10+ Pros and Cons of Owning a Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is an excellent hunting dog with outstanding intelligence and small size. Unlike other breeds of hunting dogs, the cocker spaniel feels great in living conditions and needs constant movement for many hours.

The nature and habits of English Cocker Spaniels

English Spaniels are playful, life-loving, and very active dogs. They will be friendly with all family members. “More to commit an order, the spaniel will imitate a misunderstanding.” And if attempts to coerce continue, then it can show aggression.

The fact is that dogs of this breed believe that they live in the same pack with people and are ready to obey exclusively the owner. All others are considered equal to themselves and demand to reckon with their opinion. By the way, English spaniels believe that children are at the very bottom of this clan chain. If the kids pester or hurt the dog, she will not stand on ceremony for a long time. For this reason, it is not advisable to have spaniels in a home with small children.

At the same time, cockers get along well with other animals. They will get along with cats, dogs, and aquarium fish. But the dog will not get along with small exotic birds and small rodents. Spaniels have an overly developed hunting instinct and when left alone with small game, they will not calm down until they catch their prey.

The spaniel going out for a walk deserves a special mention. Almost always, these dogs walk with their nose down, as they are attracted by the smells emanating from everything around. Moreover, often dogs of this breed are engaged in excavations, delighting digging in the sand or wet earth.

Interesting facts about English Cocker Spaniels

• These dogs are talented beggars. They can so touchingly beg for pieces of food that it is impossible to refuse them. However, this is necessary, since even small portions of human food can lead to serious health problems;
• English cockers are hunting dogs, but this does not mean that they are able to lift and chase the animal. The task of the spaniel on the hunt is to raise a small game of birds, substitute it for a shot, and then bring the prey to the owner. Spaniels swim great and bring a shotgun even if it falls into the water;
• Cockers can do a wonderful stance! When a dog sees a duck or woodcock, it rises on its hind legs, and then jumps forward sharply and lifts the bird from its home;
• Hunting is an incredible pleasure for the spaniel. This dog is ready to run along the banks of rivers, swamps, or through the forest all day long. Cockers are very hardy, and when hunting, their strength doubles.

Pros

The Cocker’s willingness to please its owner makes it easier to train than other breeds. Because of its pleasant nature, training a cocker with gentle lines and vocal commands will be much more effective than intimidating demands or harsh treatment. It is enough to work with him at least once a day to observe the progress in his training. Over time, a cocker can become a polite and well-mannered dog that will happily do what its owner asks for.

• Cockers are quite easy to adapt to new conditions.
• A dog of this breed is patient, cheerful, and tireless in the game.
• A vigilant, inquisitive, and discerning animal, she is a good watchman.
• Suitable for older children.
• If the pet is properly fed and looked after, then painstaking preparation for the exhibition is not required.

The biggest advantage of this is considered to be their intelligence and willingness to learn. Experienced breeders emphasize that they are very “easy to use”. Even an inexperienced owner with little knowledge can handle spaniel training. Moreover, these dogs are very lively and are almost always in a good mood. They have a wonderful temperament, they invigorate with energy, they like long walks and swimming.

Cons

• The disadvantage of the breed is aggression towards strangers and dogs.
• Many dogs have rather strong hunting instincts, which should be remembered when releasing them.
• Cocker is active, mobile, and energetic, so he can live in the city only if he has a lot of walks.
• He can also be stubborn and independent.
• Some cockers tend to be dominant.
• Requires systematic care.