Finding the 'right' Breeder
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Looking for a reputable Breeder
The importance of finding a good Breeder cannot be under estimated. Buying a puppy should never be a decision taken lightly or without extensive consideration. Kennel Club statistics show that many buyers do less than two hours of research before buying a puppy - less than they might do for a new washing machine for example! Taking time to find a breeder that responsibly breeds happy and healthy puppies will greatly increase the chances of a buying puppy that is much more likely to live a long, happy and healthy life.
There are many great dog breeders who want nothing more than to produce healthy puppies but unfortunately there are also people who breed dogs only to make money, putting profit before the health and condition of their dogs. ​
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Is this the breed for you?
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It is important to thoroughly consider the suitability of this breed for your family circumstances and home environment before bringing a puppy home.
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An English Springer Spaniel is a happy and friendly breed, but even the show-bred dogs can be very active, especially when they are young. They are most definitely not an aloof breed or one that is happy to be alone. Rather they prefer to fully immerse themselves in family life and if the thought of never making a trip to the bathroom without company fills you with dread, this is probably not the breed for you!
Looking for a reputable breeder
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Our advice is always to ask a Breed Club representative rather than looking at online puppy selling sites. Breed Club reps will be familiar with the breeders and will know if they have puppies available. Links to all the Breed Clubs can be found on our Links page. On this site, you will also find a current puppy list as well as a list of planned litters throughout the country. It is important to remember that the number of show-bred litters is low and that you might need to wait for a puppy. They are, however, worth waiting for and we would suggest putting your name down with a breeder that appeals to you rather than buying the first puppy you see online. We are always available to assist, so please, feel free to use the Contact Us form to ask any questions you might have.
Questions to ask
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When you make initial contact with a breeder, it is important to ask questions and to be satisfied with the answers. Any good breeder will want their puppies to go to the best homes and you should therefore expect to be questioned extensively. If no questions are asked by the Breeder that should very much be considered a 'red flag'.
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During your initial call or email to the Breeder, ask about the process, price of the puppy and when you can visit.
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Breeders all have their own way of doing things but they should still be able to discuss what you can expect from them, and the order in which things will happen. You should, of course, ask how old the puppies are, when you can initially visit and at what age they can leave for their new homes? They, by law, must be a minimum of eight weeks old. Ask about their health, worming and registration status and request information on the health screening carried out on both parents. It is also law that puppies be microchipped before leaving the breeder of your prospective puppy so this should also be discussed. Ask if the puppies will be vet-checked before leaving and about the puppy's vaccination status. It is very possible that, at eight weeks, no vaccinations will have been given, but it is still an important question to ask. Ask too about how the puppies will have been socialised. At eight weeks and prior to vaccination, this might be minimal, but it would be reassuring to know if the puppy has been acclimatised to normal household sounds, different surfaces and met people of different ages. Also ask about their dietary requirements, how often they are fed and the type of food they have been weaned on. ​Finally ask if you will be provided with a Contract of Sale.
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What to look for when you visit
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You should always visit the puppies at the Breeder's home. It is against the law for puppies under the age of six months to be sold by a third party. Lucy's Law stipulates that buyers must purchase puppies directly from their breeder and requires that the puppy's mother be present with the litter at their place of birth.
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Pay attention to the environment the puppies are in. It should be clean, warm and dry. Make sure that the puppies look bright, healthy, plump and active with no sign of illness. Healthy puppies are curious and interested in the world around them. They should show an interest in you and be relaxed and confident when handled. Make sure the mother is relaxed, healthy, and interacting with the puppies. She should be relaxed with you and other visitors.
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Some, but not all breeders will take a small deposit once you have both agreed that a puppy will be yours and arrangements can be made for collection once the puppy has reached eight weeks. Please click below for further information relating to taking your English Springer puppy home.
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