Do Cockers Make Good Family Pets?
First, ask yourself, "Do I want a dog actively in my life?" and then, "Can I adjust my life to meet the needs of my Cocker?" What is a "family pet"? A dog who can bond to several people in the household given opportunity. Then yes, Cockers make good family pets. They generally will bond closer to one person, but will extend their affections to those who are kind to them.

Cockers are sporting spaniels, bred to charge assertively into dense brush all day, flushing and retrieving small game birds. That doesn't mean that every Cocker today has the drive and stamina to do this work and there are quiet, gentle pets who much prefer the sofa to the field.

...Still somewhere in their heart is that hunting dog. All are easily led off by an interesting scent and can quickly be at risk for roads, or lost as they follow those instincts.

Cockers are not stuffed toys to be mauled, ears pulled or teased by anyone. Torture is never appropriate and how your Cocker behaves around children, will depend on teaching the children respect.

Gentle, calm, reassuring handling instills trust. Cockers are sensitive to the emotions and conditions in the household. Constant stress will strain their systems over time and increase the risk of disease. Just like people...

What kind of exercise does a Cocker need?
Cockers need at least two good play or walk times a day for an average house life style. If your Cocker is involved in performance activities, agility, flyball or field work, he will need conditioning. A good mile or two walk a day is good for you both. And then there is that game of fetch with a soft frisbee to fill the between times.

Are Cockers good with other animals?
Generally yes. Cockers tend to respect the space of other living beings. I've had Cockers who were safe enough for a canary (Gus) to land on the floor in the dog's space (Decker, steady old son). On the other hand, Sydney, a pretty, tempetuous and now thoroughly spoiled darling of Jeanne and Roger Marg, was a threat to any song birds or wandering mice. She was a huntress. All have lived peacefully with cats, and recently, with my daughter's Guinea Pig, Cloe. That, was an interesting for them. Cloe's "Wheeek, Wheek, Wheek..." sent Nina on her toes just looking for that fun plush toy, she thought. Cloe thought Not.

Do Cockers make Good Companions?
Cockers make the best companions. They are so sensitive and respond so completely to their favorite humans. They are willing to trust over and over given a chance. They breath the same air you do, they feel your sadness, fears, happiness and no time in your whole life will you ever walk in a door after a tiring day and be welcomed more... this dog is joy and glee all in one. "Isn't life GOOD??" they seem to ask. "Afterall, YOU are home!"

Beauty, brains and Good Company...