Hi Sunny,
I read all the responses about Spaniels and I and my husband used to breed English Springer Spaniels. They are wonderful family pets. We had 8 when my son was 1 year old and had no problems with them ever. They are very loyal dogs and never snapped at our son. We recently lost the last of our Springers last May. They live to be about 13 to 15 years old. I really think you would have great luck with a Springer Spaniel. They are beautiful dogs and well we just love them. Good luck
Susan
Forget the cocker. Having had various breeds since I was six years old (now 45) I can honestly say they are by far the dumbest breed I have ever had. They can not be left alone for more than a couple of hours without making a mess. I don't know anything about the spaniel breed. I would recommend a golden retriever and there is a rescue here in AZ
http://www.golden-retriever.org/
and here is a rescue where you can ask for any breed.
http://adopt-a-golden-retriever.1-800-save-a-pet.com/
HTH
Sunny -
Growing up we raised Cocker Spaniels and had no problems with them but later in life I worked as a vet tech and found out first hand that Cocker Spaniels can be prone to biting and are not always good family dogs. I know nothing about the King Charles. We also had Pomeranians growing up and my family still has them...they are fantastic little dogs. Very playful and gentle.
I don't know much about the King Charles Spaniel but I do know that cocker spaniels can be hyper dogs. Good luck
I have always had bad experience with cocker spaniels and kids. They are very nippy and they bark alot. The other I dont know about.
I have heard that spaniels are more likely to bite. I would recommend something more like a beagle. Spaniels are snappy dogs and don't liked to be bothered a whole lot.
We raised, showed and trained dogs(American Cockder Spaniels) for years. They usually make a good pet, are loving and loyal Truthfully most dogs are loving and loyal if treated with loving care. I have a Border Collie which I got from a rescue society. She is loyal, loving, protective and extremely intelligent. I suggest you visit a rescue society and check out the residents. Ask the keepers what the dog's history is and spend as much time as possible with the dog. One of the benefits of adopting an older dog is someone else did the house breaking (hopefully. Ask if the dog is trained and if so, what else he knows.) Regardless what breed you get, love him and teach him as you would a child. Incidentally, my BC was going to be euthanized because she was nasty. I've trained quite a few "untrainable" dogs and wasn't worred about this one. Shw bonded to me (I live alone) and would probably fight a grizzly bear to protect me. She is truly my best friend. I hope you adopt your family's new best friend. Good luck!
I have always had 'if-fy' experiences with spaniels and children. I would like to throw up another idea - Golden Doodle. A golden retriever and poodle. They do not shed and are good watch dogs but super gentle with children. My toddler rolls and lays all over him and he is very patient and gentle.
My parents always had Cocker Spaniels when I was growing up. They were great dogs. They were gentle. Of course, we had to train them just like with all dogs but they were very good. You have to be careful with their ears though because they are sensitive. If you have those sticker weeds in your yard you probably want to try to get rid of them because they get in their ears and will hurt them. I would love to get another Cocker Spaniel one day. They are great with kids.
The King Charles Spaniels are in general wonderful dogs. They are very gently and friendly and are in many ways quite different than american Cocker Spaniels. I even hope to one day have a cavalier. They are very prone to serious heart disease, however, which can greatly impact their lifespan and their quality of life long term. As long as you can afford to take proper care of one, that is not, in my opinion, a reason not to get one. Do your research, do NOT buy from a pet store, and get good veterinary advice from day one. Be advised that some pet insurance companies will not insure these dogs against heart failure and "dry eye" since these conditions are so common in the breed. They are also not immune to the ear problems that afflict the american cockers.
If you are here in the Tucson area the humane society of southern arizona, at 3450 N Kelvin Blvd, is a great place to adopt. You can speak with an adoptions representative and they will be able to suggest a great type of dog for you. If you have your heart set on a specific breed you can even fill out a "wishlist"... if they get that breed in you will get a call before the dog even goes to the adoptions area. For more information on the humane society you can go to www.hssaz.org
I would research cocker spaniels really well--our next door neighbors had one when I was little and it freaked out, attacked a four-year old, and bit her so badly she had to go the hospital. Apparently this is a genetic defect that shows up once in awhile in spaniels.
Growing up I had a Cocker Spanial, we had other dogs also, but he was the best. When we get settled I'm getting one for my kids.
Every cocker spaniel that I have ever known were nippers and barkers. Might not be the best choice for kids. Golden Retrievers and Labs in my experience are the best and most gentle dogs for kids. I think most spaniel are high strung which will probably be alot of extra work....with exercise etc. good luck
I know, I'm really late, but if you get this, go to www.dogbreedinfo.com. It is a wonderful web site full of tons of info about dogs. It has a section on it that you can take a quiz/survey about what kind of dog would be best for your situation. (it asks questions about children, living condition, hours willing to spend with the dog...) I hope it helps and good luck with your decision!
I have worked at an animal shelter for 3 years. Although it's really great to rescue a dog you can run into problems. Lot's of people don't tell about an adult dog's problems because they want to see them adopted. We have adopted out cocker's to families and had them brought back for various reason's. I would suggest a cocker puppy so it can grow up with your son. If you still want to rescue one I would recomend a young dog. Get all the information you can get on the dog, and ask if you can spend time with the dog away from the other dog's. Dog's in shelter's act differently, they are scared. If possible take the dog into a room. That will get the dog to calm down and pay attention to you not the other dogs. Make sure you can return the dog if it doesn't work out, and that the dog can be checked by a vet. Airborne sickness's are allways a problem at shelter's. Thanks for considering a shelter animal, shelter's on an average get about 50,000 dogs a year.There are breed rescue's that only for that breed. Check with the shelter or local breeder's.
Thanks everyone,
We did take the advice of the majority, did more research and decided against a cocker,
We are now looking into a rescue Cavalier King Charles or fostering one . We are hoping to find a young one, maybe 1 or 2yrs old.
We are also looking into small breed mutts at the pound.
So if anyone knows of one of those type dogs that needs a home, let me know.
Thanks