Eye testing our cocker for breeding

[*Kerry*]

Hello. We are thinking of breeding with our Cocker Spaniel this summer however our stud dog owner has requested that we get her eye tested as people do like to see that parent dogs are clear etc. This I would like to do so does anyone know where we can get this done We are near Portishead NR Bristol. Any ideas? How much should it cost??


Thanks for your help.

Kerry

[Tasha]

you can try the gamefairs (sorry I don't know your area) they usually have an eye test being carried out which is good, the dog papers have a list of the classes where they are running an eye test evening as well, cost is variable but I don't think I have paid more than £30 for any of mine to be done usually it alot less than that. 

There is also the optigen test (bloods) which you can do that will tell if your dog has the PRA gene in which case you need to make sure the stud dog doesn't or choose not to breed to avoid any pups going blind.  You'll see several post on here with info on this test.

Has your bitch been hip scored??

[Gilly]

Hi,

Before you breed you should read our FAQ on the subject http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=3428.0. With regards to eye testing you would need to get your bitch KC/BVA eye tested AND Optigen tested, there is also a new test available for FN. Details of Optigen can be found here http://www.optigen.com/opt9_test_prcd_pra.html the cost for this test depends on wether you can participate in a satellite clinic but you are looking at approx £120. You can find details of the FN testing here http://www.cockersonline.co.uk/discuss/index.php?topic=25308.0 and details of the KC test here http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/310.

[Cayley]

Just a quick question as I can't tell from your avator, how old is your bitch? 

[Tasha]

what is the lower and upper age limit for cockers?  In my main breed its not before their 2nd birthday and not above 7th most aim for a litter around three when you can see if there are any health problems that might crop up.  Have seen some very young cockers being bred on their first season in the supplements

[*Kerry*]

She is 18 months old and has just had her 2nd season.

[Tasha]

has she had any of the health screening done yet?  Hips are interesting to see, I have mine sedated rather than a GA so you have to learn to keep them still.

Eye tests are another one you can practise for as the wriggling doesn't help when they are being given a check up.

Are you looking to keep a puppy back or just interested in having one litter?? 

[*Kerry*]

Not yet we are looking to start with the eye tests and go from there.

We have quite a busy life just keeping up with Pip so probably wouldn't be looking to keep one of her off spring just yet. But still plenty of time to consider that before the eventful day.

[Cayley]

what is the lower and upper age limit for cockers?  In my main breed its not before their 2nd birthday and not above 7th most aim for a litter around three when you can see if there are any health problems that might crop up.  Have seen some very young cockers being bred on their first season in the supplements

It's the same age limit for cockers  .  

[*Kerry*]

All the advice I have had from numerous Large Breeders in the South West (near us) has stated to wait until her 2nd season to have a litter.

Obviously it goes without saying I would want to do anything to detriment the health of my girl or her pups.

[Cob-Web]

We have quite a busy life just keeping up with Pip so probably wouldn't be looking to keep one of her off spring just yet.

Apologies if I am speaking out of turn, but if you don't think you have time for one puppy, will you have the time to raise a whole litter of pups? You could potentially have 6,7, 8 or more puppies that will need feeding several times a day, grooming and bathing (probably daily) and socialising continuously for the first 8 weeks of their life.......

From the threads I have read on here from experienced breeders, it is more than a full-time job, which can be fraught with heartbreak and a lot of sleepless nights - and certainly in some cases, the dame and litter cannot be left unsupervised for even a minute in the first few days 

[*Kerry*]

We have lot's of time for Pip, I am at home with her every day and like it that way, thats all I was saying, I enjoy giving her lot's of time, and would relish the challenge of looking after her beautiful puppies should all her tests etc be clear and we can continue.

Just wanted some advice on eye testing so we can do things the proper and correct way.

[Cob-Web]

We have lot's of time for Pip, I am at home with her every day and like it that way, thats all I was saying, I enjoy giving her lot's of time, and would relish the challenge of looking after her beautiful puppies should all her tests etc be clear and we can continue.

Just wanted some advice on eye testing so we can do things the proper and correct way.

Ah, I see - apologies for mis-reading your post 

Is Pip a show-type? If so, how is she doing in the show-ring? 

[*Kerry*]

She is a family pet.

[Pammy]

Eye testing is just one element to breeding. An important one but still only one.

You need to arm yourself with all the facts before you embark on this venture. You need to understand the risks to your girl and the puppies. While not common - you could lose your girl. You also need to understand the potential cost of all this.

Have a good look at all the COL FAQs inlcuding the ones on breeding. Get hold of a book called The Book of the Bitch by Kay White and take it from there. You need to know that your girl is a suitable candidate for breeding from and then choose the stud dog that will complement her breeding. it's not just a case of putting any Cocker to her. There are certain elements of your posts that are just raising questions Eg that you already have a stud dog.

Reputable breeders are out to improve the breed - what are your motives for breeding? I'm not saying they're dubious at all - just asking the question. It should be you that leads the way with deciding if you want to breed not someone else. As a first time breeder I can't stress enough the need to find yourself a good mentor who knows the breed inside out and all the pitfalls of breeding.

You will find COL members are passionate about protecting the breed and also advocating responsible breeding only. We will constructively challenge a person's plans to breed but only for the very best of reasons and to help anyone breed in the best way. It is not meant as personal criticism