BUYING A COCKER SPANIEL: things you should know

Although we read many books before buying our first cocker, with whom we are thrilled, there are many things we wish we had known. Here are some of them:

1. What difference is there between a licensed breeder and an unlicensed breeder?
2. Does this mean they are better breeders?
3. How can I find out?
4. Should my puppy be Kennel Club registered?
5. Should I ask the breeder lots of questions?
6. What should I get with my puppy
7. Other than reading books how can I find out about cocker spaniels?
8. Where can I find out when there are dog shows?
9. Is there anything specific I should know about cockers?
The Tangtini Puppy Package

 

Q1. What difference is there between a licensed breeder and an unlicensed breeder?

A. A licensed breeder has more than 3 breeding bitches. top

Q2. Does this mean they are better breeders?

A. Sometimes but sometimes they may be "puppy farmers". top

Q3. How can I find out?

A. You could check breed record supplements with the Kennel Club to see how many litters they have registered. top

Q4. Should my puppy be Kennel Club registered?

A. Most reputable breeders will want their pups registered with the Kennel Club rather than an alternative organisation. top

Q5. Should I ask the breeder lots of questions?

A. Yes. Do not be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. A responsible and caring breeder will expect this and be happy to answer. top

Q6. What should I get with my puppy.

A. Please see below for our puppy package. Items marked with * are minimum you should receive. top

Q7. Other than reading books how can I find out about cocker spaniels?

A. You can visit some dog shows to see what you like and to talk to cocker owners/breeders, join Internet based clubs etc. (see our links page). top

Q8. Where can I find out when there are dog shows?

A. Check out www.champdogs.co.uk or the dog press e.g. Dog World or Our Dogs. top

Q9. Is there anything specific I should know about cockers?

A. So many things but you will have read most of them. A few that you may not have read :

If you spay or neuter a cocker the coat is likely to change from the smooth silky adult coat to a more fluffy variety.

It is advisable to buy a pup with eye tested parents.

Puppies will eventually become very fluffy and their coat needs to be hand stripped to preserve a silky adult coat. Cutting the coat may cause it to become curly and, or coarse.

Cockers are a long coated breed so you need to take this into account regarding future expense/time to keep the coat looking good .

Cockers feet need trimming regularly underneath to avoid mats between the pads which can be painful.

Docking of English Cocker Spaniels is banned in the UK.

There is a breed standard for the cocker spaniel and all pedigree dogs which usually appears in books about cockers. Here is a brief summary:

Weight 28-32 lbs (12.7 - 14.5 kg), well boned, fairly square dog as an adult, well feathered but not profuse coat. Colours: various. There are probably more accepted colours in cockers than any other breed. The most popular are: black, red or golden, blue roan, chocolate roan, black and tan, orange roan, tri-colour , black and white, blue roan and tan, lemon roan, solid chocolate. Ideally the solid colours should have no other colour except , perhaps, some white on the chest.

To view some different coloured cockers check out the albums on some Internet groups.

Often the solid colours have a more profuse coat. top

THE Tangtini PUPPY PACKAGE

We want our puppies to be a joy to their new owners and to grow up to be the happy, healthy dog you can love for many years. All our pups are reared in the house and live as part of our family. Tangtini pups are usually ready for their new homes at 10 weeks of age and come complete with the following:

  1. Kennel Club registration and 5 generation pedigree.

  2. Free insurance for the first few weeks.

  3. A favourite toy with which they are familiar and a piece of familiar bedding.

  4. Enough food for the first few days.

  5. A diary with pictures of the pup from birth to 10 weeks. If you pre book your pup we will send pictures electronically or by snail mail every few days. We feel this enables you to begin the bonding process really early. You are welcome to visit any time after your pup is 4 weeks old providing you do not have a cold and are prepared to be "disinfected".

  6. Information booklet and diet sheet and a list of foods your puppy has tried.

  7. Vet checked and vaccinated puppy,  pup will need one more vaccination before going out.

  8. Free microchipping of your puupy..

  9. The option of bringing your pup to us when you are on holiday for a reasonable charge.

  10. The promise to re-home your pup should you ever be unable to keep him/her, whatever age

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updated
8-apr-08