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Maple Way Breeding Philosophy
Whether you see yourself owning a Cocker Spaniel for a Companion, Show and Breeding or exclusively for Hunting/Flushing purposes, we feel it may help you to understand the philosophy of the Maple Way breeding program.
The Cocker is and has always been a wonderful family and personal companion, as well as a great hunter and flusher of game. As all Cockers should be equipped with these skills and qualities you will notice that we most often refer to our "pet quality" Cocker pups as,Companion/Gundog quality and to the ones that are "show and breeding quality", Show & Breeding/Gundog quality, though Show and Breeding/Gundogs are wonderful companions as well. There may be on occasion, pups/dogs that would not be suited for showing, breeding or flushing game but that would still make wonderful companions. We would refer to these as just Companion quality.
A Show and Breeding/Gundog quality Cocker has specific qualities that a Companion/Gundog quality Cocker does not, the difference is often not noticeable to the average pet owner....flat paws, loose eye lids, excessive dome or "flat" head, to name a few, doesn't usually effect a spayed or neutered pet. Of course, no dog is perfect.....just the best possible dogs must be bred together in order to try and keep the breed as it should be, since the fact is, if the two most perfect dogs were bred together, pups with certain problems would still occur. Don't breed a fault to a fault. Every dog has some undesirable traits but the good qualities must overrule the imperfections. So if one were to breed dogs that are not of breeding quality the result would bring the breed down, as most if not all of the pups would have such faults, and so on, getting worse with each generation and hindering the breed in its original purpose. As well, a "show and breeding/gundog" Cocker should not have a problem hunting and flushing game birds. If it cannot or will not, it is "pet" quality. The original purpose of the breed was to flush game birds out of thickets which the larger breeds could not get into.
*****It should be pointed out that in the wild, wolves, dogs and other canines have a higher-archy which decides which animals will eat first, breed and produce the next generation. The stronger, healthier and typier (best physical and mental design for it's original purpose) animals are Alpha and are the only ones that breed and produce offspring. The Alphas make sure the others, less suited for procreating, do not breed. When domesticated, it is up to humans to make the selection of which will breed. We must try to select correctly.*****
The purpose for ever breeding two dogs together should only be for the love and preservation of the true Cocker, or whatever breed you're in. If anyone thinks they'll make profit selling dogs, they're sadly mistaken. Any and all money acquired from selling pups ultimately goes back into the upkeep of the dogs.....necessary canine activities, etc.....food, shelter, grooming, vaccinations, worming, emergencies, cesareans, shows, obedience class.....just to name a few. If someone you know or have talked to says that a profit is made, either they don't know what they're talking about, are talking about a puppy mill {Which does not care for the dogs. Each dog is bred every estrus season from the first estrus until it can't any longer, receives little or no veterinary care or personal attention & is confined to a very small cage it's whole, short, "life".} Or they are talking of a well meaning but ill informed "backyard breeder" who also doesn't give the proper care of parents and puppies as they know, no better. *****The term "Backyard Breeder" is simply used to describe someone who breeds dogs without educating themselves about the breed or reputable breeding. They often are simply well meaning but naive about genetic diseases in that particular breed and proper breeding, screening of homes and placement of pups to try and ensure they do not end up in pounds, shelters, breed rescue or bad homes. Sometimes, they may be in it "for the money" as a small scale puppy mill. Some "byb's" do not keep their dogs in the backyard while many reputable breeders do have their dogs in the backyard. It's simply a term used.*****
Unfortunately there is the problem of many people thinking just because they don't want to breed "show dogs" the quality of the dog doesn't matter. Originally, Cocker Spaniels, Field Spaniels and some other spaniel breeds resulted from the same litters and were distinguished from each other by their individual size, ability and type.
Gradually the breeds began to take separate form and soon the Cocker emerged as the smaller and often more elegant flushing spaniel. They were recognized as a separate breed and bred by sportsmen who wanted a small dog able to get into thick brush to flush out game birds such as Woodcock, hence the name Cocker.
Two types of Cocker then began to develop, one having a shorter muzzle with a pronounced "stop" (between the forehead and muzzle), round skull, longer legs yet shorter in height and more feathering (coat). Both types were bred together at times but for the most part, kept separate and some years later the other type which had a longer muzzle with less stop, flat skull, longer back, shorter legs yet taller in height and less feathering; was recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. (It should be noted that the breed referred to as the Cocker Spaniel in the U.S. and Canada is known as the American Cocker Spaniel everywhere else and what we refer to as the English Cocker Spaniel is known as the Cocker Spaniel in other countries.)
The sportsmen took the breeding of their spaniels very seriously and knew the requirements for a good hunting dog. Of course the standard of excellence for the breed is written from the requirements of these sportsmen to describe the perfect flushing Cocker and therefore type, temperament, bloodlines, genetics, health, etc. do matter.
There are also those who just want to breed "pets" and think pet quality parents will be fine. I believe they are somewhat harder to convince as the sports breeders at least want good flushing dogs which require correct conformation and temperament to do the job right.
Still others seem to be into fluffy, "pretty" dogs, simply for the current fad of the show ring and never give a second thought to whether the dog could hunt if it had to. It is extremely frustrating and I wish I knew a better way to get the message across to all involved. A true Cocker will be an all around Cocker.
My attraction to the breed began when I was little. My cousin had one who was kind of unruly but I liked him. Someone else we knew also had one that was very well trained and I always wanted a dog like her. Then of course I saw the animated movie Lady and the Tramp but the first time I really considered owning one in my adult life was while watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Their presence just thrilled me. I did my research on the breed and acquired my first merry gentleman, Shea (Where For Art Thou's Romeo MP). {smile :) }
We went to some shows and I decided to purchase our foundation girl, Meka (Maple Way Avalon Juliet), who gave us six lovely puppies before her passing.
We have also owned and shown Great Pyrenees for many years and now after twenty years and studying everything I can get my hands on (in terms of Cockers, Pyrs, canines in general, genetics, etc.) I can happily say that the little guys still thrill me and are my constant companions.
The stipulations you will read in the Purchase Agreement and attachments have been included to enhance the lives of both dog and purchaser. In addition we hope to insure protection against the pitfalls that have genetically damaged this and other wonderful breeds in the past.
*****{The (American) Cocker Spaniel has been in the AKC's number one spot more than any other breed. As a consequence; puppy millers, dealers, backyard breeders, etc. looking to make a quick buck have bred them ruthlessly causing all kinds of temperamental and physical problems. Reputable breeders have been picking up after them ever since and are now making some headway.}*****
If the Cocker Spaniel turns out to be the right breed for you, we are sure this will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Enjoy our website. Sincerely,
Chrissy Ingram
Questionnaire
Immunization, Parasite Control and Nutrition
Nutrition 2
Health and Nutrition
Official Standard Of The Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel Illustrated Standard and Educational Materials
Is A Cocker Right For Me?
Children and Dogs
Who's In Charge Here?....A lesson in becoming Alpha
Behavior, Etc. Info.
Cocker Spaniel History
Cocker Spaniel History 2 (Copyright 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002; Cal-Ore Cockers; Lisa L. Ray and Nancy L. Ray; All Rights Reserved)
Care, Feeding and Early Training
Obedience Training (Link to Pyr obedience, Cocker coming soon.)
Grooming
Gundog Information
Rescue Contacts and Information
Breeder Referral
Breeder Referral 2
ASC Code of Ethics
ASC Bylaws
Stud Service
Information On Breeding Dogs
Genetic Diseases Possible in the Cocker Spaniel Breed
Merle Cockers
Differences of Roan and Merle
Roan versus Merle
Cocker Spaniel Coat Color Inheritance
Photos of Different Colored Cockers {Click on the color (top right), then click on the name (bottom right).}
The Cocker Spaniel (American), English Cocker Spaniel, Field Spaniel, etc. originally resulted from the same litters. (See above Letter Of Intent.)
Here are links to some of the parent clubs.
Field Spaniel Society of America
English Cocker Spaniel Club of America
American Spaniel Club (Cocker Spaniel)
Here are links to our Cockers' individual pages.
 Maple Way Truly Madly Deeply, "Bo" (Shaved down)
Maple Way Dream Seeker, "Dreamer" (Under Construction)
Drstrose Trbochrgd At Mapleway, "Turbo" (Under Construction)
 Mplwy StarsNStripes Forever, "Hannah"
 Maple Way Silver And Gold, "Abby" (At about 10-weeks-old)
 Misty Blue Morgan, "Morgan" (Shaved down)
Cockers of the Past and Living Elsewhere:  Where For Art Thou's Romeo MP, "Shea"
 Maple Way Avalon Juliet, "Meka"
Ardoz N Mplwy One In A Million, "Roscoe"
Shampoo/Conditioner "recipe" and instructions for removing stains. Shampoo: In a gallon milk jug combine a cap full of Tide, a few sprinkles of flea powder (just in case), cap full of fabric bluing (the bluing cap), squirt of Dawn dishwashing liquid and a tablespoon or so of Orvus WA Paste livestock shampoo. Add some hot water, shake well, add warm water, shake some more. Test temperature before using. Conditioner: In half to one gallon jug combine cap full of Nice and Fluffy fabric softener, flea powder and regular conditioner. (May add a splash of distilled vinegar if the dog has oily skin.) Add some hot water, shake well, add warm water, shake more. Test temp. before using. Brush dog. Wet dog, shampoo feet and legs, then belly, tail, neck, sides, back and head (be careful with eyes). Rinse well. Shampoo with regular shampoo to remove bluing, tide, etc. and rinse well again. Pour conditioner mix over dog and massage into coat. Rinse well. Dry and brush dog. Although none of our dogs have ever had a reaction, some dogs may be allergic to this. This is also not for regular baths but for getting a really dirty dog clean fairly fast. Note: Do *not* use too much bluing. I did once on a rescue Great Pyrenees and ended up with a light blue and white Pyr. {big grin :-D } If your dog does turn blue, don't worry, it will go away eventually. Here's a link to Valley Vet Supply where you can order the Orvus shampoo. http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?PGGUID=30e07b7d-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5 You can find Nice and Fluffy fabric softner at Shop N Save and Wal-Mart. The only place we can find fabric bluing around here is IGA.
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