Our Whelping Box

OUR PROCESS: We feel our most important responsibility is to ensure the proper screening is done on each prospective family. This will help aid us in making sure our puppies go to the right, responsible homes as well as match the right puppy with the right family. In order to begin this process, we ask that you first complete our application. We will then contact you to discuss your intentions for a new puppy and our expectations as a breeder to determine if a Bellamy puppy is right for you. If we feel that after the screening process you are the right fit, you will be notified and be placed on our waiting list. Do expect close to a year or more wait time as puppies are living, breathing animals, with their own agendas and cannot be made to order!​ It really all depends on your preferences and how you might fit with what I have available. However, my waitlist is not on a first-come-first -serve basis, I select where my puppies go based on who I feel would be best fit for my puppies. The reason I do this is because my dogs are like family to me, and bettering the breed is my passion. I am very selective to whom my puppies go to so they have the best home possible and do not end up in the wrong hands either (rehomed without my knowledge, given away, released to shelter, etc.) I will be honest that those homes who show me they’re committed to being the best home for a Bellamy puppy in regard to close communication (every month or two) often get a shorter wait.

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We breed for ourselves first, meaning we pick the puppy that we feel is suitable for the show ring, to carry on our breeding program, and to protect, preserve, and improve the breed as a whole. We will grade puppies based on how close they physically and mentally adhere to the AKC standard and will then determine the pet puppies from the show puppies. However, most litters will have some companion puppies and sometimes other potential show puppies available. From there, we will match you and your family with what we feel will be the best fit for your lifestyle and family dynamics. We feel that it is vital for the breeder to make the match to ensure a proper fit and relationship between the puppy and new owner.  As a breeder, we know our puppies best... Their habits, temperaments, social interaction, energy level, quirks, and so forth. Every one of these factors will aid us in the direction of where each puppy should end up. It is imperative that as a prospective puppy owner you elaborate on your living situation; activity level suited for yourself, dwelling, and situation; family dynamics, etc to help us match you with the best possible fit.

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Prior to leaving to their new homes, all of our puppies will be docked, microchipped, dewclaws removed, up-to-date on their vaccinations and deworming, pass a veterinary puppy wellness examination, and have begun basic house training, crate training, grooming desensitization, leash training, and socialization. We place our puppies at 10-12 weeks of age and encourage you to visit our home and meet the puppies and their parents in order to find the perfect match. Our puppies will also come with a packet of information that includes their AKC Registration Application, new ownership Contract, vaccination record, and microchip information. Their health clearances, pedigree, grooming chart, and more will be emailed to you. We are careful to raise the best puppies possible, exposing them to many different sights and sounds including children and other pets. They are handled from day one, including weekly bathing, grooming table manners, nail trimming, ear/face/neck shaving, brushing, blow drying, walking on a leash, crate training and more. We make every effort to raise well-mannered and well-tempered puppies who are confident and comfortable with activities of daily living.

 

We take pride in breeding sound, healthy, and happy English Cockers, which are bred to adhere to the written standard published by The American Kennel Club. We are very passionate about English Cockers and have dedicated ourselves to produce only the best of quality. We are proud members of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America and the English Cocker Spaniel Club of Northern California.

 

Maintaining a breeding program clear of common ECS related genetic diseases is of the upmost importance. All of our breeding stock is tested and cleared for breed-associated genetic diseases prior to breeding. This includes Adult Onset Neuropathy, Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Familial Nephropathy, and more. You can learn more about these genetic diseases under our "More: About English Cockers" tab. 

 

We encourage all potential puppy owners to visit your local dog show and try to meet other examples of this wonderful breed. We are always welcoming newcomers to our show ring, so if you're competitive at nature, let us know and we would happily introduce you to the show ring! You just may get "bit by the show bug", too...

 

The price for a Bellamy ECS is $3,500. We feel this price is comparable with many reputable breeders in the country and appropriately reflects the money spent to produce a healthy litter. This can include Stud fees; Progesterone testing; Shipping or travel expenses for either the stud, dam, or semen; Artificial Insemination/Transcervical Insemination; Ultrasound, Xray, Veterinary/ C-Section (if needed); Supplies and Equipment; Health testing fees; Registration fees; Puppy Vaccinations, Wellness Checks, and more.​

 

Lastly, if for any reason, at any time, an individual or family can no longer keep the animal, said owner will be responsible to return the dog to us, no questions asked. We simply do not want this dog to end up in the wrong hands. Our dogs are our family, first and foremost. We are here for the lifetime of the dog, as a resource and support of our puppy owners. 

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To explain our process a little deeper...

As a breeder of live animals, we cannot guarantee a particular breeding will be successful, or a specific color or gender will be available. Breeding is always a gamble, and we'd like to explain our process a bit more so you understand that puppies cannot just be made to order. We appreciate you being flexible with us during this process!

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Breeding: Our female ECS come into season only every six-nine months, or sometimes even longer. When a female is in season, she becomes fertile and eligible to breed. If a breeding successful, her gestation is 9 weeks from date of ovulation. Breeding dogs is a gamble and isn't as easy as selecting two dogs and making puppies. Many hours and dollars are spent preparing the dam; selecting the sire; determining compatibility for breeding, health, and travel arrangements; progesterone timing; actual breeding (by either live cover, AI, TCI, etc); and prenatal care. There is no guarantee a particular breeding will be successful, despite all our best efforts.

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Birth- two weeks old: Once puppies have been confirmed (by ultrasound or x-ray), we excitedly anticipate their arrival. There, of course, is no guarantee here either that puppies will be born safely. Newborn puppies are completely dependent on their mother at birth and are very fragile. We are fortunate that all of our dams have been natural "free-whelpers" (meaning no c-sections required), however it is always a concern. We have lost of a number of puppies after the birthing process, so it is imperative to remain guarded on the number of puppies we may have available as time goes on. We hold our breath for those first two weeks as sometimes some puppies just aren't meant to live in the outside world, despite our best efforts and sparing no expenses. This is why we tell our prospective new homes to please be patient with us during the entire process. During the first few days, we will try our best efforts to get them nursing and gaining as needed, bonding with their mother, removing dewclaws and docking tails, and accustomed to living in the outside world. Puppies at this age are both deaf and eyes unopened and we spend many hours by their side to give them the best start possible. 

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Two-four weeks old: During this time, we usually can breathe easy knowing the puppies past two weeks of age will survive. They will begin to open their eyes and hear at two weeks old. We begin to handle them frequently, so they are accustomed to getting their feet, ears, mouths and bodies touched by humans. They are also introduced to children at this time. Deworming procedure has begun at two weeks of age and is repeated every two weeks until the go homes. At four weeks of age, they are introduced to puppy mush as they begin the weaning process. Their whelping box has now also been expanded into a puppy playpen so they can better interact with the world around them, including our other dogs. We will usually notify any approved families next on our waitlist of the potential for a puppy at this time and, if interested, we welcome potential new owners to visit the litter after this age.

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Four-six weeks old: This is where the real fun begins! Our puppies are finally introduced to weekly trimming and grooming, bathing, stacking (foursquare position to assess body structure), and crate training. We will DNA health test most puppies at this age for PRA, FN, and AON. Prospective new families will be kept up to date if we may have a puppy available to them.

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Six-eight weeks old: At six weeks old, we are finally able to begin assessing each puppy if they be show/breeding quality or companion only. This is only a rough estimate at this time, and many puppies go through many changes during the next several weeks. We will begin leash training and continue potty and crate training at this time. At eight weeks old, they will have their veterinarian examination, first puppy vaccines, and microchip inserted. Usually, any potential approved families next on our waitlist will be notified of puppy availability at this time and arrangements and fine details of puppy ownership will be made. We usually cannot determine quite yet WHICH puppy exactly may be available to a new family, but we can usually narrow it down to some degree. We will collect a $500 deposit (out of the $3,500 total) at this time to retain a puppy for the new family.

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Eight-10 weeks old: We will use this time to continue to assess each puppy as they compare to the written AKC Standard in both Conformation and temperament. As a breeder, we will be making the selection where each puppy will be placed as we always breed a litter to keep something for ourselves to better the breed, but also since we know our puppies best. We are careful to include ineligible characteristics for show/breeding such as undescended testicles, wry/under/overshot bites, or undesirable qualities for showing/breeding. This does NOT mean a companion puppy is less desirable, healthy, or lovable than a show puppy! As a responsible breeder, it is our duty to only show and breed the best specimens of the best we possible. Those that do not "make the cut" are placed into loving homes and are as equally loved, healthy, and biddable as puppies we may choose to keep for ourselves.

 

10-12 weeks old: Now, finally our puppies are ready to live with their very own families! Very often we arrange a "puppy party" at approximately 10 weeks of age at our home or public park (in Northern NV or CA) so everyone can meet and conduct final puppy evaluations to determine where each puppy will thrive best. This usually includes friends and breeders from our dog show world to help evaluate and confirm the show from the pet quality puppies so we can rest assured the proper choices have been made! Afterwards, new families are encouraged to take their new puppy home or arrangements can be made to meet at a later date. We encourage new owners to pick up their puppy in person, but can make arrangements to meet at area shows, airports, or within a 2-3 hour drive distance from us. 

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From their new life-on: Please stay in touch! We LOVE hearing from our new puppy parents, and embrace any photos, videos, comments, and questions they have for us. We hope our relationship does not end at transaction and hope to continue to be there for support for you and your new companion for it's lifetime!

 

Thank you for your interest in owning a Bellamy English Cocker Spaniel, we look forward to getting to know you and hope to provide you with your next furry family member!

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