Now that you have researched all the breeds that interest you, you have decided that you want an American Cocker Spaniel. Below are some tips to help you purchase a puppy or adult dog wisely and ensure the Cocker you choose will be healthy and happy:

Purchase from a reputable breeder who knows the standard for the breed and any health problems that may be present in the breed. A conscientious breeder will not breed dogs who are afflicted with hereditary problems. Their goal will be to improve the breed, only breeding those dogs who have been tested, are healthy, meet the breed standard, and are over two years of age (some health screenings cannot be done until age two). Beware of puppy mills - those who breed indiscriminately and seem to have puppies continually. The goal of puppy mill breeder is to make money, not improve the breed.

An honest breeder is willing to answer any questions, genuinely cares about the health and welfare of the puppy they sell. Be prepared for the breeder to ask you some questions too. A good breeder will want to keep in contact with the buyer to see how the puppy is progressing and will help educate the buyer about the breed.

The buyer should receive a copy of CERF Eye Exam papers for both parents, stating that they are free of cataracts and hereditary eye diseases. (CERF results are only good for 1 year from the date of the exam; check the date of exam on the CERF papers to be certain it is current). Also, the buyer should receive a copy of OFA Hip Certification papers for both parents, stating that they are free of hip dysplasia (OFA ratings should be "excellent" or "good"; "fair" is acceptable). Some breeders also have thyroid testing done as well as testing for von Willebrand's Disease.

Temperament is hereditary so it is important to meet the parents before selecting a puppy. The parents, as well as the litter, should be friendly and outgoing. Beware of purchasing a puppy whose sire or dam shows signs of aggressiveness or fear-biting. There may be times when the bitch was shipped out of state to be bred, making it impossible to see the sire. In this case, the breeder may have pictures of the sire.

Be prepared to pay the price for a healthy, well-bred Cocker. Prices ranging from $400 and up for pet quality and $800 or more for show quality are not uncommon (this is NOT a price quote for a McCallister Kennels Cocker Spaniel). The buyer is responsible for shipping costs if the puppy will be shipped. A reputable breeder will sell pet quality puppies on a spay/neuter contract or with limited registration.

To confirm your new puppy is in good health, it is wise to take the puppy for a full veterinary exam within 24 hours of purchase. With the purchase of a show quality puppy, it is beneficial to obtain copies of the grandparents' eye and hip papers for purposes of breeding your pup in the future.

For more information on hereditary eye diseases in dogs and hip dysplasia, visit the following web sites:

CERF - Canine Eye Registration Foundation http://www.vmdb.org/history.html

OFA - Orthopedic Foundation For Animals http://www.offa.org/index.html