
Hi Nicola, if you do a search you will probably find a whole lot of answers to your question, but here are a few pertinent to the breed. firslty, have you shown him, and is he been a consistent winner? Usually bitch owners will contact dogs who have been repeatedly succesful, or who have consistently sired winning dogs themselves. Secondly, have you had his eyes tested, and contacted his breeder for current eye certificates on his parents? We have a big hereditary cataract problem in the breed, and only currently clear dogs with currently clear parents (and grandparents where available) should be considered for breeding. You should also ask his breeder about any epliepsy problems appearing in his lines. Next, have you considered that using him at stud (should anyone wish to do so) may well change his temperament, making him less easy gong as a pet, more likely to lift his leg indoors and even more agressive with other males.
Sorry if it is disappointing, but the reality is that if he is not a succesful show dog he is unlikely to be used by any reputable breeders on their bitches. Why are you wanting to use him? Is it to have another pup yourself? This month alone we have had 5 american cockers notified to Rescue as needing homes, think long and hard before about if you would be able to home/care for any pups if the breeder and future owners could not do so.
bye
Gwen