Hello,
I am looking for a cocker spaniel pup and have the chance of two.We have never had a cocker before.
One is pure show with good pedigree , the other is part show and part working.
I am a bit confused which one to go for.Will the part show/worker look show? as workers do look different.
I have also been told that workers are more lively and we would prefer one more laid back.
Any advice greatly received.

thanks

From what you say I would opt for the show type but do make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder, ideally a breed club member that has carried out all the recommended health testing on the parents.  You will find details here.

Have you met both breeders?  What did you think of them and their ethos?

In addition to finding a breeder that will offer good 'lifetime' support I'd be wanting to talk to them about health checks and the dogs family history too.  With regard to look and type my instinct would be to go for a show bred one.  One definite advantage is that you often find information online about show pedigrees which, whilst not strictly necessary for a pet, is always interesting background information.

The breeder should be willing to discuss the personality types of the puppies in the litter and if they have experience they may be able to direct you a puppy whose personality will suit you.  Additionally it may help for you to determine exactly what you mean by 'laid back' so that you can describe it to the breeder.  They can help you to learn what is in the breed/breeding and what you can train for.  They should also have extensive knowledge of both their own bitch and the stud dog they have used so will be able to help you understand what you will be getting.  I see definite family traits when I meet some of my boys relatives!

Whatever you decide good luck, and welcome to Champdogs (where there is always someone that can answer, with authority, some of the most obscure questions you can ever hope to read!!)

i agree with Isabel and would go for the show type, as long as the sire/dam have had the relevant health tests.  i.e FN, PRA - if the breeder hasn't had health tests done then please go to a breeder that has.   Ask as many questions as possible and expect the breeder to ask you lots too.  If a breeder is not bothered about where there puppies are going then walk away.

Good Luck for when you bring him/her home, it will be a new exciting time!

if you want laid back dog are you sure you want a cocker......

i prefer the workers but if you are not going to work it get a show i dont no anybody that owns a show one to tell you how active they are but i no the workers are full of energy.

I have two working cockers and, really, they are like chalk and cheese.  My five year old bitch loves her walks and swimming, but when at home is perfectly calm and just happy to lie on the sofa all day.   My five-month old puppy is a different matter altogether, and not just because he's a puppy.  There is no way he would not want to be doing some kind of activity when he is older, whether working in the usual sense or doing agility or something similar.  I don't think he will ever be calm, and that may have something to do with his breeding (sired by a cocker championship winner), though I suspect that others in the litter will have turned out rather quieter.  The breeder said that this was the one pup in the litter that he would have to insist would be worked later on but he was happy for the rest of the litter to go to pet homes.  In my experience it is possible to get a working cocker which is laid back, but you need to pick carefully if this is your priority.  Though this is all relative, and I'm not entirely sure a spaniel is the best choice if you want a laid-back dog!

I also have a worker (that is worked) and I consider the show and workers to be two diff breeds. Yea! Yea! I do know they are the same, but two more diff breeds you couldnt get. I love the workers and would never consider a show cocker, they just arent for me looks/temprement/ or whatever.

Cockers are busy, energetic dogs whichever you go for, but one thing you might also consider is whether you are able to groom the dog--show cockers (whether you are showing or not) need a fair bit of care and skill. Good luck whichever you choose.

you probably could pick a cocker up that is laid back but i do think it would be quite rare. i no many poeple with working cockers and yes some are laid back but then they are all worked so are getting everything they need. i think with a working dog unless you are going to work it you are risking them being very hyper active because of all the energy they have

They don't call working Cockers 'Pocket Rockets' for nothing. Hope all goes well with your pup