Show Type Cocker Spaniel Puppies

When looking through listings for cocker spaniels, bear in mind that there are three kinds:

• Puppies listed as black could be solid black or a black-and-tan mix.
• Puppies might also be listed as ASCOB, which means Any Solid Color Other than Black.
• Parti-color spaniels are a mix of any two or more colors other than black and tan.

Decide whether you'd like a male or a female. Leaving aside rumors and anecdotes about whether a male or female dog is best as a pet, the gender will depend on a number of things:

• Your personal preference. This is probably the most important point unless you're breeding or showing the dogs.
• Male dogs may hold to the breed standard more truly if you intend to show the dogs. However, to make up for this, the competition is stiffer for male dogs in shows.
• Any intention to breed. If you get a female dog, you will need to contend with her being on heat during breeding seasons.
• Females tend to be smaller than males and are easier to house train. They may also be more family-oriented and protective of the home.
• Both males and females will roam or display unwanted dog behaviors without training. Hence, whatever the gender, training is vital.

Buy an 8 to 10 week old Cocker Spaniel puppy. Puppies younger than 8 weeks are too young to be taken from their mother, even if they are eating solid food. If you buy an older puppy, you risk that it has missed out on social development, especially if the breeder kept it in a cage.

When assessing the puppy, here are some things to look for:

• Look for a dog that is friendly and outgoing.
• Do a personality test to check for an easy-natured dog: Roll the puppy over gently and place your hand firmly but gently on her stomach to restrain her. Watch how she reacts when she tries to get up but you don't remove your hand (apply just enough pressure to stop her). A puppy who just lies back and deals with it as a silly game is a good choice; a puppy that snaps at you, gives you a terrified or angry look or that won't come near you again is not a good choice.
• Has the puppy been housebroken? (Also ask what method was used, in case there are problems later.)
• Check that the puppy is healthy and free of pests such as fleas. Cocker Spaniels have a problem with ear mite due to the length of their ears, so ask about this and check the ears.
• If you plan on showing your dog, have the needed characteristics in a list to check off when purchasing the puppy. In the USA, standards are set by the American Kennel Club, while in Great Britain, they are set by The Kennel Club.

Purchase a sturdy, safe carrier before buying your puppy. You will need something solid to take her home in. If you have a long trip ahead of you, also have water and food to give to your puppy.

• Ask the seller for information on the puppy's current preferred food.
• Ask the seller what routines the puppy has. Try to replicate these initially, while slowly changing the routine to suit your household. This will lessen the drama for your new puppy.
• Get plenty of safe chewing toys. All cocker spaniel puppies need to chew. This helps the jaws to develop and helps to cut baby teeth and induce the adult teeth to grow.

Method 2

Find Cocker Spaniel rescue puppies

1. Adopt a Cocker Spaniel from a Cocker Spaniel rescue group. Most rescue dogs do not come with their papers, so they cannot be entered into shows. However, many make great pets. The majority of dogs that end up with Cocker spaniel rescue groups are adults, but sometimes a single puppy or a litter of Cocker puppies find themselves in need of homes.
   • Check the American Spaniel Club (ASC) website for a list of ASC-registered Cocker Spaniel rescue groups. In countries outside America, check the internet or Yellow Pages for similar rescue groups and societies.
   • Contact dog rescue groups in your area for a referral to other rescue groups that deal with Cocker spaniels. Most rescue groups have referral networks for specific dog breeds.
   • Local animal shelters, veterinarian offices and pet businesses may also be able to provide referrals to Cocker Spaniel rescue groups. In some cases, local animal shelters will take down your preference for a dog breed and alert you whenever a puppy (or dog) matching your preference arrives.