The American cocker spaniel can be a delight or a medical and behavioral nightmare. The delightful cocker loves children and is very friendly, gentle, playful, and
trainable.
American water spaniels, still bred primarily to work, do best with experienced dog owners who want to share an active exercise program with their animals.
These dogs must be obedience trained and acclimated to being left alone or they will develop such behavior problems as barking and whining. American water
spaniels get along with other animals and enjoy children as long as they are exposed to them at an early age.
Friendly and affectionate with household members but wary of strangers, Brittanys make excellent watchdogs. They are fine with gentle children and usually get
along with other dogs, although some males are aggressive with other males. They get along with other animals, such as cats, if socialized with them early.
Chesapeakes are good family dogs but can be reserved with strangers and aggressive toward other dogs. They are friendly to children if raised with them.
Obedience training and socialization with other people and animals must begin early, and aggressive games should be avoided.
The clumber is an affectionate, gentle, easygoing dog, reserved but not nasty around strangers. This dog can be stubborn during training but responds to
kindness and positive reinforcement. The clumber is good with children and gets along with other animals.
The curly-coated retriever is devoted to its master, does well with children if socialized to them at an early age, and gets along with other animals.
It may be aloof (but not aggressive) toward strangers. This hunting dog should begin obedience training early.