Hi Pip
Having already done what you plan to do with Saffi, I can't ever say I regret it, as we have Livie & Tinker but would I do it again .....I would have to say No, never
It sounds as if you have already made your decision & I respect & in no way judge you for it
My advice would be to get any & all test available to working cockers, find a reputable working cocker breeder to help guide you & advise should you need it & look long & hard at the stud dog you choose for Saffi.
have you checked that you are aloud to breed from your Dog as a lot of breeders have this as part of
there conditions of sale.. and most good Stud dog will only have proven dogs eg in Agility or field trials
and at the very worst you could lose Saffi
....this wouldn't be top priority for me but feel health & temperament far more important
but have to agree with Wendy in ref to Saffi having endorsements on her pedigree - best to sort this out with her breeder if she does
I would also highly advise a stud dog that has mated before & for you to possibly meet some of his offspring.
I read Book of the Bitch from cover to cover & back again & thought we had every possibility covered & anticipated for .......... we never knew about, nor heard of Micropthalmia until it was diagnosed in Tinker & a litter brother. We were lucky Pip - normally it affects the whole litter & we would of had potentially 9 blind pups on our hands - The specialist (Mr Ian Mason) had PTS a litter of boxers born with it not long before he saw Tinker.
There are so many things that can't be covered in the book or from experience because they're still to happen & just because you've done every health test available & helped Saffi through what seems like the perfect pregnancy, doesn't mean it will still go all to plan.
Purdeys mating was so romantic - her pregnancy text book, as was the whelp - all pups survived & it was an awesome experience & we all felt privileged & blessed but when the pups eyes opened at 2 weeks it became apparent that not all had gone so well.
I wish you well Pip & if |I can be of any help please PM me (not that I know much
) but do your homework, prepare for the unexpected & also be prepared for the very hard work of finding good homes for the pups, having to keep them if you can't & also the responsibility of any of them coming back due to circumstances changes in their new homes .... the pups will always be your responsibility.
All the best
Lindsey x