How to Buy a Cocker Spaniel Puppy

Co-authored by Deanne Pawlisch, CVT, MA

Last Updated: February 16, 2023 References

Cocker Spaniels are a popular breed known for being an affectionate, attractive, and easy to train. Whether you decide to buy one of these small dogs for showing, or simply to be a family companion, you should be very careful about your purchase. Avoiding buying from a puppy mill at all costs, and make sure to choose a reputable breeder to ensure the well-being of your new pet. If possible, consider adopting a Cocker Spaniel puppy from a rescue group or shelter.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding the Right Breeder

1
Locate local breeders. Aim to buy a purebred puppy from a responsible local Cocker Spaniel breeder. It is a good idea to visit a few local breeders before choosing one from which to buy a puppy. Check local classified listings, talk to area vets, attend dog shows, visit dog parks, and ask other local Cocker Spaniel owners for referrals to reputable breeders. It's best to shop locally so you can meet the puppy first and establish a relationship with a knowledgeable breeder.
- Browse the database of Cocker Spaniel breeders at the American Spaniel Club (ASC) website to look for ASC-registered breeders in your state: http://www.asc-cockerspaniel.org/index.php/breeders.html
2
Ask about the breeder’s experience. Ask how many years of experience the breeder has; ideally, they should have at least a few years of experience. Also, ask if they only breed Cocker Spaniel puppies or other breeds as well. If they specialize in Cocker Spaniels, they are more likely to be knowledgeable about them. Be polite and direct with questions like:^{[1]
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- "Have you been a breeder for many years?"
- "Have you only bred Cocker Spaniels?"
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3
Ask about health considerations. Making sure that your new puppy is healthy is of the utmost concern, and it should be a breeder's primary concern as well. Be sure to ask your breeder if the puppies’ mother is current on her vaccines, as puppies receive their early immunity to disease directly from their mother, and if either parent had any genetic defects. You should also inquire if the puppy will be seen by a vet before it is sold.^{[2]
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- Conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, glaucoma, cardiomyopathy, and hip dysplasia are common in Cocker Spaniels, so ask if either parent of the litter has been afflicted with any of them.^{[3]
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- Both the mother and the father should be certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) as well.
4
Do not buy from a pet store. Almost all pet stores puppies come from puppy mills, which are essentially puppy factories with horrible, unhealthy conditions. Given the popularity of the Cocker Spaniel breed, many Cocker Spaniel puppies will be sold in pet stores. Buying your new puppy from a pet store, however, supports and perpetuates the puppy mill business that exploits and harms animals. Dogs raised in pet mills are also likely to carry parasites and suffer from health problems.^{[4]
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5
Insist on visiting the premises. If you contact a breeder to buy a puppy, make sure to visit the premises before going through with your purchase. Breeders who avoid your visit and offer to deliver the puppy to you are likely trying to hide the true conditions of their breeding operation. If you are not able to see the condition of your puppy’s first home, as well as the state of its mother, you should not trust the breeder you are dealing with.^{[5]
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Read the breeder’s behaviour. Given the popularity of Cocker Spaniels and their unfortunate appeal to exploitative breeders, you should be vigilant about who you are doing business with.^{[6]
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- Responsible breeders invest time and care into their puppies and are more likely to be choosy about who they do business with, and express interest in the conditions of the new home the dog will be going to.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Choosing Your Unique Pet

1
Pick the best of the litter. When choosing your puppy from a litter, try to pick a moderately tempered dog and avoid extremes (too energetic, or too withdrawn and skittish). Look for puppies that are calm, but also curious and friendly. As a breed, Cocker Spaniels are enthusiastic, agreeable, and affectionate, so these qualities should be evident the puppies you interact with.^{[8]
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- Make sure to spend some one-on-one time with your potential new puppy to evaluate it away from the rest of the litter.^{[9]
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2
Make sure your puppy is the right age. Before bringing home your new puppy, you should make sure that it is old enough to be taken away from its mother and the rest of its litter. Puppies need at least 8 weeks with their canine family to grow, learn, and mature enough to their full potential. During this initial period they will learn social skills, be weaned from their mother, grow teeth, and start eating solid food.^{[10]
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3
Consider adopting a puppy. Consider adopting a Cocker Spaniel puppy instead of buying one- you’ll not only save a life, but you’ll gain a new pet at a lower cost than buying a puppy from a breeder. Contact dog rescue groups in your area for a referral to other rescue groups that deal with Cocker Spaniels. Local animal shelters and veterinarian offices may also be able to provide referrals.
- Check the American Spaniel Club (ASC) website for a list of ASC-registered Cocker Spaniel rescue groups in the US.