[wellies]

we have two dogs at the moment, a springer and a setter  The springer is my husband's shooting companion, works so hard for him but is beginning to slow down now and I think will probably have another two full seasons of work before he will prefer just to pootle with me about the fields and do the odd half day. The setter whilst adorable will never make a working dog, loves to find the birds but unfortunately hasn't heard about the quiet nature of the set and instead starts to bark and bounce around (its so funny but not really ideal in company  ). Good job he was never intended to be a working dog  I'm thinking it might be time to start thinking of getting another puppy so he has plenty of time to be a young exuberant pup and gradual training before starting him on his working career full time in a couple of years. Now the question is hubby has always had springers but both of us have enjoyed spending time with a few cockers but neither of us have experience of them as a working dog. Do you lovely people have any thoughts of the positives and negatives from either breed in terms of training for work, fitting in with the smallholding and general home life?

[doganjo]

I am Secretary/Treasurer of Lothian and Borders Gundog Association. Although I have never worked spaniels myself (I'm an HPR person)  I have been told that Springers are easier to train than Cockers - I don't know why but I can ask if you like?  Also if your husband has already trained a Springer it makes sense to stick to the same - breed traits etc?

[bigchicken]

I've been to a few spaniel trials and was always very impressed by there working abilities, The springers had a bit more stamina than the cockers and were more able to get over fences when retreaving. In the beating line there are very few cockers compaired to springers. Cockers seemed to be more head strong so if it was me I would have a Springer

[Jukes Mum]

Both have their advantages.
Cockers are not 'difficult' to train, they are just a little more 'challanging' 
You have to have a very special sense on humour to own a cocker but they are fab!
The biggest advantage when working cockers is being able to lift them easily over fences etc!
If your OH does a lot of picking up as well as beating, then personally I would stick with Springers.

[ScotsGirl]

I think cockers are less bonkers than springers.  Mine near enough self train so I don't think they are difficult. I prefer the cocker as a bit smaller but still a hard worker.

[doganjo]

Most owners of any breed can only generalise based on theri own experiences.  I can give better views on my own breed due to the length of time I have owned them and the numbers I've had.  A decision on breed is often an emotional one.  Go with what you know in my opinion.

[Porterlauren]

Although both are spaniels, and there are obviously a lot of similarities, they do have some quite large differences.

From my experience (and this is only personal experience, not law), i'd say that cockers take a bit longer to mature, and can be a little more challenging to train in some aspects.

They hunt in a different manner, a little less formulaic, they seem a bit loathe to enter cover which they don't think holds, whereas the springers we have will work whatever you direct them to, regardless of whether its holding game.

I find the cockers a little like children, they can get a bit over excited, and get carried away, taking a bit more to keep on top of, but in general are sweet wee things.

At the end of the day it's horses for courses though, and one breed will suit one man / woman better than the other, and suit some situations better.

Having said that, a well bred and trained cocker will beat a poorly bred springer every time, and vice versa.

I personally like a good springer for beating, a good lab for picking up and a good cocker for shooting over.

[Bramblecot]

Everything Port. said above, except the last line as I have no shooting experience. 
In my experience Cockers are more wily and crafty than Springers, and are masters at fooling people and wheedling to get their own way.  I love them, but a lot of my working colleagues did not. 
If your OH is happy working Springers, then I'd stick with that.

[cuckoo]

How about an Irish Water Spaniel? We have a 3 year old bitch who is great with people and the children. Dont work her but I know people do successfully. You would also be supporting a heritage breed.

[shygirl]

what about a clumber spaniel?
personally id love a little working cocker as a pet as they are so adorable. its on our one day list. not much hunting experience though.

[Lilljoho]

Cockers everytime you just have to have a sense of humour