What it Takes to Own a Cocker Spaniel

cocker spaniel

The cocker spaniel is one of the most popular dogs in the world as far as the American Kennel Club statistics are concerned, and that’s just one of the many reasons we love this breed. Sweet and playful, kind and loving, and small and beautiful, it’s just a lovely breed to call your own. It’s great with kids, other animals and just about everyone. This is a happy breed with a great disposition and the ability to thrive as part of a family. It could be said that this dog takes his role in the family very seriously, making it impossible not to want one in your own family. These lovely dogs make great pets, and they’re very gentle. This is why so many families choose to go with this breed. It’s not a dog you have to worry about with the kids or other animals, and it’s not a dog that’s difficult to train. It is, however, a dog that’s just enjoyable and lovely. And here is what it takes and what it is like to raise a cocker spaniel of your own.

The Budget for a Dog

Just because they are small and relatively healthy dogs (please not all dogs can be diagnosed with any disease at any time and there is no guarantee whatsoever that your dog will always be healthy) does not mean it will be inexpensive to own a dog. All dogs are expensive to own no matter their size or health. You have to take the dog to the vet at least once a year. You must be able to afford food and supplies and treats and all the things that people need in a home when caring for a dog. If you can’t afford those, you can’t afford a dog.

An Understanding That This is Not a Guard Dog

The cocker spaniel is not going to be a guard dog. According to the American Spaniel Club, this is a dog that will let you know when someone is approaching your door, but then it will greet that person with happy kisses and attention. Cockers are very sweet, very friendly dogs that don’t know a stranger. This is not a dog that’s going to attack or stand its ground or even try to be a guard dog. It loves everyone, and it’s not scaring anyone off.

A Tiny Little Stalker

This is a breed that loves its people. This means that your cocker is most likely going to follow you around the house, be by your side at all times and do whatever it can to get into your lap. It might pick a favorite in the house, and it might choose a child to follow around, but it will follow someone around. If you are okay with this kind of behavior, this is going to be the perfect dog for you. Just take our advice and watch where you’re going at all times. You certainly don’t want to accidentally step on this little guy if he accidently gets under your feet.

A Lot of Love

This is a dog that wants attention and seeks it at all times. This dog needs a family that will show it love and affection all the time, so make sure you have that intention. This is not a dog that likes to be ignored, and it can get its feelings hurt. You’ll need to be someone who is home often enough to care for this dog. You can work and be out and still have a life but if you travel most of the time, you should not have a cocker spaniel at home. Actually, you shouldn’t have any dog at home. Dogs deserve loving humans who will take care of them and spend time with them.

Plenty of Exercise

This is an energetic dog that is prone to weight issues because it’s considered a dog that likes its food just a bit much. In fact, the American Spaniel Club calls the cocker spaniel a “foodie” and says that this is a dog that can, as it gets older, have some weight issues. It’s said that this is a breed that wants to eat anything it can get its paws on, from your food to his food to all food. This means you will need to make sure your dog has plenty of exercise. This includes at least one walk a day, though time in the yard playing with the kids or running around is going to be beneficial to this animal as well.

It’s a Commitment

The most important thing to remember about owning a cocker spaniel, or any other dog, is that it is a lifetime commitment. This is a dog that requires you to spend the next decade or so caring for him or her, loving him or her and making sure that he or she always feels like part of the family. It’s a commitment that the entire family must make, as well. You should all agree that a dog is the best choice for you. Bringing home a dog into a household in which not everyone is on board is never a good idea. Go ahead and talk it out so that you can all get on the same page. We are sorry to say that if one of you is not interested in having a dog, it might be for the best to forgo an animal until you can agree. However, if everyone agrees that a dog is going to make a wonderful addition to the family, you’re going to be very happy with your decision to obtain a cocker spaniel.

Finally, don’t overlook the benefit of getting a dog that’s a bit older. Rescued dogs are lovely dogs, especially the cocker spaniel. They make wonderful companions no matter their age, so you will be doing yourself a favor if you get one that’s already trained and already familiar with living with a family. This lovely dog is going to make your family very happy.

Photo by Jens Schlueter/Getty Images

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