Im asking if thats possible to take a show cocker on a shoot or does the dog have to be a working dog??
Anything is possible. You can take ANY breed of dog onto a shoot, it does not even have to be a gundog (there are plenty of "other" breeds that pick up). If you are asking however if a show cocker will work as well as a working cocker the answer is probably no, in that it will not be as flashy or fast. But flash and fast is not necessary on most shoots (there is a difference to walked up and driven shoots). No doubt your gundog trainer will advise if and when your dog is ready to go out on a shoot. Normally first season dogs are kept on lead and just shot over a couple of days.
Its something that I would love to consider for my pup so it good to know their will be some hoot she could maybe go on in the future we do have one local to us a well as agility club which ill probably try out first. Got show type cocker with an incredible amount of energy o.0 All ready taking her out for walks too ^^
I was involved in a shoot where there were 2 show cockers working. Not the best dogs in the world, but they certainly enjoyed working You are probably best finding a more informal, friendly shoot as you will be more welcomed - certainly in my experience anyway. Never say never...lol Helen