Hi.

I'm looking for a stud dog for a chocolate working cocker spaniel, but I'm really struggling.

Does anyone have any ideas where I might find one?

Oviousely they're not the show type, so breed shows and clubs are of no use.

Thanks!

The Cocker clubs cater for both show & working type Cockers.   I'm assuming you own the bitch?  Has she been hip scored & Optigen tested for her eyes?    Some of the more 'savvy' stud dog owners will ask for health testing because health issues are as much a problem in working type Cockers as in show Cockers.    

James, has your situation changed since you posted in June that all your current dogs are spayed and you didn't intend breeding for at least 4 years? It's definitely a good idea to do as much research into potential stud dogs as possible in advance but four years is probably too early to start, especially as said you would not be getting another dog (to possibly breed from) for another 2 years.

Hi Jane.

It's for a friend, not myself.

Would the breed clubs have a list of avaliable stud dogs, for the working type?

is there anywhere else I could check?

If your friend is looking for working stock I would start by attending some field trials and watching dogs work, identify dogs you like for type, style of work , size etc and talk to their owners about their breeding. Try to find a common link in dogs that take your eye - for example  sired by a particular dog Or a perhaps a good number of the dogs you like carrying lines with a particular kennel name. From this you can dentify a shortlist of breeders to approach for a stud.   The shooting publications run adds for the studs owned by the top names/kennels, Ft secretaries for the spaniel clubs may also be able to help with contacts as may people he works alongside at the shoots he attends.

Sadly many working cocker breeders do no health testing at all .. in fact I suspect a health tested litter of working cockers is a rare as Rocking Horse ****. That said vets DO see cases of HD in working cockers and it is strongly recommended that the bitch be tested, finding a health tested stud may be somewhat more problematic. Also your friend will need to find a vet who will dock, working folk generally will not buy undocked spaniels and a work bred litter will not be suited to pet homes. Fortunately the DEFRA have now lifted the restrictions on docked dogs entering agility events where public pay an entrance fee so this opens up the agility market again for docked spaniels (pre AWB cockers were very popular choices)

K

As klb states many working cocker people believe that only show cockers have health problems so don't test!!  There are a number of good gundog sites where you would be best asking this question.