How to Breed Scottish Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are very smart and gentle dogs. They thrive as part of a family and are quite social. Because they are sporting dogs, they need regular exercise and will love to go on their daily walk with you. Good with other animals and children, they are an adorable breed. Breeding Scottish Cocker Spaniels will not earn you buckets of money, but it can be an enjoyable and extremely satisfying hobby for someone who truly loves dogs and is willing to put a lot of time and effort into breeding them.

Things You'll Need

  • Papers for female and stud
  • Shelter inside your home
  • Vet
  • Dog toys and soft blankets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Be realistic. Oftentimes, people who go into breeding go into it with the idea that they will make a lot of money, but this is a common myth. Cocker Spaniels are not cheap to take care of. They can suffer from health problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and hip dysplasia, all of which may rack up costly vet bills.

    • 2

      Be prepared. Cocker Spaniels are very social and need to feel like a part of the family. You cannot leave this breed of dog outside. They need to be cared for inside so as to be near people. Otherwise, they will get depressed and start to have behavioral problems.

    • 3

      Be generous. You will need to spend quite a bit of money to set up your breeding business. You will have to pay stud fees starting at around $350 and going up from there for a dog that has papers. You will need to pay for premium dog food in order to keep the female dog healthy, and once the puppies are born, you must pay for their first shots.

    • 4

      Know the signs when your female is ready to go into heat. Cocker Spaniel females usually go into heat twice per year. The best time to start breeding is not until the second heat. Watch for a clear discharge followed by bleeding, and try to breed around 11 days after the bleeding starts.

    • 5

      Test to see if the dog is ready to be bred by scratching her back directly in front of her tail. Carefully bring in the stud, but stay nearby to make sure he does not hurt the female--or visa versa! Do not separate the dogs until they are finished. When they are finished, they will both walk away on their own.

    • 6

      Be available. You will need to stay nearby when the puppies are born, and also consult with a vet in the event that your dog will need to have an emergency cesarean section. Cockers can have anywhere from one to ten or more puppies, so you need to be prepared for any eventuality, including the possibility that some puppies may be born stillborn. Make sure you have provided a warm, comfortable place for the mother to give birth, and don't forget to provide those puppies with their first shots and paperwork as well.