe at any time.
Slideshow
there is a dog breed website somewhere that lists everything there is to know about a breed, the advantages and disadvantages. i think it is on the animal planet website. i'm sure just typing your dog breed in a search should tell you something.
References :
http://www.akc.org/breeds/cocker_spaniel/index.cfm
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americancocker.htm
References :
As a Cocker owner I can tell you that they can be Nippy, if not socialize right. They need lots of attention (grooming and socialization). The need lots of toys, grooming, socialization, and training to be wonderful pets.
If you are interested you need to find a reputable breeder one that starts socialization early. One that doesnt inbreed or even line breed them as they can get tempermental if your not careful.
The plus side is that they are very pretty, loveable, and sweet. They love to be in your lap, will sleep with you and are very loyal and personality to die for. My girls are Awesome in the show ring and the field.
I have one in the Conformation ring and another in the Field to flush Grouse. They learn fast and listen very well.
You cant go wrong with a well bred, well trained and socialized Cocker.
Good luck.
References :
They need a lot of grooming,usually professionally,about every 4-6 weeks…..have ear problems often…but are loyal,devoted,beautiful companions.
References :
well, they are a very sexual breed. they can be vicouse. they really dont like kids that much. they dont like to play. they smell if you dont groom them often. so ya.
References :
I HAVE A 3MONTH OLD AND HE IS WONDERFUL. HE IS VERY ATTACHED TO ME BUT LOVES MY KIDS TOO AGES 8,6, & 4. HE REQUIRES ALOT OF ATTENTION. HE THINKS SOMEONE HAS TO BE RIGHT WITH HIM EVERY MINUTE OR HE CRIES. I LOVE HIM!
References :
Yuck, I'd stay away. I've had a cocker since I was a kid. They don't like kids at all because they don't want to play at all. I remember when I was a kid, my dog took half my face off, and then my nose. Not a good time. And I'm not irresponsible, I was just a kid, you know? Anyways, he's going on 13 years old. He's got thyroid issues, fatty tumors, he's had one of his back legs re-done. He's had ear problems all his life, and now he's getting blind. Case in point: they don't age gracefully. And they gain weight FAST. My cocker weighs more than my 2 year old lab mix. But that's because his body doesn't process fat anymore, and it just builds up into all these tumors all over his body and since they're not malignant, only just fatty lumps, the vet said it wouldn't make a difference but yearly we get his tumors out. They're very protective of who they love, though. They love eating. They're energetic as puppies but after that, it's like having a cat. They're pretty good at learning new tricks. When I was a kid I taught my dog how to jump up on a table because I was thrilled with agility, but eventually my dog would just jump up on the table and eat the sugar out of the sugar bowl. He's on the last leg of his life now and he's annoying as ever. Now that he's almost blind, he scrapes at the doors all the time because he doesn't know if they're open or not. I know it sounds mean, he's been a good dog and he's lived a full life, but I just never remember him being fun. He was just mean and lazy. But like I said, I have a lab mix now and she's the best dog in the world. I would recommend going to a shelter (that's where I got mine and that's where I spend my Friday nights volunteering). Shelter pets are much sturdier because they're generally a mix of different breeds. There are a lot of breed-specific illnesses, but if a dog is mixed, they'll be less likely to get those diseases. Any dog with floppy ears will have ear problems, so don't let that discourage you from a cocker if you NEED one. But go for shelter dogs, there's some number like 5 million domestic pets are put to sleep in shelters every year, and for every shelter dog that is put down, two more purebred pups are born. Shelter dogs are amazing but I won't lecture you. Just if you're thinking of a cocker, don't have any kids around. They just don't mix.
References :