AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL CLUB OF CANADA

 

Choosing a Responsible American Cocker Spaniel Breeder

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Bringing an American Cocker Spaniel into your life is a significant, long-term commitment. Selecting the right breeder is just as important as selecting the right breed. A responsible breeder does far more than produce puppies—they are stewards of the breed’s health, temperament, and future, and they remain a resource to puppy owners for the life of the dog.

 

Unfortunately, not all individuals who sell puppies meet this standard. Understanding the difference between a responsible preservation breeder and an irresponsible breeder is essential for anyone considering adding an American Cocker Spaniel to their family.

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Responsible Preservation Breeders vs. Irresponsible Breeding

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A responsible preservation breeder is deeply committed to the long-term health and integrity of the breed. These breeders spend years—often decades—studying pedigrees, participating in conformation and performance events, and collaborating with other experienced breeders. Their goal is to produce dogs that meet the breed standard not only in appearance, but also in temperament, soundness, and longevity.

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In contrast, irresponsible breeders—not always, but often referred to as “backyard breeders”—may breed dogs with little regard for health testing, pedigree research, or breed purpose.  Their puppies may be produced by a breeder who lacks historical knowledge of the breed and its history.  They may breed for convenience, novelty, or financial gain rather than as part of a carefully considered plan to preserve and improve the breed.   

 

Modern websites and social media can make this distinction difficult.

An attractive online presence does not guarantee ethical breeding practices.

Careful research, transparency, and direct communication remain essential.  

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Where to Begin Your Search​

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  -- The American Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada's MEMBER REFERRAL, where you can reach members who can provide guidance and puppy referrals.

  -- Other well-established breed clubs such as the Cocker Spaniel Club of BC, or the American Cocker Spaniel Club of Central Ontario.  

  -- Attending CKC-recognized events where you can meet and chat with the breeders and see their dogs in person. 

  -- Verifying a breeder's personal and professional references and their dogs' health records that are registered with OFA

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Buyers should also consult the Canadian Kennel Club to verify that the breeder(s) they are researching are members in good standing.  The CKC can provide information surrounding the breeder’s length of membership with the CKC, whether that individual's membership is up-to-date, and if there has been any disciplinary action taken against them.   A person looking for a responsibly-bred American Cocker Spaniel (or any other breed) should always verify their breeder's status with the CKC.    

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Hallmarks of a Responsible American Cocker Spaniel Breeder

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While every breeder operates somewhat differently, responsible preservation breeders consistently

share the following practices:

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Thoughtful, Planned Breeding

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Each litter is planned well in advance with clear goals. Breeders study pedigrees, evaluate health clearances, and

select mates that complement one another. This process often involves months—or years—of research,

communication with other breeders, and, in some cases, travel to access the most appropriate sire.

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Comprehensive Health Testing

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Responsible breeders perform breed-appropriate health and genetic testing on their breeding dogs and are willing

to provide the associated supporting documentation.

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In American Cocker Spaniels, this typically includes:

• Hip evaluations through OFA to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia

• Annual eye examinations by a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist to screen for hereditary eye disease

• Thyroid testing, as thyroid disorders in the breed are often associated with chronic skin and ear issues

 

Buyers should not rely on verbal assurances alone. Responsible breeders welcome questions and readily share test results. Many dogs with complete testing will have CHIC numbers, indicating they have met core testing recommendations for the breed.  Dogs with health clearances will be published on the OFA website’s searchable database.   There is more information about this on our BREED INFO page.

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Attention to Temperament

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Temperament is hereditary. Responsible breeders place strong emphasis on stable, predictable temperament in both sire and dam. Puppies produced from nervous, aggressive, or unstable parents are at higher risk of behavioural challenges, regardless of training.

Breeders should also be open with prospective clients about any history of epilepsy, allergies, or autoimmune conditions within their lines, as these can significantly affect quality of life and long-term care requirements.

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Appropriate Early Care and Development​

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Puppies should be raised in a clean, enriching environment with appropriate socialization. Responsible breeders do not release puppies prematurely. The earliest a puppy should leave the breeder’s home is eight weeks of age, with many breeders preferring 10–12 weeks.  Early removal can negatively impact social development, bite inhibition, emotional stability, and immune health.

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Transparency and Open Communication

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Responsible breeders are proud of their dogs and willing to introduce prospective buyers to the puppies’ dam and, when possible, other relatives including all other dogs on the breeder’s premises.  If the sire is not on site, the breeder should provide detailed information and photos. Puppies should be CKC registered, and breeders should be prepared to show registration certificates and pedigrees for both parents.

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Careful Screening of Puppy Buyers

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A responsible breeder will want to know about you. Expect questions about your lifestyle, work schedule, family, home and yard setup, prior dog ownership, training plans, grooming expectations, and veterinary care. Many breeders use applications or questionnaires and may decline to place a puppy if the situation is not suitable.

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No Pressure Sales

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Ethical breeders do not sell puppies impulsively. Waiting lists are common, and availability often reflects thoughtful breeding schedules rather than supply. A breeder who pressures you to commit quickly or impulsively, pay a deposit before a puppy is born, or offers puppies without screening should raise concerns to a buyer.

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Lifelong Commitment

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Responsible breeders remain invested in every puppy they produce. They encourage updates, provide ongoing support, and celebrate milestones. If circumstances change, they will take responsibility for ensuring their dogs are never surrendered to shelters and will assist with rehoming when necessary, including taking the dog back without hesitation at any time throughout the course of the dog’s life. 

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Active Participation in the Dog Community

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Responsible and reputable American Cocker Spaniel breeders are members of the CKC, the national breed club (the American Cocker Spaniel Club of Canada), and very often, also their local kennel club. Many actively participate in CKC events such as conformation, obedience, hunting tests, and other performance activities. These events provide independent evaluation of dogs against the breed standard by knowledgeable judges.  

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Evaluating Online Presence and Sales Practices

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While the internet can be a useful research tool, it should never replace due diligence. A polished website, frequent and/or flashy social media posts, or prominent search engine placement do not, on their own, indicate responsible breeding practices. In today’s environment, nearly anyone can create an attractive online presence with minimal investment.  

 

Prospective puppy buyers should be cautious of breeders who rely heavily on aggressive online marketing, limited-time offers, or pressure to place deposits quickly without meaningful discussion. Responsible preservation breeders focus on the quality of their dogs and the suitability of their puppy placements—not on rapid sales or constant availability.

 

Longevity and reputation within the breed community matter. Breeders with a long-standing history, established lines, and meaningful involvement in breed clubs and CKC-recognized activities are far more likely to demonstrate consistent, ethical practices. A responsible breeder’s reputation is built over time through the dogs they produce, their relationships within the breed and purebred dog community, and the experiences of past puppy buyers—not through flashy advertising and social media presence.

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Interested Puppy Buyers are encouraged to look beyond flashy websites and social media presence by:

• Speaking directly with the breeder at length via text, phone or video calls

• Asking and checking the breeder's references from previous puppy buyers 

• Consulting their country's National Breed Registry (CKC) and breed-specific club (ACSCC) to confirm
  that person's membership status in both organizations

• Observing how the breeder responds to questions, concerns, and transparency requests

• Visiting the breeder’s house prior to the day the puppy is transferred to your care  

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A breeder who welcomes questions, takes time to educate, and does not rush the process is
demonstrating the hallmarks of responsible preservation breeding.   Your puppy should come from
a breeder who has raised their litter with care, planning and consideration for the impact it will have
on the breed going forward.  

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Visiting the Breeder

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Whenever possible, prospective owners should visit the breeder—either in person or, when distance makes this impossible, via live video. Puppies should appear clean, confident, and comfortable with human interaction. They should be in a clean environment. If dogs are not raised in the home, buyers should ask to see the kennel environment. Cleanliness, organization, and the condition of the dogs provide valuable insight.

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If multiple breeds are being bred or housed at the same location, buyers should proceed with caution. High-volume, multi-breed operations are often inconsistent with responsible preservation breeding.

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Questions Every Puppy Buyer Should Ask The Breeder

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Before committing to a breeder, consider asking:

• How long have you been breeding American Cocker Spaniels?

• What were your goals for this particular litter?

• What health testing has been completed on the sire and dam?

• When will I receive the CKC registration certificate for my puppy?  (It is the Breeder’s responsibility to register your puppy with the CKC and transfer the ownership to the Buyer’s name within 6 months of the date of sale.  All registration costs are the responsibility of the Breeder, per the CKC rules.)

• What veterinary care will the puppy receive before going home?

• What health guarantee or contract do you provide?

• Can you provide references from previous puppy buyers of varying ages?

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A responsible breeder will welcome these questions—and will likely ask many of their own.

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Patience Is Part of the Process

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Finding a responsible American Cocker Spaniel breeder takes time, patience, and careful communication. Well-bred puppies are the result of years of planning, education, and investment. Waiting lists are common and reflect ethical breeding practices rather than scarcity.

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A good breeder does not simply sell you a puppy—they become part of your extended support network for years to come, united by a shared commitment to the well-being and preservation of the American Cocker Spaniel.

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Please refer to the MEMBER REFERRAL tab on our website which lists contact information for members of this club, organized by region. 

 

Alternatively, please reach out to our Club Secretary using the Form on our CONTACT page.  

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