About Silky Ears Spaniels
Silky Ears Spaniels is a small breeding program dedicated to the English Cocker Spaniel, located in Cockatoo in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Victoria.
Our dogs are part of our everyday lives, and their health, welfare and happiness sit at the heart of everything we do. We are passionate about preserving the qualities that make the English Cocker Spaniel, with careful consideration given to health, temperament, genetics and breed type.
For us, breeding is about understanding the dogs behind each pairing, raising them with care and purpose, and helping them become well adjusted companions for the families who welcome them home.
About Me
My name is Amba and my interest in animal reproduction extends beyond my work with dogs.
Since 2018, I have worked professionally in the animal industry, specialising in reproductive techniques including IVF, embryo and sperm cryopreservation and reproductive surgery in rodents. My role also involves daily animal care, welfare management and attention to the many factors that contribute to an animal's health and development.
This background has given me a strong understanding of reproductive biology, genetics and animal welfare, which informs the way I approach breeding decisions and puppy development.
At home, my dogs are first and foremost family. Each has their own personality, needs and place in our lives and getting to know them as individuals is an important part of our breeding program.
Thoughtfully bred and lovingly raised
Every litter begins with careful consideration of the dogs involved and what they may contribute to future generations.
Health testing, genetic compatibility, temperament, structure and breed type all play a role in our breeding decisions. We consider the strengths of each dog alongside areas that require consideration, with the aim of making informed pairings that support the health and preservation of the breed over time.
We place particular importance on temperament. The English Cocker Spaniel is known for being an affectionate, engaging and people oriented dog and we value dogs that reflect these qualities while retaining the characteristics that define the breed.
Our Breeding Philosophy
Raising Our Puppies
Our puppies are born and raised inside our home, where they are part of everyday life from the very beginning.
As they grow, they experience age appropriate handling, enrichment and exposure to the sights, sounds and routines of household life. We introduce new experiences gradually, allowing each puppy to develop at their own pace while building familiarity with people, different environments and everyday activities.
We spend time observing each puppy as their individual personality begins to develop. Their confidence, responses to new experiences, interactions with people and littermates and developing temperaments all help us understand who they are and what they may need from their future home.
Registration & Verification
We are registered with Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) and verified through RightPaw. Our breeding program has also undergone veterinary auditing.
We value transparency in our registrations, health testing and breeding practices and encourage prospective families to explore the information available about our program.
MDBA Breeder Number: 41757
You can learn more through our MDBA breeder verification and RightPaw profile.
DNA & Genetic Health Testing
We believe responsible breeding starts with understanding the dogs behind each litter. DNA testing is an important part of our breeding program, helping us make informed decisions about genetic health and the preservation of genetic diversity.
Our breeding dogs undergo relevant genetic testing for inherited conditions, with results carefully considered when selecting suitable pairings. This allows us to prevent the risk of producing puppies affected by known inherited diseases while making informed decisions about genetic compatibility.
We also use genetic information to better understand the colours and patterns our dogs may pass on to their puppies. While colour genetics are an interesting part of our program, health, temperament, conformation and overall suitability remain our priorities when planning each litter.
DNA testing is one part of a broader approach to health. We also consider veterinary care, relevant health assessments, pedigree history and the individual characteristics of each dog when making breeding decisions.
