Can anyone help? Is this a show or working cocker spaniel

[Solicitor123]

My partner and I have decided to buy a cocker spaniel puppy. We have put a lot of consideration into this and are really excited.

We definitely want a show type cocker spaniel rather than a working one as we understand that they are generally less energetic.

We are due to go and see some puppies, however one of our family members has said that the photograph of the mother dog does not look like a cocker spaniel/ could be a working cocker spaniel rather than a show.

We have been assured by the owner that she is a show cocker spaniel, but she doesn’t have any paperwork to prove this.

Is there anyone out there who can tell me whether this is a show cocker spaniel or a working one?

Is she kennel club registered? Have you got both parents pedigrees?

Looks like a show cocker to me.

She and the puppies don't look like they live in the house there. How old are the puppies?

The length of the ears would suggest show

@CMOTDibbler

She and the puppies don't look like they live in the house there. How old are the puppies?

I agree-it’s shouting puppy farm to me

I think it’s difficult to tell from these photos - you really need to assess her body shape standing up etc.

If you don’t trust the breeder on this, perhaps that is a sign that you should walk away? Have you read the RSPCA info on their website about buying a puppy? Good tips on how to avoid puppy farmers etc.

Just to throw a spanner in the works I think she looks half show cocker and half golden retriever 🤣

I have just seen you said the owner has no papers. Please don’t buy this puppy. The owner is irresponsible and I wouldn’t trust what they tell you.

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Really hard to tell what she is.
Where is she being kept?

No paperwork? No eye tests for PRA?

Walk away. There are plenty of responsibly bred cocker spaniels who are health tested and have proper paperwork.

That photo screams puppy farm to me too

Where's their comfy puppy bedding? Why just a towel on a tiled floor in a bare looking corner? If the owner has no paperwork then how do you even know it's a really a true spaniel (of any type) at all?

If she has no paperwork then how is she showing the dog?

Poor girl. That photo makes me feel sad.

Worker, by the head shape.

But agreeing with the comments above, that looks a very odd set up.

And Mum looks as if she's cowering

Yes, have to agree. This is shouting puppy farm to me, too.

Is that towel what the dog and pups are sleeping on?

Just adding my penny’s worth saying that looks like a puppy farm too. They seem to be next to some industrial equipment.

That looks like an unhealthy, badly bred working cocker to me that has some show thrown in a few generations back. Avoid like the plague.

A proper show dog needs to be registered with the Kennel Club to compete in shows, if the mother has no papers she isn’t a pedigree so definitely isn’t a show dog. She might be a show dog type, with pedigree dogs in her ancestry. Doesn’t sound like the sort of careful breeder that you would want to buy from. Has she done any testing for genetic issues common to cockers?

Show cocker is a type of cocker, not necessarily one that has been shown at dog shows. You have show and working cockers and they look visually a bit different and tend to differ in terms of temperaments. We have a working cocker.

But without paperwork you've no idea of the lineage or what's in there.

That coat and ears are very thin. Not like long, luxurious show ears at all!

Have a look at Champdogs instead, more likely to be ethical breeders. You can filter by type (show/working/dual purpose)

www.champdogs.co.uk/breeds/cocker-spaniel/puppies?mobile_site=1

@GaladrielHiggins

A proper show dog needs to be registered with the Kennel Club to compete in shows, if the mother has no papers she isn’t a pedigree so definitely isn’t a show dog. She might be a show dog type, with pedigree dogs in her ancestry. Doesn’t sound like the sort of careful breeder that you would want to buy from. Has she done any testing for genetic issues common to cockers?

It’s not show dog it’s show type. Cockers are in two very distinctive groups, to the point they could almost be renamed as two different breeds I think!

@BoodleBug51 yes I thought worker by the head but the body is throwing me a bit.

Seriously though if you're going to pay for a dog (which I don't have an issue with as I have a beautiful working cocker) please go to a proper breeder who has all the paperwork, health checks, lovely home etc. The more I look at the pictures the more sad I feel.

I’d say she’s a show line from the ears and head shape ( her feathering and chest would also give a clearer idea) but she’s an odd colouring imo for a fully bred spaniel - could be the photo though. She also imo looks scared looking at the paw shape on the towel in the last photo. Are you able to properly visit? Are there previous buyers, what are their rehoming policy ( decent breeders will take a pup back if there are issues). I’d be very cautious of this set up.