I'm the breeder behind Stargazer Kennel located in Victor, MT. We pride ourselves in the fact that we test every breeding pair for inheritable diseases. We want to be sure that we never produce a heartache for our puppy buyers, nor a miserable existence for the pup. Our dogs are our family first.
About Darlene
We have been breeding Cocker Spaniels for 28 years now, and have a very distinctive line that we are very proud to call our own. Producing many Champions has earned us the esteemed title of being a breeder of Merit for the AKC.
What makes Darlene’s program special
All puppies are born in our house and kept there until they go to their new homes. This allows each puppy to have individual attention, as well as get used to all sights and sounds that are involved in the house. We have a large yard that, when weather permits, they go out and enjoy the sunshine and companionship of older dogs. We also give them plenty of toys as this encourages them to use their natural instincts for retrieval.
Darlene is a member of a club
The American Spaniel Club
Darlene’s certifications & recognitions
produced over 40 champions , Member of American Spaniel Club , AKC Breeder of Merit
Newborn Cocker Spaniels from Braun and CC
Born Dec. 2024. Ready Feb. 24
Newborn Cocker Spaniels from Braun and CC
Born Dec. 2024
Ready Feb. 24
Darlene has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Puppy prices range from $2,000 - $2,500 and include a non-refundable deposit of $500.
“Including AKC pre-paid registration, puppy pack, vaccines, and socialization. deposit is due when the puppies are born.”
Darlene may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Darlene offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Darlene directly.
Puppies are raised inside the home, exposed to adult dogs, and played with and handled regularly. If the puppy is going to a hunting home, they will be exposed to duck feathers, quacking toys, and taken outside to hear gun-fire. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Introduced to people of different ages and appearances, Socialized with other dogs, Daily handling, Scent introduction, Socialized in new places, Socialized with children, Surface & tactile stimulation, Car rides, Various sounds, Sound Stimulation, and Socialized with Children.
We do vaccinations and de-wormers for all our puppies. We require our new owners to take their pups to the vet within the first few days.
We send our puppies home with Initial potty training, Puppy starter kit, Toys, Food & treats, Vet records, Registration, and Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent.
Darlene offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
“Most people fly in, or drive here to get their puppies as other forms of transportation can be stressful. However, we do ship either ground or air if you prefer. ”
Work with a trusted transporter to get your puppy comfortably dropped off at an airport or meeting point close to home.
Darlene has been a member of Good Dog for over 5 years
Darlene was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2019.
Darlene’s program includes two colors
Darlene’s Cocker Spaniel puppies include buff and black and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Stargazer Kennel meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
All breeds
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
About Braun
Braun is a male Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Darlene decided to make him part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Excellent health testing
Elbow Dysplasia Prelims (registered with OFA), Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), +1 more
Cocker Spaniel
About CC
Cc is super sweet loves everybody and especially loves her toys
Excellent health testing
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA), Hip Dysplasia Finals (OFA, PennHIP, BVA, SV, FCI)
Cocker Spaniel
About Echo
Echo is a female Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darlene decided to make her part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Hope
Hope is a female Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darlene decided to make her part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Echo
Echo is a female Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darlene decided to make her part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Jacob
Jacob is a male Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Darlene decided to make him part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Faye
Faye is a female Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darlene decided to make her part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Goldie
Goldie is a female Cocker Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, Darlene decided to make her part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
About Romeo
Romeo is a male Cocker Spaniel about 6 years old. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, Darlene decided to make him part of their program. Darlene has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Cocker Spaniel
Excellent level
Stargazer Kennel reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Cocker Spaniels.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Patellar Luxation
Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.
Full Embark Panel, DNA Profile, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd), GenSol Diagnostics DNA Testing
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.
Health testing is one key piece of responsible breeding and is performed on breeding dogs to prevent the presence of heritable conditions in their puppies.