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We are a small hobby "kennel" of show cocker spaniels, located in beautiful and picturesque Herefordshire. Our dogs are much-loved companions and exhibiting our dogs is one of our favourite hobbies, our other passion is Golf! |
My first encounter with dogs was with Labrador Retrievers who were trained and regularly worked to the gun. When I married and left home, I decided I needed a somewhat smaller & more compact size dog. It was important to have the wonderful gundog temperament & the loving and gentle nature so common with the Gundog breeds & after a lot of research decided the " merry" cocker would fit the bill! |
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My love of animals includes horses & I was fortunate to be involved with horses in Newmarket before moving to Co. Kildare in Eire where I was a 'pupil' of Iris Kellett at her world renowned equestrian centre. I decided to adopt the name of "Powerscourt" as my affix (kennel name). Powerscourt was the country home of the Earl of Powerscourt and is situated in Co. Wicklow, Eire & was close to our family home. |
Our first cocker joined the family in early 1987 and we named her "Misty".
She was a beautiful blue roan girl from Normanview & Styvechale lines. Due to
family commitments, "Misty" was not destined to be a Mum; however, she was
trained to the gun & enjoyed many happy days out in the fields never failing
to give of her best. |
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In early 1996, "Amy" (Spendles Sparkler of Powerscourt) joined the family. "Amy" was initially obedience trained & I was delighted to get her up to Test ‘A’ standard, something not often achieved by a Cocker! "Amy" competed at many Obedience shows before I started exhibiting dogs. Ever the versatile little girl, "Amy" soon took to showing & gave me a valuable insight into the all-consuming world of showing dogs! |
Although we exhibit (show) our dogs they are first and foremost our family pets. They share our home with us and live happily together. Like all pet dogs they enjoy a normal lifestyle and don't lack for plenty of fuss and attention although they do have to share! |
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Our aim when breeding a litter of puppies is to produce happy, healthy cocker spaniels with excellent temperaments & good conformation which are typical examples of the breed. |
As part of our commitment to the health of our dogs & the breed in general, we
started using the OptiGen prcd-PRA test in 2004. |
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We are also one of very few breeders of parti-coloured cockers to hip score our dogs under the KC/BVA Hip Scoring Scheme. In addition to this our dogs are GPRA/CPRA & Glaucoma tested under the KC/BVA Eye Scheme. |
I have been a keen exhibitor and I also judge Cocker Spaniels, American Cocker Spaniels, Welsh Springer Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels at Open Show level. I have an ardent interest in all breeds of dog, I have completed the Animal Care College Judging Diploma (passed with Credit), the Dog Breeding Diploma (passed with Distinction) & the Diploma In Advanced Canine Care (also passed with Distinction). Chris Pritchard (Mrs) |
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