health matters

At Merrydale we take health seriously. The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America (ECSCA) has a well written page on the 10 areas of concern in our breed. https://ecscahealthandrescue.org/health-clearances/

“Screening for these concerns is strongly recommended as basic practices for a sound and meaningful breeding program.”

At Merrydale we test for all 10 health concerns, at a minimum, including yearly eye testing. Our results are available for public viewing on the website of the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). To see our dam’s results see link below. Further health tests to follow at the appropriate age:

https://ofa.org/advanced-search/?appnum=2673294

Puppies are guaranteed for their lifetime to be exempt from Familial Nephropathy, Adult Onset Neuropathy, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Congenital Deafness, Bernard Soulier Syndrome, Acral Mutilation Syndrome, Exercise Induced Collapse and Phosphofructokinase Deficiency. And a 26 month guarantee covering hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, Autoimmune Thyroiditis and eye disorders.

We also only pair our dam to unrelated studs. This prevents inbreeding and strengthens the offspring's genetic vitality.