Furthermore, some of the defining features of show Cockers would simply be impractical in a working dog such as the long ears. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Originally, Cocker Spaniels were bred solely as working dogs, specifically to be helpful companions for hunters. It helps eliminate unscrupulous and irresponsible working cocker spaniel breeders and can go a long way in saving you a lot of headaches down the road. This way, you have an overview of how inbred your dog is. Bred as gundogs, working cocker spaniels have natural instincts to work, which implies that they are intelligent, kind, and willing to please their owners. Your email address will not be published. Youre in the right place! If you find yourself in such situations, here are a few strategies you can leverage to ensure that your working cocker is at least occupied: Dog Boarding For Aggressive Dogs: Everything you Need to Know, 15 Best Artificial Grass for Dog Potty (That Wont Soak). If you know of a responsible breeder please let me know. Best of luck with your new fur baby xxxx, Hello Sal, I really enjoyed reading your blog and the differences between your two beautiful cockers. Thanks so much for reading Jane. However, like any other dog breed, there are a few cons to expect from this strain of cocker spaniel, including: 12 Best Joint Supplements for Dogs with Hip Dysplasia, 10 Best Dog Knee Braces for Dogs with Luxating Patella (Grade 1 & 2). Sadly he lost his right foreleg and shoulder following an elbow break at the age of 11. This will allow you to check whether your working cocker puppys parents have had their BVA/ PRA/AMS health checks. Recommended: In need of an emotional support dog? Archie is more energetic- he thinks hes a working cocker sometimes! But, yeah, a show cocker is definitely higher maintenance in terms of grooming. It wont be for a while yet but this has given me something to think about! Despite being bred mostly for their appearance, they need to be strong and muscular even though theye show dogs, theye still considered a working breed, which is reflected in the Kennel Club breed standards. The working Cocker Spaniel size is much the same as that of a show type Cocker Spaniel, though field-bred dogs typically have a longer body, with less focus on angulation. Well, first off is their unwavering courage. Generally, working cockers make excellent family pets due to their intelligence, sociable nature, and eagerness to please and get involved in most family activities. Birdie is so affectionate and loving, towards us and every one she meets! After all, theye been bred specifically to follow commands and please their human companions! Thanks so much for stopping by. Your working cocker will always be ready to play, give you lots of kisses, go for walks, run through the yard, and get involved in some of the activities that you like to do around him. Although there are no official regulations on the matter, professional breeders nowadays avoid mixing the two strains. One of the biggest problems with working cockers breeding is the fact that popular working sires, especially those that have been successful as trailing dogs, have been used too often as studs. Working Cockers, meanwhile, may require a diet with additional protein, especially if theye heavily exercised. She is also extremely affectionate and just as sensitive as Maya, something I didnt expect. Find answers to these 10 We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Working cockers have double coats, meaning that they will need to strip their dead undercoats during shedding seasons. If you are thinking of buying a cocker spaniel puppy I strongly advise you to purchase a KC registered one, preferably from a KC approved breeder. Instead, the breed was split into two strains: working (or ield) and show (onformation) dogs. Working cockers are a bit leaner and tougher than their show cocker counterparts. The contents of this website should never replace the professional opinion of your veterinarian. Though working Cockers still make great family pets, it important to keep in mind that they will get frustrated and misbehave if theye not given enough opportunities to expend their energy. Cocker Spaniel breeders that have been producing strong working dogs, meanwhile, continued to put emphasis on the aspects of the dog that matter most in the field, such as stamina, intelligence, and physical strength. They were the ideal upland flushing dogs used for finding birds perched in the underbrush. So, how come breeders sell two different types? I do think that we should all be responsible buyers and do our bit to maintain the health of the breed as a whole where we can. Theye also common search-and-rescue and pest control dogs. Totally agree with you you about reputable breeders, puppy farms and general bad breeders bring tears to my eyes, and how prolific it is. This was supposed to prevent their naturally long tails from getting in the way during hunting and from causing them injury while they explored the underbrush. !Spaniels are so unique!Funny thing is although Fenty is a working cocker and can behave like a garritty thing he is that chilled indoors its unreal!So temperament also plays a part!Love and hugs always!xx, Fenty is one of a kind Fran!! Cocker Spaniels are widely known to be gentle, energetic pets and excellent companions both at home and outdoors. Puppy obedience classes are a great way to get started. Therefore, it recommended to begin systematic training as early as possible. Expect some hair around your home, especially if you dont brush your pup regularly. How Can I Legally Take My Dog Everywhere? Thanks so much for writing it Sal Xxx, Thanks so much for reading Michelle. Yes cockers are so loving and full of themselves!! The endurance of working cocker spaniels is in a level of its own. They were therefore bred to have strong, muscular necks, to enable them to easily lift even larger prey and deliver it to the hunter. As is usually the case, Cocker Spaniels started out as a working breed. Lucia on the other hand runs everywhere! Thanks to their intelligence and eagerness for training, they make excellent assistant dogs for disabled people. HiIve followed you for a while and find your blogs really interesting. Please contact your vet in all matters regarding your Fidos health. Sooooo interesting! I wish my husband did more research when he got me my gorgeous tan show cocker Aggie. Maggi is a stunning beautiful little lady . So, their temperaments are the same: they are both friendly, make great family pets, and are very biddable. The focus on working ability with field Cockers means that they are typically stronger dogs, at the cost of breed standards. ? Cant wait to see pictures of your pup when you get him. Really enjoyed reading about the differences in Maya & Lucia. Lucia. Whichever strain you choose, youe sure to find a merry, loyal, lifelong friend. Following the identification of breed standards for Cockers, breeders began to focus more on creating strains that conformed to the deal appearance as closely as possible. What a fabulous dog Jack the Lad was. Create time for cuddles and snuggles. xxx. We were hooked. In addition, depending on the type of prey, a great gundog should be able to pick pace at given moment and maintain the pace until you are done with the day. Beth & Neville xx, Aww workers are such characters I bet Neville will love having a sibling around. Working cockers are known to stick to their owners like glue and their loyalty is touted to melt even the coldest hearts.. Ensure that your working cocker has comfy space to relax and unwind. Initially, I created this blog to share recipes, tips, and any relevant information on healthy homemade dog treats. Hes such a joy and with his busy inquisitive nature Im sure that well see another dog who will enjoy working on home soil. xxx, Love this! As both types of cocker spaniels are one breed its important to ask and check that the puppy you are interested in is of the type of your choice. As breed standards became more strictly regulated and observed and show dog championships gained in popularity, breeders focused on the aesthetic qualities of Cocker Spaniels. For us, we always wanted a dog that we could walk for hours as we wanted to spend more time outdoors which we do every day now! Happily Maya and Lucia have much more in common than differences and are thick as thieves, plotting together to trick me or my partner into an extra treat or walk! So, why has the gundog community fallen in love with the working cocker? X, Thanks so much for stopping by Amy. xxx, Great blog Sal, Cassie is my first dog so was very interested to understand any differences between show and working types. So, if you decide to welcome a working cocker in your home, youll never be lonely or bored again. you had me giggling at ginger ninja ? Yesterday I rehomed a 30 month old male show-type Cocker who I was told was destructive and strong on lead. Check the COI (or the coefficient of inbreeding) of the puppy you plan to purchase. Tail docking is a controversial and less popular practice nowadays. Some really not helpful or wanted. These dogs can peg patiently or rootle in the undergrowth for hours without showing any signs of weariness. But yeah, I think temperament comes in to it too. The last thing any hunting enthusiast wants to see in the hunting field is a dog that is fearful at a time when his services is needed the most. Thanks so much for reading Imogen. Both show cockers and both quite different in their own ways!! If youe looking to enter your dog into competitions, the decision will be easy. Although the history of Spaniels reaches back to at least the fourteenth century, Cocker Spaniels as we know them became a recognised breed in the 1800s with the Kennel Club setting up a dedicated Cocker stud book in 1893. Personally I send my girls to day care if I am going to be out for more than a couple of hours. Lucia is a lover of training too, but being a little more agile than Maya has decided that laps are much more comfortable than sofas or dog beds! I did a lot of research into the breed before getting Dexter (our first cocker) and he is perfect for our family as is Archie! just like Gemma! The similarities between your dogs and ours is amazing and theyre all equally lovable!! If nothing else, there is a range of serious health risks that can arise as a result of docking and most experts discourage dog owners from shortening the dog tail even in the case of working types. Thanks so much for reading Beth. This is how the breed came to be composed of two distinct strains, and it explains why the two strains are so different from each other. If you are looking for a working dog that is energetic, loveable, and social, your search should end with a working cocker spaniel. Maya is loving, clever and a bit of a clown, adores her training and settles down on the sofa for a nap, plays with Lucia or destroys her toys! Although the show cocker spaniels are bred to be family pets, they still have the ability to work considering that cocker spaniels were original bred to work. As such, they should have excellent shape and stamina for him to last during long hunting trips. Yes. xxx, So informative as always, Sal. Pet parents who dont have a lot of space (like people living in apartments) also prefer cockers to other big dogs because they need less space. We understand that because of busy working schedules, you may need to leave your pup alone for longer than you would love to. @delightful_delilahcocker, Aww they are such characters arent they! Recommended: Learn about the Glen of Imaal Terrier breed next. Well, here are a few tips to keep in mind: Of course buying a puppy from KC registered breeders is not going to be cheap but it is worth it. Wouldnt have it any other way though they sure are loving little characters , Thanks for reading Wendy. , Pros and Cons of Adopting Vs. Buying a Pet. 25 Best Deshedding Tools for Short Hair Dogs. Working cockers are also becoming more popular in a wide range of canine sports, including agility and fly ball competitions. He carried out no end of tasks around the house and garden, carrying the peg basket, the recycling bin,, the watering can, trowel and fork. I started when Cass was about 3.5 years as a complete novice, and now a bit more experienced the one piece of advice I would give is to start Foundation work at this age it will put you at such an advantage there are some fab videos on you tube. If on the other hand you are one of those special people thinking of welcoming a rescue cocker into your heart Im sure you will be rewarded with love and loyalty no matter what his or her breeding is. Still she is a real beauty and I think her bad fur days add to her character! X, Aww its true all have their own unique characters! Samantha and Cassie xxx, Cassie is such a beauty Samantha. xxx. Which strain will be the best choice for you? Planning To Own a Working Cocker Spaniel? If left alone without enough physical and mental stimulation, a working cocker will become bored, may develop separation anxiety, and even become destructive. Lucia also has much finer fur which is infinitely more manageable. Breed-specific health issues include slipped discs, heart disease, and pancreatitis. Of course buying a KC registered puppy costs a few pounds more, but it helps to eliminate puppy farms and irresponsible breeding, as well as potentially saving you from lots of heartache further down the line. But because of my unrelenting passion to make a difference in the world of dogs, I have expanded the blogs scope to include the best information and recommendations about everything dog lovers need to know about their canine friends health and wellbeing. Take him for a long walk before you leave. The good news is that it is a behavior that can easily be controlled, especially if you take your time to understand whats actually making your dog bark. A dog that devours his prey or scares prey with loud barks is usually a frustrating companion for any hunter. Because they are active, high-energy dogs with natural instincts to work, cockers always manifest hyperactive temperament. Regarding agility honestly its the best thing ever! This is because you can check if the parents have had their health checks (BVA/ PRA/AMS) and also using this link find out the inbreeding coefficient of the litter. Always consult your vet before making changes to a dog's lifestyle. Take him to a nearby dog boarding facility or ask a neighbor or a friend to pop a few times in the course of the day to let him out for some fresh air, potty breaks, and some playtime. What the difference, and which will be better for you? As an Amazon Associate, we may receive a small commission from qualifying purchases but at no extra cost to you.Learn more. Although Maya has bags of energy when out on walks and enjoys a game of fetch or find it she does spend a lot of time scenting with her nose to the ground, stopping often to sniff things out and often moves at a slow trot. Add all the above attributes to working cockers superior intelligence and you will begin to see why these dogs have become more popular with the gundog community, the police, and border agencies. Hes had to have both ACL S done. And totally agree about finding an assured breeder ??? xxx, This was a good read! Both strains of Cocker Spaniels are generally easy to keep healthy, though they are also susceptible to the same issues. Here is a quick comparison of their main physical attributes: The popularity of working cocker spaniel as a gundog has soared over the past few decades, even outdoing Springers in the field. They are also intelligent and will be easy to train in the fields. Now that we have a general understanding of how the breed came to split into two distinct strains, let spend some time exploring the differences. I rehomed Cassie when she was 18 months old, so I do support adoptation! Varied but white colors is allowed in solid color coats except on the chest, Droopy/loose eyelids (due to lose skin on the face). Need some more information on the differences in the types of Cocker Spaniel? As such, if you are buying a cocker puppy for the first time, you can easily mistake a working cocker for a show cocker! However when a ball is in sight she has a one track mind, so now I have to make sure to snap her picture before she catches sight of the ball or she wont look me in the eye! I have been an animal lover all my life, with dogs holding a special place in my heart. And whether you plan to use him as a gundog, assistant dog, a sniffer dog, or in other sporting activities, this breed will never disappoint you. Woofbarkgrowl.co.uk is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As their name suggest, working or field cockers are usually bred as working gundogs, which implies that they have high hunting drive and can comfortably stay all the day in the shooting field.
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