Golden retriever v cocker spaniel

We had spaniels for years, the working variety. The saying is ‘born half wild, die half trained’
We generally had springers, but also a mad cocker, who lived to old age. She was an absolute delight, headstrong, but well trained.

Is maintenance an issue? My friends Goldendoodle is at the groomers every 4 weeks and (for some reason) she baths him several times a week and he’s enormous!

I’d just caution to check a show cocker’s pedigree carefully - often too close breeding can produce exceptionally attractive animals, who are off their trolleys. The only time DH was ever bitten was by a show cocker.

No contest as far as I am concerned as just loved our retriever so much. So easy to train. So patient and lovely. Travelled well in the car. We took her everywhere and everyone loved her.

Portable! 😃
I don't have any knowledge of spaniels, so I will of course have to write the advantages of the retriever.
1. The right height for stroking
2. The right height for removing objects from mouth without having to bend down
3. The right size for jumping in and out of the car
4. To accompany their size, their bladders must be big too, 10 hours on a ferry without a wee!

My three year old golden show cocker is not a particularly easy dog. He is high energy, excitable and stubborn as they come. That said he is very affectionate and good tempered with everyone, other dogs, children and adults. He is very portable and loves being in the car. He is very trainable, as long as I am persistent. He loves learning and really enjoyed the training classes I took him to. Good luck with your decision and do let us know what you decide.

I don’t want to put you off, but it’s best to be honest based on your own experience. Don’t believe that all show cockers are less high energy than working cockers, mine is seven (blue roan neutered male) and he’s as mad as a rat still, he’s very full on and needs a lot of exercise. He’s portable though, and also very clever, very beautiful and very loving, but he’s not an easy dog - I don’t think most spaniels are, except cavalier/King Charles. I’ve never had a female though, I’ve always been a male dog person, maybe that would make a difference.

I think show cockers are more manageable generally and less high energy. As I understand working are. Closer to springers in output!!

Show type cockers are definitely more portable. My 5 year old blue roan weighs 11.5kg. The 3 year old lab 30kg.

This is my 2nd blue roan, both from good breeders who love this breed. Their temperament is so good, kind, gentle, love everyone and relaxed around other dogs.

Spaniels can be needy, so good training and parent dogs needed x