The Dogmother Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I hope you're bringing the boys this weekend K; my two would love to see them and Rosie will be there too. There will be some homeless hounds at the event too, so plenty to smooch with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 Not their weekend to be with us sadly, We'll properly come Sunday (weather permitting). People find it odd that i don't recommend Labradors to pet people; My thoughts are they either get to fat begging for treats and not enough exercise (they need a lot) or they don't get enough mental stimulation and start being destructive - Spaniels are the same with mental stimulation. I do think Greyhound type dog are fab for this and so child friendly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I can think of 3 families with pet labs and all of the dogs are overweight and under-exercised My last lurcher was just sooo good with Rosie when she was little; she was Rosie's guard dog. My current two love her to bits as well and always go to her for cuddles when she comes down in the morning. They get two good runs per day, let out at lunchtime and spend the rest of the time comatose or playing together indoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I can vouch for greyhounds with children! We had two small people in the office earlier in the week (aged 3 and 1) and Willow was fantastic with them, very gentle and sweet, but then to be fair, she is gentle with everyone ... (though as always, usual H&S warning, never leave dogs unattended with children ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 Ok, my girl went over the Rainbow Bridge a week ago...but I would have a weimaraner again if you had the time & committment to them... though keep your food well out of reach! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubababe Posted April 27, 2012 Share Posted April 27, 2012 I did a lot of research before I bought my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. I eventually decided to go through the kennel club as i didn't want to end up with a dog with more health problems than normal. My breed does have heart conditions and I do know that she has a heart murmur! I am saving at the moment to get her health checked to know for sure if I can breed from her or not. She cost £550.00 which is middle range price. Yes I could have bought one cheaper...but..... I was going to show her but she's just to much a pet & spoilt now Good luck with your search for a puppy. You may even be lucky & find a rescue one which is used to cats My CKC is regularly beaten up by the cats when she gets too boisterous Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freddie Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 We have a "hybrid", we know mum is 85% spaniel, 15% other, and dad unknown Think there's bull breed in there, amongst other things. She is just lovely, apart from being a really sticky hound, ie has to be glued to someone's side. Dead easy to train, with steel stomach. Bit of a thief, Very careful around the cats/hens/tortoise, and other smaller dogs, scared of pheasant, rabbits etc. Not scared of sheep, unfortunately, we have to be careful, as she wants to be their friend, nad they dont want to be hers.she wont hurt them, but they run and she follows. Not good Local farmer is going to address this for us, with some ewes in a pen shortly, with dog added. Then she'll be scared of sheep too. harsh , but better than being shot. X breeds are a safe option , as long as you get to meet and spend time with parent(mum). Flynn is a sweetie, Ugly , but to us she is the best!! She cost £80. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 28, 2012 Share Posted April 28, 2012 Cocker Spaniels are a classic 'puppy farm' dog so do choose your breeder carefully and expect to pay for the peace of mind I'm afraid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quickcluck Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I have a 'hybrid' scottie/poodle he was £250, and well worth it..... plus he doesn't moult! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 1, 2012 Author Share Posted May 1, 2012 Thanks for all your your views and comments We have decided, after much searching, to up what we are willing to spend to get a healthy dog which will hopefully have none of the inherited problems that some cockers have. Hubby has also said, as he isn't that fussed about getting a dog, its me and the girls who want it, that we have to get a girl (I wanted a boy, but will compromise). I have a few possible candidates, so we shall see. Not in a rush, but I don't know how long people tend to breed their dogs for, so I don't know if this time of year is peak puppy time or if its a general drib drab throughout the year. I have considered lurchers (fell in love with one that DM posted a link to a while back) and quite like whippets and greyhounds, but we just don't have a spot big enough for it whilst keeping it and the cats separate until they are used to each other. If ever Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted May 1, 2012 Share Posted May 1, 2012 I think you are doing the right thing and will probably cost you less in the long run! I know cockers can be overbred for the wrong reasons but my previous three girls (have had them all my life) lived happy and healthly lives, were brilliant when I had children and all the various small furry animals that inevitably came along. Pebbles who is nearly six gets along with everyone although I have to admit is a bit of a baby especially when it comes to booster injections. Crys as if she has been mortally wounded then happily has a treat from the vet. Good luck with your search and look forward to seeing photos. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted May 2, 2012 Share Posted May 2, 2012 I am pleased for you, Most important things will be to check that the parents have been hip and elbow scored, recent eye test done. These guys should be able to help you. http://www.cockerspaniel-info.org.uk/health.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 3, 2012 Author Share Posted May 3, 2012 Well, we have gone back to the original person (who we said were too much for us) who's puppies are due 21st of this month and she has said she will put us down for a female pup Just have to hope that all is well between now and then with the pregnancy and that she doesn't end up having a litter of all boys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Congratulations and fingers crossed she will have a lovely little girl for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubababe Posted May 3, 2012 Share Posted May 3, 2012 Yay. It'll be worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Exciting times! Fingers crossed you get your girl pup - be sure to post some photos on here when you do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted May 4, 2012 Share Posted May 4, 2012 Good news, Just make sure both parents have been tested as this will save you a lot of heart ache in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 4, 2012 Author Share Posted May 4, 2012 I know the sire is tested, I am just checking the mum is too. The sires website page says he won't be 'offered' to any female who hasn't been eye tested or approved. The sires actually belongs to someone who I contacted about their pups, but who we definitely couldn't afford, so in a round about way, we are getting one of his pups The family set up a web page for their first litter, and will be doing the same for this second litter, so once I have a link, I shall op it up so you can see the babies. I have to try and keep calm though, otherwise I will explode with excitement I imagine its like waiting for a grandchild! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 nice to hear of responsible breeders, Pictures please as soon as they are born! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Yes, and we need reports on the softness and scent of their ears... LBB, Moochoo and I will be queuing up to snuggle their ears and paws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 Oh yes, there is nothing like the smell of a snuggly little puppy. I love the smell of the tops of their heads Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 5, 2012 Share Posted May 5, 2012 One of the joys in life. Moochoo and I will happily mug any puppy we come across so that we can sniff its ears and paws. TBH I think that I am the worst culprit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 I have to try and keep calm though, otherwise I will explode with excitement I imagine its like waiting for a grandchild! I remember feeling exactly the same. Hope it all goes well. Oh yes, there is nothing like the smell of a snuggly little puppy. I love the smell of the tops of their heads Not sure our ESS ever had that smell. If she did, it didn't last long. A good roll when walking through the woods and hey presto, stinky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted May 23, 2012 Author Share Posted May 23, 2012 A litter of 6 girls were born today They were due Monday but they are here at last. Hopefully all will feed and thrive, but will chat to the owner next week, and then hopefully next step, visit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pips_pekins Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 A litter of 6 girls were born today They were due Monday but they are here at last. Hopefully all will feed and thrive, but will chat to the owner next week, and then hopefully next step, visit Awww. How strange that they were all girls. Have you had a chance to arrange a visit yet? I want to see photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...