Examples Of Sporting Dogs (Part 1)
English Cocker Spaniel: This is a lovely breed of dog, though much less popular than its American cousin. The biggest problem with this breed is the housebreaking issue. For the most part they have shown themselves to make very nice pets. We recommend this breed to apartment dwellers with the energy to accomplish the housebreaking. Once the initial training is done, this is a really nice dog.
English Springer Spaniel: Slightly larger than the cocker, the springer is also a very nice breed for those who are considering a medium-size dog with moderate exercise requirements. Unfortunately, the springer is also known for having serious aggression issues. Dominance aggression is not uncommon in this breed. It is believed that one or two show dogs in the past that were heavily bred passed this tendency along. If you choose the springer, get a guarantee on character as well as health, because when you get a good springer, you have a great dog.
Welsh Springer Spaniel: Generally smaller than the springer, the Welsh tends toward having housebreaking difficulties but also tends to be low on the scale of aggression issues. It is important to exercise this active breed.
Brittany Spaniel: The Brittany spaniel tends to exhibit excellent character. They are adorable as puppies and keep a young dog's attitude throughout their lives. They are easy to train except when the "come" command is used in the presence of distractions. The biggest problem that is encountered with these dogs is their tendency to run away.
They are an excellent problem-solving breed, and this translates to "watch the latch on the gates." Your dog will figure out how to open them and you will be running to the pound to retrieve your dog so keep identification on your Brittany spaniel. Consider this breed for active households.
Golden Retriever: The golden retriever was once upon a time the standard recommendation to a family with young children. The average family can easily manage a golden when the dog is what a golden should be. A golden should be friendly under just about all circumstances. I have seen children tormenting the golden retriever, yet the dog almost enjoyed the rough handling the kids put on him.
There are golden retrievers that are bothered to the point where most dogs would have swallowed the kids, but the golden would tolerate it. This is what the golden is and should be a breed for the home, a breed for the kids, a dog with energy but not out-of-control excitement.