If you are reading this page, the chances are you are contemplating purchasing a puppy and realise the importance of RESEARCHING your purchase BEFORE looking for a new family member.

The addition of a new puppy/dog to your household can provide a great deal of pleasure and there is nothing better than the companionship and enjoyment that is derived from dog ownership.

A well-bred and healthy dog is likely to be with you for anything up to 15 or more years. In order to ensure you have a healthy dog (both physically and mentally) your approach to dog ownership should be carefully considered.

Making a mistake when buying a puppy/dog is something you may live to regret and above all is something that could have implications for the welfare and happiness of the dog you have purchased.

There are many breeds to choose from and many places to purchase your new baby. Please do your research on different breeds. Some breeds are very laid back, some have very high energy levels and need lots of exercise, some are known for their intelligence, some for their protective abilities and some for their friendliness. Not all dogs fit into everyone's lifestyle.

The benefits of owning a pedigree dog can be profound and this is why pedigree dogs continue to be hugely popular across the country. Key advantages of owning pedigree dogs are that:

• Pedigree cocker puppies obtained from a responsible breeder will have parents that are screened for medical and genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia, eye diseases (glaucoma, PRA, cataracts, multifocal retinal dysplasia), eye conditions (entropian/ectropian/distichia) and the serious hereditary kidney disease FN.
• Mixed breed puppies (mongrels/crossbreeds) usually result from accidental mating's or indiscriminate breeding and it is very unlikely that any health testing has been undertaken. There may be a greater potential for health conditions to occur in mixed breed/mongrel puppies and buyers should be aware that if the dog is a crossbreed it is possible for the dog to suffer from diseases common to the breed of each parent.
• Pedigree dogs possess a breed standard which is a blueprint for their general appearance, breed typical behaviour and character and is a good indication of whether they are well suited to a potential owner. This allows prospective puppy buyers to research which dog would best suit their lifestyle, and which dog they would best be able to care for.

The adult size, weight, temperament, coat colour, personality and natural traits will vary in mixed breed dogs and it is not always easy to determine which traits will be passed on to the puppies. This is especially true with accidental mating's or indiscriminate breeding.

When looking for a healthy pedigree puppy it is the breeder that is the most important consideration - buying a pedigree dog should not be done ‘on the cheap’ nor should the puppy come from a disreputable source. By going to a responsible dog breeder you stand the best chance of getting a dog that will enjoy a happy and healthy life.

As caring and reputable breeders, we want potential puppy/dog owners to be fully informed about dog ownership. Our website is not designed to encourage you to purchase one of our puppies (on the rare occasion that we may have a puppy available) but has been written to help would-be owners make informed decisions about dog ownership.

Our website contains a great deal of information about how to locate reputable breeders, what health tests (for cocker spaniels) are required and things to look for when visiting breeders/puppies and questions you should be asking the breeder and an indication of the sort of information a caring breeder will want to ask you about.

Please use the links below to find out further information:

Please remember, the vast majority of show breeders are reputable and caring people. As with all walks of life, the attitudes of breeders will vary and unfortunately, there will be breeders ("backyard" breeders, commercial breeders, show breeders and puppy farmers) who show very little regard to the health and welfare of their dogs or their puppies. Before you commit to buying a puppy, you should make an informed decision on whether you feel confident in purchasing the puppy. Do your homework, ask the right questions and ensure you are happy with the answers!

Indications of a reputable breeder are:

	A breeder who demonstrates a serious commitment to the health and welfare of their puppies by fully health screening all their dogs used for breeding. The only way to help prevent inherited diseases occurring in puppies is to test the parent's for known conditions using the currently available screening methods.
	A breeder that is interested in you and your family and how the puppy will match with your lifestyle.
	Someone that is knowledgeable about the breed and is willing to answer questions, provide information as well as spend time talking to you about their dogs and the breed in general.
	A breeder who provides written information on vaccinations and worming treatments given to the puppy, as well as vet checks or any other medical information required.
	A caring breeder will also provide you with written information on the breed and a list of resources that may be of assistance. They may recommend specific food, groomers, trainers or other professionals in the area that are familiar with working with the specific breed.
	Some breeders will require new owners to complete a questionnaire and go through a screening as to their appropriateness as owners. Be prepared to answer questions on your experience with dogs, your lifestyle and even the type of activity level and involvement you plan to have with the puppy as it matures.
	The breeder should also provide you with a Contract of Sale that outlines their responsibility as well as your responsibility to the puppy. The breeder may also have endorsements on the puppy's Kennel Club registration, the Contract of Sale should clearly outline whether these restrictions will be removed and under what circumstances.