r/cockerspaniel

I'm a small, registered breeder in the EU.

I've had my kennel name for about 5-6 years, this is my third litter , but I've been living with breed for 40 years (as pets, co-owning ,show dogs, now breeding).

I'm careful with lines, do all health tests (hips, elbows, patella, genetics), and my dogs are shown.

In my country, the law allows breeding and selling dogs with no health tests, no pedigree, no proven origin.

Most local buyers only care about popular colors and the lowest price.

I'm not here to sell anything.

Just looking for practical advice from other ethical breeders in similar markets

Where do you find serious buyers?

How do you filter out people who know nothing about the breed?

Any tips for placing dogs that aren't the "popular" color?

Thanks 😊

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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for honest input on whether a Working Cocker Spaniel would realistically fit my life – including the downsides.

I live in southern Germany near the Alps and run my own outdoor/dog photography business, so I’m outside a lot and my schedule is flexible but not low-effort.

Current situation:

one well-trained, stable senior dog (Setter cross, high hunting drive, we did a lot together, but slowing down now)

a toddler (almost 2 years old)

working from home, dog would rarely be alone

What I plan long term:

1–2 structured training sessions per week (agility, really want to get into competing later and likely mantrailing)

2–3 mountain hikes per month (~1000–1200m elevation gain)

daily 2–4 walks + training (dummy work, tricks, engagement)

dog joining me regularly on outdoor shoots

What I’m NOT looking for:

a low-effort family pet

a dog that can handle being mentally underchallenged

but also not a dog that requires 24/7 constant action to function

My concerns:

raising a high-drive puppy while having a toddler

balancing drive vs. off-switch in everyday life

hunting drive (I won’t hunt, but I’m willing to train properly)

how “intense” they really are outside of ideal scenarios

I’ve been interested in the breed for years and I’m not in a rush. I’m already in contact with a breeder and hoping for a puppy later this year, but I’d really value unfiltered real-life experiences.

Does this sound like a solid long-term fit, or more like something that could work but has a high risk of becoming difficult?

I’m open to honest, critical feedback.

TL;DR: Active lifestyle, outdoor job, plans for agility + hiking, but also toddler at home. Is a Working Cocker a good fit or a risky one in this setup?

cocker spaniel (specifically show line) are at the top of my list, i’m trying to get a good gauge on price.

i’m budgeting for about £5000, but i want to know if that’s too little or not.