Michael Zakharov

Contact Me Why I Breed Cocker Spaniels It started with a pair of soft brown eyes and a tail that wagged like it had a secret to tell. The first time I met a Cocker Spaniel, I was just a kid, knees scraped and heart wide open. Her name was Daisy, and she belonged to my neighbor. She wasn’t even mine, but somehow, she claimed a piece of me anyway. Years later, after life had tossed its fair share of detours my way, I found myself standing in a small rescue shelter, and there she was — not Daisy, but a dog that looked so much like her it stopped me in my tracks. Her name was Luna. She came home with me that day and never left my side. That’s when I truly fell in love with the breed — not just their silky ears or expressive eyes, but their spirit. Cocker Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and intuitive in ways that seem almost human. They know when you need a nudge, a cuddle, or just quiet company. Luna reminded me how healing a dog’s love can be. But here’s the thing: not all Cockers come from good beginnings. Some are poorly bred, under-socialized, or neglected. I decided I wanted to be a part of changing that. Breeding — ethical, thoughtful breeding — became my mission. Not for ribbons or money, but for legacy. Each litter I raise is handled with care, socialized early, and matched to families who understand what it means to love and be loved by a Cocker. I stay in touch with many of the people who adopt them — we share photos, birthday updates, and sometimes even tears when the time comes to say goodbye years down the line. Why do I breed Cocker Spaniels? Because they gave me more than companionship — they gave me purpose. And now, I get to give that joy to others, one velvety-eared pup at a time.