Why?
“Why do you have a FT Cocker Spaniel when you don’t go hunting?” I’ve been asked that question many times. Often followed by a comment that it’s a shame for the dog that he doesn’t go hunting. I actually understand the question and the comment. But FT Cocker Spaniels can do so much more than hunt. Just like cocker spaniels, Labradors, Dalmatians and dachshunds can. They were all originally bred for hunting. Either as standing, thrusting and retrieving or as driving hunting dogs. As long as the dog is activated, stimulated, understood and loved, they are all perfect family dogs, in my opinion. But it’s important to familiarize yourself with which breed you buy.
Choice of breed.
When we as a family were deciding which breed of dog to choose, we talked at length about what we wanted to get out of dog ownership. We read a lot about the different breeds. Both to make sure it was the right breed for us, but also to make sure that the breed choice would be as right as possible in relation to the dog. It was incredibly important to us that the dog fit into our lifestyle, and we were a real match for it.
What did we dream about?
We both had dogs as children. But neither of us had the same breed. So our starting point was different. So we took some of the tests that are available online. There you have to answer questions about everything from the size of the dog, your experience, fur care, attitude to how much the dog is allowed to bark. Activity level – both yours and the dog's, as well as mental activation. Is it a child-friendly dog, and many other questions. It led to some good conversations, and we found out what we dreamed of.
What was important to us?
We wanted to find a dog that was affectionate, gentle and always happy. A breed that loved to work hard and could function as a family dog. A medium-sized dog that didn't require much grooming, but was intelligent, playful and active.
We ended up choosing the FT Cocker Spaniel breed. And we were lucky that not far from where we live there was a kennel that had puppies.
Purchase of puppy.
I contacted them and had a good chat. One of the first questions asked was, “You know, these are Field Trial Cocker Spaniel puppies, right? The hunting version. They just have that extra gear.” Yes, I knew that. An important question and an even more important answer.
We were allowed to visit the puppies. All of them were equally lovely. But completely different in personalities and yet incredibly similar. After two visits, even though we didn't want to use the puppy for hunting, we were still allowed to buy one. Two out of 6 puppies were a good match for us. We had to choose between one of the two. It was difficult. We chose Lucas. And what a match! We had almost 12 fantastic years with him. He fit perfectly into our family.
When Lucas turned 10, we got Marvin. This time the process was completely different. Now it was about the difference between having one and two dogs at once.
Once a FT Cocker Spaniel – Always a FT Cocker Spaniel.
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 5-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.
The important choice of breed
Why?
“Why do you have a FT Cocker Spaniel when you don’t go hunting?” I’ve been asked that question many times. Often followed by a comment that it’s a shame for the dog that he doesn’t go hunting. I actually understand the question and the comment. But FT Cocker Spaniels can do so much more than hunt. Just like cocker spaniels, Labradors, Dalmatians and dachshunds can. They were all originally bred for hunting. Either as standing, thrusting and retrieving or as driving hunting dogs. As long as the dog is activated, stimulated, understood and loved, they are all perfect family dogs, in my opinion. But it’s important to familiarize yourself with which breed you buy.
Choice of breed.
When we as a family were deciding which breed of dog to choose, we talked at length about what we wanted to get out of dog ownership. We read a lot about the different breeds. Both to make sure it was the right breed for us, but also to make sure that the breed choice would be as right as possible in relation to the dog. It was incredibly important to us that the dog fit into our lifestyle, and we were a real match for it.
What did we dream about?
We both had dogs as children. But neither of us had the same breed. So our starting point was different. So we took some of the tests that are available online. There you have to answer questions about everything from the size of the dog, your experience, fur care, attitude to how much the dog is allowed to bark. Activity level – both yours and the dog's, as well as mental activation. Is it a child-friendly dog, and many other questions. It led to some good conversations, and we found out what we dreamed of.
What was important to us?
We wanted to find a dog that was affectionate, gentle and always happy. A breed that loved to work hard and could function as a family dog. A medium-sized dog that didn't require much grooming, but was intelligent, playful and active.
We ended up choosing the FT Cocker Spaniel breed. And we were lucky that not far from where we live there was a kennel that had puppies.
Purchase of puppy.
I contacted them and had a good chat. One of the first questions asked was, “You know, these are Field Trial Cocker Spaniel puppies, right? The hunting version. They just have that extra gear.” Yes, I knew that. An important question and an even more important answer.
We were allowed to visit the puppies. All of them were equally lovely. But completely different in personalities and yet incredibly similar. After two visits, even though we didn't want to use the puppy for hunting, we were still allowed to buy one. Two out of 6 puppies were a good match for us. We had to choose between one of the two. It was difficult. We chose Lucas. And what a match! We had almost 12 fantastic years with him. He fit perfectly into our family.
When Lucas turned 10, we got Marvin. This time the process was completely different. Now it was about the difference between having one and two dogs at once.
Once a FT Cocker Spaniel – Always a FT Cocker Spaniel.
Behind the blog
Charlotte is approaching 50. She works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is interested in healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 5-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.