Hi,

I currently have two golden retrievers and would love to have another dog to add to our little family. I just can't decide between an Irish Setter or a Cocker Spaniel, can anyone help with this? I've grown up being surrounded by dogs and absolutely adore them, especially retrievers but would like to have something different. I understand that Irish setters are very similar in temperament to goldies and they really are beautiful but am also leaning towards the cocker as I have a few friends that have them and they are lovely too....what do you think?

Thank you,

Lisa

Partly depends on what size you want if it's between those 2, there's quite a difference! Irish have a rep of being loopy, but I'm told by owners that it's not true. If you go for a cocker, think about if you want a show type (more grooming but a bit more laid back) or a working type (easier care coat but VERY high work drive).

Thank you, I'm not too fussed about the size to be honest we have a big enough house and garden to cope, it's the temperament I'm after. Grooming doesn't matter to me either my goldies get groomed twice a week and it's not a problem. I think I would go for a show cocker though. I am a bit worried about the Cocker Rage Syndrome though, although I hear it's not too common?

i dont anything against either, but i luuuurrrrvvvveeee setters!

The only cocker I suspect of having had it that I know was actually a particoloured American cocker! But it is said to be most common in solid English - I'm no expert though.

I've heard that too so I think I would go for a particoloured cocker - am so torn! Maybe I should get both! Although not sure what my husband would say haha

True Rage Syndrome (there is no such thing as 'Cocker Rage Syndrome') is rare and is not just found in Cockers. If you find a good, reputable breeder who breeds for temperament and type you should not have to worry about this. Cockers can be stubborn, strong-willed and vocal (i.e. 'grumbly') little dogs and Cockers with issues that would be (correctly) labelled as resource guarding, fear aggression etc. in other breeds tend to be stuck with the 'rage' label when in reality it is very rare. Regarding colour a well bred and well brought up solid coloured Cocker is no more likely to have behavioural issues than one of any other colour. This is a good article, although it is about Springers the points are still relevant http://www.essfta.org/Health_Research/aggression.htm 

The Cockers Online forum is an excellent place for information on all things Cocker related. I have working Cockers myself but being a moderator on the aforementioned forum and having lots of friends with show Cockers I know that a well bred and well raised show Cocker is a great little dog and they make fabulous pets for the right homes.

Thank you, sorry for the confusion but I had seen rage on a couple of websites being described as Cocker Rage. Thanks a lot for your help - I think I was just a bit nervous about that as I haven't owned a spaniel before, always retrievers! I would get another retriever but would just really like to have another breed, much as I adore retrievers.

Thanks again for your help it's much appreciated.

That's how we ended up with a Yankee and a Cavalier - couldn't choose between breeds! :-D

>I've heard that too so I think I would go for a particoloured cocker - am so torn! Maybe I should get both! Although not sure what my husband would say haha

>  I would get another retriever but would just really like to have another breed, much as I adore retrievers.
>

Have you considered a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever?

> I would get another retriever but would just really like to have another breed, much as I adore retrievers.

How about something from the Hunt Point Retrieve group (see a list here)?  You are still within the gundog classification but get to explore a new breed with a range of coat and colour options!   This way you can keep the retrieve element whilst adding some other dimensions alongside :)

No probs, it's a common misconception and there's a lot of misinformation out there unfortunately. I just wouldn't like it to put you off getting a Cocker if you decide you want one, they are great little dogs!

Many years ago, we had a male Goldie & Show Cocker together, and they got along brilliantly.  If you decide on this breed it would be advisable to go for a Show Cocker, because with the Working, they do need more exercise and preferably should be worked or similar. 

The size of a setter but the black & white roaning of some Cockers?   How about a Large Munsterlander?   More brains than a Setter, still workmanlike, trainable, not commonly seen, males are wussier than bitches, coat doesn't need trimming just a good brush.......