A very wise breeder once told me
"A good breeder does not have a website, they have a waiting list"
Most good breeders do have a waiting list but with technology and changes in lifestyles I believe most people looking for a puppy start their research on the internet. It is our hope that this page will help guide you in the right direction.
Purebred dogs are sold through various channels but the only source we recommend is from a knowledgeable breeder who specializes in your breed of choice. Visit a number of breeders and compare the dogs, the facilities and the breeders. Make your final purchase from someone you are comfortable with and who you feel you can trust beyond the day of purchase to be as concerned about your puppy's future as you are. Do your research, start with the parent club for your chosen purebred dog. The English Cocker Club of America's website is a wealth of information ECSCA - English Cocker Spaniel Club of America englishcocker.org The English Cocker Club of Canada's new website is equally a great tool to get you started (the site is currently down for repairs and updates) www.ecscc.ca . Prepare questions for the breeder, write them down so you don't forget them and be prepared to answer numerous questions from the breeder. We put our heart and soul into our dogs and expect nothing less than the best possible home for them. The questions we ask help us find the best match for the puppy and their new potential family.
The Canadian Kennel Club has provided the following file that is a great guideline to follow - just being a member of the CKC does NOT make you a reputable breeder Finding an Accountable Breeder | CKC, I would add to their list by asking the breeder if they are a member of their National breed club or other clubs related to the breed not just being a member of the Canadian Kennel Club. I am a Canadian Kennel Club member, a current member of and am a past Ontario Director for the English Cocker Club of Canada. I choose not to be listed on the CKC "Puppy List" as there are no qualifications other than being a member of the CKC, I feel there is more to a responsible breed preservation breeder than that. Another resource that provides information on finding a reputable breeder is http://www.pupquest.org/about-breeders.html , although American the same advice applies to Canadian breeders.
Personally, I find breeders that are members of their breed's parent club are more concerned about the well being of their breed as a whole. The Canadian and American Kennel Club are technically a registering body for purebred dogs where as the parent club is concerned with the well being and standard of the breed.
We can not emphasize enough the importance of health testing!! All purebred dogs do have health concerns. Even when you cross different breeds, it does not negate the problems that are behind the parents. The difference is the purebred dog can be DNA tested for many of the diseases in the breed. Ask your breeder for copies of all health testing done on the parents of the puppy. Check with the parent club to make sure all the tests that are available have been addressed. Clear or unaffected by parentage is acceptable for 1 or 2 generations but as the tests are fairly new we would prefer they be tested themselves if the parents and grandparents are presumed clear by parentage.
"Good breeders support their dogs, their dogs do not support them"
