t
is our belief that as breeders of English Cocker Spaniels it is our responsibility
to do our very best in producing the truest specimens of this breed that
we possibly can. We do not breed with the sole intent of satisfying the
requirements of one particular interest or another but to the total dog.
As the English Cocker Spaniel was/is intended to be an upland rough
shooting dog, we strive to produce dogs that are suitable for that task
in both mind and body. Our own dogs are used for hunting pheasant, grouse,
woodcock, and rabbits. Our season begins with pheasant in October and ends
with the end of rabbit season the last week of February.
We expect our dogs to be pets above all and therefore temperament and health
issues are very important to us.
Our goal is to consistently produce dogs that are easy to train, easy to
maintain, and a pleasure to live with, that are healthy and long lived,
and that are physically correct as representatives of their breed according
to the breed standard. As the English Cocker was developed in Britain,
we are inclined to grant preference to that type which is considered ideal
in its country of origin.
We average one litter every 18 months. Each litter is carefully planned
to meet certain goals at that particular step in our program. Breeding
stock is hip, eye, and thyroid cleared prior to breeding. We also BAER
test when testing is available. Puppies are raised in and around the household
activity center where they receive frequent human attention and are exposed
to normal everyday life. We temperament test every litter at 7 weeks and
often again at 9 weeks. We start all our puppies on retrieving and birdscent
at 5 weeks of age and continue until they leave for their new homes.
As we try to breed for dogs with birdiness, high intelligence and biddability,
we encourage our puppy buyers to participate with their dog in sporting
events (preferably hunting, but also obedience, tracking, agility, etc),
competitive or not, as this best suits the needs of the kind of dogs we
breed. Puppy buyers are also encouraged to stay in touch and to contact
us with any questions or concerns they may have at any time in their dog's
life.
Inquiries may be directed to KLMF@aol.com
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