Has anyone got any practical experience of the differences in behaviour and characteristics between Springer & Cocker spaniels. I have had a springer and thinking about getting a Cocker.

Many thanks

Show or working strain cocker (before I answer fully !)

Working.

Well we have a 'Sprocker' OH doesn't let me call him a mutt! Working Springer/working cocker cross. I would say the cocker side is much busier and manic if not controlled. Working cockers seem to be fast and furious whereas Springers are not quite so fast, not quite so furious and a bit easier to get focussed - I may be wrong and someone on here will know the exact answer - I would say don't even think about a working type unless you are going to work it in some form or other as they need stimulation and I would not think make great lap dogs or pure pets unless getting on a bit. We are considering a pure working cocker one day but not sure I am mad and bad enough yet!!

I have 2 working cockers and a springer. I find the cockers to be more affectionate and people focussed than my springer..may just be that I have a miserable old springer

Cockers are much busier and manic, but totally adorable with it!

I think it depends on the lines.
I've got a working cocker who is amazing, she is so focused on me, totally calm when she needs to be and yet would run all day long given the opportunity. The springers I have worked with I find hard to get them focused, they seem really hyper to me.
Obviously most working cockers are smaller than springers too.
Where's Sandy - she's got both.

I am fostering a cocker at the moment (he goes to Cynthia's this weekend Penel).

I find him extremely affectionate and very very loving. Definitely a people dog. My springers on the other hand appear to be more independent and do their own thing.

They come for a pat on the head but that is it Whereas little Benji sits beside me and wants to give kisses at every opportunity. The only time he is not at my side is when he is play fighting with my Brodie.

But............ I wish he came with earplugs. The noise is incredible at times, especially when he is excited or annoyed at being left in the car.

He does not seem to want much exercise and is happy trotting along on the end of a long lead.

But as Penel says, they are all different.

Cath

Well turn back the clock 30 years and if I'd got a working Cocker to start with I doubt very much I would have ended up with loads of Springers
I've only got the one Cocker but I can't fault her, she's been a complete doddle to train, listens all the time, watches and learns fast, is very good in the house, never barks unless the others start her off, Friday morning when the butcher arrives with their food but even then she more howls than barks. Very affectionate although a little too submissive at times, more of a crawling submissive than a fear based submissive, she's certainly not scared of anything! She grew up very fast, came out of acting like a puppy within 6 months and just wanted to learn things, she still has a few mad moments but the minute you ask her to quit she's little Miss sensible again, she's just turned 2 years old. Brilliant with other dogs and people but she won't take being pushed around or bullied by another dog, she'll tell them off but has never actually bitten another dog, just given them a warning snap of her teeth away from them. Sleeps no problem, as soon as she gets back in the house she settles down, she'll settle in the garden and just watch things go by, never dug anything up but she is a tealeaf and if I can't find my shoes or anything belonging to me I only have to look to where she's been sleeping, socks, shoes even my mobile phone the other night were all snuggled up beside her on her bed Maybe I'm lucky and haven't got a mad cocker, I was almost put off of getting one to begin with but glad I didn't, she's amazing!


Springers are a different kettle of fish, had them for many years, all different but all the same if you know what I mean, as in they all pretty much have the same traits, no matter who's Springer you see you can always relate to yours doing something like someone elses but that's a Springer for you Not so focused, need to be and act like a puppy for much longer, takes until they are around 10-12 months before they get hold of something and it 'sticks' for good. Train them too young, push them too hard too soon and most of them will shut off and take a lot of bringing back or be totally ruined, especially if you are a first time Springer owner, I would seriously suggest getting help from a gun dog trainer if you have no experience but want to work your dog later on or at least have reliable recall if you aren't prepared to put in the hard work yourself, make one mistake and they will take advantage of it! More wary of people and other dogs if not socialised properly and if I have to say it I will, b/w's are mental but the l/w's are normal
Just my take on the 2, not really in the position to compare seeing as I've only got the 1 Cocker and only had her for less than 2 years whereas I've had Springers for going on 30 years but I do know I'd never be without either breed now, no matter what........anyone want a Giant Schnauzer?

If I were you I'd get a nice well bred working Cocker, go to a good breeder so you can see the parents, keep going back to visit your pup once you've chosen it, get to know the breeder well and judge for yourself what the conditions of both the bitch, pups and their surroundings are like, if you have any doubts then walk away and find someone else, there's plenty out there but be choosy, the bitch's welfare is paramount IMO, make sure you know her history, has she had any relevant health checks specific to the breed and if so what were the results, have they proof of her age, how many litters has she had, when was the last one, if it was less than 12 months ago, leave. There's masses of things you can ask, if you need any help just post, plenty of us on here can offer good sound advice but at the end of the day the choice is yours and whatever you get you know it has to be for keeps but if it isn't then contact a good breed rescue and do not advertise it elsewhere............ sorry didn't mean this to turn into a lecture, got a bit carried away there, passion see, it's passion for the dogs!
I'll shut up now

Sandy

I'll have the Giant Snauzzer Ellie you come to Aunty Michele's, even though you are as tall if not taller than me when you stand up on your hind legs.

me i just love em all!

Ahh but he is a show strain, not working strain - they are like chalk n cheese ! show strain are far more vocal and very cuddly !


Sandy - Hattie is soooooo like you've described - I wonder if they are related?