Whatever the ethics are of breeding this particularly bitch for the owner it really can not be worth all the hassle and risk to her family pet and any pups she may produce - so much better and cheaper to buy in another puppy from a good breeder to show or work with the eventual idea of breeding if she meets the grade.

Do not forget to tell your prospective breeder if you want to show or work and if all is well make this pup your foundation bitch.

Why? When you bought her as a pet, do you now want to breed? What has changed your mind?

Very good question Claire, the sad thing here is, it's not 'my dog has grown into a beautiful example of the breed (which is what we all think of our own dogs) so I would really like her to be KC reg so that I can show/work her, get accolades and be such a proud owner as I think she is unique' as you can a KC reg dog.

No....its, 'I think my dog is beautiful so I want to breed her' what is the difference between this poster and all the other BYB's out there? Just mindlessly breeding.........

Everything here is being done back to front, you don't decide to breed because you think your dog looks nice. **Head in hands**

I can understand to a degree where the poster is comming from. she has a beautiful puppy that everyone admires and says would like one of those.  it is only natural to think ooo maybe i could have the fun of breeding and send out lovely pups. not a profit thing- but a love of her dog thing and wanting to spread that love arround and give others oppertunity of owning dogs as lovely as hers.  its a natural view before research is done- once the owner has realised the horrible risks and expenses involved then common sense will kick in in majority of cases and they will not breed.  not like there is a shortage of lovely pups arround- why risk my dog?

Now regarding what else the owner could do with her pup.. there is a LOT more then breeding to give 'added value' to a dogs enjoyment factor and show her off.  how about grooming contests?  how about obediance  competitions? how about agility?how about scent discrimination? how about working gundog trials? or dancing with dogs?  all these things can be enjoyed and show what work you the owner have put into your dog and what a wonderful relationship you share-- a very rewarding way for you and your dog to have a good time....and it doesn't matter that she hasn't got KC papers to enjoy those.

That's actually quite funny, what you have just said is a more detailed version of what I meant!
I haven't bred her yet and I'm trying to go the right way about it if we ever do. I posted it on here purely for advise. We probably won't breed her anyway as it's not a necessary thing to do and after what I have read on here and advice given it doesn't seem the best thing. So you can stop criticising :)
I'm not a mindless breeder thanks, I haven't even bred her, I'd understand if I bred her and then asked questions. Give it a rest.

Thank you weimed!
That's exactly how the idea came along. But due to her past I don't think it is a good idea to breed her but I will still get her checked and what tests she needs for my own reassurance that she is clear (which hopefully everything will be fine)
This post restores my faith that they're are some people willing to help instead of criticising. 

Chantelle you can do the DNA tests for the eye disease prcd-PRA and Familial Renal disease at th same time so you only need send off one lot of blood. 

Atagene in France are licenced by Optigen to do this on their behalf.

Chantelle, I hope many pet owners read your post and learn from it.  For many years now, an unwritten rule was 'always see the puppies with their mother'.  If you have bought through a 'company' as stated in one of your posts, surely they can't be described as a breeder but more of a 'dealer'.

I know of several people in my breed who made a mistake in purchasing their first dog as indeed I did but it was an excellent way to learn not what to do!  Love your girl for what she is and if in the future you decide to have another, do your research and buy from a reputable breeder, visit them before puppies arrive etc and build a strong relationship with them and hopefully all will go well and they will give you all the support you need in having your first litter.  You will find it a totally different experience to your current situation.

There is no criticism here, wishing you luck in the future.

Hello,
Thank you for your help! Do I go the vets for these tests? :)

I know, I now wish I never went there as I am very shocked and saddened about the poor start my girl may of had. But As gutted as i am i wouldn't change her for the world! And yes in future if I want to breed I will look for a puppy that is kc and look at parents also and ask breeder lots of questions!
Thank you for everyone who has helped, this has definitely learnt me a lot! 

there are already numerous working sheepdogs (Not registered ones) that have gone through this process and are now fully KC registered in a breed that already has KC and ISDS breed registers.

true, I know a couple ;-) the ones I know are of known parentage and lack of registration came about because of the time between ISDS and KC recognition whereby dogs were bought for obedience mostly and the ISDS registration in subsequent generations not maintained, and without KC registration available.  These dogs therefore fell outside the two schemes, but had the health tests etc and a knowledge of pedigree maintained (if not proven, but then no register is DNA'd, it's taken on trust) - there are a lot of WSDs with known pedigree etc in agility/obedience, some of these are now going on the KC register.

I honestly wouldn't bother about getting her health checked Chantelle.  There is nothing that you can do now to avoid any possible problems.
But what I would do is to get yourself a very good insurance that gives lifetime cover for every condition - now that may well help you in the future.
I'm glad that you realise that the comments here are made out of passion and concern rather than malice.  I wish you both the very best of luck for the future. :)

If you google antagene, and Optigen there are instructions there.  The cheapest way to have the tests done is to wait for a DNA clinic, you can go personally or send in the blood sample taken by your vet.

The people organising the clinic then send all the samples off together so that a discount is available.

If you find Optigen's instruction pages complicated contact the cocker club health co-ordinator who I am sure will help you.

You can ask about joining at the same time, and finding out about events, educational events etc..

if you want to get her tested then it is utterly vital you do NOT get her tested before you have taken out comprehsive life time health insurance for her.  if she tests positive for any disease before insured then the insurance will exclude the tested condition.

I disagree Westcoast if Chantalle has her pup DNA tested for prcd-PRA and FRD and the pup is affected she at least will know that the pup may go blind and adjust training accordingly, and if it is affected by FRD make adjustments to diet etc to prolong life and kidney function.

Also if affected i would be looking at the Commercial seller and breeder being taken to task for producing pups with issues that are now avoidable through DNA testing of parents.

One way to make such irresponsible breeding less profitable.

Good point weimed

Also if affected i would be looking at the Commercial seller and breeder being taken to task for producing pups with issues that are now avoidable through DNA testing of parents.

One way to make such irresponsible breeding less profitable.

Absolutely EXCELLENT point!!!!

Now where is that "like" button :)

Hi Chantelle.

Please could you contact C.A.R.I.A.D. (Care And Respect Includes All Dogs) as a matter of urgency.
We would be very happy to hear from you regarding your experience of Willow Farm Kennels.    

cariadcampaign@live.co.uk

I too have a pup from this establishment and the names you have mentioned for her family are the Father and Grandmother my cocker spaniel pup!

Could you please forward a copy of your Pedigree Cert to C.A.R.I.A.D. when you make contact?
They will give you my contact details in confidence so as we can email each other direct.

It is so important that we discuss this soon as WFK have themselves a Breeding License now!!!

Look forward to hearing from you soon Chantelle xx