Buying a pedigree puppy
If you are reading this page, the chances are you are contemplating purchasing a cocker spaniel puppy & 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 & there is nothing better than the companionship and enjoyment that is derived from dog ownership.
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 & 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 into 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 breeds of dog fit into everyone's lifestyle.
Different breeds have different needs and temperaments. Be sure that the dog you are interested in is suitable for your lifestyle and home environment.
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 spaniel 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.
- Pedigree dogs possess a breed standard which is a blueprint for their general appearance, breed typical behaviour & 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 and gives a good indication of how the dog will look and behave when fully grown.
- 'Designer Dogs' (crossbreeds) are crosses of two different types of pedigree
dog, in cockers there are 'Sprokers' (cocker x springer) and 'Cockerpoos'
(cocker x poodle) etc.
Some people believe these offer advantages over pure pedigree dogs, however the temperament, coat type & eventual size/appearance of the puppy is unknown. The other thing to be aware of is that 'Designer Dogs' will suffer from any hereditary diseases commonly found in BOTH parents if the causative gene is common amongst the breeds involved in the cross. Designer dogs are generally sold for more money then their pedigree counterparts, they are also usually bred by breeders who breed for profit & those that do not health test their dogs. - Mixed breed puppies (mongrels) usually result from accidental mating's or indiscriminate breeding & 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 mixed breed it is possible for the dog to suffer from diseases common to the ancestry of each parent.
The adult size, weight, temperament, coat colour, personality & natural traits will vary in mixed breed/crossbreed dogs and it is not always easy to determine which traits will be passed on to the puppies. Many of the 'designer' cross-breeds produced bear no resemblance to either of their parents, for example, you might be looking for a smallish dog with an easy to care for coat, and you may find that your cute pup turns into a giant sized dog with a difficult coat!
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 long, happy & healthy life.
As caring and reputable breeders, we want potential puppy/dog owners to be fully informed 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 & 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:
Cocker Spaniel - Breed Information
Cocker Spaniel Coat Colours - Photos
Cocker Spaniel - Coat Care Information
Questions To Ask Breeders
Choosing A Puppy
Indicators Of A Reputable Breeder
Indicators Of A Less Reputable Breeder
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 & 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 (OptiGen PRA/FN, Hip Scoring & Eye Testing) 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.
- All reputable breeders will screen potential owners for their suitability for dog ownership. Some breeders will simply ask questions, others will require you to complete a questionnaire before expanding on the content of the questionnaire. 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.