my neighbours are looking at getting a cocker spaniel.  They both adore dogs and there is usually someone in the house so that side of things is not an issue.  I don't know enough about the breed to give them any advice so looking for some help about what to look for in a breeder regarding health testing etc.

They are considering a rescue so I have given them details for cocker rescue locally but could do with a pointer about what to be asking.  the only thing I am aware of is ear problems and the ever scandalous cocker rage!

hi,
you should advise your neighbours to ask about, hip, eye ear and kidney checks, if the cocker comes from a reputeable breeder this should all be done.  i think cocker rescue will be able to let them know what state of health the dog is in.  i have a cocker and he's 3, no probs so far, except the constant wagging tail, needing to play ball, singing very loudly and licking us non stop.

Your boy sounds like my Yankee with the wagging and licking - does he stand on you too? Mine puts a paw on, then if you don't remove it he stands on my lap, ouch! It's the Cavaliers that sing though. :-)

thanks for the advice, I will let them know.  Why kidney checks?  Is there a particular disease of the kidneys they suffer from?

If your neighbour is looking for a rescue Cocker, it's extremely unlikely they will find one that has been health screened for the various hereditary problems that crop up now and again. A rescue dog will probably have received a basic veterinary check up but nothing more. If you want to know more about health issues in Cockers, have a look at http://www.thecockerspanielclub.co.uk/health.htm. If your neighbour was considering a puppy from a breeder, they should be looking for parents of a litter to have been annually eye tested, DNA tested for prcd_PRA, DNA tested for FN (hereditary kidney disease which thankfully is quite rare) and possibly hip scored too.

thanks for the info.  They got one at the weekend and I have seen her briefly and what a cutie.  She is 5 months old and the breeder was running her and another one on for showing.  The bitch has a tooth growing funnily so she has sold her to my neighbour and she is absolutely adorable.  She has been trained and started ringcraft skills so absolutely perfect for them. Thanks again for the info from those who replied.