Buying A Puppy
If you have decided that the Cocker is the breed for you, the next step is to find a reputable breeder. And once you have it is important to tell the breeder what role your puppy will play in your life e.g Family pet, Obedience dog, Agility dog, Show dog etc as they should match up the best puppy with each appropriate owner based upon life style, temperament and intensions with that of the puppies attributes and personality. Although its tempting to pick based on looks you would be very wise to consider these other factors above looks, as there really is no point having a dog that is not suitable for its intended role in life - no matter how good it looks!
Once you have chosen your breeder, ensure that both sire and dam have been tested for and are free of the hereditary problems that cocker spaniels can suffer from. This is very important to ensure that not only are you getting a healthy puppy, but that it will not develop sever health problems later in life. Ask about temperament, as this is essential in the Cocker. From the research I have done personally 70% of the temperament will come from the dam. So if possible ask about the dam.... don't be afraid to ask questions.
Unless you have a real preference for a dog or a bitch this consideration should come after the above.
Bitches can be quieter, and easier to house train but they do have seasons approximately every six to ten months. During a season you will need to keep your bitch away from male dogs for approximately three weeks and possibly alter your normal exercise routine in order to keep interested dogs away from your home. A bitch in season will also have a bloody discharge, which can stain furniture etc.
Dogs grow slightly larger than bitches and can be a bit stronger, however dogs are generally more loving and faithful than bitches but they can take a little longer to house train and at around the time of puberty can get a bit full of their own importance and need slightly firmer handling. Dogs are also a good option if you plan to compete in any canine activities as you won't have seasons to worry about.
Any puppy from a Dogs NZ registered kennel member/breeder must be registered with Dogs NZ, as this is your only proof of authenticity. For this reason Dogs NZ have multiple registers and the intended purpose of your puppy will also influence how it is registered with the Dogs NZ, and what you can do with your puppy in the future especially in regard to competitions and breeding. Please be wary of breeders who ask you to pay an additional fee to have your puppy Dogs NZ registered.
Part l - Full Register This is for dogs which are entitled to be exhibited at breed shows. the owner has full right to exhibit or breed from a dog on this part of the register.
Endorsements: purebred dogs sold to family homes are usually endorsed not to be bred from or shown, this is to help protect the dog from ending up in a puppy farm. You can however compete in any other dog sport e.g. scent work, agility, rally-o, obedience, feild trials etc
Part ll - Dog Training Register for cross bred dogs. Allows you to compete in all other canine sports such as Agility, Obedience Flyball, Rally-O etc. Part ll of the canine register excludes you can from breeding from or exhibit the dog at a Open or Champ level breed show for the dogs Life time and can not be upgraded to Part l.
- Remember to:
- Buy from a reputable breeder.
- Make sure the puppy will be Dogs NZ Registered
- Check the puppy or dam and sire's PRA, FN & AON health status
- Follow the breeders feeding instructions
- Let puppy have plenty of rest in its own bed or crate
- Keep in contact with the breeder, they should offer you help and advice
- Buy a good book on the breed and follow advice on coat and ear care
- Locate a good vet
- Ensure your dog is trained, be firm but kind
- Educate your children about how to interact with your puppy
- Enjoy!