Wow, thanks for all the replies!  Sorry if I wasn't too helpful on the size issue, I think the maximum size we would want would be around 18" tall, the (standard) schnauzer is 18-19 apparently, but the boxer is 21-25 according to my book!  Boxer much too boisterous, my daughter would go mad!!  I know that it is hard to generalise as there is big differences in each breed.  The schnauzers are not supposed to be terrierish, but so many people say they are.  I think that would be a worry, not so much within the family but more out on walks with strange dogs.

We are veering towards spaniels, having had a gundog before (Weimaraner), but am concerned about differing reports on cockers and field spaniels.  I have spoken to some very eminent cocker breeders who assure me that with good breeding there should be no questions over the temperament, do people here agree with that?

It is important to us that the dog can be left at home for three mornings a week when I am at work, so the idea of the field spaniel stressing out is a worry (even tho our neighbours are stone deaf!!). 

Maybe the springer is the best, is it more even tempered?  What about the home alone aspect?

Sorry for all the questions, but the wealth of knowledge here is too good to go untapped!

thanks again for help, everyone.

I got my first cocker 25 years ago since then I have met many others at shows and in showing folks's homes, stopped to chat with many more on walks and can honestly say I have yet to meet a dodgy one.  I am sure they do exist because people tell us they have met them but I can only summise that they are not very common.  There are many disreputable breeders around, though, who we know do not do proper health checks so I expect they will not be too concerned as to temperament either so if people live near one of these I expect they may see more dodgy temperaments than is average.   I have certainly seen some odd looking specimens!.  I would advise about being very careful how you choose your breeder I think contact through the Cocker Spaniel Club is probably best.
My cocker is left probably three half days a week, what with shopping, socialising etc. she copes fine with that, it is not a breed I would recommend for full time workers though.

Hello again :)

First off, why not register with us, it will make replying to posts and asking other questions much easier for you and it's free and easy to do!

I too can honestly say I have yet to meet a dodgy cocker and if you buy from a reputable, recommended breeders (as Isabel said, going through the breed club is probably best) who comply to all the health checks for the breed, you are more than likely to find yourself with an amusing, merry little family member who loves being part of the family.  You will always find poor examples of any breed (temperament and looks-wise) so going through the breed club to find a breeder is always preferable. 

Springers too are lovely dogs but I would say probably are slower to mature than cockers.  I would also say they have a higher energy level than my cockers and need a longer run each day but are equally as well-behaved in the family situation.  Both cope fine being left on their own for short periods of time although mine have been left for longer in various situations and have always managed fine. 

Best thing to do would be to get in touch with the breed clubs, get details of breeders and speak to them and visit their dogs-do as much research as you can to enable you to make the best decision for you, your family and your lifestyle.

Cocker Club
English Springer Club
Welsh Springer Club

Hope that helps, good luck and come back if you'd like to discuss anything else! :)

-Kay

Can only endorse what others have said - I've yet to meet a 'nasty' Cocker - I have known some quite hyped up Springers however ( although again they all seem to have great temperaments - just more boisterous :))

A few more suggestions could be :

Basset Fauve de Bretagne -
Petit basset Griffon Vendeen
Beagle
Whippet
Brittany Spaniel
Clumber Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Welsh Springer
Miniature Poodle
Tibetan Spaniel
Tibetan Terrier  (not at all terrier like !)
Norwegian Buhund
Polish Lowland Sheepdog
Shetland Sheepdog

Good luck :)

Yvonne