Buying a Springer Spaniel Puppy

Before you make the decision to buy a Springer Spaniel puppy,
you should give full consideration to whether it is a suitable breed
for your circumstances.  It is an active breed that requires regular
exercise-are you prepared to find the time and commitment for this
important part of dog ownership?  Will there be someone at home
all day while the puppy is young to nurture and train it to be a
well-behaved adult dog?  Do you have access to a
reasonably-sized, securely fenced yard or garden?  Is there a
space in your home which the dog can call his own?  English
Springer also need regular grooming - do you have the time to
devote to this, or the funds to pay for a professional groomer?  Is
your home suitable for a breed this size?  Do you have the financial
means to feed, transport, insure, and pay for veterinary bills?
On the plus side, springers usually
make wonderful, loyal and loving
suitable for most home
environments where they will want
to spent as much time as possible
with their owners.  Their zest for
life make them ideal and
enthusiastic family dogs.  They are
an intelligent breed that can be
trained to take part in a number of
different activities.
Once you have finally decided that you want to give a home to an English Springer puppy, you will
need to find a suitable breeder.  Do NOT buy a puppy from a pet shop where you are unable to see
the mother, or meet the breeder.
Beware of puppy farms, (breeder with more then 5 females), or dealer advertising a number of
available puppies of different breeds!  Puppy farms are places where puppies are bred purely for
profit (people make a living from it), with no consideration given to the welfare and health of animals.

DO look for a reputable breeder.  Visit dog shows and speak to breeders, visit the Kennel Club
website for details of English Springer breeders or alternatively, use the regularly-updated
information on the puppy register.
A reputable breeder will register their puppies with a Kennel Club and provide registration,
documents at the time of sale. (Registration, Pedigree).  They will make use of any health testing
schemes, and be willing to show your copies of the certificates.  A good breeder will offer yoo
written advice covering feeding, worming, immunisation and socialisation.
VISITING A LITTER
Make an appointment to see the litter and arrive at the given time.  Most breeders will ask you to
wait until the puppies are around one months old.  Wear something suitable,  jeans, ec.  
Remember if the puppies have just been fed, they may be very sleepy!  Normally, they will be
alert and wanting to play.  Meet the dam (and sire if the owner have both), if not ask to see a
photo and any other Springers in the household.
Look at where the puppies are normally kept and satisfy yourself that there look healthy and
are kept in clean conditions. You may be asked to leave a deposit to book you puppy.  This
could be anything from 5-50% of the full asking price.  Remember this can be non-refundable.  If
seeing several litters, do not commit yourself - you can always call later and book from the litter
you most prefer.  
Collecting Your Puppy
Once you have decided and booked your puppy, you may wish to acquire suitable bedding,
feeding items, (check with the breeder what food to buy) and grooming equipment.  Most
breeders will provide a Starter Pack.  You may wish to buy a collapsible crate (minimum size 36"x
24"x 27) for travelling, as sleeping quarters and for toilet training.
Take someone with you when collecting your puppy, and plenty of old towels in case you have a
travel sick puppy. The puppy will travel better if on someone's lap.
Make sure, when paying for the puppy, that you have received all the documents including the
Kennel Club registrations papers.  Check the puppy is insured for the first few weeks before you
leave.
Book an appointment with your vet for a general check up and advise on inoculation etc. when
you get home.   Let your breeder know how the puppy has sattled within a few days.  Keep in
touch.

ENJOY YOUR NEW BABY!!!