Instructions
Choose dogs that are in physical conformation with cocker spaniel breed standards. The dog should be well-proportioned with no abnormally large or small features. The American Kennel Club states that males should be 15 inches at the withers and females 14 inches. The eyes should be round and positioned directly forward, with a clear and alert expression. Hair should be longer on the ears, chest and stomach than it is on the rest of the body, but should not be so long that the general shape of the dog's body is no longer visible.
Select breeding stock who do not suffer from common cocker spaniel ailments. Eye problems, including glaucoma, cataracts, eye infections and ingrown eyelashes are particularly common and spaniels who have ever suffered from these genetic diseases should not be bred. Dogs with allergies, autoimmune diseases, epilepsy and chronic ear problems are also not suitable breeding stock.
Select dogs for temperament. Must of a dog's temperament is determined by its environment. However, predisposition to aggression, hyperactivity and fear all have a genetic component. Dogs with genetic predispositions toward these traits are more difficult to train and may cause their owners needless stress. Choose only friendly, laid back, confident and playful dogs as breeding stock.
How to Pick Breeding Stock for Cocker Spaniels
Dog breeding is a serious undertaking that will affect the lives of the people who take the puppies, the dogs being bred and the dog breed as a whole. Responsible breeders, therefore, choose breeding stock carefully. Dogs should only be bred when they conform to breed standards and will improve the breed. Further, dogs must be in excellent health and have a sound, stable temperament. Cocker spaniels are susceptible to several genetic health and behavioral conditions, so breeders must choose cocker spaniels carefully when contemplating breeding.