Hunting
Show bred dogs can't hunt..... we beg to differ!!
Beauty ~ Brains ~ Bird Sense
We place puppies in working/hunting homes and can refer you to another breeder who values working ability if we do not have anything available. E-mail me at calypsoecs@yahoo.com
English Cocker Spaniels belong to the
Sporting Group. They are flushing spaniels and are used primarily for
hunting upland game birds. We have hunted chukar and pheasant with our
English Cockers. They are also occasionally used for hunting rabbits.
This is a very versatile breed. They have tremendous power and agility
in their little bodies and can scramble through brush with ease. They
have great scenting power. They enjoy swimming and quite willingly
retrieve anything from water. They are eager, willing to please, and
very intelligent. They can make great hunting companions for someone
interested in hunting for pleasure. There are two types of competitions
offered by AKC which involve showcasing the hunting abilities of these
little flushing spaniels: Hunt Tests, and Field Trials. Field Trials are
dominated by field bred dogs, although I know of several show breds who have
competed with a good amount of success. Hunt Tests draw
competitors from both field and show bred lines. Show bred dogs from birdy lines can make beautiful, companionable bird dogs for people
wanting a hunting companion on the weekend and a great
family pet during the week.
AKC's Standards Of Performance for the three Hunt Test levels:
Junior Hunter: Junior Hunting Test. A Junior hunting dog must
show a desire to hunt in an enthusiastic manner and an ability to flush
and to retrieve. It is not necessary that a dog be steady to wing and
shot. The dog should show no fear of cover, a reasonable response to
commands (whistle, hand, or verbal), and maintain a reasonable working
distance from its handler. Junior hunting dogs should complete their
retrieves to close proximity of handler, but need not retrieve
completely to hand. Handlers may control their dogs by hand, whistle,
and/or verbal signals but only in the quiet manner that would be used in
the field. A Junior hunting dog may be restrained gently on the line at
water.
Senior Hunter: Senior Hunting Dog. A Senior hunting dog must show
all of the attributes of a Junior hunting dog. In addition the dog must
show true boldness to cover, a pattern addressing the course objectives
and an intense desire to hunt. A proper working distance and independent
hunting sense must be maintained. The dog need not be steady to wing and
shot on land but should not show uncontrollable chasing in a missed bird
situation. The dog must be linesteady at water, must retrieve eagerly to
hand, and exhibit the ability to "hunt dead'' on a blind retrieve.
Master Hunter: Master Hunting Dog. A Master hunting dog must show
all of the attributes of Senior hunting dogs, but must also give a
finished performance and demonstrate clearly that it deserves to be
qualified as such. It must be under the handler's control at all times,
and must handle kindly, with an absolute minimum of noise and hacking by
the handler. A Master hunting dog must show a keen enthusiasm to hunt,
must have a bold and attractive manner of running, and must demonstrate
not only intelligence in seeking objectives, but also excellent ability
to find game. The dog must hunt for its handler at all times at a
suitable gun range, showing a fine Spaniel pattern and experienced
hunting independence. The dog must locate game, flush well and must be
absolutely steady to wing and shot without excessive handling in both
land and water testing. Intelligent use of the wind and terrain in
locating game, accurate nose, and intensity are essential. After the
shot, a Master hunting dog must positively demonstrate its steadiness to
wing and shot. The handler shall not command or signal the dog to
retrieve until steadiness has been demonstrated.
If you are interested in attending a Hunt Test to watch English Cockers
doing what they were bred to do, please e-mail me and I will let you
know about any upcoming Hunt Tests:
calypsoecs@yahoo.com.
Taffy at 4 months old. A Blind Retrieve (-:
Puppies working with pigeons.
Marcus at 4 months flushing a pigeon.
English Cockers love to swim!
