Hello!

[Rusty rivet]

Hi everyone, newbie here!

starting the process of looking for a dog so thought would get as much advice as possible!
We have 2 children under 5 and a cat. myself snd my husband have been brought up around dogs, I had a wonderful Doberman who lived with us for 14 years and my husbands family always had labradors. So we want both our children to have this experience too.

im just looking for a bit of advice really, we have narrowed it down to labs (obvious choice for my husband) but I also love cocker spaniels (show type). The lab probably suits us more due to their docile nature - with 2 children this is important but although we have a large garden our house might be a bit small for the Labrador size, hence the cocker Avenue. I don’t work so someone would always be home for the dog. I wonder if anyone who has experience of owning either could advise me? I’ve read and read about each breed but I guess first hand experience is the best advice! Many thanks

 

[JudyN]

Welcome to the forum

With two children under 5, I'd go for placidity over convenient size every time - with the caveat that any dog could react if a child pulled on its tail, poked it in the eye, or tried to sit on it, so you're going to have to spend a LOT of time managing interactions.

I'm not an expert, though, and haven't lived with either breed, so hopefully someone else can give you more advice.

 

[Tinytom]

I would say lab over a show cocker any day ...my friend has show cockers (4 at the moment )and they can be nippy and quite an anxious dog ....i wouldnt recommend them with children .
My son has a red lab bitch and a black male both love his 2 yr old son ...they are so gentle with him ...make sure you get one that has been hip and elbow scored to save alot of heartache and vet bills ...and good Lifetime Insurance.
Let us know how you get on

 

[JoanneF]

If you were to decide on cockers, please ask whether any of the line has had resource guarding issues.

With young children, that possibility would make me lean towards labs.

 

[Hemlock]

Another vote for a labrador, with the caveats the others have already mentioned.

 

[Rusty rivet]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I think we were always leaning towards the lab but have now pretty much cemented our decision. Now just the long search for a breeder, waiting lists and waiting that comes next.

 

[JudyN]

Good luck! And we would love to see puppy photos when your little one arrives

 

[Rusty rivet]

Oh I will do! Thanks for everyone’s help