Friend and possible for my pup

[cupcakebarb]

Hi can anyone give some advise please.  I have beaut black cocker Oscar he is 6 mths old and perfect!  He loves other dogs and is a dream.  We want to get another cocker to keep him company.  We were hoping to get a bitch and maybe mate them in the future.  The thing is is he old enough to introduce another pup yet and if not when will he be. All advise welcome thanks

[Cayley]

Hello,

At 6 months cockers are by no means mature and settled, introducing another at this stage could cause problems and it's unlikely they'll be company for each other as cockers are very much people orientated. If you've not had a cocker before then I'd reccomend sitting out the storm that is a teenage cocker, this stage arrives around 9 months and can be a very trying time. They usually forget everything you've ever taught them and it's not un heard of for them to need house training again. It's suggested with cockers that you wait till the current dog is 18 months before adding another puppy  .

 

[cupcakebarb]

Thanks for your reply I had a feeling that he was too young to introduce another pup yet but wasnt sure.  I'm certainly in no rush just enjoying his company for now.  Thanks for warning me about the terrible teens!! 

[Cob-Web]

Hi can anyone give some advise please.  I have beaut black cocker Oscar he is 6 mths old and perfect!  He loves other dogs and is a dream.  We want to get another cocker to keep him company.  We were hoping to get a bitch and maybe mate them in the future.  The thing is is he old enough to introduce another pup yet and if not when will he be. All advise welcome thanks

There are a lot of things to consider before breeding, too - reputable breeders will find the best possible genetic match for the bitch when they look for a stud - so as perfect as Oscar is (aren't they all?  ), he may prove not to be a suitable match for any future bitch once you have had them both health screened and tested. 

This article highlights the issues relating to breeding:
http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=3428.0

and this one gives you an idea of the type of breeders that responsible potential owners, (like COL members) will be looking for:
http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/Reputable_Breeders

In the mean time - have fun with Oscar