Glenbrook Cocker Spaniels

The most important consideration - look for a recreational breeder in your local area or state and keep clear of large commercial kennels that breed for the 'puppy market'. Most breeders who live in residential homes usually have only a few dogs, and they often use guardian homes to look after and to love some of their breeding dogs. These breeders work towards the betterment of the breed and usually show their dogs in order for them to gain championship points and eventually their Australian Championship title. By adopting close to your home you can keep in contact with the breeder to assist with the puppy's development over time.

Each breeder requires a PET EXCHANGE REGISTER source number which must be provided to new owners on the sale or transfer of any dog or puppy - Glenbrook Cockers have met the necessary criteria to be registered as a recreational breeder and our Source Number is: RB1000774.

Registration with the Australian Kennel Control Council / Dogs Victoria (state specifc) is crucial. Only breeders registered with one of the relevant Kennel Clubs can provide a certificate of registration (Pedigree), showing the lineage of your dog and proof that it is indeed a dog with a pedigree. It is recommended that you contact the Kennel Club of the breed you are interested i.e. Cocker Spaniel Club of Victoria, Dogzonline or contact Dogs Victoria to be provided with a list of breeders.

Don’t rush in though - be wary - just because a breeder has pups available straight away it is important that you make sure that this breeder will support you with your purchase. It is important to note that some breeders breed for maximum profit, and as such breed as many litters as possible, whilst others breed to improve their lines and only occasionally have pups for sale. A responsible breeder will likely breed no more than three litters every year, running on several pups for confirmation showing, and selling the remaining pups to pet homes. Take the time to visit the breeder's home and meet them in person.

Different breeds, are susceptible to different genetic conditions. Genetic technologies provide DNA profiling services for breeders which allows breeders to screen their dogs for genetic diseases, thereby allowing them to control the incidence of disease in their breeding stock. DNA testing for dogs can be used to better manage matings, and to make more informed selection decisions. Parentage testing guarantees that the pedigrees are accurate and bloodlines protected for the future. These services are utilised by GLENBROOK.

Potential puppy purchasers should ask to see the parents' pedigree certificates and ask questions about the parents and why they were chosen to be mated together. Responsible breeders will enjoy sharing their breeding plans with their puppies' new owners.

Genetic testing is available for PRA - Progressive Retina Atrophy an eye disease, FN - Familial Nephropathy a fatal kidney disease and AON - Adult Onset Neuropathy a motor disease. Recently a new disease has been identified in Cocker Spaniels which is Primary Cilliary Dyskinesia (PCD), unfortunately testing is not yet available. It is recommended that your breeder provide you with a health status for their breeding dogs (these are listed on our front page of the webpage). Dogs that have a Carrier or Clear status will not get these diseases. Breeders can then choose appropriate breeding partners for their dogs based on their genetic status ensuring puppies will not be affected by these diseases.

PRA is a degeneration of the retina (the vision-sensing mechanism at the back of the eye) can lead to vision loss. The disease is characterized by the gradual loss of vision in both eyes as a result of the loss of the retinal cells that sense light, causing the first vision problems around three to five years of age.

FN disease is a juvenile-onset fatal kidney (renal) failure recognized in English Cocker Spaniels worldwide for more than 50 years. Dogs with FN typically develop chronic renal failure between 6 months and 2 years of age, with eventual and sometimes rapid destruction of both kidneys. The early clinical signs include excessive water consumption, excessive urine volume, reduced growth rate or weight loss, poor quality hair coat, reduced appetite, and vomiting.

AON is an inherited neurological disorder characterised by a weakness in the hind limbs, eventually leading to weakness in the front limbs. Neurological signs of this condition seem to progress gradually over 3 to 4 years. Clinical signs usually begin between 7 and a half to 9 years of age. These signs include weakening and unsteady hind limbs and uncoordinated movement. The weakness eventually progresses to include the front limbs. When all limbs are affected, there may also be difficulty in swallowing. The disease is a recessive condition and is unique to Cocker Spaniels. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected. A dog that inherits only one copy of the abnormal gene (from its mother or its father) will have no signs of the disease, but will be a carrier and may pass the gene on to any offspring.

PCD is an inherited condition characterised by problems with respiratory function, most common symptoms being chronic nasal discharge and respiratory tract infections.

NB: At GLENBROOK all pups sold will not be affected by these condition as all breeding dogs have been screened or their status identified through parentage testing.

We also provide 6 weeks free puppy insurance with every puppy adopted through PETCOVER - a Preferred Breeders Program. Each of our new puppy owners will receive an email outlining the activation of their 6 weeks free puppy insurance when the puppy leaves us for their new home. There is a 72 hour wait period. The policy provides us at GLENBROOK, peace of mind that our puppies are covered should medical intervention be required.

Choosing a Breeder