looking for a cocker spaniel, black and white or orange roan in colour.
have been told that maybe an older dog that is not show standard would be a better option as we both work full time so dog would be alone from 8;30 -3:30
does anyone have any suggestions? wud prefer a pup but may be a problem at start from feeding and toilet training !
Cheers

I don't think even an adult Cocker would be happy with these circumstances.  They have been selectively bred to want to please people and hand in glove with that comes a strong desire to be with you.  Left alone for such long periods they could very easily become destructive or noisy. Even if you are lucky enough to find one that reacts by just shutting down and sleeping all day, from a long time experience of the breed, I can tell you this is not a happy existence for them. 
As you rightly say you can't properly care for, train, or meet the social needs of a puppy with these hours.  There may be other breed adults that could be considered some people say the greyhound is a suitable dog in such circumstances but I don't personally know.

I agree with Isabel - no way one of you could get home at lunchtimes to split the day up a bit?