Things to consider when looking for a puppy...
Breed specific health testing should be carried out on breeding dogs, which can be found on The Kennel Club website. Health testing allows a breeder to understand the kind of genes that could be passed on to its offspring.
Cocker Spaniel – Health - The Kennel Club
Standard Poodle – Health - The Kennel Club
The dogs in the pedigree listed with showing achievements have been judged to be excellent examples of the breed with good conformation. Keeping show lines in a pedigree increases the chances of puppies being a good example of the breed. Our puppies' pedigree can be found at the bottom of the puppy page (when we have puppies available).
This might give an indication as to the type of breeder. It is typical for us to have one litter a year (although in 2024, we didn't have a litter at all). All of our dogs receive, as a minimum, breed specific priority health testing (in line with the assured breeder scheme) which is costly but necessary to understand the genetics that could be passed on to their offspring.
Dogs and puppies that spend their time in a busy home environment naturally experience much attention and socialisation, and experience everyday life scenarios. Early socialisation is extremely important and begins before a puppy goes to its forever home.
There is much cost for a reputable breeder well before, and between, litters. Are dogs kept on a budget or treated as loved family members? E.g. quality food, regular grooming schedules, beds, toys, attention, training, trips out to the beach/park, health testing etc.
A breeder who’s raised their puppies with love and care will also care about finding suitable and loving forever homes.