Buying a Welsh Springer Spaniel Puppy
What to expect from a breeder who puts Health, Welfare and Temperament first.
Essential Documents
- Heath Certificates (both parents)
- Signed AWF Puppy Contract
- KC Registration Certificate (if applicable)
- Microchip Registration Certificate
- Temporary Pet Health Insurance
- Vaccination Certificate
A good breeder will:
- have socialised and habituated the puppy
- provide a supply of food
- provide a blanket smellng of Mum
- follow the Code of Practice for Dog Breeding
Official Health Schemes
- BVA/KC screening for eye disease; full ophthalmological testing before breeding, to include gonioscopy (includes checks for multiple inherited eye diseases)
- BVA/KC scheme for hip dysplasia (HD)
DNA Tests Relevant to Breed
- Factor VII deficiency
– slow blood clotting
Some laboratories may offer genetic tests for other rare inherited conditions in this breed.
Brief explanations and other diseases that may be more common in the breed – if in doubt then consult your vet for guidance
Official Health Schemes
- Hip dysplasia
– abnormal formation of the hip joint – pain and lameness - The BVA/KC eye testing scheme checks for many inherited and physical abnormalities that can cause progressive blindness or pain. Gonioscopy tests for goniodysgenesis /PLA (pectinate ligament abnormality) which assesses a predisposition for primary glaucoma, a painful progressive eye disease leading to blindness. The BVA recommend gonioscopy is carried out every three years to assess for progression of PLA.
Other Diseases
- Ear infections
– more likely in dogs with long, hairy ears; can be allergy related - Epilepsy