How To Be A Responsible Cocker Spaniel Breeder A few things we've learned about breeding Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Here's what we've learned about how to be a responsible and successful breeder of American Cocker Spaniel puppies.

Before going ahead and breeding a dog, there are some things that you need to do first.  Taking the time and effort to do these things is what separates the good breeders from the bad...  and can be the difference between a world full of unhealthy Cocker Spaniels and a world full of the kind of Cockers we all dream of.

Anybody can breed a litter...  it just takes two fertile dogs, and those are easy to come by.  The trick is to breed a litter that meets the breed standard, and that isn't plagued by health problems during the lifetime of the dogs.  Also, if you do things right, you can create puppies that are well socialized (in other words, will make great pets) and you can also make puppies that will be easier to potty train than the average pet-store puppy is.

So, here's "the big picture".   Follow the links that say "more" to get all the details.

1.  Both the male and the female should be healthy, and should be at least two years old before breeding.  More

2.  Both the male and the female should meet the breed standard for the American Cocker Spaniel.  More

3.  Partis should be bred to partis, and solids should be bred to solids.  If you breed a solid to a parti, you will very likely make a bunch of mismarked pups that don't meet the breed standard.

4.  Testing should be done on both the male and female to make sure they are free of genetic eye defects.  This must be performed by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist, not by your regular Vet.  More

5.  Testing should be done on both the male and female to make sure they are free of genetic hip defects.  The basic hip x-ray can be done by your regular Veterinarian, but needs to be reviewed and certified by a hip expert at the Orthopedic Foundation For Animals.  More

6.  Compare the pedigrees of the male and the female and make sure that they don't share any relatives.  The last thing this breed needs is any more inbred puppies.  More

7.  Thought should be given to how you will locate good homes for the puppies.  It's easy to make a litter of puppies, but quite another thing to find good homes for them.  More

8.  Socialize the puppies, so they make good pets.

9.  You have to be prepared for the possibility that a litter of puppies could cost you an awful lot of money.  Veterinary costs can be absolutely shocking if you end up with a litter of puppies with medical problems.  More

10.  Always skip a heat cycle after each litter.  Allow about a year (or more) in between litters.  More

11.  Know when not to breed a dog again.  If everything goes well, three or four litters is about all you should try to get from one female in her lifetime.  If things do not go well, spay or neuter the dog.  A fool is someone who does the exact same thing again and expects different results.  More

12.  Only keep the number of dogs you can properly manage and care for.  You've seen those stories on the news about old people with 100 cats inside their apartment.  Think of how they got that way...  every one of them started out with good intentions.  Do not become the Cocker version of that person.

13.  Be open to the advice and suggestions of those who have been in your shoes.  Share your knowledge with those that will follow your footsteps.

What else have I learned as a breeder of Cocker puppies?  Read my tips on buying a Cocker Spaniel puppy, my tips on raising a Cocker puppy, and my tips on potty training a Cocker puppy.  You'll also find some useful information in my list of frequently asked questions.

If you're looking for a Cocker puppy right now, you can check our puppy page to see if we have a litter here now or due any time soon.

If you've enjoyed this web site, please take a moment to let me know!
My email address is:  jimzim@charter.net
I'd love it if you'd send me pictures of your Cocker Spaniel, too.
(.jpg format pictures only...  please do NOT send .bmp format)

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