We have always strived to produce healthy, well-adjusted dogs, as part of this process; our dogs have been tested using the various tests currently available to breeders. Using the knowledge gained we can plan breeding's that not only produce "typical" cockers but we can continue to breed healthy cockers too!

We have always been open about our dogs health and we have chosen to make this information available, please do not make negative judgements about our dogs because of this information. There should be no stigma attached to having carrier dogs. Indeed the population of cockers in general comprises more “Carriers” than “Clear” or “Affected”! Just because a breeder doesn't test (or if they test doesn't make the results public) doesn't mean their "kennel" is free of carriers or indeed affected dogs.

Every breeder is working with the genetic material they inherited from the lines behind their dogs, these lines go back decades, no conscientious breeder has deliberately set out to have carriers of hereditary illnesses/diseases in their lines! At least by testing the dogs and being open about the results, future breeding plans can be made that will enable a breeder to plan safe mating's and avoid producing puppies affected with hereditary health problems which can be prevented by health screening a puppy’s parents

Every single cocker spaniel line has the potential to carry FN, PRA, and Glaucoma and Hip Dysplasia; with the result, that there is a likelihood of affected animals being born.

Some breeders will test their dogs and the results will be kept private, others will not test for fear of what they may find.

Using the information available to us, we can continue to produce typical merry cockers that are sound and healthy dogs, dogs that are free from FN, PRA, and reduce the likelihood of producing dogs with Glaucoma and Hip Dysplasia - can anyone who does not test say the same?

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For further information about the diseases/conditions listed please see the following pages: