Spaniel field trials

From the beginning, trials held by the Cocker clubs included stakes for Springers. Likewise, Springer clubs throughout the country held Cocker stakes, and American and English Cockers competed in the same stakes without breed distinction. Field trials were the perfect showcase for the Springer. The trial judges now select the winner. The Depression years and World War II caused an alarming decline in Spaniel trials between and ; but it was a rekindled interest in field trials for Cocker Spaniels that led the way to inspired activity in Spaniel trials.

For over thirty years the game little Cocker Spaniel had become the darling of the dog-show world, where in misguided innocence, the natural hunting instincts of most Sporting Breed dogs are bred-out on the notion that function follows form. With no pool of Cockers having functioning genes available in America for breeding, the Cocker became a modern day, field-trial dinosaur-another man-made, huntless sporting dog.

Fortunately a few Cocker field trial enthusiasts remained. Thanks to a dedicated group of English Cocker breeders who worked on expanding their gene pool with imported dogs. The English Cocker Spaniel Club hosted a National Championship field trial in , over thirty years since the national championship. The English Springer Spaniel did not suffer the same fate as the Cocker, because the basic pool of functioning genes for the breed remained intact in England.

We determined that we would put forth every effort to host a National that would bring about finding the best National Champion possible.

For if the purpose of field trials is to determine the breeding stock of the future, then we as a Committee would be pleased if the trial fairly and adequately challenged the competitors to bring out the qualities of a dog worthy of being crowned a National Champion. To do this, many factors must be addressed. Some are paramount: good grounds, guns, birds, planting, course layout, judges management, logistics, and hospitality.

None of these come without planning, knowledge, and effort. The hope is that if you put on a great trial, you will attract the best dogs. Spaniel Field Trials. Open Fullscreen Gallery. In addition: Spayed or neutered dogs are eligible to enter. Bitches in Season are not eligible to enter and may not be on the grounds of the event.

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