Cocker Spaniel Review

Overall Rating

Loyal, funny, articulate, unique.

So faithful that it becomes so hard to discipline them

I have owned Cockers Spaniels for over 20 years - all of them rescued. This is a breed greatly and sadly misunderstood!

For far too long, too many owners, on discovering that Cocker Spaniels are not quite the lap dog they had hoped for, have resorted to using the excuse that the dog is suffering from 'rage syndrome'. Amazingly, very few owners keep their Spaniel.

So surely, it's their justifiable excuse and their way to exonerate themselves of responsiblity and allow themselves a guilt free peace of mind when they abandon them.

Should the issue not be trying to identify why the dog has developed these traits?

Without doubt, some dogs, and that includes all breeds, even including 'Bitzers', are prone to defects. Though that's no reason or excuse to abandon, what surely is part of the family?

I believe that, only when owners become responsible and start to research the breed they intend to invite into their lives and then realise that this incredible animal will become a part of the family and excepting that at times all living creature are infalable, and that a Cocker Spaniel's needs are no different from any other crature.

If someone needs comfort from a fluffy inanimate object, then buy a teddy bear. Believe me, everyone will be better off!

Members' Comments ondorrit's Review

• ataylor on 8th Dec 2005

  I have owned 2 cocker spaniels and adored them both. They require a lot of love and attention and thrive on it. Therefore, if someone isn't prepared to commit to the time, they should get a cat.

• Victoria Peake on 12th Mar 2006

  Cats are not an easy option they are the same as any creature they require love, affection and TIME too.

• ataylor on 14th Mar 2006

  I am aware that cats take time too. All pets do. I owned cats myself for over 15 years. But cats are a lot more independant than a Cocker Spaniel. Cats in the wild are pretty much solitary animals, where dogs are pack animals. I have owned or been around many different dog breeds for over 50 years. I have found Cockers (and also Poodles and Golden Retrievers) to be among the most needy for human companionship. I have done a lot of research on different dog breeds (and cats too for some extent) and have found quite a bit of literature to support my claim. I feel everyone should do the same before falling for an animals cute face. I feel all pets should be a lifetime commitment and not a passing fancy.