Hi everyone, and thank-you for all your replies to my post "I'm still looking...."

I went to see the pups last night, and the breeder was fantastic. We didn't see the pups, until we had a good old chat for about an hour! She checked me out, which I thought was brilliant, as she really cares for the pups. Also I had a chat with her too.

I saw the Mum, and she was a little beautie. She waas so calm, and very friendly. She has had all the tests done, and I saw all the results of the tests.

I also saw Dad too. Is this normal?

She then bought out the pups. They were out of this world. Goodness me, I could tell (after looking at so many Cocker Spaniel pups!) that they are very well breed. They had very shiney coats, and beautiful heads.

There were only 2 pups left, a black bitch and a black dog. I don't know which one I will go for??

Anyway, we saw them and then had another chat. We were there for nearly 3 hours. The breeder said for me to go away and have a long think, and to get back to her today or tomorrow. She shows all her dogs, and she never has to advertise her pups, and as soon as she said she has pups, word gets round and they will all go very quickly.

She is asking £600 per pup, they are all KC Reg, and have champions in the pedigree.

Please could someone tell me if all the above sounds good? Is £600 the right price?? Does she sound a good breeder??

Many thanks

The father being here may mean that she had bought him or the bitch in especially to combine their lines. 

I own the sire in partnership and the Mother of my youngest, and my vurrent litter.  He was imported because I was looking for new blood for her specifically and the bred in general.  As it happens he doesn't live with me but with one of the other owners, but he was used on her bitches so people woudl ahve seen both parents at her house.

Generally I would ask why they hdd used their own dog (just drop it into conversation).  Generally though Dad might be hundreds of miles away when you are breeding to try and prodcue the best you can.

Sounds pretty good especially if they are breed club members as they are bound by the clubs codes of practice, and have theri reputaions to consider.

Glad you found a good breeder. I was lucky enough to meet both the parents of my Rottie pup which was a partnership between 2 breeders but both dogs live in the same house (not related) and the litter were amazing and most importantly, healthy.

I am like brainless re the situation of having the stud dog also.  He was imported as we needed new blood in our small breed.  I know that it's different with Cockers, but to me from what you've written they sound like good breeders.

Good luck with your new pup :d

Well that does sound tickety boo :)  The price seems a tad expensive to me but maybe I am getting out of touch :) for that price I would expect her to be very sucessfull at showing her dogs, one parent a Champion perhaps and definately living in the South! :p :)  Having said that if you are happy with the pups I would pay it because in the scheme of things your next 12-15 years happiness is worth the extra really isn't it? :)

Sounds like You like the breeder thats important go with your gut , the price sounds about right I wouldent pay any less then £550 for a decent pup it depends on the area you live in .I find in the north you can exspect to pay less and south a little more , Ive no idea why :D mabe its the vets fees that I dont really understand because someone in the north may have had to pay out more .
I hope you get the pup you really want :D goodluck

You have just said they are the best pups and breeder you have seen so does it really matter about the price.  :) 

Yes I think that is what we are saying :)

If the dog lives to be 10, that is £60 per year. Okay, vets bills etc on top, but the better bred the puppy (hopefully, and there are, unfortunately, no guarantees) the less the vets bills, so is it such bad value?

Sounds perfect to me, good breeder, price is about right for this area SW, so now you have to decide dog or bitch?  :-)

The only thing that I would ask Guest is that the breeder has bred the pups to continue a quality breeding line (by using her own dog) and not just used the most convenient dog to produce puppies to sell.

I was lucky with all 3 of my dogs that the breeders had used their own stud dog, so I saw all the mum's and dad's!

May not be applicable but my vet always advises to stay clear of solid colour cocker spaniels due to possible behavioural

That would rule out a very large proportion of the breed :D  There should not be a probl;em with solods from good breeers who select for the correct temperament.

Historically certain colours became fashionable and were bred purely to supply a demand and bad temperament became established among these poorly bred dogs. 

Puppy farmers are even more likely than other breeders to overuse one sire (a lot cheaper to use only oen dog on lots of bitches) so fixing the trait, even if theri reasons are monetary rather than because teh sire is a great dog.

Yes of course bitches have as much input itno the pups potential c aharacter and traits but a male may sire many more pups than any bitch no matter how overbred can possibly produce.