Cocker Spaniel vs. Poodle

Question
QUESTION: I am looking to get a puppy for my 3 yr. old daughter.  We are stuck between a female cocker spaniel (9 mo. old) or a male standard poodle (6 weeks old).  I want something that is going to be easy to adapt to children and easy on me. I don't want anything that is going to get aggressive with my daughter because she is going to give it lots of love.  She wants a puppy really bad... she will get on this puppy's nerves!

ANSWER: I definitely wouldn't get a 6 week old puppy since their temperment is really unknown and small children can unintentionally hurt them.
They're also a ton of work :)

Also, you can't leave toddlers alone with any dog unsupervised and age 3 is a little young to consistently understand how to treat a pet.

The other thing to consider is the time you're going to spend housebreaking, walking, training.  Not doing that will end up with everyone unhappy and the dog being gotten rid of.

Cockers are high maintenance.  Daily brushing, monthly professional grooming, don't do well left alone too much, need lots of exercise.

I don't want to discourage you :) but better a reality check now before you're into it.  What I'd advise is a nice older dog whose temperment is readily apparent and you can tell instantly if they're cool with little kids.  Rescues & shelters have some wonderful older dogs and I'd take your daughter for a visit and meet a few.  Call ahead and explain your situation so they can have ones that will be suitable ready.

I don't want to discourage you from getting a cocker but I'd like to know where this dog is now - why is she being given up - can you talk to the owners?  I love this breed obviously but I don't want to see one adopted into the wrong situation.
At 9 months her temperment should be settled but how trained is she?
Delores



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The cocker is with the original owner (breeder). She had given her to a family member that left for Iraq and gave the dog back.  I am leaning towards the poodle, but know that it will be more work because it is so young.  Which of the dogs will make more noise?  I am looking for one that is quieter than the other.

Answer
No one can guarantee a non barker :)  Like people, they're individuals and, as I said, an older dog is easier to read.

What I strongly suggest is you take your daughter to the breeder's place - ask a lot of questions - and watch the interaction.

Get her to demonstrate the dog's obedience to commands.  A good breeder will appreciate that you're taking this decision very seriously and they want the best home for their dogs.

I'm already a bit suspicious of the Iraq story...why wouldn't she just look after the dog until the owner's return?  Or is there another reason the dog was given back?

Unfortunately a lot of breeders aren't very ethical and are just in it for the money.

Again, I will stress I'm totally against subjecting a 6 week old puppy to a young child and if you're an inexperienced dog owner you may not be realizing how much work & effort a puppy that age demands.
5 x a day feedings - take puppy out every 2 hours, etc.
Delores