Could anybody tell me what the difference is between a working english cocker spaniel and a show cocker spaniel, is it that they look slightly different or is one more hyper-acitve than the other? I'm a bit confused.

They certainly look very different.....

I think hyoeractive is the wrong term to use. Show Cockers are heavier built have slightly shorter legs - or they look that way because of the much heavier coat they have over the working cocker. Working cockers do tend to need more exercise and mental stimulation than a show type - but show type are also very intelligent dogs. They can both get troublesome if they don't get enough exercise, both mental and physical.

The working Cocker does look more like a working dog - a bit like a slightly built smaller springer. They don't have such pendulus ears as show type Cockers.
Show type cockers are much more readily available than working and are the victim of puppy farm type breeding. As with all dogs, whichever you choose - if you are looking for one - choose your breeder carefully.

HERE are some working Cockers
HERE are show type cockers

hth

Pam n the boys

Thank you Pam for your reply it has helped a lot. I do want to buy a cocker spaniel to be a part of our family, and now I know it is the show type I like the look of. I saw one today which was blue roan but had brown eyebrows and brown flecks all over her chest and front legs is this normal, also the lady said the pup was DLR not KC, so I came away to think long and hard about buying, she also wanted £495, is this normal?

Don't go back. DLR is not worth the paper it's written on. Basically she's asking KC prices for unregistered pups.
:)

Thanks Jeangenie
I will not go back, the poor little pup was so sweet but as you say no idea of her origin.

The colour you describe is Blue Roan and Tan and is acceptable. I will mail you privately about a litter I know of that may interest you.

Pam n the boys

I don't know if cockers are often Hip Scored, but the parents should certainly hold current clear eye test certificates. Teh parents results will be printed on the Pups KC registration documents. Another good reason to buy KC registered, but do check that the parents have been tested, as all good breeders should do this to limit the likelhood of genetci eye defects appearing in the pups bred.