Cocker Spaniels - Full of love

We had a Cocker Spaniel named Tiger. He was my brother's dog, adopted from my aunt whose two Cockers were allowed to have one litter. She still has Tiger's parents, Danny Boy and Katie. But Tiger died suddenly about 1 1/2 years ago. We still miss him.

Tiger, like his parents and other Cocker Spaniels, was a lot of fun. They love to play. One of Tiger's favorite games was playing catch with a tennis ball.

Cocker Spaniels usually want to be wherever their favorite family member is, or with whoever is at home. Every night Tiger slept in my brother's room. But if James was gone, Tiger hated to be in there alone and had to sleep with my parents.

Katie is the same way. She has to sleep with someone, and her first choice is my aunt. So if you want a Cocker Spaniel, be prepared to share your bed, or at least your bedroom, at night.

Cocker Spaniels need regular clipping, preferably from a professional. My aunt bought a very nice clipper and grooms her dogs herself very nicely, but she would prefer to take them to a groomer. She says it's a lot of work getting the cut just right.

Their beautiful coat needs to be brushed almost every day to keep from getting matted.

Cocker Spaniels weigh about 25-27 pounds and would be conisidered a medium dog breed.

Cocker Spaniels tend to bark at everything. They are also very excitable. One problem my aunt has is that Katie gets so excited when my aunt gets home that Katie cannot control her bladder. So my aunt has to be sure to get Katie outside right away so she doesn't wet on the floor.

They are listed in a top ten breeds for families list so make a great family dog. Some Cockers are a bit nippy, but overall the ones I know get along fine with young children. Tiger was especially good with any child and never growled or snapped at anyone.
But Cocker Spaniels are not for everyone. Before you get one make sure you want a dog that needs you, that wants to be with you, and that requires regular grooming.