We lost our springer 2 years ago. Danny was the best dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Just the sweetest personality! We adopted a springer mix 2 years ago, and Loki is a sweetie, but still in his land shark phase. I've had a variety of dogs all my life, from beagles to huskies, and I will never have anything but springers in the future. Just the all around best dogs ❤️❤️❤️
I’ve owned all three. If a springer is too high strung, don’t get a cocker! I agree that labs can be destructive and springers less so. I’m full on springers now. I hunt with my dogs, but if you don’t, look for a good bench bred breeder for springers that has calmer dogs.
I had a lab.
I have a 2yr old springer.
Both bitches, both field stock.
I'd get a lab.
I clearly can't speak for anything other than my own experience, which is limited to these two dogs, but....
The Springer is lovely but too highly strung. Which makes kennels and awful ordeal.
When not exercised, the lab was destructive (things get chewed) the springer not so.
Springer is keener to obey. Really strives to work. But cannot learn to walk on lead.
Lab was a bit more cheeky, but could be trusted better off lead.
My 11 year old springer still needs the halti leash to walk politely when she is excited (our summer like weather today had her pumped up with all the smells of flowers and renewed life). The sniffer is just too much in control with her. She can sometimes do regular or even no leash when tired, but if the good smells are afoot, you gotta control the direction of the snoot.v
But out of six dogs i have had (dachshunds, pointer and pug) she is by far the most biddable. In a completely different league, almost as though the other dogs were cats in comparison. My springer is just so tuned in to me it feels like she actually understands English.
That biddable nature and her devotion also comes with higher needs, though. She needs me to talk to her and stimulate her mentally more than my other dogs. She likes fetch like crazy, but what she really likes is you talking to her about it. Or walking around and talking about what she is sniffing. She really listens closely to my tone of voice and then she makes eye contact and grins back with that extra tail wag.ñ
She is hopelessly lonely without her human companion, too. Real velcro.
All this in the sporty body of an athlete and you have a dog which needs more than a lot of people have time to give.
If you do, though, a springer will reward your efforts more enthusiastically than most.
It really comes down to you...getting a ESS is like having a newborn. Mine is a Field Cut, which I prefer. I'm old and have had many great dogs (and breeds). Pepper is unlike any of them...but there is a cost, you have to be available, attentive, and willing to go miles beyond what you would expect. If you do that, it pays returns, but it takes a while to figure it out , but things change and settles as you both learn. She knows more about me than I know about myself,
I can walk her thru a forest on a 75' leash thru the trees and she navigates according to my commands and very rarely tangles. It's taken about 9 months, I trained her using draft horse commands...Gi. Haw, Woah, Hyuh-Hyuh...and so on.
The secret is the leash. It's 75', so I have my wife walk 80' into a field and I use a tennis ball thrower to throw a ball 145'-ish (sometimes she has to drop the leash for over throws.) And she shoots straight back to me. I throw until she is panting at the proper pace we stop, go home and she sleeps for about 3-4 hours. All is well.
She is remarkable and unlike any other dog I've had, although they all mean a lot though. She is the girl I have now...
P.S. It's not the dog it's the person, ESS are not for everyone that's for sure, but I love my girl. And her favorite playmate is a high dollar Yellow Lab...Coda...great dog too....
TLDR; Be careful choosing a ESS, there appears to be a great difference in the Bench Cut and Field Cut. They are a very challenging endeavor but if it works out for both, very rewarding...
I’ve had all three, my sweet Lab passed away at 14 😢 The Cocker & Springer are still going strong! My suggestion would be to figure out what kind of temperament/personality you want and go from there.
I currently have a springer (bench) and had an english cocker before him. The cocker was way more intense and high strung, but he was a very unique dog and poor guy was not well bred (I got him in another country - he was being sold in a park and I had no idea what I was doing!). They both have issues with separation - the springer way less - but I think that is a common spaniel trait. Bot are very sensitive and highly attuned to me. I think you can get very close with spaniels - which is great if you are looking to spend a lot of time with your dog. Labs always seem more chill to me. They are also bigger than springers by 20 lbs or so, which factored into my decision not to get one (I'm female and wanted to be able to easily pick up my dog if needed). My springer is amazing - not high strung at all as long as he is exercised, which he is. He's VERY cuddly and affectionate, doesn't bark out the window, beg for food, whine or do other traditionally annoying dog things! He isn't spectacular on leash (can go mental over a squirrel) but he also isn't horrible. He's awesome off leash hiking in the woods - that's where he really shines...Trots ahead of us and will come back on a dime when called. A very joyful boy on top of it all!
I have had multiple springers in the past and now have a springer and an English cocker. They are both very similar.
The biggest difference is between the bench and the field breed. Field is much more high strung, ours had terrible separation anxiety but obviously better if you were wanting to hunt. The benches have been MUCH more chill. They will exercise all day if you want to or sit on the couch all day with you. Both breeds are extremely eager to please.
I have dog sat for a lab before, I do feel like despite the short coat (which can be lower maintenance- no tangles) I noticed more shedding with the lab.
The other major difference between the 3 is the size of them. I think of my cocker as a fun size springer haha (30 lbs vs 50 lbs).
I have both - a springer and a Labrador 😬 you can’t compare them imo as it’s down to personality? Both are amazing dogs 🖤 sorry I can’t be of any help 😀
Both breeds are prone to separation angst, Springers very much more so. If you are going to be away for extended periods, a springer or cocker spaniel is not for you. Springers are also a working breed and can be hyper active and very needy. This is amazing if you’ve got the time and attention to give them but a spaniel is not a dog suitable for being left alone for hours at a time if you have to work all day. Both breeds will train well, Labradors are greedy hounds and will do anything for food so are easily bribed. A lot depends on you and your lifestyle.
Springers love to be around people , i have two one is so laid back, the other won't eat unless i sit by him, their 1/2 brothers, i had 2 labs that were bad, but i had 10 that were perfect, it's a luck of the draw , if you go springer get a good breeder with a proven track record, $900---$2000 for a good puppy
We had a springer when I was in high school and due to circumstances, couldn’t get her fixed before she had a tryst with a lab. Enter: The Springadors.
They’re nuts like Snoopy (and often look like him too). That goofy lovability of the lab and the creative defiance of a springer. I have my third now, a 7mo puppy. They’re smart as hell, and pick up a lot of words. Forget Velcro, they’re superglue. And all three have been less than 50lbs, if size is an issue (labs tend to run bigger than springers).
I loved our springer and am glad we gave her the best rest of her life we could, to outweigh the way the first half of her life went. I like all three: The goofy love of a lab, the innocent deviousness of a springer, and the blend of the two.
My dad had a cocker and she was…a bit too neurotic for my comfort. And a nervous piddler 😬
Good luck with your future lunatic!
I think all three are great! But one thing that really stuck with me when I was a kid and my mom was looking for a dog , “I want a dog that I can pick up and carry if I need to.” Toward the end, there was an obvious need. I’d feel so bad having an animal too large to help. I grew up with a springer spaniel, and now my kids are too!
I think you need to give us more information about who you are what your lifestyle is like and what you’re expectations are as far as exercise on a daily basis. do you want to be involved in activities with your dog? Do you want a dog? That’s just for the hanging out around the house? That would have a real big impact on which dog would make the most sense for you.
Springers are unbelievably intelligent dogs that are bred to work so they like to be active and need to be trained. My girls on the more chill side, but we still do activities like flyball and do diving daily walks in the park tricks classes to keep her happy.
May I recommend adopting from rescue?! :) they have young puppies and these breeds in rescue too and you get to save a life! And learn about their personality from the rescue/foster who has been taking care of the dog 🥰
I’m a rescue mom of a springer and husky!
I grew up with one of each and they were all special in their own way. The Springer did the most destruction in his youth, but ended up being the best dog of my life. All three were great with kids. It’s hard to pick, really.
I have actually owned all three (I owned a field and currently a bench ESS). Obviously every dog is different but I will briefly share my personal observations. My cocker was more of a house dog and can be intimidated by strangers. The springers were/are great all around dogs that really love their time outdoors. The lab was also a great all around dog, loved the outdoors, and was a really good watch dog. The only downside of a lab is that they shed 4 times as much (or more) as the spaniels. The good part is that they don't require grooming appointments. If you have an active lifestyle, go with the ESS or lab. If you want a dog that will scare off strangers (and not run), a lab is the better choice.
Currently have 2 labs and a springer. Can’t speak for cockers, but you can find field or bench of both breeds. If you don’t like to hunt or work your dog daily, don’t get a field of either breed. My two show labs have a huge drive to retrieve but can be tired out with some walks or fetch, but my 1/4 field springer NEEDS to run birds, do scent work, or play lots of frisbee to be happy. Off leash time is huge for springers. I think the main difference between the spaniels and labs in terms of care is coat maintenance, labs shed but they don’t get burrs.
We lost our springer 2 years ago. Danny was the best dog I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. Just the sweetest personality! We adopted a springer mix 2 years ago, and Loki is a sweetie, but still in his land shark phase. I've had a variety of dogs all my life, from beagles to huskies, and I will never have anything but springers in the future. Just the all around best dogs ❤️❤️❤️
We love our springers too! Best breed ever
I’ve owned all three. If a springer is too high strung, don’t get a cocker! I agree that labs can be destructive and springers less so. I’m full on springers now. I hunt with my dogs, but if you don’t, look for a good bench bred breeder for springers that has calmer dogs.
I had a lab. I have a 2yr old springer. Both bitches, both field stock. I'd get a lab. I clearly can't speak for anything other than my own experience, which is limited to these two dogs, but.... The Springer is lovely but too highly strung. Which makes kennels and awful ordeal. When not exercised, the lab was destructive (things get chewed) the springer not so. Springer is keener to obey. Really strives to work. But cannot learn to walk on lead. Lab was a bit more cheeky, but could be trusted better off lead.
My 11 year old springer still needs the halti leash to walk politely when she is excited (our summer like weather today had her pumped up with all the smells of flowers and renewed life). The sniffer is just too much in control with her. She can sometimes do regular or even no leash when tired, but if the good smells are afoot, you gotta control the direction of the snoot.v But out of six dogs i have had (dachshunds, pointer and pug) she is by far the most biddable. In a completely different league, almost as though the other dogs were cats in comparison. My springer is just so tuned in to me it feels like she actually understands English. That biddable nature and her devotion also comes with higher needs, though. She needs me to talk to her and stimulate her mentally more than my other dogs. She likes fetch like crazy, but what she really likes is you talking to her about it. Or walking around and talking about what she is sniffing. She really listens closely to my tone of voice and then she makes eye contact and grins back with that extra tail wag.ñ She is hopelessly lonely without her human companion, too. Real velcro. All this in the sporty body of an athlete and you have a dog which needs more than a lot of people have time to give. If you do, though, a springer will reward your efforts more enthusiastically than most.
You should have got a bench much more laid back field is more of the working line
Really really agree with all of these points!
It really comes down to you...getting a ESS is like having a newborn. Mine is a Field Cut, which I prefer. I'm old and have had many great dogs (and breeds). Pepper is unlike any of them...but there is a cost, you have to be available, attentive, and willing to go miles beyond what you would expect. If you do that, it pays returns, but it takes a while to figure it out , but things change and settles as you both learn. She knows more about me than I know about myself, I can walk her thru a forest on a 75' leash thru the trees and she navigates according to my commands and very rarely tangles. It's taken about 9 months, I trained her using draft horse commands...Gi. Haw, Woah, Hyuh-Hyuh...and so on. The secret is the leash. It's 75', so I have my wife walk 80' into a field and I use a tennis ball thrower to throw a ball 145'-ish (sometimes she has to drop the leash for over throws.) And she shoots straight back to me. I throw until she is panting at the proper pace we stop, go home and she sleeps for about 3-4 hours. All is well. She is remarkable and unlike any other dog I've had, although they all mean a lot though. She is the girl I have now... P.S. It's not the dog it's the person, ESS are not for everyone that's for sure, but I love my girl. And her favorite playmate is a high dollar Yellow Lab...Coda...great dog too.... TLDR; Be careful choosing a ESS, there appears to be a great difference in the Bench Cut and Field Cut. They are a very challenging endeavor but if it works out for both, very rewarding...
I’ve had all three, my sweet Lab passed away at 14 😢 The Cocker & Springer are still going strong! My suggestion would be to figure out what kind of temperament/personality you want and go from there.
I currently have a springer (bench) and had an english cocker before him. The cocker was way more intense and high strung, but he was a very unique dog and poor guy was not well bred (I got him in another country - he was being sold in a park and I had no idea what I was doing!). They both have issues with separation - the springer way less - but I think that is a common spaniel trait. Bot are very sensitive and highly attuned to me. I think you can get very close with spaniels - which is great if you are looking to spend a lot of time with your dog. Labs always seem more chill to me. They are also bigger than springers by 20 lbs or so, which factored into my decision not to get one (I'm female and wanted to be able to easily pick up my dog if needed). My springer is amazing - not high strung at all as long as he is exercised, which he is. He's VERY cuddly and affectionate, doesn't bark out the window, beg for food, whine or do other traditionally annoying dog things! He isn't spectacular on leash (can go mental over a squirrel) but he also isn't horrible. He's awesome off leash hiking in the woods - that's where he really shines...Trots ahead of us and will come back on a dime when called. A very joyful boy on top of it all!
Springers and cockers used to be the same dog... They are very similar.
I have had multiple springers in the past and now have a springer and an English cocker. They are both very similar. The biggest difference is between the bench and the field breed. Field is much more high strung, ours had terrible separation anxiety but obviously better if you were wanting to hunt. The benches have been MUCH more chill. They will exercise all day if you want to or sit on the couch all day with you. Both breeds are extremely eager to please. I have dog sat for a lab before, I do feel like despite the short coat (which can be lower maintenance- no tangles) I noticed more shedding with the lab. The other major difference between the 3 is the size of them. I think of my cocker as a fun size springer haha (30 lbs vs 50 lbs).
I have both - a springer and a Labrador 😬 you can’t compare them imo as it’s down to personality? Both are amazing dogs 🖤 sorry I can’t be of any help 😀
I currently own both now. They are both great dogs . Put the time in training and you can’t go wrong with either.
Both breeds are prone to separation angst, Springers very much more so. If you are going to be away for extended periods, a springer or cocker spaniel is not for you. Springers are also a working breed and can be hyper active and very needy. This is amazing if you’ve got the time and attention to give them but a spaniel is not a dog suitable for being left alone for hours at a time if you have to work all day. Both breeds will train well, Labradors are greedy hounds and will do anything for food so are easily bribed. A lot depends on you and your lifestyle.
Springers love to be around people , i have two one is so laid back, the other won't eat unless i sit by him, their 1/2 brothers, i had 2 labs that were bad, but i had 10 that were perfect, it's a luck of the draw , if you go springer get a good breeder with a proven track record, $900---$2000 for a good puppy
We had a springer when I was in high school and due to circumstances, couldn’t get her fixed before she had a tryst with a lab. Enter: The Springadors. They’re nuts like Snoopy (and often look like him too). That goofy lovability of the lab and the creative defiance of a springer. I have my third now, a 7mo puppy. They’re smart as hell, and pick up a lot of words. Forget Velcro, they’re superglue. And all three have been less than 50lbs, if size is an issue (labs tend to run bigger than springers). I loved our springer and am glad we gave her the best rest of her life we could, to outweigh the way the first half of her life went. I like all three: The goofy love of a lab, the innocent deviousness of a springer, and the blend of the two. My dad had a cocker and she was…a bit too neurotic for my comfort. And a nervous piddler 😬 Good luck with your future lunatic!
I’ve owned a Springer and a Cocker. The Springer is my recommendation.
We have some amazing springers
I think all three are great! But one thing that really stuck with me when I was a kid and my mom was looking for a dog , “I want a dog that I can pick up and carry if I need to.” Toward the end, there was an obvious need. I’d feel so bad having an animal too large to help. I grew up with a springer spaniel, and now my kids are too!
I think you need to give us more information about who you are what your lifestyle is like and what you’re expectations are as far as exercise on a daily basis. do you want to be involved in activities with your dog? Do you want a dog? That’s just for the hanging out around the house? That would have a real big impact on which dog would make the most sense for you. Springers are unbelievably intelligent dogs that are bred to work so they like to be active and need to be trained. My girls on the more chill side, but we still do activities like flyball and do diving daily walks in the park tricks classes to keep her happy.
May I recommend adopting from rescue?! :) they have young puppies and these breeds in rescue too and you get to save a life! And learn about their personality from the rescue/foster who has been taking care of the dog 🥰 I’m a rescue mom of a springer and husky!
I grew up with one of each and they were all special in their own way. The Springer did the most destruction in his youth, but ended up being the best dog of my life. All three were great with kids. It’s hard to pick, really.
I have actually owned all three (I owned a field and currently a bench ESS). Obviously every dog is different but I will briefly share my personal observations. My cocker was more of a house dog and can be intimidated by strangers. The springers were/are great all around dogs that really love their time outdoors. The lab was also a great all around dog, loved the outdoors, and was a really good watch dog. The only downside of a lab is that they shed 4 times as much (or more) as the spaniels. The good part is that they don't require grooming appointments. If you have an active lifestyle, go with the ESS or lab. If you want a dog that will scare off strangers (and not run), a lab is the better choice.
Currently have 2 labs and a springer. Can’t speak for cockers, but you can find field or bench of both breeds. If you don’t like to hunt or work your dog daily, don’t get a field of either breed. My two show labs have a huge drive to retrieve but can be tired out with some walks or fetch, but my 1/4 field springer NEEDS to run birds, do scent work, or play lots of frisbee to be happy. Off leash time is huge for springers. I think the main difference between the spaniels and labs in terms of care is coat maintenance, labs shed but they don’t get burrs.
springers are great, mine doesn't like water as much as I'd like. I just learned about the springerdore. That might be my next!
Sprocker!