Is there any truth, that solid cockers can be a bit more possesive than the others and so not as good with children. I am looking to buy a bitch hopefully in the spring this year if I can track down a breeder who has not got a mile long waiting list! So am anxious to clear this up, I have an 11 year old autistic son who is not in the least aggressive but can flap and be noisy, and so I need a dog who can handle this, I've previously had Boxers, although wonderful they are prone to being possesive. I would be grateful for some balanced feedback.
Heather

Hi Heather

You should not have a problem with a solid Cocker puppy provided you buy from a reputable breeder who breeds with temperament as a high priority (not all do) & who also ensures all puppies are well-socialised before they leave home (again not all do) As it's important to you that your pup is good with children, then look for a breeder who raises litters in the home in a family environment. This advice applies to particolours as well as solids! This means that yes, you may have to be prepared to go on a waiting list & yes, you may have to wait longer for a puppy than you had planned but quality puppies from reputable breeders are worth waiting for - you could of course go out & buy a pup tomorrow from an advert in one of the free-ad papers but the chances are that such a pup would come from either a commercial breeder or an inexperienced "backyard" breeder, neither of which are the sort of breeders renowned for producing puppies of impeccable temperament :-(

If you need any help locating reputable solid breeders, [email shenmore@clara.co.uk]email me [/email] again & I'll be happy to help if I can

Jane