We often get asked questions about our dogs, so we are answering some of those here: I will also answer your questions, feel free to email, message on Facebook at Rebecca Bowman or call me.
Do you breed your dogs? When we have an exceptional bitch we will occasionally try to breed her to continue the bloodline.
Do you compete in AKC Conformation? Our dogs compete in AKC, UKC and IABCA Conformation (American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club , and The International Dog Shows International All breed Canine Association).
What other dog sports are your dogs involved in? We participate in Barn Hunts, Beginner Agility, Obedience Training, Rally classes and a trial here and there, Scent work classes and Treibball. Utah is beginning to learn Dock Diving (since she is an avid swimmer and all our dogs love being in and out on the water) and registered with North American Dock Dogs (NADD). We are also registered with the Barn Hunt Association.
Do you health test your dogs before breeding them? Modern genetic testing allows breeders to exclude dogs that may have genetic health issues. This has greatly improved the health of many dog breeds. We do our part with extensive health testing on our dogs before we breed them. Only dogs with with exceptional health and genetics are breed. We conducted DNA genetic testing, submitted and registered in the OFA data base via the University of Missouri. Feel free to look us up! Current OFA Testing (starts at 6 months of age and continue until they are 2 years old) before the dog is ready for breeding. We have already tested our dogs for the following DNA genetic tests including eyes (Progressive Retinal Atrophy -PRA Cord 1, hips, elbows, CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation,) Phosphofructokinase deficiency (PFK), Cardiac Auscultation, and DM, CAER results are normal. Test results are available through the OFA testing providers data base. We also monitor our dogs for other non tested health issues and will not breed a dog that has any issues that can be passed on to their puppies. I am doing all possible health testing recommended for sound English Springer Spaniels.
What do you feed your dogs? I use the Rotation Diet on Salty and Nelson. We have tried a variety of foods throughout the years, based on our Veterinarian's recommendations and I use Dog Food Advisor, before I consider a rotation. Huckleberry and Utah eat salmon and rice by Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach.
What do you use for heart worm and Flea protection? We use Sentinal from my veterinarian.
Who should get a Springer? Springers need lots of exercise (and adventures!), plenty of healthy food and yearly veterinary check ups. They are wonderful companions and need a fenced in yard or land to run and play. Springers cannot to be cooped up all day, while owners are at work. That is not the ideal life for a Springer. These are some of the many things to consider if choosing an English Springer Spaniel.
What type of registration will the puppies include? Puppies will be sold on a Limited AKC Registration.