Getting a dog
American Cocker Spaniel Breeders Directory
Finding the right breeder is the most important decision you will make about this breed — more important than color, sex, or how soon a puppy is available. This page shows where to look and how to tell a conscientious kennel from a careless one.
Where to start#
Begin with the breed's own institutions rather than a classified ad or a search for the cheapest puppy:
- The American Spaniel Club — the national parent club for the breed, founded in 1881 and one of the oldest breed clubs in the United States. It publishes the breed standard and maintains breeder resources and a code of ethics.
- Regional and local Cocker Spaniel clubs — affiliated clubs across the country whose members show and breed to the standard, and who often know which of their members have litters planned.
- AKC breeder referral — the American Kennel Club's breeder resources point toward registered litters and parent-club members.
- Dog shows and performance events — the best way to meet breeders in person, see their dogs, and talk to people who live with the breed.
The ACN breeders directory is curated, not automated. To protect buyers, it lists only breeders who health-test their dogs and stand behind their puppies — and it never invents listings. Entries are being rebuilt; in the meantime, use the criteria below to evaluate any breeder you find.
Marks of a responsible breeder#
| They do | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Health-test their breeding dogs | Eyes, hips and patellas at minimum, with certificates — the breed's weak points are screenable. |
| Breed one, maybe two breeds | Depth of knowledge beats a catalog of breeds always in stock. |
| Show or compete with their dogs | Proof they breed to the standard and put their dogs up for objective evaluation. |
| Raise puppies in the home | Early socialization during the critical window shapes the adult temperament. |
| Interview you | They care where their puppies go and often keep a waiting list. |
| Offer a contract & lifetime return | A written guarantee and a promise to take the dog back at any age. |
Red flags#
Avoid any seller who has multiple breeds and constant availability, won't let you see the parents or the premises, does no health testing, sells through pet stores or shipping-only arrangements, or charges extra for "rare" colors. These patterns point to puppy mills and backyard breeding. The puppy buyer's guide covers the warning signs in more detail.
Vetting a breeder before you buy#
- Visit in person and see where the puppies are raised.
- Meet the mother (dam), and the father if he is on site.
- Ask to see health-test certificates for both parents — know the recommended tests in advance.
- Read the contract and health guarantee carefully before committing.
- Ask for references from previous buyers and follow up on them.
Are you a breeder?#
The American Cocker Network grew out of the ACN Review, which for years connected the breed's kennels, stud dogs and litters through the magazine. Responsible breeders who health-test and breed to the standard are the backbone of that network. As the directory is rebuilt, listings will feature such breeders alongside the reference material on this site. You can read about the publication and its history on The Review.