Spaniels are generally dogs that love people and want to please their owners. People who own spaniels quickly become devotees and will typically always have a spaniel around their home for the rest of their lives. Knowing which spaniel is the friendliest one can be confusing with various spaniel breeds to choose from.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Papillions were bred to be companion dogs. They are gentle, friendly dogs. English and American cocker spaniels are happy dogs that are friends with everyone. There is individual variation in dogs’ personalities, and socialization plays a vital role.
There are many types of spaniels that were originally bred as gun dogs. Companion spaniels were selectively bred from the gun dog spaniels. As with most gun dogs, they are generally easy to train because of their desire to please their owners.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are the most appealing, sweet-tempered, friendly little dogs. They are small dogs and fall into the toy class of dogs. Cavaliers or Cavies, as they are affectionally known, are content to be with their people all day long and usually enjoy socializing with anyone who comes visiting.
Why Were Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Bred?
King Charles Spaniels were bred during the reign of Charles II. His nickname was the “merry monarch” and he was accompanied by an equally merry band of spaniels. At that time, a litter sometimes included smaller toy-sized dogs known as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The bigger puppies were called King Charles Spaniels and used for hunting.
They were considered ladies’ dogs and were used as companion dogs. They were sometimes called sleeve dogs or carpet spaniels because they never left their owner’s side.
Blenheim (chestnut and white-colored) Cavaliers have a unique thumb marking on their forehead known as the Blenheim spot. History tells that the Duchess of Marlborough was awaiting news of her husband, who was engaged in battle. She was being comforted by her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who was pregnant. In her anxiety, the duchess pressed her thumb onto the little dog’s forehead. All the pups from that litter were born with the thumb marking. It was used as an indication of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s loyalty to their owners.
Are Papillions Spaniels, And Are They Friendly?
Papillions are sometimes called Continental Toy Spaniels. The breed was developed in France as companion or lap dogs. They are friendly, happy, outgoing little dogs that enjoy being with people.
Despite being bred as lap dogs, they are quite energetic and excel at dog agility. They enjoy the social aspect of going to competitions as much as they enjoy the sport. Papillions want to please their owners, making them easy to train.
Are English Cocker Spaniels Good With People?
English cocker spaniels are known as ‘merry cockers.’ These little dogs are active social butterflies that will happily engage with anyone they come across. Few people can resist the vigorously wagging tail, floppy ears, and soulful eyes of a cocker spaniel intent on getting attention.
English Cocker spaniels are not dogs that cope with being left alone for long periods. They are house dogs that will follow you wherever you go. If you have more than one spaniel, expect to move with an entire entourage as you go about your day. They are active dogs that will thrive on time spent exercising with their owners.
Why Do Cocker Spaniels Have A Reputation For Being Snappy?
Sadly, when a dog, such as a cocker spaniel, becomes popular, they tend to be bred indiscriminately, and temperament or health issues arise. This happened with the English cocker spaniel, and some genetic lines with temperament issues and anxiety infiltrated the breed.
The breed standard is that English cocker spaniels are friendly, family dogs safe with children and other pets. The temperament issues tended to be more common in golden cocker spaniels. Parti-colored spaniels generally do not seem to display temperament issues.
It is essential to buy your cocker spaniel from a responsible breeder who can vouch for the temperament of their dogs. Good English cocker spaniels score highly in the sociability stakes.
Are American Cocker Spaniels Friendly?
American Cocker Spaniels are similar in temperament to English cocker spaniels. They are lovebugs that enjoy cuddles and social time. The difference is that they were specifically bred to be companions and are not as active as English cocker spaniels. They also lack the hunt drive found in English Cocker Spaniels.
An American Cocker Spaniel is an ideal companion for a sedentary family that enjoys socializing and takes their dog with them.
How Friendly Are English Springer Spaniels?
English Springer Spaniels are affectionate dogs that generally like people. They are very energetic as they were bred for hunting. Some lines of English Springer Spaniel can be wary of strangers, but this is not the breed standard. Breeding dogs with this temperament is discouraged.
It is crucial to socialize English Springer Spaniels with people and other dogs when they are young. They tend to become nervous if left alone for extended periods or if they are unsocialized. The resulting nervousness may cause some antisocial behaviors.
Are Welsh Springer Spaniels Social Dogs?
Welsh Springer Spaniels are intensely loyal dogs that attach to one person only. They are wary of strangers, and although they may not be aggressive, they will avoid interactions. If you want your dog to go with you and socialize, do not get a Welsh Springer Spaniel.
Welsh Springers become so attached to their owner that the maxim in hunting circles is that if you cannot train your own dog, do not get a Welshie. They will not work well or cooperate with an outside trainer.
How Friendly Are Clumber Spaniels?
Clumber Spaniels enjoy the company of their family and other pets. They can sometimes be reserved with strangers. It is important to socialize a Clumber Spaniel from early. They are dignified dogs that may not choose to interact with strangers but will never show aggression.
Do Boykin Spaniels Like To Socialize?
Boykin Spaniels are lively, inquisitive dogs that generally like people. They have a high hunt drive and need a great deal of exercise. A Boykin should be socialized early with other people and animals as his boundless energy and hunt drive could land him in some sticky situations if not correctly channeled.
They are dogs that enjoy the companionship of their family. Boykins suit an active family, and providing an outlet for their energy is vital. Boykins may be described as friendly spaniels, but sometimes their attentions are inappropriate due to their excessive energy.
Is A Spaniel From Show Lines Or Field Lines Friendlier?
English Cocker spaniels and Springer Spaniels come in two types: the show type and the field type. Show spaniels are usually more mellow and have less energy than a spaniel from field lines. Show spaniels have fuller, longer coats that require more care. Field spaniels have short coats.
Both field and show lines can be friendly dogs, but the field line will be more energetic and have a higher hunt drive. Spaniels from show lines usually make better pets.
Individual Personalities And Puppy Selection
It is essential to remember that although there is a breed standard for spaniels, each dog has their unique personality. Some dogs will be shyer, others more extrovert. If you require your puppy to be very social, you need to select the correct puppy.
The best way to select the correct spaniel puppy is to choose a reputable breeder who knows the puppy’s personality. The breeder should advise you on which puppies would be best suited to your lifestyle and personality.
Does Early Socialization Enhance Friendliness In Spaniels?
The importance of early socialization with any dog cannot be overstressed. It is absolutely vital to socialize your puppy and expose it to as many experiences as possible. If people are left isolated and unsocialized, they fail to learn social etiquette and how to behave with new people. The same can be said of dogs.
Dogs can quickly become fearful or anxious if they are not socialized early. Puppies need as much interaction with new people and animals as possible from an early age.
Conclusion
The friendliest spaniels are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Papillions, and Cocker Spaniels. Many other spaniels can also be social, but sometimes they are more focused on their work than on socializing. English Springers, Clumber Spaniels, and Boykins can all be friendly dogs. Any aggression or hostility in any spaniel is strongly discouraged.
