I was put in the hospital by a Cocker Spaniel at 4 years old, so "great with kids" is my #1 requirement.
Upland dogs in my experience seem to be a crap shoot.
Anything with a high prey drive is suspect.
The Disney movie Lady and the Tramp ruined the Cocker Spaniel breed. Any breed that becomes popular from a movie ends up getting ruined.
Had a friend with a Cocker. When she got pregnant I told her to get rid of the dog. She refused, said the dog would never hurt anyone. Dog went after the baby when she was 8 months old, just out of the blue (which happened to be the dog's name). It was gone that day. I didn't say I told you so.
Cockers became popular back in the '40s when I was a kid, and some were snappy little bastids. Neighbor's bit me.
English Springers for us, hunters and family pets. Our current 10 y/o will be our last; we're too old to properly care for another who might outlive us. Our girl has cancer, vet, oncologist, gave her a month to a year. It's been four months and no obvious symptoms. Just on a NSAID. Total sweetheart. Taking it one day at a time, each is a blessing.
