Connect with responsible Cocker Spaniel breeders and find the ideal breeding partner for your merry companion
Understanding your Cocker Spaniel's gentle nature and sporting heritage is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 25-30 lbs
Female: 20-25 lbs
Male: 14.5-15.5 inches
Female: 13.5-14.5 inches
10-14 years
With proper care
Gentle, Smart
Merry disposition
American Cockers are smaller with rounder heads and more coat than English Cockers. Different breeds with different health concerns.
Requires professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Daily brushing essential. Matted coats cause skin infections. High maintenance breed.
Originally flushing woodcock. Many retain hunting instincts. Need moderate exercise and mental stimulation despite companion status.
Rare but serious aggression disorder. Sudden unprovoked attacks. More common in solid colors, especially buff/red. Never breed affected dogs.
American Cocker Spaniels face numerous health challenges requiring comprehensive testing and careful breeding
Genetic testing MANDATORY. Causes blindness. Both parents must be tested. Never breed two carriers together.
OFA or PennHIP testing required. Both parents should have good or excellent ratings.
Long, pendulous ears trap moisture. Chronic infections common. Educate buyers on weekly ear cleaning. Check for ear health in breeding stock.
Life-threatening condition where immune system attacks red blood cells. Check family history. Can be triggered by vaccines or stress.
Annual CERF eye examinations required. Cockers prone to multiple eye issues. Cherry eye also common.
No genetic test available. Never breed dogs with seizure history. Usually appears between 1-3 years.
Annual thyroid panel recommended. Affects metabolism and coat quality. More common in middle age.
Very prone to food and environmental allergies. Can cause chronic ear and skin infections. Select for good skin and coat.
Cocker Spaniels have more eye problems than almost any other breed. Annual CERF exams are absolutely essential. Common issues include: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (causes blindness), cataracts (often juvenile onset), glaucoma (painful, causes blindness), cherry eye, dry eye, and entropion/ectropion. Many Cockers go blind by middle age. Select breeding stock with clear eyes from lines with good eye health. PRA testing is mandatory - this devastating disease can be prevented through genetic testing.
Rage syndrome is a serious genetic disorder causing sudden, unprovoked, extreme aggression. The dog attacks without warning and appears confused afterward. More common in solid-colored Cockers, especially buff/red males. Any dog showing rage syndrome must NEVER be bred. Check extended family history carefully. This is not normal aggression - it's a neurological disorder that cannot be trained away.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Cocker Spaniel breeding
Male Cocker Spaniels
2 to 8 years
Female Cocker Spaniels
2 to 7 years
Wait until full maturity and all health testing completed. Cockers mature relatively early but benefit from waiting.
American Cocker Spaniels have numerous health issues. Comprehensive testing is essential for ethical breeding.
Females: No more than once per year, maximum 4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Focus on health and temperament over quantity. The breed needs improvement
Join thousands of responsible pet owners who've found quality breeding partners on Petmeetly.
Get Started NowReal stories from dog owners who found perfect breeding matches on Petmeetly
Expert advice and tips for Cocker Spaniel breeding
Get a step-by-step guide to ethical dog breeding. Learn about choosing breeding pairs, caring for puppies, and ensuring responsible practices for a successful outcome.
Welcome to Petmeetly, your trusted platform for connecting with responsible pet breeders.
