🐕 Beagle
Temperament
Friendly, curious, merry. Beagles are pack animals at heart — they generally love other dogs and need company; many do poorly as only dogs in homes that are empty all day. Gentle with kids, friendly with strangers.
Exercise
60 minutes a day plus scent work. Beagles need a long-line or secure garden — once they catch a scent, recall is unreliable. Sniffing walks are mentally tiring; combine with short fetch or training sessions.
Grooming
Smooth, short double coat. Weekly brush is enough (more during shedding). Long ears need weekly check and cleaning to prevent infection. Bathe every 8–12 weeks.
Health
Generally robust, often living to 14+. Watch for: epilepsy, intervertebral disc disease, ear infections (long ears trap moisture), hypothyroidism, and obesity (beagles will eat anything, anytime).
Full Beagle profile →
🐶 Cocker Spaniel
Temperament
Cheerful, gentle, eager-to-please, devoted. Cockers can be sensitive — harsh training shuts them down. They're very people-oriented and dislike being alone. "Rage syndrome" was historically a problem in some lines (especially solid red); modern responsible breeding has largely eliminated it.
Exercise
60–90 minutes of daily exercise plus mental work. Scent work is ideal. Off-lead in safe areas — Cockers love to retrieve.
Grooming
Medium-long coat with heavy ear and leg feathering. Brush 3× weekly; ears need cleaning weekly (long, hairy ears = infection risk). Most pet owners get a "puppy clip" every 6–8 weeks.
Health
Ear infections (very common). Eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, PRA). Hip dysplasia. Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in some lines. Generally a robust breed otherwise.
Full Cocker Spaniel profile →
