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Good day and welcome everyone!
This is Sharda with another Cocker Spaniel newsletter.
Let us find together where to find Good Cocker Spaniel Breeders.
Here we go!
Here we offer a list of Dos and Don’ts for guidance on what to look for and what to avoid when visiting breeders.
DO…find Cocker Spaniel breeders that limits their stock to one or two breeds
DON’T…select a breeder with more than two breeds as their focus is most likely more on selling Cocker Spaniel puppies for high profit than on quality of any specific breed.
DO…make sure they breed the Cocker Spaniel females no more than once per year
DON’T…select a breeder that has more than a few litters per year, even when there are multiple females.
DO…welcome questions about your lifestyle, any existing pets and expectations of the new dog; it means the breeder is interested in the conditions of the Cocker’s new home and wants to ensure you’re a good match for each other.
DON’T…select a Cocker Spaniel breeder who seems to have no concern for the pup’s new home.
DO…select a breeder that performs genetic testing on the parents.
DON’T…fall for the line that genetic testing is unreliable, unproven or any other excuse that indicates the breeder does not support testing.
Assessing the Skill and Knowledge of Cocker Spaniel Breeders
Since the goal of every reputable breeder is to foster litters that meet or beat the minimum AKC or other recognized standard, it would seem logical that their knowledge and skill at breeding will have a huge bearing on the rearing of the puppy and what type of adult he becomes.
You must remember that the Cocker Spaniel puppies your breeder has are not the same as those owned by other breeders.
Your Cocker Spaniel breeder must know the traits and qualities of the breed, which is why you don’t want a breeder who dabbles in too many different breeds.
In her interactions with you, she should be able to help match you with a pup based on your temperament and lifestyle. This is why you should not mind the questions posted in the “Breeders Questions” section to follow.
Ask your breeder why she chose to breed this particular type of dog. If the answer is well-conceived such as, “I was impressed by its character and temperament,” this is a sign of someone you can trust.
But if she gives you vague or vain answers like, “I like the way they look,” or “Because they bring in good money”, then you should probably move on.
Track Record
As in any profession, one’s track record is a good indicator of a person’s ability and dedication. If you find your Cocker Spaniel breeder by trusted referral, you’re already ahead of the game but you will still want to know about the breeder’s credentials.
They won’t have a PhD in dog breeding, but the quality of their skill, knowledge and experience should equal a successful track record.
Even though your Cocker Spaniel breeder should not have more than one litter per year from a single female, you want them to have an overall record of at least four litters. This is because the AKC requires breeding of at least four litters in order to qualify for licensing.
Some breeders will specialize in bringing out certain breed characteristics. So, if you want a Cocker Spaniel for obedience, go to a breeder who has been successful in producing this kind of dog. Similarly, if you want one for conformation, go to a breeder who specializes in this.
Of course, just as you may want a combination of these two, you will find breeders who combine both talents successfully.
A Cocker Spaniel breeder that also shows her dogs in conformation shows or obedience trials is unafraid of “proofing her progeny,” so this would be a very good indicator that the breeder has good stock.
You probably wouldn’t feel too comfortable buying a car from someone whose never driven; not having that experience would make you wonder how qualified they are to talk about the benefits of horsepower, torque, or gas mileage.
Hence, a breeder who shows her dogs is putting her money where her mouth is. Keep in mind, however, that just because a breeder does not show, shouldn’t count them out either.
Ask whether or not she currently shows, or has ever done so and if you’re comfortable with the answer, and all other indications of a good breeder are present, you’re probably still dealing with a fine breeder.
I hope that you learned a lot from today’s Cocker Spaniel newsletter
All the best and take care
Warmly,
Sharda Baker