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How we got to be an English Cocker Breeder from Wisconsin.
We started with the show or bench English Cocker Spaniel when our daughter was in 4H conformation and obedience classes. My job was to get them to shows and I was in charge of the loving end of the dogs. We raised one batch of puppies with our American Kennel Club (AKC) show dog, Annie. We kept two of the puppies for pets, one for my other daughter and one for my son. After the girls got married, both son-in-laws liked to pheasant hunt. I wanted to get my own hunting dog and liked the temperament of the English Cocker so I decided on the field breeding. The dogs from field English Cocker breeding have a more rounded head, a lot less hair (we trim the feet and ears), more energy, better health, and are very intelligent when comparing field & show breeding. Comparing the temperament of field and show English Cockers they are about the same, very loving, obedient, and wanting to please. The temperament of our cockers is very relaxed and calm in the home. They do need and demand attention. The dogs love to sit in my lap at the same time. They will nudge my hand to get some petting. They will bark if someone comes to the door. They mellow right out after meeting strangers, waiting to be petted.

When I am taking them hunting though it is a different story. They know the difference between just going for a ride and going hunting. They can’t wait to get to the field and hunt! The English Cockers have earned their nick name “pocket rockets”. They are very energetic, close working dogs. It is fun to watch them work. I get many compliments from my clients on the dogs when guiding. I used to be a licensed guide in Wisconsin. I have gotten so busy being retired that my license has expired. October to December I go to South or North Dakota & Iowa hunting wild birds. To help promote the sport of hunting to the younger generation, I also volunteer as a guide for the Youth Hunt Events through Pheasants Forever and the Wisconsin DNR Learn to Hunt Program. With volunteering I now guide and mentor young adults in bird hunting. The English Cockers being close working is an advantage with new hunters.