At Woefkesranch we place great importance on healthy, well-socialized and genetically screened puppies.
The American Cocker Spaniel is a wonderful and affectionate breed, but also a breed for which health testing is absolutely essential.
👉 That’s why we only work with breeding dogs that have been extensively tested for:
- Genetic abnormalities
- Hips and elbows
- Eyes
- General health
🧬 DNA tests in our American Cockers
American Cockers are known for their susceptibility to certain hereditary diseases, particularly affecting the eyes and joints.
That’s why we have our breeding dogs thoroughly tested by recognized laboratories.
✔ Example: DNA result of the male « Joe »
📄 See the full DNA report (PDF)
🔎 Main conclusion :
- Joe is clear of all tested genetic conditions
- More than 100 genetic anomalies tested
- No carrier status for major hereditary diseases
➡️ This means:
- No risk of transmission of the tested hereditary conditions
- Safe breeding combinations possible
🫴 Hips & joints (HD/ED)
Joint problems such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation occur in this breed.
That’s why we test every male and female breeding dog.
✔ Joe’s results:
📄 See the official report (PDF)
🔎 Interpretation :
- Hip score: Hip score: very favorable (low laxity, low risk)
- Elbows: Elbows: free (grade 0)
- No osteoarthritis present
➡️ Conclusion: excellent joints, suitable for responsible breeding.
👁 Eye examination (very important in Cockers)
Eye problems such as:
- PRA (blindness)
- cataract
- glaucoma
are relatively common in American Cockers.
That’s why we systematically perform eye tests.
✔ Result for Joe :
📄 See the eye examination (PDF)
🔎 Conclusion :
- Free of significant eye diseases
- No indication of hereditary eye diseases
➡️ Essential for healthy puppies without vision problems.
❤ Why this is so important
Many breeders do not test, or test insufficiently.
This leads to puppies at risk of:
- Ear problems
- Eye diseases (blindness)
- Joint problems
- Chronic conditions
👉 At Woefkesranch, we avoid this through a strict selection and testing.
🐾 Our breeding vision
We breed American Cocker Spaniels with a focus on:
✔ Health (DNA + medical tests)
✔ Temperament (friendly, stable, child-friendly)
✔ Correct conformation
✔ Transparency with clients
✔ Summary
At Woefkesranch, you get:
- Parents genetically tested (DNA)
- Healthy joints
- Eye examination
- Clear documentation
- Appropriate support
👉 Result : a healthy and stable puppy that you will enjoy for years
✔ Recognized breeding program according to the Flanders breeding decree
The Flemish Government approved on 31 May 2024 the decree concerning the breeding of dogs and cats and the conditions for issuing pedigrees. This decree is also called the breeding decree.
The breeding decree aims to promote the breeding of healthy dogs and cats by:
- reducing existing hereditary conditions
- preserving or increasing genetic diversity
The implementation of the breeding decree is ensured by recognized registry associations and coordinating associations.
