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Original poster

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

51 replies

Solicitor123 · 07/01/2022 19:23

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?

Can anyone help? Is this a show or working cocker spaniel
Can anyone help? Is this a show or working cocker spaniel
OP posts:
mummabubs · 07/01/2022 19:54

Just throwing in there that I'd also be worried by the environment portrayed in the photos and the lack of paperwork on the part of the breeder. How did you come across them OP, ad or word of mouth? Did you see dad with them at any stage? Have they done any breed specific health testing on mum (ie with golden retrievers a responsible breeder will have them all hip and eye scored and these are the most common health ailments in the breed). I'd personally be very cautious about buying from them unfortunately.

BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 07/01/2022 19:57

@mummabubs

Just throwing in there that I'd also be worried by the environment portrayed in the photos and the lack of paperwork on the part of the breeder. How did you come across them OP, ad or word of mouth? Did you see dad with them at any stage? Have they done any breed specific health testing on mum (ie with golden retrievers a responsible breeder will have them all hip and eye scored and these are the most common health ailments in the breed). I'd personally be very cautious about buying from them unfortunately.
Dad?

I’d not expect to see dad with a well bred puppy.

MaryAndGerryLivingInDerry · 07/01/2022 19:58

That photo looks like someone has plonked a clean towel down on a utility room floor before bringing the dogs in and setting them on it for the photo. Very suspicious.

Killerqueen2244 · 07/01/2022 20:04

I wouldn’t say she looks like a traditional cocker, more like a working/field cocker but I don’t think that’s the issue here when looking at the photos!!

Original poster
Solicitor123 · 07/01/2022 20:13

Thanks everyone. We have decided not to go ahead. Your advice is really appreciated.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 07/01/2022 20:16

Contact the breed club to be put in contact with decent breeders.

GuyFawkesDay · 07/01/2022 20:18

Looks more working than show but the setup looks suspicious.

Inthesameboatatmo · 07/01/2022 20:20

Do not buy that dog !!! This I screaming puppy farm . Report to the rspca ASAP and tell them the concerns

MrsGinnyM · 07/01/2022 20:25

What is the sign visible in the second photo - is it even taken in the UK?

stockpilingallthecheese · 07/01/2022 20:28

Glad you decided to avoid this particular puppy farm breeder OP, but IMO you could not have picked a better breed! My show type cocker is the absolute love of my life

BalladOfBarryAndFreda · 07/01/2022 20:28

@Solicitor123

Thanks everyone. We have decided not to go ahead. Your advice is really appreciated.
Glad to hear it. There are plenty of legit routes to go down for cockers, you’ll find your healthy, happy, well bred family member soon enough Smile
MrsGinnyM · 07/01/2022 20:28

And look at 'mum's' feet.

BoobsOnTheMoon · 07/01/2022 20:49

@MrsGinnyM

What is the sign visible in the second photo - is it even taken in the UK?
I think it's the back of an industrial fridge or cooling unit Hmm
Redsquirrel5 · 07/01/2022 20:54

A lady very kindly advised me to contact the breeder register when I was talking to her at a craft show. We had a lovely half hour with a cup of tea and her two beautiful cocker spaniels. I haven’t got one yet but I gained a lot by talking to this lovely lady and would feel confident going ahead with a purchase . I suggest you get in touch with the Breed Society and go from there. You might have to save a bit longer but you wouldn’t have the heart break of finding out it has been stolen( a working spaniel and her puppies have been stolen near us) or find further down the line that there are health problems. Vets or RSPCA might also be able to help. Good luck.

startled · 07/01/2022 21:18

Look at her feet , looks like she's kept in pretty filthy conditions in her normal life - ie not the place she's been photographed in , please contact your local council and report this , if it's above board no problem

Whosaysyoucanthaveitall · 07/01/2022 21:35

It’s a working cocker, although she does look like there’s some mixed breeding.
Show cockers and working cockers are massively different energy wise. My family are massive cocker lovers. Most of us have show cockers. Brilliant dogs, but please buy from a reputable breeder. Expect to pay ££££s though

HoliHormonalTigerlilly · 07/01/2022 21:36

Go on the kennel club website op.

AnnaMarieQ · 07/01/2022 21:46

The mum and puppy don’t look happy in that place. I’m sure that is not their normal environment OP. Where is their bed? Surely they don’t sleep on a towel on cold floor?

Where did you find this breeder OP? Was it on a website? I’d like to see the advert and call them to ask questions. Those two pics, alone, tell a very sad story. Poor mum and babies 😢

I’m glad you have decided against buying a puppy from this “breeder”. I have reported 3 “breeders” who were obviously puppy farmers. I have no problem in reporting another. I hate puppy farmers with a vengeance!

storkstalk · 08/01/2022 01:43

@MrsGinnyM

What is the sign visible in the second photo - is it even taken in the UK?
Good point, looks like they may be imported
ShesComeUndone · 08/01/2022 07:10

She looks like a working cocker to me. The head shape, less stocky and the ears.

I would be very suspicious that the owner doesn’t have the paperwork. Could she be stolen?

wetotter · 08/01/2022 07:32

I'm glad you decided not to go for this one OP, and I hope you find a healthily bred puppy

The dam might not be stolen. It could simply be the case that she was never registered herself, or that had too many litters or is too old for these pups to be registered.

KC registration isn't a magic cure for all bad breeding practices, but it does specify no more than 3 litters per bitch and that she must be no older than 7 for final pregnancy

CovidCorvid · 08/01/2022 07:41

@startled

Look at her feet , looks like she's kept in pretty filthy conditions in her normal life - ie not the place she's been photographed in , please contact your local council and report this , if it's above board no problem
In fairness my light coloured spaniel’s feet look like this after 5 mins in my back garden!

But I totally agree it looks like a puppy farm, mum and puppy both look sad, towel on a tiled floor looks an awful set up, or even worse they’ve just been pulled out the barn for a photo opportunity. Glad OP walked away.

userxx · 08/01/2022 07:46

Those photos make me sad, from mums dirty feet to the thin towel on the hard floor. Bastards.

sunflower1993 · 08/01/2022 07:53

Have you reported the lack of care for the mother and dogs to the police ? If not, you should.

lisaandalan · 08/01/2022 08:14

I would be worried looks like a puppy farm all doesn't seem right. They have no comfortable beds ect. I'd report it straight away I get so angry when animals are not looked after properly. X