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When looking for a Field Spaniel, there are a number of things that you will need to review. Doing YOUR homework will help assure that the Field Spaniel you bring into your home is the best possible choice for you. While the Field Spaniel is a lovely breed, it is NOT the right breed for every home. You must make an informed choice: read all the information you can find about the Field Spaniel breed and talk to several breeders. While a responsible breeder will ask many questions of you, it is a two-way interview. You've decided that a Field Spaniel is the right dog for your home. It is now up to you to determine whether a particular breeder is the one from whom you will acquire your Field Spaniel. Ask yourself, "do I feel comfortable talking with this person?" After all, you may need to talk to the breeder a number of times over the life of your Field Spaniel (and, a responsible breeder will want you to keep in touch). |
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Question 1. Does the breeder show and work their Field Spaniels?
This often indicates an involvement with the the breed in general and the dogs in their home in particular. If you are interested in showing or performance activities, what is the breeder's history in producing animals of the desired quality? You may say, "I don't want to show my dog, I want a companion in my home." That's great. But it is still important that a Field Spaniel look like a Field Spaniel. One of the many things a responsible breeder is concerned with is breed "type" - all those things that make a Field Spaniel different from other spaniels. In addition to type, working ability and trainability are part of temperament and personality and therefore part of the predictability expected from a purebred dog. Field Spaniels should be trainable, birdy, have a good nose, and be both adaptable and able to get along with other dogs. The Field Spaniel should also have the structure that allows the dog to hunt or play all day.
Question 2. What health problems are known in this breed and does the breeder seek clearances for these things?
Have health problems appeared either in the sire/dam or the littermates of the sire/dam? Has the sire or dam produced a particular problem frequently in the past? This should give you an overall feel for the general health of the breeder's animals. Know the types of health concerns in Field Spaniels ahead of time and ask specifically about them. Talk candidly with the breeder and seek to understand the breeder’s philosophy when it comes to health issues.
Question 3: Can I have copies of the pedigree, AKC registration and health check certification for the sire/dam?
A minimum three-generation pedigree should be readily available to you. Photocopies of AKC registration and and a listing of health testing of the sire/dam should be supplied. In addition, photos of the sire and dam will be helpful to you. You can verify health information by going to the OFA website and doing a search for the sire and dam.
Question 4: What deposit is required? Is it refundable? What exactly does it "reserve"?
Breeders may require a deposit as an indication of how serious you are about purchasing a puppy. Know ahead of time whether or not a deposit is required and what that deposit means so that there are no surprises. Some breeders will allow you to pick from a group of puppies, others will not and prefer to match each puppy according to personality of the puppy and requirements of the buyer. This "matching" may mean that puppy testing is done. This is a series of standardized "tests" which assist the breeder in determining each puppy's individual personality attributes and potential for performance and other endeavors. You can learn more about puppy testing by clicking here or here. These websites provide an excellent orientation to the standard puppy test used by many breeders.
Question 5. How may litters does the breeder produce in a year? How does the breeder raise their puppies?
While it is difficult to say how many litters a year are too many, the responsible breeder puts a considerable amount of time and energy into raising a litter well. Puppies are ideally raised within a home environment, receiving large amounts of attention. Puppies should be accustomed to routine grooming including having nails trimmed, clipping hair and brushing. Initial leash-training should be started and the puppy should be well acquainted with being in a crate and separated from its littermates. If your puppy must take a plane ride to get to your home, the puppy will do quite well if he or she already is familiar with and adapted to a crate. If possible, take the time to go visit the breeder and see for yourself the type of setting in which your puppy will be or is raised. If you cannot go see the breeder due to distance involved, then ask questions about how puppies are reared. |
