Hi, just wondering if anyone knows how different welsh and springer spaniels are in temperament?

I've known a couple of welsh springers who are lovely although a bit naughty (although that's more down to training I think) and the springers I've met have varied so much, but a lot seem to be quite resource guardy?

Anyone got any experience with either/both?

Personally I prefer a Welsh in the average Pet home as they are not as frenetic as the mainly working type English Springers (never known a show type well), but the Welsh still make good working dogs, seeming to be more Dual pusrpose.

I have looked after both breeds.

Which of the two would you say is least likely to use aggression?

I work with a lot of dogs (not all of whom have fantastic social skills although not aggressive) and I need a dog who is less likely to respond to rudeness with aggression. I know some springers can be quite 'sharp', I assume this is partly due to breeding as much as upbringing because it's evident from a young age.

I worry about the small gene pool in welshies, but also the fact springers have suffered from too many back yard breeders!

It's a dilemma!

At least with the small gene pool any problems are in the open and being addressed.  I have found Welsh boys especially can be dominant, but I have never known them to be fighters.

I have met some very varied temperament in English Springers, but as in your experience a lot of this can be laid at haphazard breeding whereas the Welsh I have known were well bred.

I also rather like Field Spaniels, again small gene pool, but nice Spaniel that has working ability without the neurotic OTT ESS nature.

Thanks again for replying. I'd read field spaniels can be quite strong willed, haven't met enough to have a strong opinion to be honest.

I want a dog that's small - medium sized, and very likely to be 'soft', if that makes sense?

It's proving to be a lot harder than  I thought it would!

Would you consider a different breed I think beagles are mostly very well natured (the ones I,ve met always have been anyway ) or a sussex or clumber spaniel might be another option for you.

Hi Pavlolva, I would consider a different breed, definitely!

Beagles I've thought about, but I like to do a lot of training and I'm not sure how happy a beagle would be with that! I'm also a bit wary of training a scent hound to come when called! I've considered PBGV's which I had similar concerns about.

Sussex and clumber spaniels I've looked at too, but was a little concerned about the eye problems they have.

I know I'm being fussy, but I've been waiting 6 years to get another dog, so I want to get it right! :-)

OOH I think the latter two breeds (clumber and Sussex) are much stronger willed.  Beagles are lovley, but obedeint they aint, very self willed.  LIke my breed, soft affectionate but their own people.

A well bred Cocker?  If you can put up with the ears (in the wet weather they get dragged in rain and pee, so can smell).

I would err on the side of caution with a Beagle, they have incredible wanderlust.

Sussex are gorgeous but I don't think I could hack a long tailed spaniel.  Sussex are slow to mature and give tongue whilst hunting which is something you would have to think about!

Our first family dog was an English Springer (Show sire & working dam) and I would never recommend them as a family pet unless you are prepared to put a lot of work in with them.  Our's was noisy, defiant, male aggressive, far too intelligent for us............

What do you think of Welsh and Fields?

Me, personally?

Yes as your more a Gundog expert:D

LOL!   Gundog expert.

I don't really know any Fields or WSS to comment enough on them.  The only Welshie I knew (workingcocker's dog) was an old girl who just plodded about.    I think both breeds are attractive but unless I could have a docked spaniel I wouldn't own a spaniel now.  Certainly both breeds have stopped the show/work divide which is encouraging.

I'm now looking into tollers! They're a bit on the big side but do seem perfect from what I've read, just depends if that's accurate or not.

I think I should've picked a more accurate thread title! :-)

I fell in love with the cutest and fastest little working cocker at the weekend. She nearly went in my handbag and I've heard the guy wants to move some of his dogs on due to his change in work too. Dare I??? No I can't, OH would have a fit and I'd have a Dobe, a Whippet and a spaniel tearing up the house!

Only experience of english, as we have 4 of them; 2 rescues and 2 from pups.  I have to say, we have no problems at all with their temperament and they aren't bonkers.  We do work them but on the whole, they are family pets and are as laid back as you can get.  They are all different lines so it must be something we do which I believe is stimulation.

Not had a problem with them resource guarding or guarding anything.  They are fantastic to have around and mingle with the rest of our pack of dogs - 9 in total.

Helen

I suspect a lot of the so called working springers I see are no such thing really, just pet bred of Working type looks.

Fields are wonderful but they are strong willed and you do have to be boss from an early age.

A Welshie anyday!!

Mine were such lovely dogs, to live with and to look at. As Christine says, the last was my old girl who was pts a year ago and is very much missed by me.

Show bred ESS are completely different from working bred ones, not as hectic altho no easy push over either....My 9 year old ESS has suffered from selective hearing since she was 5 months old, but responds well to whistle and food.......At ringcraft we have Welshies and they can be very hard work..personally I think my show ESS is easier than them....

A show bred Cocker is again totally different from working lines, but pick your breeder carefully Ive seen some snappy ones at shows unfortunately....My Cocker was a little sweetie, again a bit selective on the hearing side, she was my daughters and was a real lovely family girl, bright as a button and reasonabally easy to train... She had to be rehomed as my Spanish girls kept ganging up on her, annoyingly she would tell the boys off if they played too rough and mean it, but when the girls ganged up on she turned into a submissive wimp..My neighbour has a working cocker different kettle of fish there,, much more on the go, go, go, he has him trained well now as he does work him but it was hard work.....

I think I'm back to tollers to be honest!!

I considered them first and although their temperament seemed perfect for me, I was worried about them being a bit too big. I've realised that my perfect breed doesn't actually exist, so I'm prepared to go a bit bigger :-) I was also a bit put off by long waiting lists, but I've waited this long I can wait a bit longer. All the more time to save up and buy all the toys, beds and bowls that look cute but that I don't need, lol.

My ideal breed would be a a spanish water dog in looks and an english setter in personality. Guess it's my own fault for being so fussy :-)

Tollers aren't big, are they? I thought they would be a similar size to a springer.

They are a similar size, springers are also a bit bigger than what I was looking for ideally.

A friend thought they would be well matched to me so I was looking into them, but I just dont think I'm a springer girl!

Tollers seem to be well matched to me, too. Just not my current dog, sadly. :(

Good luck with them, if you have decided. They are gorgeous dogs.

Are CKCS too small? I think of them as small gundogs. I've never met one that had an ounce of aggression. They're fantastic at obedience work andn agility and very soft. Plus their size makes them pretty non-threatening if you have a dog that needs a mate that goes softly, softly. I have goldens myself but I love the cavs.

i doubt anyone on this site would critise you making sure oyu make the right choice. take your time!