What is the real difference in energy levels and scattiness between Springers and cockers? I have a working cocker at the moment and am going to get another dog at some point. I always wanted a Springer but now I've had a cocker I love them. But..I'd still love a spriner. All the websites reckon springers are even more energetic than cockers but is this really true? (My neighbour reckons its not, but he's very opinionated and I'm not sure if he knows what he's talking about!) Also, is there much of a difference between show type and working type? Thanks
Up until the very early 1900's in a litter of spaniel pups the bigguns would be Springers and the littleuns would be Cockers. The "breeds" were not separated until about then, which explains why they are so much alike.
Someone on another forum I go on posted this about spaniels, they work both cockers and springers from what I've seen: "This is just my view, and given in very general terms. All the Spaniel breeds are meant to be finders of game, therefore strong hunting instincts are taken as read. It should be remembered that the division between Cockers and Springers was originally based on weight. Above 23lb and it was a Springing Spaniel, and below 23lb, it was a Cocking Spaniel, so it was possible to have both from the same litter. Selective breeding has given us the two distinct breeds we have today. Cockers should be much smaller, and far more busy in their hunting action, they should hunt a very tight pattern , which I've heard described as like a blanket stitch, it has also been said that the best ones hunt like stoats, which for those who've never seen a stoat in action, is a very short, sharp, angular hunting pattern. Springers on the other hand, tend to have a much more open and flowing hunting style, often with their heads slightly up, and a very pronounced swagger on the back end. Their is more a a variation in size in Springers, FT springers are generally smaller, whereas on an normal shoot, you get a much greater size range. In terms of temperament, I find Cockers are very demanding. They want to be with you, all the time, and up close and personal, they love human contact. Springers, in my experience, tend to be a little more laid back. I have no personal experience of other types of Spaniel, though I have seen Clumbers, and Sussex Spaniels working, and they are a world away from Cockers and Springers, but still very good for those who prefer a more sedate Spaniel."
I always thought springers were busy dogs until I saw cockers working! I have heard it said several times that cockers are slightly more difficult to train but i've never owned a spaniel so dont know how true that is.
My cocker spaniel is only 11 weeks old and so far he has been okay with some basic training ( his name, sit, crate etc). I've heard that cockers are eager to please making them easier to train than other breeds. Time will tell as he grows bigger and older.
Great post. Also back up what Maxine said which I have always known to be true. In my experience Springers are much more laid back that Cockers (working variety). They are easier to train, because of this and are just as happy on their own as they are with you. An ideal breed and as much as I love the working cocker, I would never be without a Springer.
I can only give experience of Springers and you can have mad ones and calm ones but you can't really tell when they are born! Our one springer is quiet but when she is out in the field or working then she seems to have an 'on' switch. I know someone who has a cocker and she is much quieter and like loads of cuddles. Show spaniels tend to have long pendant ears and are a more stocky build. Working spaniels will have a more wirey coat, shorter ears and be smaller in their build. We have thought of considering a working cocker and might do in the future but at the moment we know the temperament of springers and have always found them loyal and eager and would not be without them.
I have a Cocker (show) and what a busy boy he is! He definitely thinks he's a working spaniel always flushing up pheasants and has even caught the odd rabbit. he's extremely fiesty and will take on all comers, (which can be a problem), he thinks hes a big dog trapped in a little dog's body!! Am thinking of getting an ESS girl to keep him company so I will be able to compare both breeds! But dont think cockers are a pushover they may look cute and toylike but mine is a real hunting dog and very loyal and as a companion you could not ask for better!
There is usually quite a difference in show and working types personality. As the workers come from parents bred that were good at their job. Equally show type come form the Breed Standards and are usually more docile so they will stand and be caged between shows. If you caged a working springer or cocker... they WOULD NOT just chill out for the rest of the day. But see it as their personal challenge and job to get out or destroy something. they are far too busy to just wait around. Brilliant dogs when the owners full fill them!! Pleasure to keep and love xxx
And yet the vast majority of working Spaniels I know of are kennelled for long periods of time to keep the keen and make them easier to train. :? Disclaimer - please note I did not say all. The truth is a lot of it will be down to the lines the dog is bred from and the individual personality of said dog. Other than that there's not a lot in it IMO. I've met some Cockers who are very busy, but equally I've met similar Springers.
In the working lines it is very difficult to tell the difference sometimes as already been said. The ones i am familiar with are those which are sniffer dogs for the police and security or working gundogs, some of whom compete in WT and I have often been surprised when I thought one was a CS and it turned out to be an ESS. You canot compare good working lines with show ones, they are a world apart both in looks and in activity. I have penchant for a CS but I am not sure I will have the energy. Both are very high energy, but CS look like wind up toys!
What I meant was, how show dog are caged for long periods in between shows and on transport and so they use lower energy level dogs. The springers, labs and shephards I work with in training scent detection dogs are only kennels for rest, not to keep them keen. They will work all day for their ball, even when tired, but we rested them to keep them healthy and able to work at another time. To me it seems pointless and almost backwards having a working dog that needs kenneling for long periods of time to keep it work. But that is just the way I was tought. Everywhere has variations in dog handling, training etc. =]
I said that in response to an earlier post I read that asked was there much difference in show and working CS and ESS.
Are show dogs caged for long periods in between shows? And ALL dogs should be caged during transport whether it is a working/show or pet dog! (or restrained by seat belts or dog guard and tailgate.! There is no difference here surely?!
My cocker is from working lines apparently she loves company hates being outside and loves her cage but there is always an exception to the rule lol ATD x
Mine certainly weren't and one of them is still perfectly able to hunt and flush game for long periods of time! Hate to think how all the dual purpose HPRs cope with "long periods benched at shows"!
ROFLMAO, exactly. My Weimaraner is not caged inbetween shows or working events........................
I half half an ESS, working lines too - the lab calms him down. I'd go with an ESS - mix things up a bit good luck..
