1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
first time cocker owner ( pet)
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
14th century when there were two sorts of spaniels , the land spaniels and the water spaniels . The land spaniel then divided , some become toys, the others became workers in the field. The smaller land spaniels where then divided into 2 groups "starters" and "cockers" . Starters spring the game, whereas cockers were specially bred to hunt the woodcock .
3. How common is it in Australia?
Quite common but not as much as in the 70's when they were very popular.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
Merry, Loyal and affectionate
A very happy breed in which the bum doesn't stop wriggling and the tail can still wag whilst the rest of the body is in sleep mode .
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
Maggie is as happy having a run in the park ( nose to the ground sniffing out all that had come before her ), on my lap or asleep on "her" recliner
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Yes I think so, As long as you are aware that they do need training especially when food is involved and can get dominant. They are much more intelligent than people think and can really get you sucked in with the big "soppy" eyes
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
I think so , but I think they would prefer to have a friend.
I have had no problems with leaving Maggie with Molly ( pom/chi) for long periods . She has never chewed anything except her own toys. As long as I remember to put the bin or any food out of reach.
9. How much grooming is required?
Not a lot but you have to be committed .Maggie as a pet cocker gets a 5-10 min brush daily and I clip the body about every 4 weeks (leaving just the feathers on the ears, legs and chest so at least she looks like a cocker ) . Not hard really once you get the hang of things. There are quite a few sites that have excellent "instructions" or just find yourself a breeder who is willing to show you.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
Not at all if trained.
One thing that has to be supervised or best never let children feed cockers. It is probably the worst thing that happens is kids feed the dog and soon the dog will learn that it is easy to get food from a child by jumping up and taking it.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
As already said.
But also I would like to add Hip dyslasia. Not very common but it is there. Not much testing is done and that is fine as it is rare but there are some lines with it in and you should be aware of it .
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
Testing of parents for FN . PRA
It is also worth asking if any Hip Dyslasia has ever occured in the breeders lines
