cocker spaniel

[ips]

So how does one ensure you don't get one with epilepsy etc ?

 

[** Pending Removal **]

So how does one ensure you don't get one with epilepsy etc ?

You can't but you will recognise if it happens. I got mine because it was not safe with the families kids. They thought it was just mental. It was a great dog most of the time and you could tell when it was going to have a flip.

 

[ips]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question but is this condition for all dogs or just spaniel or just cocker

 

[Darkside]

[quote name="ips" post="173809" timestamp="1419791541

Is there any benefits either way for springer v cocker

 

[Bebo]

Seems to be more common in Cocker Spaniels than other breeds of dogs.  Golden / red were considered the highest risk, but all solid colours were more likely to have it.  Very inbred.  Mixed colours were less prone to it.

 

[ips]

Ps

More than happy for anyone to offer or recommend a suitable doggie for sale.

 

[Bryn12]

James I'd have said exactly the opposite except for the 'off switch' :sarcastic:

I think the cocker rage/epilepsy thing has been largely bred out. Try asking on here www.gundogtrainingforum.co.uk 

you may well cause WWIII and be even more confused :fie:

 

[ips]

So its a specific cocker thing then ?

 

[ips]

Ps

What a great forum this is. Guaranteed that contributors will be able to answer or advise on any question. Never ceases to amaze me the knowledge on here.

 

[Skeet UK]

So its a specific cocker thing then ?

I have an English Cocker, from mainly Welsh Field Trial Champion stock, gun dog parents.
He's totally a pet. Lovely, lovely dog. His only flaws are our fault for not spending enough time training him.

Nice size, without being too big. Always greets us with a shoe, toy, tv remote, entire body waging.

He does, very occasionally have a fit. Usually when asleep, he will wake up, and just seize up and go rigid. He tries to wag his tail etc and clearly is aware. I just lay with him and comfort him. Lasts maybe 5 mins, then he is fine. He is 8 years old.

 

[Skeet UK]

I don't think it is just Cockers, but obviously it seems more common in them.

He didn't start doing it until he was about 5 and has only happened maybe 4 times since.

Oddly, my daughter also has epilepsy...

 

[ips]

Yes that is odd. Shame for both it can't be fun.

 

[Darkside]

So its a specific cocker thing then ?

Yes, but I wouldn't be put off the breed because of it!!! Did you know Springer's are the only breed of dog that's tail doesn't wag...the tail stays still and the whole dog wags instead!!! I've seen a few Springers do the 'wall of death' round people's living room...IF I had one it would HAVE to be kennelled outside!!!

Cockers are also very good guard dogs...mine would stand between me and a lion, which is remarkable as she is very submissive!?!?

 

[ips]

Cheers James ok forget springer then back to my original cocker desire. This one we have now for three days looking after for a friend follows me everywere won't leave me alone lovely bitch all black from show stock

 

[Paul_B]

I have Cockers and Springers, bred a few litters of each and enjoyed living with quite a few over the years, I love both breeds to bits, my personal observations are that Cockers want to be on you/ under your skin whilst Springers just want to be with you, both can be hyper but differ on a dog to dog basis, Ive also had 3 labs but the calmest, most sensible, & best pet and working dog I still have is a trial bred springer whom I've just retired. I have to say I love the Cockers character but also like my own space and clean trousers on a day in the field .. I would also say that a Cocker ultimately trains itself, no matter how good a dog trainer you are. Having said all of that I think I get drawn to the Cockers more and more year after year, and I can fit more into the boot of the truck on a days picking up

 

[ips]

Cheers paul

 

[DavidJ]

I'd take everything James says with a pinch of salt. As Bryn say's go and do some asking on the gundog training forum. If your heart is set on a cocker then you've got to make a choice between show or working bred. These are now two very different breeds. The rage/epilepsy issue is a show breed problem. I've not come across this in the working breed.

Its each to their own though, having had both I'd always go with a springer ahead of a cocker. Having said that we have a Border Terrier as a house pet, the spaniels are outside. I'd recommend this breed to anyone. 

 

[ips]

Cheers david

 

[** Pending Removal **]

Or you could get a pointer

 

[Darkside]

I'd take everything James says with a pinch of salt.

You can't deny that Cockers have a nature all f their own!!! ...and each one is different