DOGGY HELP NEEDED PLEASE?

Question

hey, Me + my mum are thinking of getting another dog, and I am putting lots of effort into research. We have narrowed it down to 2 breeds, but I really need advice on which one would suit us best - Beagle or english cocker spaniel? We are a family of five, live in the city but we take our 1 year old whippet bert out for 2 walks a day, one to a huge wood and one just round on a long stroll so the dog wouldnt be short of exersise! We don't have hardly any garden, but there is ample space for the dog in the house. In the family there is my mum, dad me age 12, my brother age 5, and my sister age 3. my little brother and sister are quite giddy sometimes! We do have some visitors, and we would consider taking the pup/dog to training classes.I am aware of 'cocker rage'. Me and mum also really really want a dog which will cuddle up on our laps and fal asleep,and also likes being handled. So which dog do you think is best - english cocker spaniel or beagle? We do have a cat but thats not a problem as bert hates her so she lives upstairs, where the dog would not be allowed. Thank you!!

Answer 1

a cocker! but i have two, so i am a bit biased! i do know people who have beagles and they can be headstrong, stubborn and quite independent! cockers love human company, they want to be with you all the time, they do fit on your lap for cuddles (actually both my boys can fit on my lap-its a bit of a squash but they do fit!) you do need to groom them everyday just to make sure that they do not get tangles, my boys love being groomed and i enjoy grooming them, it's very therapeutic and it helps you and your dog bond together. they can be obedient-when it suits them of course, one of my boys passed his bronze in the KC good citizen test yesterday-so i was pleased as we don't have a training class near to us, and they have to be 'home trained' but i would prefer if i could take them to training classes.

have you looked at the cocker spaniel club-parent club of the breed-website, here are regional breed clubs who may know of breeders with health tested cockers available.... http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/br... it also has lots of information on cockers, this is where i started my search for a cocker, and i have two great boys.

Answer 2

I would definitely go for the cocker if i were you. Beagles are not curl-up-on-your-lap type dogs and at the rescue centre near me there are loads of them that are brought in as thier owners can't cope with their energy and incessant barking/howling and need to work. They are strong pack dogs and always on the hunt. My aunt's (a dog owner for over 25 years) beagle was no exception. She walked her for two hours a day and she still ripped the furniture apart every time my aunt left the room, which made her a prisoner! She dug up the garden and no amount of training helped. Of course this is one story about one dog and one owner but i'd say out of the two breeds the cocker is more suited to your requirements. Both are beautiful breeds though so I'd speak to some owners of each type and try to get as much specific info as possible.  

Answer 3

I would most certainly go with the cocker spaniel, I have two myself  and both of them love to curl up on my lap to fall asleep. My younger sister even dresses them up and pushes them around in her doll pram!!! That's what i find best about this breed, the fact they are so loving and loyal towards their owner. Cockers are also extremely good with younger children like your brother and sister, they are also very social considering you have some visitors. They are also fairly easy to train, but so are most breeds if you have the time and patience. Being a Cocker owner myself i've never heard of cocker rage, so i can only assume it is in rare cases! I don't know very much about beagles but i truly recommend you get an english cocker spaniel.

I'm really impressed that you are taking the time to research what breed would be best for your family and circumstances, it shows real commitment to your animals well being :o)

I apologise for my answer being slightly biased, but you'll understand if get a cocker spaniel :oP

Answer 4

I have a Tebetan Terrier & would recommend them to anyone

Answer 5

As an owner of a beagle...and reading what you want out of a dog...go for the cocker.

As much as I love the little guy - he's got virtually no recall off the lead and will just keep following his nose. Cockers on the other hand GENERALLY want to be closer to you.

Beagle is easier to groom - cocker, unless groomed at least weekly will be a mess in no time.

Both are intellegent breeds - the beagle a little more headstrong.

Hope you find a good one - but do consider rehoming an abandoned / rescued dog.

Answer 6

Unless you have a very big lap you might find Cocker Spanials a bit big so the Beagle would proberbly suit you more  

Answer 7

Dosn't sound like the beagle is for you. Please whatever dog you get, take it to classes and keep up with obediance training. Best suggestion is find a cocker spaniel forum and ask the members who live with these dogs each day. Also consider the daily grooming cockers will need.

Answer 8

Well an untrained beagle if let off the lead will never come back as they are hunting dogs and if they get one sent of something they will be off so a cocker spaniel

Answer 9

I think you should go for the cocker spaniel, beagles have been known for howling and barking and if you live in the city i'm guessing you would prefer a quieter dog (as long as you have time for the grooming as well)

Answer 10

I don't know about Cocker rage, but whatever.

They will both be about the same size, and there isn't much difference between the level of exercise they need, but Beagles are renowned for their intelligence and good nature, as well as for their boundless enthusiasm.  They also tend  to be very tolerant, long suffering and patient, especially with children.

The one commitment you ought to consider is who and how you intend to see to the dog's amusement because, being highly intelligent, they require not only physical but mental stimulation.  Then again, they're very flexible.

A warning, their joie de vivre really does not wind down until they are practically moribund, so if you're wanting a dog that will mellow out in a few years, get the spaniel.

Answer 11

Why dont you and your family contact the kennel club for both breeds and see if they'll put you in contact with both breeders. Then ask if you can see their dogs and speak to them about your choices and concerns. Once you have seen the beagles and the cockers, then you can make your mind up! Itll be easier once you see them and speak to breeders face to face!

Enjoy with whatever you get!