Advice on buying a cocker spaniel puppy

AliceJenkins

I disagree with a lot of these posts, not everyone who's not a "breeder" is a puppy farmer.

People do breed from their loved family pets, most of the best show breeders have 20-50 dogs, that live in kennels outside, there not a lot better than puppy farmers.

Tropez

It isn't impossible to find reputable breeders on places like Gumtree and Preloved but to buy a puppy from one of these sites requires a lot more knowledge about the breed and dogs in general in order to be making an informed decision. If you don't know that much about dogs then you should avoid sites like these.

I know that someone will be along shortly to tell me that you'll never find a reputable breeder on these sites but it isn't true. While breeders should breed to demand and while most puppies will be sold before the birth, the truth is sometimes things don't go that easily - people's circumstances change, it's a large litter etc. and it leaves one or two puppies left over and at this point some breeders will use places like Gumtree but the reputable ones will generally vet those who are buying from Gumtree more closely than normal... although obviously a reputable breeder carries out their own checks in the first place.

In my area, certain types of puppies will generally sell but due to various circumstances if a buyer is forced to drop out for some reason then the breeder can have a difficult time finding another buyer without advertising the puppy somehow. The third dog that I had from the breeder I have gotten all four of mine from was due to be sold once it reached eight weeks old but an emergency in the family who bought it meant that she didn't get sold and after six more months she still hadn't been sold. Eventually, I ended up taking her for no more than a donation to the local dog's home.

looopylala

Please dont even go and look.. most people on here have taken the time to guide you in the right direction and well away from gumtree.. the photo looks very generic and may not even be the actual pups.. I know its tempting and we all want everything 'now' but far better to take your time and get it right with something as precious as a pup who is after all going to be part of your family for life. Use the cocker website and do this properly please. Do not rush into this blindly hoping for the best

krlyr

AliceJenkins wrote: »

I disagree with a lot of these posts, not everyone who's not a "breeder" is a puppy farmer.

People do breed from their loved family pets, most of the best show breeders have 20-50 dogs, that live in kennels outside, there not a lot better than puppy farmers.

And not everyone who is a breeder has a large number of kenneled dogs.
However, there's a difference between someone breeding their loved family pet because it "deserves to have one litter before she's spayed"/"because she has such a great temperament"/"all our friends love her and want one of her pups"/"it'll pay for her spay" etc. and a breeder with a low number of dogs who keeps them in their home and is involved in breeding to better the breed's health and temperament.
I can't say that every Gumtree breeder is a puppyfarmer/BYB but you equally can't say that every ad that says the mum and pups live in the home is a good home breeder doing it out of love. So definately worth querying things - and that goes for any breeder, whether it's through Gumtree, KC, personal recommandations and so on.

suki1964

AliceJenkins wrote: »

I disagree with a lot of these posts, not everyone who's not a "breeder" is a puppy farmer.

People do breed from their loved family pets, most of the best show breeders have 20-50 dogs, that live in kennels outside, there not a lot better than puppy farmers.

Nope, someone who breeds from their pet is a back yard breeder and is as bad as a puppy farmer in most cases

In most cases, theres has been no health checks done on the sire, no genealogy checks - no nothing. The sire having been picked just because hes a good natured dog from along the road and is of the same breed.

The amount of times I was approached by strangers wanting to use my first lad as a sire was unbelievable

As for "most" show breeders running 20- 50 dogs in kennels - None I know. Most show breeders have maybe three or four dogs they are showing, a couple of retired dogs and a couple they are bringing along. Most show breeders who breed do so just to produce a new pup for the show ring - and sell on only those pups that dont make show grade.

Showing dogs is time consuming. Rearing litters even more so. Having 20 to 50 dogs in kennels wouldnt be what I would call a responsible and reputable breeder - I would walk away

rachie29

"Nope, someone who breeds from their pet is a back yard breeder and is as bad as a puppy farmer in most cases"

A very broad generalisation and way off the mark. Just bought first puppy of our own, a beautiful working clumber spaniel.

Bred from my Dads dog, sired by a dog as distant from her in family line as possible. Both parents hip and eye scored and generally vet checked. All puppy's vet checked and microchipped before going to their new homes.

So no, not every person who breeds from their pet is a back yard breeder. Most of us actually give a dam about our pets which is why we got that extra mile to make sure the dam is healthy and the puppy's are healthy and have the right new home.

OP, please do not be put off by this very broad generalisation.

Person_one

rachie29, I'm sure your dad really cares for his dog, but its easy to get cynical when you hear so many people breeding because "She should have one litter" "She'd be a great mum" "It'll be lovely having puppies in the house" "All our friends say they'd love one of her pups." and so on. Sadly I think irresponsible 'pet' breeders are far more prevalent than people like your dad.

However, as he has all the paperwork for the health checks, a record of the pedigree and is breeding a rare breed he probably has homes lined up for (I'm assuming there, but Clumbers aren't exactly filling up Battersea) then he doesn't need to worry about being put in the same category as backyard breeders.

thereisntio

I'm not sure why a site dedicated to saving money is slagging off free websites in favour of paying over the odds for a dog that comes with a slip of paper. Pedigree dogs have a much smaller gene pool and will likely cost you significantly more in vets bills or insurance, or both! Unless you are looking to show this pet I would not bother getting a KC registered pup as this does not guarantee you a better pup. If you just want it as a pet then its genetic heritage will not affect you. I have seen countless "well bred" KC registered dogs suffering and dying young due to the ridiculous breed standards imposed by the KC.

Are you sure you need a full cocker, full breed dogs cost more and do not live as ling or as healthily as cross breeds, there is bound to be dozens of healthy X Breed dogs at your local shelter. These are likely to have already been neutered, vaccinated and chipped saving you at least £200, not to mention the fact that you will likely pay £500 less for the animal!

Regardless of where you buy your pup be cautious, I think is wrong to say that you will only get puppy farmed dogs on gumtree/preloved, plenty come from lovely home environments, but are just run on a lower budget or with non KC registered parents.

The RSPCA has a really good guide to picking your new pup safely in a nice little animation -rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaigns/companion/getpuppysmart[/url]

The following things must be observed when getting a new pup:

ALWAYS see the pup at home
NEVER let the breeder bring the pup to you
ALWAYS see the pup with its mum (Dad would be a bonus, but remember it is perfectly normal for stud dogs to be used)
NEVER buy the pup on the first visit
Check the home for evidence that the pup really lives there (bed, toys, toileting area)
Ask if the puppy has been treated for worms, worms can be a serious problem to young dogs and a worm burden will build up rapidly (look out for a pot belly). Puppys need to be wormed every 2 weeks in early life and any responsible breeder will have done this. If possible find out what products have been used as ones sold in supermarkets do not work!
DO NOT buy the cute runty puppy that hides away in the corner!
If possible look at the pups littermates, check for signs of illness (runny nose, runny eyes, pooey bottoms)
As hard as it may be, never buy a pup to save a pup from a terrible breeder, you will only encourage them to breed more if you put money in their hands.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but its a start!

If I really can't talk you into getting a nice rescue mongrel (Staffie cross would be be best) and you do opt for a cocker, be aware that it will be very prone to ear infections as the floppy ears make a nice environment for bacteria. They are also prone to eye problems.

As long as you are carefull and do your homework there is no reason to avoid gumtree or preloved, use your instincts and if soemthing doesnt seem right walk away, no-matter how cute the puppy looks!

Hope this is helpful

Nod_Off

thereisntio wrote: »

Unless you are looking to show this pet I would not bother getting a KC registered pup as this does not guarantee you a better pup. If you just want it as a pet then its genetic heritage will not affect you.

The necessary health tests can only be carried out on KC registered dogs so buying an unregistered puppy is an increased risk in losing your cocker to renal failure before they are 2 years old due to FN, or going blind with PRA, or being crippled with hip dysplasia. Puppies affected with FN or PRA can be completely prevented with these DNA health tests.

If someone wants to share their life with a particular breed and want to buy a puppy, then they should be looking to buy the best that they can whether they show the pup or not. Obviously nothing is guaranteed when it comes to the health of a pet but buying a non registered pup from non tested parents just to save some money is foolish when you think of the heartbreak of seeing a dog suffer/die from a completely preventable condition.

Padstow

AliceJenkins wrote: »

I disagree with a lot of these posts, not everyone who's not a "breeder" is a puppy farmer.

People do breed from their loved family pets, most of the best show breeders have 20-50 dogs, that live in kennels outside, there not a lot better than puppy farmers.

I agree that there are lovely pups from family pets.
Please though, show an example of any breeder with 20-50 dogs, apart of course from a puppy farm. I challenge you to list them.