Spaniel breeds, such as Cocker and Springer Spaniels, are among the most popular dogs in the UK, noted for their long, floppy ears, silky coats, and friendly nature. Rebecca Todd, a Spaniel expert from Cheshire, runs The Spaniel School, where she provides advice and training to dog owners. She has observed a troubling trend: many owners feel overwhelmed and ill-prepared for the breed's needs, leading to an increase in Spaniels being re-homed.
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Data from Dogs Trust indicates that Spaniels made up 22.2% of dogs taken in by the charity in 2025, up from 4.9% in 2021. This rise occurs despite overall intake numbers remaining stable, suggesting that more owners are relinquishing their Spaniels. Additionally, the RSPCA reported a record number of dogs in their care in 2025, noting the busiest month, July, saw 1,646 dogs, representing a more than 50% increase from July 2020. Impulse buying, often fueled by social media portrayals of dogs as lifestyle accessories, may contribute to this issue.
Todd emphasizes that Spaniels have instinctual traits due to their working heritage, which can be overlooked. She explains that they are not inherently bad dogs but may display challenging behaviors when their instincts are misunderstood. To address concerns about Spaniels, Todd aims to dispel three common myths.
First, the belief that Spaniels need hours of exercise daily is inaccurate. Todd shares that excessive physical activity can create a high-energy dog that struggles to relax. Instead, she advocates for collaboration, suggesting that Spaniels benefit from steady training which allows them to learn impulse control and calm responsiveness.
Second, the notion that puppies will "grow out of" their troublesome behaviors is misleading. Spaniels enter a developmental phase around five to six months, during which they test boundaries and require consistent engagement and training. Todd encourages owners not to wait out this phase but to actively establish clear boundaries.
Finally, the term "crockerdile," which refers to the mouthy behavior of some Spaniel puppies, should not downplay the need for early intervention. While puppies naturally use their mouths to explore, Todd stresses the importance of teaching them appropriate behavior to avoid future issues. She advises that play should cease whenever a puppy's teeth touch skin, reinforcing clear limits from a young age.
By understanding these misconceptions, owners can foster better training practices and ensure a more harmonious relationship with their Spaniels.