I have a cocker spaniel, she is amazing. She is VERY GOOD with children. She is protective of my family. When we play around and yell "ouch baylee" she is right there to protect us. She is a very smart dog. She loves to run and def. be outside. She loves to cuddle with us. When she gets excited she will pee a little bit, but nothing big, its not like she is pi*sing just to do it. Cocker Spaniels are very beautiful/clean dogs, if you have them groomed, and take good care of them. I have nothing bad to say at all about this breed. My dad didn't want me to get one, because he never thought of them very highly. He was a poodle guy, until I got her. Then he realized that they are an awsome breed. So in my opinion you will never really know if you like Cocker Spaniels until you buy one. And believe me I LOVE MY COCKER SPANIEL!!!!!

Good dogs and they are cute, pretty smart too!

I have a 5 month old cocker spaniel, and she is very hiper. She also is very loving, loyal, and loves to cuddle. With training and patience, she has improved a lot and doesn't bother us as much as she used to. She loves to chew, but that is normal puppy behavior. I would say if you know how to train a cocker spaniel to be obedient, they are great dogs. They do need a lot of excersise though since they tend to be very active dogs. Also, if you think cocker spaniels are ugly, you would think again if you saw mine. She's almost completely white with one big light brown spot over her right eye and light brown freckles on her face. Beautiful!

I myself have never owned a cocker spaniel, but someone in my family has owned one. She's so much into cocker spaniels that she even had a little statue of one. Always seemed to be pretty friendly (the dog, that is). :)

Reading some reviews where some people have said cocker spaniels are mean, that's a new one on me. Not saying it can't happen, but I've never heard of it.

The American Kennel Club Big Lie is that these dogs have European roots as hunters of foul and were popular among the gentry of 18th century England. In reality they are a fairly new breed and their countirfied looks and rough outdoorsy manner is merely a cover for dogs who are ace code-breakers employed in the intellegence community to trip-up covert communications between field agents of foriegn states and their handlers in embassies throughout the world. They are also skilled card players and should only be allowed into a game of Bridge if they are your partner and have shared with you their complex code of tail wags.

Those who generalize about an entire breed's personality should do so with caution. We have two cocker spaniels. They're both great dogs, but their personalities couldn't be more different.

One is really easy going (think Jim Belushi in Animal House); the other is a little more high-strung -- but in an endearing way (think geeky scientist from the Simpsons).

I find them to be on the ugly side. Thats just me.

American Cocker Spaniels are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of American Cocker Spaniels with neurotic behaviors, including aggression, biting, moodiness, and general nastiness.

not a big fan

Very cute.
Very loyal.

cute!

ew

Too hyper

they usually are VERY dirty

Gorgeous, athletic, sweet, sensitive, intuitive, intelligent dogs. I have a Cocker and she is my best friend. They are very high maintenance but worth it.

PUPPERS!!! R.I.P.

usually mean with children

cute

I love their ears!

 I own and Breed Cocker Spaniels and just like any breed their are the good and the bad. Be sure when looking to own one of these incredible dogs that the breeder is up to par. CERF and OFA Hips and Patella Luxation Testing are a must with this breed. Visit your breeder and note the temperament of the parents. These dogs were overbred at one time. Be sure you are buying a good quality example of the breed or you could have serious problems. Once you find a good breeder and get your first well bred Cocker, You will never look back. They are the best All around, Versatile, Active, Loving, Friendly dogs you will ever own.

Just do your homework.

cute as a button but dumb as a doorknob

Dopey dogs. Ear problems too.....

The males of this breed are great, but if you've ever had one you'll learn why they call the females bitches.....

My parents owned these dogs and so did other relatives. I like them but they do have their quirks.

dont like those sort of dogs.But they r cute

Back in the early eighties when this was the number one breed, this dog got very ruined by the puppy mills...they had horrible temperaments and health problems. Now the dogs are much better quality. I live near one of the top cocker handlers in the country so I am exposed to really nice dogs of excellent quality and temperment. They have fewer health issues now but one thing to consider is the high maintainance in grooming.

These dogs can be really sweet, plus it can be fun to watch their ears flop into the water bowl.

You need to meet my dog Lucy.  I live in Alexandria, VA.  The great thing about this area is that dogs are allowed in all stores!  So, Lucy is the most social pet I have ever met!  I was warned against getting a cocker by people who had bad cockers in the past.  I did my research about the breed.  I know there are inbred cockers, so they have a bad rap.  But, I looked for a breeder that loved cockers, and bred for the right reasons.  It took me 9 months to find her.  I drove 3 and a half hours to get her.  She was raised on a farm with cats, horses, and goldens.  I met my dog's parents and grandparents.  They were healthy and happy.  There were no papers that came with her.  I did not care to show her, so it does not matter to me. The real reason that she is the dog she is, is that I took the time to train her right. "A trait that many dog owners fail to do."  I hope you get the chance to meet a cocker like mine someday.  She has the personality of a curious todler. She is silly, loving, loyal, and the best listener when I had a bad day at work.  My neighbors and family all ask for her to come and visit.  And, now all the people that warned me about buying a cocker want me to breed her, so that they can have a dog like Lucy.

I own a ACS and she is the most wonderful thing creature ever. She is about 14 months and her only problem now is jumping on us when we come home (which will take a little training, but she just wants to show us she's happy were back) and also chasing the two cats we owned prior to her (which their getting use to and besides all she want to to is play and they run from her so she chases) We owned a lab/husky mix before her, for my whole childhood 14 year. We've always been a family who likes bigger breed dogs. So with that said I am still not one bit disappointed in my ACS, we have had to adapt such as putting a fence. But we just got lucky with our old dog she never ran off not once in the 14 years we had her which is very rare I'd say. So to the people who only have negative things to say about cockers, the owners from which you meet these cockers obviously didn't do there research and bought their dog from a poor breeder, which is just supporting the ongoing harm and inbreeding. Or they were incapable of spending the time and committing themselves to the responsibility of a dog. So I have to say that it isn't the dogs fault its the ignorance these people have. It is in no way the fault of the dog that people own puppy mills and don't do their studies, before they take on such a large responsibility. I do believe there are problems with these dogs to an extent but along with the hundreds of other breeds as well. I recommend not breeding these dogs as much as possible we have to get a hold of the inbreeding of breeds and small time or first time breeds do have the capability or the resources to do so, and if you do good for you.

Having grown up in a family who bred dogs, as a dog lover, and a dog owner, I can put my 23 years of experience behind saying Cocker spaniels are my least favorite dogs. They have unpredictable personalities, they are inbred (I'm not a fan of pure breeds in general, but cockers are some of the worst) and they piss on everything. I have not yet met a cocker I liked. If I ever do, I'll change my tune.

these dogs will eat anything in sight! They are the most piggish dogs I've ever come across. Also, don't leave anything around these dogs because they are so destructive they like to rip things up and slobber over everything....ughh

All of you are really assholes with no life. To sit up here and really write all this crap about such a sweet animal is horrible. I own a 4 month cocker and he does all the normal things any pup would do. i do discipline him when he chews things up ( which is the only problem i have). Most of you people children are worser than any animal that i could ever meet!!! So if u take the same time it takes to write such ignorant shit and just train the dog and kids -we all will be happy!!!!

I think it is important to make a distinction between American and English Cocker Spaniels when discussing the breed. American Cocker Spaniels are cute and can be friendly, but have suffered terribly from bad breeding over the last few decades. These puppy mill and internet dogs can have temprament and health issues. English Cocker Spaniels, on the other hand, are much better bred, particularly the field variety. I have one ECS and am getting a second in the fall - I would recommend this breed to anyone leading an active lifestyle (they need at least one walk or intensive game of fetch a day). English Cockers are friendly, goofy, cuddly, and just adorable. They love to be with people and thrive on making their owners happy. And they are WONDERFUL with children. For anyone considering a cocker, get an ECS - it's worth the wait!

Cockers are all right but I wouldn't like to own one, personally. They tend to have trouble with their ears. It is important to keep them clean.

My mother had a cocker spaniel and it was the stupidest living thing I ever knew. Total idiot. It would attack out of the blue and it was supremely mean. Now, my neighbors behind me get a freakin' spaniel and it goes nuts barking at every passerby and won't shut up for hours. It barks at the thin air and literally barks until it can't even catch its breath. It is loud, it is obnoxious and it is a total idiot as demonstrated by its compulsion to bark even after the neighbors put on a shock collar. I conclude that spaniels are a waste of life.

I am disgusted with some peoples comments. i have a English Cocker Spaniel and it is adorable. I have had her for 5years now and it is my best friend. Unlike some misinformed people they definately do not piss on everything. It is like any dog if you train them they are perfect. I wanted a dog that was cute, affectionate and friendly and i have found the perfect one. Zoe my English Cocker Spaniel is the best companion. She always comes up to people and is so friendly!!! Cocker Spaniels are adorable. They are not the smartest dog but unless you want them to do extra ordinary tricks they are perfect. For those clueless about Cocker Spaniels, you are wrong. They are great, even to kids. I have not, to this day, met one person out who have said something bad about cocker spaniels or looked badly upon ours. So if you are seriously going to take these peoples advise about how bad these dogs are think twice!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly despise this dog! I own a Dachsund (very sweet, trained, and low maintenance)- Since "Katrina" I have a Cocker Spaniel staying at my home while the owners house is being repaired. She is the dumbest dog I have ever encountered. She will use the bathroom anywhere...she has attacked my dog...she chews and destroys whatever she can, eyes are always gross, jumps on people, barks and whines, digs holes in the yard...the list goes on and on! If I knew what I know today about this dog, no matter the circumstances ths dog would not be welcome in my home!

My cousins own a wonderful, active cocker. Great dogs, active and playful, great with children (my cousins dog would let you leap on it and pull its ears and tail with out reacting!). They are so freindly and they're full of fun, very sweet and cute. A good family dog.

I just got my american cocker from a rescue and she is the best dog I have had, People have to realize that if you dont get your cocker, or any dog for that matter from a reputable breeder, you will get dogs that are Ill bred, cockers dont respond well to yelling or hitting. And people who have problems with their dogs need to try obedience training, my cocker is 6 years old, and was housebroken, fixed, all her shots, and picked up commands to easily!!!!....people get dogs because they are cute, they dont research the breeds to see how they fit into their lives, which is awful for the poor dogs...I was told they dont like small kids and she was returned due to that fact and that she was testy.....NOT THE CASE, THE MAYBE SENT HER BACK DUE TO THE GROOMING SHE NEEDS, BUT SWEET AS A PEA. I RECOMMEND THEM AS LONG AS YOU UNDERSTAND THE BREED, THEIR NEEDS AND GETTING FROM A REPTUTABLE BREEDER AND NOT PET SHOPS, OR FROM OUT OF THE NEWSPAPER.

I love my American Cocker Spaniels. I own 12 females, all of which were rescues in one respect or another. I have two females that are therapy dogs, and one of my young females (now 2 years old) was just inducted into the Georgia Animal Hall of Fame as the statewide choice for Companion Animal of the Year. She also is working towards her Rally Novice Obedience title. My Cocker Spaniels are smart and loving, and with proper training and a good diet are absolutely wonderful pets.

Not the frendliest breed I've encountered.

Never want to own one. One can get attached to any breed, I guess, but Cockers seem high maintenance, and I can't stand to look at those soulful eyes with all that goop running out of them all the time. A girl I know who was once studying to be a vets assistant told me that it was because Cocker Spaniels have an extra set of tear ducts. WOW!

English cockers are merry, happy little dogs that will love nothing more than to snuggle you and play all day! My parents own 6 of these little cuties and they are wonderful animals. They have beautiful coats but do require extensive grooming to maintain show quality cut. American cockers tend to be more on the stand-offish side of temperament... but the English versions will keep you laughing and are very loving. Take it from me... I was a confirmed cocker hater until I met the English counterpart. They have forever changed my opinion on this breed!

Not only are they ugly, they're mean. I have never met a friendly cocker spaniel.

I hate dogs period but these monsters are the worst. They are so braindead.

We own 7 American Cocker Spaniels. The boys & girls are in separate chain link pens, each having 1/2 acre to roam. We sit with them each day and observe them at play, and they love to play!!! They all have distinctive personalities, but they do have their similarities. Most Cockers love tennis balls, as we have observed and heard from other Cocker owners. Three of our dogs retreived on the first throw. Males are usually more difficult to keep together, not because they are bad tempered, but INSTINCTIVELY, they set up their own heirarchy. The ALFA male rules the boys side. It can be annoying (and embarrasing) when they challenge each other for the higher rank. Overall, they are an excellent breed. They are extremely loyal to their owners and aim to please. They are great with children and other pets, IF PROPERLY SOCIALIZED. However, they are not for everyone. They do require grooming. We shave ours down completely, so grooming is not such a pain for us. But if you try to keep that show coat, matting is a problem.

I loved my cocker spaniel, he was the sweetest dog, I just about died when he did. I do like the American Cocker Spaniel looks, not the British, I like the domed head,and I love the buff colored ones. Very sweet dogs,and with anything alive and breathing, you get out of a dog what you put in, put in love, you get sweetness, put in crap, you get bites and nasty tempered dogs.

Hi, would someone please give me an opinion. We have a 6-year old cs. She has almost every negative side-effect going...bad ears, gland problems, skin problems, thyroid. I give her thyroid medication daily, ear washes & ointments, weekly baths with Selsun Blue and medicated dog shampoo, and and antiyeast medicine daily. She is as sweet a dog as I have ever seen. My question...is her existance as miserable as I perceive it to be with all the health problems? Am I doing her a favor to have her with me? Please let me know what you think. I love the dog, but feel I may be doing her a disservice.

I know a lot of people love Cockers, but most of the cockers I have known were just not very bright. Sweet, but stupid. (Let the UNHELPFUL ratings begin!) Also, perhaps due to poor breeding practices, cockers often exhibit more unpredictable behavior now than even a few decades ago. They frequently bite. Before everyone gets upset, I will point out that these bites are non-fatal. I am not equating cockers with pit bulls. Not only that, these dogs are covetous in nature. They can't stand other dogs receiving food or attention before them. One cocker I knew, if an ice cube were dropped on the kitchen floor, would run hell-bent to get it before the Bassett hound (who couldn't get the lead out if he tried). Also, she had the annoying habit of pulling hairs - people's hair. She really loved male facial hair. She used her teeth like tweezers. Men thought she was giving them a kiss, or nuzzling them. Instead, she was getting in position to pluck.

I've owned and raised Cockers for many years and I have never found a sweeter dog inmy life. Its where you get your puppies from that makes them great. I don't know where these large cocker breeders get that they have hip problems. I have contacted over 30 vets in the tri-state area of OH, IL, and IN and havent found ONE case of Hip Displaysa in over 12 years. This is one bad rumor that people need to stop spreading.