Expert: Delores Beck - 8/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: I am looking for the perfect dog breed for me!..i would prefer that it was medium size and calm and easy to train so i finally came up with a cocker spaniel!! But then as i was looking on a site of goods and bads about that breed it said as one of the breeds flaws is a stench of the skin and ears?? So i researched it and they say it can be an ear infection or even what food they are eating?! So i need some help..cocker spaniel?..and do and why do they smell??

ANSWER: What I'd suggest Emma, is that you get a dog from a Rescue...and not a baby.  That way you can instantly assess their temperment.

And no, cockers don't naturally have smelly ears or skin.  You do need to clean their ears on a regular basis.  How often depends on the individual dog.  They do need a professional grooming once a month and daily brushing.

So they're high maintenance dogs and perhaps this isn't what you want.  
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HI again, well we resently got a rescue dog from rescue and we didnt want to again because..not to be mean but he is pretty dumb and wont train..but i do understand that he is a mutt and a cocker may be smarter..hi maintenance is okay as long as its not like taking to the groomer once a week..get back to me soon thanks :)

Answer
No, purebreds are not guaranteed to be smarter.  And each dog is an individual who may need different approaches to training.

My very first dog was a mutt from the pound.  The smartest dog I'll probably ever have :)

If you'll tell me the problems with your current dog, perhaps I can help!
Delores