A responsible breeder of cocker spaniels will : -

	Demonstrate a longstanding, serious interest in Cocker Spaniels - they often take part in activities with their dogs such as showing, field trials (in the case of Working Cockers), agility, obedience training etc.
	Undertake ALL the recommended health testing for the breed i.e. KC/BVA Eye Testing, KC/BVA Hip-Scoring and DNA (OptiGen/Antagene) testing for prcd-PRA and FN.
	Care for their dogs and puppies to very high standards. Ensuring that dogs/puppies are loved, well cared for, fed appropriately, are well-socialised, exercised, kept in appropriate and clean living conditions and all their health needs are met - regardless of cost!
	Breed a litter with the intention of retaining a puppy, with the remainder of the litter being placed in suitable, caring and loving pet homes.
	Try to ensure that any puppies they breed go only to the most suitable homes. They will ask as many questions of you as you should be asking of them. If a breeder asks you no questions, you should ask yourself why they apparently do not care where their pups are going and whether the home is suitable. Commonly asked questions are how long a puppy would be left alone during the day, does the would-be buyer have children and how old they are, what sort of home and garden the buyer has, etc.
	Understand that breeding and rearing a litter of puppies with care takes enormous effort, commitment and expense. Therefore, responsible breeders only have a few litters a year, which will be carefully planned with health and temperament as top priorities. They will make every effort to ensure that puppies are well socialised before they leave for new homes.
	Reputable breeders do not engage in a "hard sell" approach when assessing potential owners. They do not want a sale for the sake of a sale. Reputable breeders want suitable homes, homes where the puppy is a much wanted addition and where they can be sure the puppy will receive as much care and consideration from the new owner as they have already lavished on the puppy.
	Encourage potential puppy buyers to meet the litters Mother. Many new Mums’ can be apprehensive of strangers looking at their babies; however, the mother should be relaxed and comfortable with her owners even if she's showing concern about the safety of her babies. Of course, many mothers would happily let a stranger handle their pups but there are many who find it an uncomfortable experience and would-be owners should consider this when making judgements about the mother's temperament.
	Willingly offer advice on the breed to potential buyers (even if they do not have a litter) and will honestly discuss the breed's particular idiosyncrasies i.e. grooming needs, traits, hereditary problems known to occur occasionally in the breed. They will explain what steps they as breeders have taken to ensure they avoid breeding puppies with hereditary problems.
	Provide puppy buyers with all the necessary paperwork at the time the puppy is collected. This will include a copy of the pedigree, a diet sheet, worming & vaccination information etc. Many will also provide comprehensive information on grooming, training etc. It is also common practice to provide free insurance for the puppy for a minimum period of 4 weeks (depending on the insurance company preferred by the breeder).
	Provide back-up help and advice on a long-term basis (for the life of the dog) to their puppy buyers. They will also make clear that if an owner of one of their puppies is unable to keep the dog for any reason, then they will take back the dog and/or help find it a new home where possible.

It is a big decision to add a dog/puppy to your household. This decision should not be taken lightly because once you make that commitment you should make it for the life of the puppy/dog. You want to plan for your new arrival because you want that new arrival to be with you a long time. Do not buy on a whim and do not buy a puppy as a gift for someone.

Where to buy a 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.

Pet shops are generally supplied by puppy farmers (either here in the UK or transported from Southern Ireland), licensed breeders or occasionally less discerning "backyard" breeders. Conscientious and discerning would-be puppy buyers should only purchase puppies/dogs from reputable breeders who have the health and welfare of the breed (and their own dogs) as their first priority and demonstrate a commitment to the breed rather than a commitment to making money.

And finally ...

Good breeders will offer you and your puppy/dog lifetime support. When you set out to purchase a puppy you may feel that support, help and advice are not necessary (or perhaps you may feel that you don't need a breeders "interference"!) and therefore, these areas will not be a priority when searching for a puppy. However, please don't under estimate the value of choosing a breeder who will support you. It won't be until you have a dilemma that you will realise that lifelong support and commitment from your puppy's breeder can be invaluable.