Questions about spaniels

Sweet Melissa · 04-10-2008, 07:22 AM

I have been doing a lot of research regarding what type of dog might fit into our family best. I found an online test that makes recommendations of what type of dog would be the best fit based on your answers to a few questions.

It came up with English and American Cocker Spaniels based on my answers. Having looked up both breeds, I'm still not certain exactly the difference in the two, especially in tempermant.

I was around a lot of American Cockers when I was a kid, and we briefly had one until it got run over when it was still a pup. I remember one or two dogs being a bit aggressive.

So, my questions are:
What are the primary differences between the two breeds in terms of tempermant? Is the aggressiveness a result of poor breeding? Are these dogs good with really small children?

Thanks for any input.

Medics-R-US · 04-10-2008, 07:38 AM

I do not have any answers for you but my ex wife sure can help you out.

Her moniker is (TJfirebug) and I am pretty sure she can give you some sound advice as she runs her family's feed and pet supply store out of Waldport, Or.

Send her a pm and I will let her know to check out her messages sometime today.

WiskeyJaR · 04-10-2008, 07:43 AM

I have heard the american spaniel has had most of the hunt drive bred out of them..as a general rule. The English spaniels are supose to have a strong hunt drive. There are several spaniels in my "hunt club", they all are english bred. Stan Zorn is a trainer out of eugiene that has spaniels, will get you his contact info when I get home if you like.

WiskeyJaR

Sweet Melissa · 04-10-2008, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WiskeyJaR

I have heard the american spaniel has had most of the hunt drive bred out of them..as a general rule. The English spaniels are supose to have a strong hunt drive. There are several spaniels in my "hunt club", they all are english bred. Stan Zorn is a trainer out of eugiene that has spaniels, will get you his contact info when I get home if you like.

WiskeyJaR

That would be great. Thanks.

I am not looking for a hunting dog, for now. No time to train or hunt. I would like a good family dog, though, and I tend to like the sporting breeds.

Medics-R-US
I will send her a PM. Thanks.

Rainman · 04-10-2008, 08:09 AM

I've had or been around 7 Brittanies in my life, and without exception they have all been fantastic dogs. Good hunters as well.
I've often wondered why there are not more of them around, and the only thing I can come up with is that they are not short haired, as a GSP or lab is.
They are great with kids, even tempered and smart.
I have 2 right now, and they are as all the others have been: great with kids, they don't bark, dig, mess in the house, etc...
Here's the link to the AKC... http://www.akc.org/breeds/brittany/index.cfm
Here's the link to the breeder where I got my 2... rbritts@comcast.net
They're in Corvallis. They've been raising britts for like 30 years now.
I don't hunt mine, they are big babies who prefer laying on the couch.

MikeN · 04-10-2008, 08:17 AM

We have had 3 American Cockers--2 black and currently a chocholate-tan point.

They are all the sweetest dogs I have have ever seen. The males can get aggressie when kids pull on their ears. It seems kids love to pull on those long ears.

We love ours. Be prepared to throw a tennis ball or frisbe until your arm falls off.

Our currnet dog does get car sick very easily--so that has been an issue.

Bait O' Eggs · 04-10-2008, 09:26 AM

A couple months ago I got an english springer spaniel.

If you want to spent a bit of time with one, let me know, we are in Amity. She is a busy girl.

CombinationLicense · 04-10-2008, 12:58 PM

Can't help you out on Cockers but I've got two Springers that are great all around dogs. They'll hunt all day until you make them quit, yet settle down in the house for long periods of time. They do need daily exercise and regular grooming but it's worth it for their personality. You might check out the ESS pup listed on the IFISH classifieds. He looks like a good dog waiting for a good family...

"CL"

Sweet Melissa · 04-10-2008, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

If you want to spent a bit of time with one, let me know, we are in Amity.

Thanks, BOE. I might take you up on that.

I like all of the spaniels, but I think the reason why the cockers came up as a possibility is because they supposedly are slightly less energetic than the ESS and Brits. Not sure if that is true, though.

I think I have my work cut out for me trying to convince my husband that anything but a lab would be a good dog. His family only seemed to like male labs. I just don't think a lab is a good fit for our family, though. Too big and too hyper.

We've got a little over 4 acres, but only a tiny portion of it is fenced. I am not going to make a dog stay in a little tiny yard all day, and our house is too small to contain a large dog and kids.

I am also thinking that a puppy would be more work than I want to take on at the moment, so have been looking at breed rescue organizations. I think an adult dog that has been proven with kids would be ideal for us.

Thanks for all the input. I know there is a good dog out there for us somewhere.

Steelie Steve · 04-10-2008, 02:14 PM

We have a tan American Cocker. She is almost 8 years old. We have had her since my youngest daughter was about 2. She has been very good with our kids and any others that come around. Pulling on the ears will eventually get there but usually she just tries to get away.

Quote:

Be prepared to throw a tennis ball or frisbe until your arm falls off.

Ours can go until her tongue is hanging out of her mouth sideways. And then she will rest for about 5 minutes and start going again.

She is a great dog!

Bait O' Eggs · 04-10-2008, 06:15 PM

Another thoughts, is there is a field day for springers on I think Sunday the 27th of April in the willamette valley (location slips my mind at the moment)

I think there will be people there working their dogs and its a chance to get to see them work and be around them.