What is a "Commercial" Breeder?

A commercial breeder is a breeder who breeds puppies purely for financial gain. Their dogs are not their companions & they do not engage in any form of dog related activity (showing, agility, obedience, working trials etc.); they own dogs for breeding in a similar manner to a farmer owning livestock to rear to an age when they go to market.

'Commercial' breeders do not usually fully health-screen their "breeding stock"  for hereditary problems, puppies will usually be inadequately socialised and bitches are usually over-bred (four litters are allowed).

Whilst commercial breeders may operate from reasonably clean conditions and register their pups with the Kennel Club, they can still be classed as "puppy farmers" as their aim is to produce puppies for profit. Whereas the average hobby breeder will have 1 - 4 litters per year, commercial breeders will have dozens.

Puppy Rearing Environment

Caring for and rearing puppies correctly takes time, lots of time. Rearing one litter at a time with a gap between having a further litter is tiring and time-consuming for a breeder, having several litters at the same time, followed by yet more multiple litters often means resources are stretched as contrary to popular belief, kennels whose aim is to make a profit from dog breeding employ the minimum of staff because staff cost money.

Not every "commercial" breeder keeps their dogs in deplorable conditions, conditions which we associate with "puppy farmers" however, it is probable that owning a large number of dogs and rearing an excessive number of litters may mean their dogs & puppies do not receive sufficient individual attention.

Due to the large number of breeding animals involved, commercial breeders will normally keep their dogs kennelled and the dogs do not enjoy a "family" lifestyle. By contrast, “hobby” breeders/exhibitors who either own a significant number of dogs or if the dogs are a large breed will have kennels but the dogs do get the opportunity to be part of the family, they will spend time in the house and live a “normal” life.

Before buying a puppy from a "commercial" breeder, would-be owners should satisfy themselves that the quantity of puppies bred, each year doesn't equate to lack of quality care & rearing. Potential owners should also be aware that the pups are likely to be reared in a kennel environment & should ensure that the pup they are buying has been socialised correctly.

Some commercial breeders do look after their dogs adequately & maintain acceptable standards of cleanliness & hygiene, however many do not provide the level of care and accommodation for their dogs/puppies that most 'ordinary' people would feel is acceptable.

Would-be buyers should check that all dogs used for breeding have been fully health tested. Commercial breeders testing their breeding stock have a tendency to inflate the price of their pups to cover the expense of testing. Breeders who do not breed for profit routinely health test their dogs for the good of the breed and the health of the individual puppy concerned - they do not inflate their prices to recoup the cost of health testing!

Note:

If you are planning to buy a puppy from a commercial breeder, please do your homework!

Rearing pups correctly is costly, very costly; there is no 'profit' once the pups are sold! If breeders are breeding as an income generator, buyers should consider what savings have been made by a breeder in order to make a profit on the sale of puppies. A responsible breeder never breeds to sell puppies to earn a livelihood; a responsible breeder regards each puppy as an investment in the future of the breed.

Where to buy a cocker spaniel puppy?

The best place to buy a puppy is directly from a reputable and caring breeder. Reputable and caring breeders are committed to their dogs and their puppies' health and welfare. They are also committed to the owners of their puppies and will provide life long support where needed. Sadly the majority of commercial breeders do not fall into this category.