Cocker Spaniels are very popular Dogs, but unfortunately this popularity has meant that some Breeders produce litters after litters of puppies purely for the money and not for the wellbeing of the Bitch or the Breed. These Breeders often pay little regard to the health or temperament of their puppies and will sell a puppy to whoever wants one without vetting the prospective puppy buyer, no questions asked. Some of these puppies may be taken away from their mothers at an early age and not socialised properly. Have a look at these websites for further details on this terrible trade:-
A REPUTABLE BREEDER ...................
WILL ask potential buyers numerous questions to ensure they can provide a good home for a puppy and understand the needs of a Cocker Spaniel. BEWARE of breeders who ask no questions at all - ask yourself why they don't care enough about their pups to make sure they find the right homes.
WILL NOT have puppies constantly available - most reputable breeders only have a few litters a year. BEWARE of breeders who constantly advertise litters for sale (especially if they offer several other popular breeds) - these are often dealers or large-scale commercial enterprises.
WILL ALWAYS allow potential buyers to see the mother of a litter and often will have other relatives that buyers can meet. BEWARE of breeders who make an excuse for buyers not being able to meet "Mum" or who offer to deliver the pup direct to the buyer, thus preventing the buyer seeing where the litter has been reared (a tactic often used by puppy farmers).
WILL provide after-sales help and advice and will make it clear that they will take back for re-homing a dog of their breeding should this ever be needed.
WILL provide all the necessary paperwork including diet sheet, worming info, pedigree certificate and Kennel Club Registration Certificate. Many breeders also supply extensive information on grooming and training etc. Please remember that KC Registration is not a guarantee that a puppy has come from a reputable breeder - nethertheless all reputable breeders do register their litters with the KC and caution should be exercised if a litter is advertised as unregistered.
WILL usually supply buyers with free insurance to cover the first few weeks of a puppy's life in a new home.
WILL be able to advise potential buyers on the various hereditary problems that very occasionally crop up in Cocker Spaniels (as with most other breeds) and will be happy to let you know what health screening test they carry out on their dogs eg eye-testing and/or hip-scoring. BEWARE the breeder who is unwilling to discuss this subject or seems to have no knowledge of the possible problems.
WILL often be involved in activities with their Cockers such as showing or field trials (Working Cockers). They will usually be members of at least one Breed Club. Of couse, there are a few reputable hobby beeders who have no interest in showing/working but in general, most genuine breeders will do something with their dogs besides breeding from them!
"A Reputable Breeder" - Copyright Jane Simmonds Shenmore Cocker Spaniels
If you live in the Channel Islands your first port of call will be your local Kennel Club Secretary - in Guernsey this is Mrs Yvonne Windsor - Tel: 255767 and in Jersey this is Mrs Pam Mottershaw - Tel: 862187. If they are unable to help then it will be the UK Cocker Clubs. Our nearest Clubs are:- Devon & Cornwall Cocker Spaniel Club (1982) - Miss S Ellison - Tel: 01884 881449; Hampshire & Sussex Cocker Spaniel Club (1988) - Miss G Morris - Tel: 01243 583208 and lastly The West of England Cocker Spaniel Club (1947) - Mr A Murray - Tel: 01934 414156. There are many more Cocker Clubs in the UK but these are the ones that are closest to the Channel Islands. If you need any help and advice please feel free to email me. There is an email me button on my home page.
