breeding

Merilegs Cockers

I have loved the American Cocker Spaniel
since my parents brought Pete home when I was 3 years old.
It is only recently that I was inspired to breed "Blonde" Cockers
by a dear friend, June Wollenberg.
She provided my foundation bitch, Poverty Peak's Meri Madeline
(Ch April's Tiebreaker - Poverty Peak's Pumpkin Pie 12/21/02).
Since then, I have learned a lot about breeding and the breed standard...learned
enough to know I don't know much at all. But I am fortunate to have several highly
experienced & respected breeder friends who are invaluable advisors and mentors
and whose expertise I continually tap.
Breeding toward the goal of coming as close to the AKC breed standard as possible is
an exciting pursuit. Continuing the Poverty Peak line
that June so lovingly cultivated is an honor.
Assisting a bitch during whelping and bringing precious Cockers into the world
is an intensely moving experience....and so much fun!

All my Cockers are CERF & OFA cleared yearly.

My Puppies are born & raised in my home, handled & socialized to the touch
of several different adults & children right from the start.
As soon as they're old enough they mingle with the other family dogs, becoming part of "the
pack"/part of our family in the home, not in a kennel. As soon as they're vaccinated I take them
to as many places & events as possible to get them used to the big world. All of this combined
with positive play & training ensures a litter of happy, healthy, well-socialized Cockers who then
become healthy, well-adjusted, loving companions in the families they move on to.
They're showy, athletic and joyous pups.
Additionally, the family who buys a Merilegs Cocker automatically becomes a Poverty Peak Pup
member & is invited to annual Poverty Peak Pup reunions.
See photos of past reunions here.
Visit the Poverty Peak Page here.

Thank you for visiting!
Email any comments/questions/inquiries regarding
my breeding and/or puppies for sale.
TheJoyOfBeingDog.com