Hello, I am in the process of looking for a Cocker Spaniel and all the advise I have sought has told me to look for a reputable Breeder. What is a reputable Breeder? What things should you look for in a Breeder and what things should you avoid like the plague?

A 'Reputable Breeder' is generally one who is a member of one or more KC affiliated breed clubs; does the relevant breed health checks on their dogs and ensures they are only mated to similar; doesn't breed from under- or overage bitches; who puts a lot of time, effort and expence into raising their litters (not just have them in an outhouse down the bottom of the garden); generally specialises in one or two breeds, not a selection of different 'types'; puts potential puppy buyers through the "third degree"; keeps in contact with the buyers throughout the dog's life and is always available to give advice........

Anything else to add to this, anyone?

Here are a couple of Links, just would say that the odd thing will vary, and some of these are relevant to the USA rather than UK. http://www.thedogscene.co.uk/articles/buying/responsiblebr.htm
http://members.aol.com/mpcapec/articother.html
http://www.dogstuff.info/definitions.html

Hi Guest

I think the others have covered a Reputable Breeder but you might like to have a look at these links also

Reputable Breeder

The Cocker Spaniel Club

HTH

Dessie :D :D

I would suggest contacting a Cocker Spanial club, i have been doing lots of Emailing to the Schnauzer Club of GB...She was able to tell me who out of my list were good breeders (what to look for and she checked their names) and she was also able to tell me if the Puppies parents were of good breeding.

I would have thought there will be one for Cockers and you could contact them to see what help they can offer you during your purchase of a Cocker Pup.

Just a thought.

Roxanne

Roxanne a link has been provided for the Guest above in my reply to her.

Dessie