We are interested in purchasing a cocker spaniel pup but despite buying numerous books we are still quite naive about the breed and its suitablity as a family pet - it seems most publications about dogs highlight only the positive traits of each breed.

I would like to find a local breeder so we could develope a deeper understanding and perhaps meet with a few dogs, pups (and owners) before taking the plunge.

Any local contacts or advice welcome.

Trouble is books are usually written by breed afficianados, and most of us see our breed as having few disadvantage, though I will admit that mine leaves copious amounts of hair when moulting (as do most breeds :D).

It is difficult to know what to say are the minus points, as one mans meat is another mans poison. For example my breed is meant to be independant, and I would hate them any other way! I don't like a fawning dog, whereas another person loves a dog that is so eager to please it practically grovels.

I like a medium sized dog, as I can happily manage to walk four of this size, and don't have the worry of small dogs getting hurt by clumsy me standing on them (my eyesight isn't good). Very large dogs on the other hand would mean I would only be able to feel comfortable owning two, and also they cost more to feed, and have higher Veterinary costs. breeds with non moulting coats need in the main a lot of specialist coat attention, which takes time and Money!

There is no easy way of determining a breeds pros and Cons, as this will depend on your own preferences.

Make a list of essentials in the dog you want (size and coat type for instance), then a list of things you just couldn't stand (for me any dog that slobbers a lot would be unacceptable).

Then when you have a shortlist, get to meet some of this breed in the flesh, preferably in pet homes, though of course a badly trained unruly example of any breed will be offputting, and this may have more to do with the owner than the breed :D

Hello

Are you Toby from E Sussex by any chance? If you are, then I did send you some contact numbers & a brief run-down on the pros & cons of owning a Cocker - maybe you didn't receive it or it wasn't the sort of info you were looking for? Let me know if you need any further information & I will try & help. If you're not Toby, you won't know what I'm going on about - if so, I apologise in advance :-)

Jane