Gundog Training Forum

Hi everyone,
So I'm looking to get my first puppy, and I intend to bring it up as a working dog, but I'm having a dilemma! I decided I wanted a springer, however I mentioned this to my mum (who is an avid labrador fan, we've always had at least 4, always black) and she thinks I should get a cocker, her reason being that she is a vet and sees lots of springers with joint problems, although she admits that this may be because she works in an inner city practice, and very few of these dogs are working dogs. What do you think? I do like cockers, but I had planned on getting a springer!
My other question is, I want to get said puppy in may next year, but I think I'm right in thinking that the season won't finish till early february, so most breeders won't think about producing any puppies till a bit later on? (my reason for may is because I have 2 months off before starting my new job in august, and I can't see myself being able to get more than a week off once I start)
Thanks for any advice! I have a million more questions but thought I would start with these

hi

nice to see you've given getting a puppy a lot of thought. If i was you (i have Springers & cockers) go with what your heart wants. You'll only regret it & there will always be doubt in your mind if you go for something that someone else wants, rather than what YOU want.

Joint issues do happen, but they happen with cockers, springers & labs, and theres a thread currently on this forum on how to prevent joint problems with supplements in their food.

In terms of litters, you find they're about all year round. If you start looking from January onwards, as the evenings are getting lighter and the days are warmer come february/march so you can get your pup out in the backyard playing & exploring.

Hi Tori and welcome to the forum!

If you have your heart set on a springer then go for it! Do your research and find a line that you like, with hopefully, some health checks behind it. Unfortunately there are no guarantees - you will know this with HD having had labs.

As to timing, you are right. There will be more choice of litters later in the year so you will have to decide whether the timing or the right pup is the priority. Is there any chance you could take the pup to work with you?

Sarah xx

Tori wrote: her reason being that she is a vet and sees lots of springers with joint problems,

Did she name any joint problems in particular?

We see cockers with joint problems as well as springers, the worst being IOHC which occurs in all of the spaniel breeds as well as other dogs although that is only very occasionally.

We see far more labs with joint problems than either of the spaniel breeds you mention.

Cockers rule. End of story.

It is good to get the breed you fancy. I doubt very much that you would have any more health issues with a springer than you might get with a cocker. Probably no health problems at all. Get a springer if that is what you fancy.

Wullie

Rookie wrote:Did she name any joint problems in particular?

She was particularly talking about elbow dysplasia/IOHC resulting in fractures. Do you think I should be looking for a springer who's parents have hip and elbow scores? I got the impression most people tend not to do this, and only do the compulsory tests for the KC rather than all the recommended ones as well.

Thanks for all the help though, I think I will get a springer (sorry Cass, maybe a cocker next time!)

The timing is pretty important to me, I would feel much happier being able to give a puppy two months of my time rather than only a week to settle in, and unfortunately I can't change the time period! I can't bring the puppy to work, but my partner can work from home, so if I do get one a bit later than anticipated, they won't just be left alone all day suddenly!

If you prefer a Springer then go for it, might be a bit of a culture shock after Labs though but then so would a cocker . Thankfully more Springer breeders are health testing but nothing in life is 100% guaranteed.

Tori wrote:

Rookie wrote:Did she name any joint problems in particular?

She was particularly talking about elbow dysplasia/IOHC resulting in fractures. Do you think I should be looking for a springer who's parents have hip and elbow scores?

IOHC always used to be thought of as a springer problem, it's been seen in plenty of cockers as well now so I wouldn't let it be my deciding factor as to which breed to choose.

IOHC is notoriously difficult to find on x-rays but even at that, we don't take the correct view when scoring elbows to be able to find it. The BVA do not require it, it was dropped from the ED scheme shortly after the ED scheme was started. However, elbow scoring will pick up on any secondary arthritic changes happening in the joint, if there are any.

I think IOHC is the single biggest problem in springers and if it was possible it would be the first thing I would rule out before buying a puppy. Unfortunately I cannot do that but I am still planning on getting another one hopefully in the not too distant future. Health tests will not influence my choice at all. First and foremost I want one from proven lines and of a type that I like.

Yeah, I think at the end of the day I just need to find a puppy that I like, who comes from good parents and a nice home! Thanks for the advice