First-Time Breeder Spotlight: Melody Fisher & Her Working Cocker Spaniels

“I wanted to keep one of her puppies for myself, but in doing so, I also wanted to make sure I bred a fully health-tested Working Cocker Spaniel litter”, says Melody. “There is plenty of health testing in the agility world, but in the gundog division, it is rarely common practice to have hip scoring and elbow testing carried out.”

Preparation and Planning

Before Maize’s first mating, Melody threw herself into a wealth of research. She learned about Cocker Spaniel colour genetics and aimed to prioritise health above all else. 

“Her colour goal was to introduce roan into her line. Maize’s liver-and-tan coat likely meant Melody would have to keep a roan carrier puppy, were she to throw one, in the hope of a second or third generation producing the desired colouring. As it happens, black and roan were the dominant genes, and Maize threw a wonderful mix of colours, including the desired roan colouring.

“The stud was from an old-fashioned, chunkier line, a lovely balance to Maize’s finer build,” Melody explains. “He was fantastic with children, and the puppies have turned out bold, affectionate, and full of character.”

The Whelping Experience

Maize delivered a litter of seven healthy pups; large for a first-time Cocker Spaniel mum, with the breed average being four to five. One was a little slower to start, but with round-the-clock care, they all thrived, and Maize’s personality barely wavered throughout the process.

“The lack of sleep was the biggest shock,” Melody laughs. “It’s amazing, but it’s also the hardest period; you never truly relax.”

Having her mother on hand made all the difference. With decades of experience breeding Standard Poodles, Giant Schnauzers, Border Terriers, and, most recently, Papillons, she was a calming influence during the birth'

Challenges and Considerations for First-Time Breeders

The summer heat was one of the toughest factors to manage. Melody kept the puppies comfortable with both warmer and cooler areas, a combination of areas which featured their whelping box alongside a tiled kitchen floor to lie on.

“Given the working roles anticipated for the puppies and the nature of the homes they were destined for, I elected to have the litter's tails docked by a specialist gundog veterinarian. This decision was made at an appropriate early age to help prevent potential tail injuries that commonly occur in active working environments."

Finding the Right Homes

Fortunately, Melody had a long waiting list before the litter was even born, a piece of advice she wishes to pass on to all first-time breeders.

“Have homes lined up before you make the pairing, and don’t do it for the money; it’s not profitable in terms of time. I bred this litter because I wished to keep one.”

She also emphasises the importance of never being too proud to ask for help, whether it’s advice or just someone to make you a cup of tea during a long whelping process. And, she adds, “Always have more newspaper than you think you’ll need!”

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Best Memories and What’s Next

Melody’s favourite part has been documenting the puppies' development, from “little slugs to full-blown personalities.” She photographed them daily, capturing each milestone.

As for the future? Melody plans to breed again, applying the lessons learned from her first experience and no doubt keeping her camera close at hand.

“Breeding is the most rewarding thing I’ve done with Maize,” she says. “But it’s a team effort, you can’t do it alone.”