Growling But Actualy Purring!

by Pareesa
(Pune, India)

Meet Ben!

Meet Ben!

Hi, This is my cocker spaniel, Ben, and he has a very strange habit!

When my father returns home, my dad pets him and my spaniel growls! Or at least that's what we thought he was doing. We later realized that he is not growling, but purring like a cat!

Most strangest of all is that he is often wagging his tail and sometimes yelps with affection!

I'd love to understand why he does this and if anyone knows why, please do tell me!

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starstarstarstarstar 		Cocker Growling
by: Steven

This is really helpful!

My 3-year-old Cocker growls fearsomely when shown a lot of tactile affection and will show her teeth even.

It's a little unerring, but she desperately cuddles up for more when I stop!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cocker are the most talkative dogs
by: Maxjapanesedog

This is totally normal, they are talking to you -
you talk with them all day and they talk back.

It's how they talk when they want something to play with or cuddle.

Cockers are the most talkative dogs ever!

Don’t worry or think it’s bad, they are very intelligent and mimic you! Be happy and try to understand his growling as talking.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Cocker Purrs Too!
by: Dee

I have two english cocker spaniels and my boy does this. It can be quite unnerving but he is wagging his tail and he is the one that initiates the patting. So by reading these others posts looks like it a normal thing for some.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cocker Purring
by: Anonymous

we have a 12 year old chocolate male called Bing and he has purred since he was a puppy, we love him to bits and always will even though he is getting old and senile now, he sleeps a lot and wants lots of love all day long.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Please Can Anyone Help?
by: Anonymous

My 2 year old working cocker named Clyde has started making this growling or purring noise when I pick him up or sometimes when I get on my knees in front of him and pet him.

It's a bit unnerving as he also stiffens and trembles. I'm not sure what to make of it but I never let him know it makes me uncomfortable and I continue to stroke him until the trembling stops.

My partner really doesn't like it, though we never raise our voice or show concern to him. He only ever does it with me. I am home with him all day and with my 6 year old staffie who has mothered him. He's extremely well cared for with up to date injections. Wormed monthly etc.

This is my first cocker, I've only ever had staffies. Is this normal behaviour? I'd be grateful for any advice as I also have an 8 year old daughter, many thanks.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Low rumbling sound in the throat
by: Anonymous

My dog makes low, sort of vibrating, rumbling noises in her throat when I put her food down. I guess it's excitement mixed with pleasure. Very occasionally she does it when she's particularly happy, such as when I'm scratching behind her ears.

I think it's a sign of bliss.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purring With Happiness
by: Can

My blue roan does the same thing. It's like a low throaty humble and she likes to put my hand in her mouth at the same time. She is especially noisy when she is in my lap on her back. I had never thought of it as "purring" but that is a lovely way to describe it and exactly right.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Cocker Spaniel Purring
by: Katie

It's surprising how many dogs 'purr'. They're not actually purring, they're just being vocal. Think of it as a contented, quiet growl and you'll understand what I mean.

My dog has been taught not to bark because I don't like barking dogs. Don't get me wrong, he does bark, especially when someone comes to the gate, but he will stop as soon as I appear.

My cocker will become vocal when he wants something, for example, he'll give a quiet whimper is he wants a cuddle, or before he's about to be fed (and is excited) instead of barking he makes a sound like a cross between a howl and yawn. It's really cute to hear!

He moans too. It's a very throaty moan and can sound like a growl, but it's not.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purring Cocker Spaniel
by: Anonymous

I think your dog is very happy to see you and your dad and he's yelping and 'purring' with delight!

I don't think it's an actual purr (like cats do), but I do think it's a sign of intense pleasure and contentment.

My cocker spaniel's the same - he makes low throaty noises when he's being rubbed (usually when he's on his back, and stretching his legs out). This 'purr' is usually accompanied by a long intense satisfying sigh!

I find it cute!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		My Dog Purrs Too!
by: Gemma

My dog does exactly the same thing - she purrs and purrs and purrs - especially when I'm giving her a belly rub. She's such a little hedonist!

By the way, I love your cocker spaniel. Is he a blue roan? How old is he? He looks very young and cute.

My Persia is 7 years old now and still purring, it's so calming, don't you think?.

I hope your cocker never stops purring.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Purring Cocker Spaniel
by: Karen

Hi, my cocker, Ebony also purrs,especially when she wants my attention... if I am sleeping she comes next to me and purrs.. I think it's her way of speaking to me.

I love her and I love to hear her purring.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A Dog Purring!?
by: Anonymous

I've never heard anything like it? Are you sure he's purring - I'd love to hear it.

Lovely cocker spaniel by the way!

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