COCKER SPANIEL RESCUE OF EAST TEXAS - HOUSTON

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The 1955 release of "Lady and the Tramp" made thousands of children want an adorable cocker spaniel. Who wouldn't want one? Lady is sweet, beautiful and protects her family. With demand exceeding supply, entrepreneurs started indiscriminately breeding cockers. Consequently poorly bred cocker spaniels abounded - dogs with physical problems, dogs that did not conform to breed standard in appearance and dogs with aggression issues.

The re-release of Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" will once again cause hundreds of kids to beg for a cocker spaniel. What a romantic view of life with a cocker spaniel. Parents, if you are considering getting your kids a cocker spaniel you should know:

1. A Cocker Spaniel costs about $1,000 a year to own - high quality food, monthly heartworm and flea protection, monthly professional grooming, annual immunizations and at least one other visit to the vet all add up.

2. Numerous health issues afflict cocker spaniels - ear, eye, skin and orthopedic problems may occur.

3. Cocker spaniels need to be indoor dogs. Why? If kept outdoors, the beautiful, long, heavy, floppy ears trap moisture in the ear canal. Bacterial, fungal or yeast infections develop. Bad ears not only make the dog stink, but also cause pain. In a worst case scenario, the dog will require expensive ear ablation surgery. Outdoor dogs often develop skin problems and allergies.

4. Cocker Spaniels are companion animals. They want and need to spend time with their humans. A cocker spaniel who does not get enough attention will become destructive or a barker or both.

5. Many Cocker Spaniels are not good with children, particularly with kids under 7 years of age. Cockers generally don't like the unpredictability and erratic behavior of young children.

6. The Cocker Spaniel coat needs regular brushing and the ears need weekly cleaning.

7. Cocker Spaniels are often headstrong dogs who require consistent and loving discipline.

In short, owning a Cocker Spaniel requires exceptional commitment from the owners. The time, energy and financial expense is considerable but you will be rewarded with a devoted friend.

If you still think a Cocker Spaniel is the breed for you, come to an adoption (dates, location and times are posted elsewhere on this page) to meet and greet the cocker spaniels we have up for adoption. For more information on the adoption process click on Adoption Info link at the top of this page. Below is a set of links to other documents of interest to people considering a cocker spaniel as a family addition.