We had our (working) PB cocker for 2 years before our divorce, he went with my ex, lovely beautiful dog, full of love. Was a one person dog (me as i was only one to walk him) and so soppy with my kids. However---- he totally exhausted me! I took him over fields sometimes 2 hours a day, plus ball throwing,toy hiding in back garden and i could not believe the endless energy, from day one he NEVER slept (in the day) i swear he had ADHD im not even joking! not a quiet family dog i was led to belive he would be, at all! Training?? 2 years of classes, books, home trainer visits he still would not walk nice on a leash, and recall? Lol! Ok til he saw a rabbit then off he would go for half hour! The boy never ever stopped, until 9pm when he would just collapse at the end of the day! Also the shedding! OMG i never knew how much they shed! He was short haired but i was having to hoover 2x a day, he would have been a smart dog but just didnt have the concentration to learn any training, crazy doesnt even begin to explain him! He`s now 6 and apparently no calmer! (despite being neutered at under a year) ex tried changing his diet but no help, he now goes "beating" in the fields at weekends with exes shooting pals, but could not be trained to retrieve as just not obedient enough! I adored him and was more upset him going than the ex, but i would not recommend a working generation spainel for families. I now have a lakeland/jack russell who although lively is more managable!And does at least get tired after exercise!