05/03/2026
Every day, I hear another heartbreaking story of a family being scammed while searching for a Cocker Spaniel puppy. It’s incredibly upsetting to see people taken advantage of when they’re simply trying to bring a loving new companion into their home.
If you are looking for a Cocker Spaniel, please take your time and protect yourself. A little extra caution can save you a lot of heartache.
Here are a few things I strongly recommend:
1. Talk to a real person. A reputable breeder will gladly speak with you and answer your questions. If someone avoids conversation or only communicates by text or email, that’s a red flag.
2. Do your research. Google the breeder’s name, kennel name, and phone number. Make sure everything matches—location, dogs, history, and contact details.
3. Use trusted resources. Visit the American Spaniel Club website and reach out to breeders listed on their referral page. These breeders have been vetted.
4. Be cautious of multiple locations. If someone claims to be based in more than one state, proceed with extreme caution—this is a common scam tactic.
5. Watch for stolen identities. Scammers are now using the names, photos, and reputations of real, respected breeders to create fake websites and social media accounts.
6. Understand normal payment practices. Reputable breeders typically require one deposit and are transparent about pricing. They do not keep adding unexpected fees, and many do not use apps like Cash App.
There are many more warning signs, but these are some of the most common ones I hear from families who have been scammed.
It truly breaks my heart to see this happening, especially when people are just hoping to welcome one of these wonderful dogs into their lives.
Please be careful and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
If you have questions or need guidance, I’m always happy to help—feel free to send me a private message.