We strongly recommend you look for a responsible Cocker breeder before choosing a puppy; first you choose your breeder, then you choose your puppy.
You're about to begin your search, but do you want to use a professional breeder, or a hobby breeder?
What's the difference?
Professional Cocker Spaniel Breeders
You could use a professional breeder; preferably one who specialises in breeding only Cocker Spaniels.
As rearing Cocker Spaniel puppies is their business, it's likely they'll be breeding from several bitches at any time; there will be many young, (usually too many to be reared in the family home) so the pups may need to be reared in kennels.
These kennels will usually be immaculately clean and spacious, with small outside runs.
Cocker Spaniel puppies reared in kennels may be slightly under-socialised as a result of a lack of constant human contact, however, a good breeder will try to make up for this with extra puppy socialization.
The Kennel Club will give you contact details of reputable Cocker Spaniel breeders in your area, but you will still need to check them out carefully and use your own judgement when choosing your Cocker Spaniel puppy.
The Kennel Club is also a valuable source of information and advice.
Hobby Breeder
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; they're usually in the business purely for the love of their dogs and of the breed itself.
It should be noted, however, that many 'hobby' breeders are very professional, are extremely knowledegable, and take breeding very seriously indeed.
Hobby breeders are usually very particular who they let their puppies go to 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, Anita Rothwell of Delphmountcockers, was fantastic - she was very professional, extremely knowledegable, helpful, and so enthusiastic about all things Cocker Spaniel.
We'd highly recommend Delphmountcockers to anyone - if you'd like details about Anita and her Cocker Spaniels, you can contact us and we'll pass them on to you.
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.
Other Possible Sources For Cocker Spaniel Puppies
You could 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 may also be a good source for Cocker Spaniel puppies.
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.
Puppy Farms
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.
Pet Shops
Always be cautious about buying a puppy from a pet shop - they may have bought their puppies from a puppy farm.
What Questions Do I Ask The Breeders?"
When you find an advert you feel comfortable with, it's time to telephone the breeder and ask for further details about their puppies.
You'll want to sound knowledegeable about the breed and be able to show Cocker Spaniel breeders that you'll make a responsible owner, and that you can give a loving home to one of their Cocker puppies.
Are You A Cocker Spaniel Breeder Or Would You Like To Recommend One?
Would you like to advertise your Cocker Spaniel breeding services on this site - for free?
If you're not a breeder, would you like to recommend one?
If so, we'd like to hear from you.
Tell us about yourself, (or your breeder) your breeding principles, your bitches and dogs, your success stories - in fact, anything you like, so long as it's about breeding Cocker Spaniels!
We, and our visitors, look forward to hearing from you.