Cocker Spaniel Breeders

I strongly recommend you look for responsible Cocker Spaniel breeders before choosing a puppy; first you choose your breeder, then you choose your puppy.

You may be ready to begin your search, but have you decided which type of breeder you're going to use, a professional breeder or a hobby breeder?

What's the difference?

You may choose to use a professional breeder; preferably one who specialises in breeding only Cocker Spaniels. Breeding and rearing Cocker Spaniel puppies is a professional breeder's business, so they'll probably be breeding from several bitches at any one time.

They may have their own stud dogs or they may use external sources.

Either way, the choice of stud dog will not be undertaken lightly.

There will be many young puppies, (usually too many to be reared in the family home) so the pups may need to be reared in kennels, on their premises.

Most professional breeders' kennels will be immaculately clean and spacious, with small outside runs and their puppies will be loved and well-cared for.

The pups will be checked by the vet and will be wormed and vaccinated - their puppies' health and happiness will be paramount.

The down side (if there is one) to Cocker Spaniel puppies reared in kennels is that they could be slightly under-socialised; the puppies may receive less exposure to the human world than they would in the family home.

However, a good breeder will try to make up for this and will put extra effort into socializing their puppies so that when it comes to bringing home your new puppy, he'll be almost ready to fit into his new 'human world'.

TIP: Don't forget to ask the breeder what socialization has been carried out so far.

To help you in your search to find a Cocker Spaniel breeder, we've compiled a comprehensive, UK-wide, Cocker Spaniel Breeders Directory. It's searchable and will help you to find your local Cocker Spaniel breeders.

However, we still recommend you take care to check any breeder carefully and use your own judgement when choosing your Cocker Spaniel puppy.

A 'hobby' breeder will normally have two or three pedigree bitches living in the home as domestic pets.

Some 'hobby' Cocker Spaniel breeders may not be as knowledgeable, or have as much experience as professional cocker spaniel breeders; most become breeders purely for the love of their dogs and of the breed itself.

It should be noted, however, that many 'hobby' breeders are very professional in their approach to breeding, are extremely knowledegable, and take the breeding process very seriously indeed.

Hobby breeders are often very particular who they let their puppies go to (after all, they're giving away their 'babies'!) and will vet a prospective buyer very closely.

Their puppies are usually reared in the home with the rest of the family, which often results in better socialised Cocker Spaniel puppies.

Our breeder was fantastic - she was very professional, extremely knowledegable, helpful, and so enthusiastic about all things Cocker Spaniel. She's based in Cheshire and you can contact her by clicking on the following link - Anita Rothwell of Delphmount Cockers.

When dealing with hobby breeders, you might want to ask how many litters they've bred to give you an idea of their experience.

The Kennel Club guidelines state that the bitch must be over one year old when mated, have no more than 6 litters in her lifetime, and doesn't have any litters after she reaches 8 years of age.

Both professional breeders, and experienced hobby breeders will be very helpful and offer you lots of advice about caring for your puppy, before and after you've taken your puppy home.

Question your breeder as tactfully as you can, and use your own judgement when choosing which type of breeder to use.

You may like to visit local dog shows or contact the Cocker Spaniel Club for details of local breeders with Cocker Spaniel puppies for sale.

Your local veterinary practice could be a good source for Cocker Spaniel puppies as they may be able to put you in touch with reputable Cocker Spaniel breeders.

Alternatively, you might like to try contacting a reliable website where breeders like to advertise, such as Gun Dog Breeders .

Don't forget to do your research about the particular breeder you choose. In addition, ask as many questions as you can, if they're professional, responsible breeders they will welcome them.

We've put together a list of questions to ask Cocker Spaniel breeders to help you get started - see link below.

Whatever you do, please don't buy your puppy from a puppy farm!

Puppy farms (also known as puppy mills) are places where puppies are bred purely for profit. Standards are extremely low and the puppies and dogs' welfare are secondary, if at all.

Learn more about puppy farms and why you should avoid them at all costs.

Always be cautious about buying a puppy from a pet shop - they may have bought their puppies from a puppy farm! In fact, I would go as far as to recommend you don't use a pet shop.

When you find an advert you feel comfortable with, it's time to telephone the breeder and ask for further details about their puppies.

It's important to show the breeder that you're knowledegeable about the breed and that you've done a little research.

It's also important to be able to satisfy the Cocker Spaniel breeders that you'll make a responsible owner, and that you can give a loving home to one of their Cocker puppies - they're really fussy about who they give their babies to - wouldn't you be too?

The tips and advice given here will give you an idea of which questions to ask Cocker Spaniel Breeders!

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