Cocker Spaniel Characteristics
Cockers are charming dogs who can make exceptionally successful family pets; unfortunately their popularity means that they are frequently victims of puppy farmers who produce puppies with no regard to their temperament or physical well-being. As with any breed puppies should always be obtained from a reputable breeder who offers support to new owners.
They are cheerful and love to be involved in everything that goes on in the household, which, if taken to extremes can become problematic. More than many breeds they are prone to separation anxiety, which generally manifests itself by excessive barking, howling or destructive behaviour. They do need to learn at an early age that they cannot spend all their time with their people and accept their place in the pecking order.
Whilst there will be dogs who are re-homed through no fault of their own because of changing family circumstances, others will have behavioural problems which you should try to identify before committing yourself to giving a home to a rescue Cocker.
Hereditary and Other Health Problems
The major hereditary condition of the Cocker Spaniel is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) which causes progressive blindness, onset varying between 18 months and 7 years. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock annually for any evidence of the disease, and carriers can now be identified by genetic testing.
Familial Nephropathy is a fatal kidney disease of the young Cocker Spaniel; the Breed Clubs have worked to eliminate this disease and instances are becoming much less common. Hip Dysplasia can occur, though generally a disease of larger breeds; this can be screened for but does not have a simple pattern of inheritance so apparently clear parents can produce affected offspring.
Obedience
The Cocker is a willing dog who is generally obedient and biddable, but once they pick up on an interesting scent they can become deaf to your calls. Bad habits acquired before you take on the rescue Cocker can take time to correct, need plenty of perseverance and rewards based training to achieve reliable results.
Sociability
Highly sociable, though their desire for company can verge on neediness if they have been indulged whilst younger.
Temperament
Some years ago Cocker Rage Syndrome was identified, a condition where the dog displays unprovoked aggression. Because of its unpredictable nature it is a very serious matter, particularly where there are children in the home. It is only occasionally seen now, and predominantly in the solid colours. However, all dogs have the potential to be snappy, particularly if they have been allowed too dominant a role in the household.
Re-homing
If you do find yourself in the unfortunate position of having to re-home your own cocker Spaniel then first contact your dog's breeder. They will, if they are responsible breeders, do all they can to help you reach a happy outcome. If this is not possible then contact Breed Rescue; these hard-working people are much better equipped than general rescue organisations to ensure a good match between dog and adoptive family.
Be patient when contacting Rescue; they are run by busy people who give freely of their own time to help support the breed they love.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue Organisations
Cocker Spaniel Club Rescue Contacts
Northern Area Co-ordinator Sylvia Bunting Tel: 07802 237668
Southern Area Co-ordinator Cynthia White Tel: 01929 552863
- Bedfordshire: Sue Rothchild Tel: 01234 300841 Jackie Hornby Tel: 01234 720695
- Birmingham & West Midlands: Gill Pearce-Gudger Tel: 024 7640 3453 (also Working Cockers)
- Cambridgeshire & Norfolk: Austin Wynne Tel: 01328 855263
- Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire: Maureen Cunnane & Brian Grayson Tel: 01246 856272
- Dorset & The West Country: Cynthia White Tel: 01929 552863
- Isle Of Wight: Tina Read Tel: 01983 521253
- Lancashire: Betty Stopforth Tel: 01257 424436 Debbie & Ken Grice Tel: 01744 819045 Betty Nugent Tel: 0151 2850005
- Leicestershire: Carol West Tel: 0116 286 6602 Anne Webster Tel: 01530 249952
- Mid Wales: Angie Jones Tel: 01974 831511
- North Wales: Pauline Brannan Tel:01352 744938
- North & East Yorkshire: Jim Hewson Tel: 01482 212783
- Northumbria & Durham:Sylvia Bunting Tel: 07802 237668 Mark & Joyce Collins Tel: 0191 388 9538
- Scotland: Wilma Reid Tel: 01555 870373
- South Yorkshire & Lincolnshire: Jackie Marris Bray Tel: 01427 628788 (between 10am-5pm ONLY)
- Working Cockers Mrs P Rhodes Tel: 01273 890701
