Cocker Spaniel in shelter, age?

You seem to be really concerned about age because you're afraid that the older the dog the more aggressive it might be because of your bad experience with a Beagle.

I have a really sweet male cocker so I understand why you would want to add a cocker to your family. I chose a male because believe it or not the males are actually more affectionate then the females.

However, regardless of sex, with cockers they're either sweet and loving or snappy and unpredictable. It has more to do with breeding than with age.

Spend some time with the dog at the SPCA and it shoud be easy to tell if she is one of the sweet and loving ones.

My dog runs up to every person he sees and snuggles up next to them until he gets some affection. He's truly baffled if someone doesn't pay attention to him.

One last thing, these days the SPCA will temperment test a dog before they put it up for adoption so they can truly tell you about the disposition of this dog. They will be honest about all of the pros and cons because they want to adopt their animals to a forever home.

Cocker Spaniel Age

At that young of an age, does it really matter?

I've adopted most of my dogs at around the age of 2-3..

At that young, a vet may be able to tell if it still has puppy teeth, but, that's also a rough estimate.. The best they can estimate once the puppy teeth are gone within about a year..

Either way, you'll have probably a good 10-14 years with her..

Sounds like a great find!

my dog is a lil over a year and her hair isnt tha long. she is a purebred i havent even cut her hair!! its about the same on her back and the legs are a lil longer, she is due for a trim. But w/o cutting her coat is very shiny and smooth. The fronts of her legs are still about an 1" in length and the back is where the hair is quite long. She is about a year and 6 months now. She is very active, hyper and playful. I also had a cocker spaniel from the pound and they said she was 4 and the vet guessed around that age too but she was VERy active. her coat wasnt as shiny, but it just depends on their diet and activity. So you cant tell too much, if you do get her take her to the vet and they should give you an estimate

You seem very concerned about this Cocker Spaniel's age. If she doesn't appear old, why be concerned?

What did you think of this dog? What did your family think of this dog? I just don't hear any "acceptance" in what you have put down here. If you are that concerned, why not get a puppy from the pound? And, does it HAVE to be a cocker spaniel?

You aren't buying breeding stock for your farm, you are considering a family pet. If you can't feel any enthusiasm for this animal, did your kids? I have taken in strays without this much to-do. (And loved them for 16 years!)

I believe a little introspection on your part, would be suggested

at this point.

A lot of times people will shave down cockers for whatever reason- heat or mats. It's possible she was shaved down and her hair is just growing back in, causing it to look unaltered. Your best bet at guessing an age is by her teeth, which I'm assuming is how the people at the shelter guessed it.

I have a 2 year old cocker. He's the sweetest thing in the world. I highly recommend getting one- especially one without a home.

You cannot tell age by the coat. She may or may not have had good grooming and you just cannot tell. The vet there looked at her teeth and they can tell by how many of her teeth have come in and even the amount of tarter.

Cocker are lovely animals,I've had 3and my current guy is about 12 and has one foot on the banana peel. The only thing is their EARS. BE SURE YOU GET INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOU VET. on how to keep them clean. Ear infections are a problem. The ears hang down and get hot and sweaty and hairy. and fungus and bacteria can get in their ears. It is very painful and they dog will not always let you know...because dogs don't complain. And they can actually lose their hearing.

The better way to tell age is by the teeth. Depending on the dog's genes and other environmental situations, the coat may mean nothing about age, but teeth seem to be the best clue because they all age fairly similarly in a healthy animal.

A Vet can take a look at her teeth to determine an approximate age.

Teeth are your best bet, but either way, she's still young and you'll still get some "puppy" out of her. Good luck!!!