I have a cocker spaniel and I want to know when is the best age to breed him (((((nb: he is a male)))))

Ask your Vet - responsible breeding requires a thorough exam by the Vet concerning health, blood lines and so forth. When your Vet does the exam he/she will advise you.

How old is he now?

Have you done all the background work regarding his history so he won't be passing on a bad gene or possible disability of some sort?

I'm a cat person. The Dogs Experts will be along to give you good responses (***ADDED*** in addition to Judy's), so please check back occasionally for more replies.

About two years of age is a good age if you are going to breed.

Is this a full breed animal ? Do you have breeding plans

2-3 years is a good age to breed dogs at.

I hope you are ensuring that he is genetically sound (he's not passing any undesirable traits) and that you are proving him in either the confirmation ring, obedience ring or hunting competitions. Not only will you be breeding to better quality females, but you can ask for more money for his stud fees.

Please know that you cannot breed a dog base on bloodlines alone. Your dog has to prove he is smart, trainable and healthy. Bloodlines only help a little bit.

I am sure also that you realize that many cockers start having vision issues at about 2 years, so be sure he is being checked.

As others have said 2 years is the minimum age I would like to see a dog bred at. This is because some of the health testing cannot be accurately done until the dog has matured. Hip and elbow scores (where they x-ray and grade the joints) aren't accurate until maturity when the bones and joints have completely finished forming.

Other tests though can be done much earlier so you can space out the cost involved such as PRA testing, PRA is something the dog either does or doesn't have and maturity doesn't matter, it will show up regardless of whether the dog is showing symptoms yet or not. Vets are now able to determine if your dog is a carrier for some genetic problems as well (obviously 2 carriers should not be bred together, but a carrier and a clear can be).

Thanks guys