Judith Webb: I live in a small town in the Northeast Connecticut and have been in the breed for 16-plus years.
Judith Webb: My kennel name is SoundView Cockers.
Judith Webb: I started in the Parti variety, and so, the noteworthy winners, for me, were dogs such as Empire’s Brooklyn Dodger and San Jo’s Born to Win.
My own noteworthy winners include: RBISS BISS GCHG SoundView’s Master of The North (Jon) started his career with me and we made the NOHS Finals and went OHBOV at the 2017 AKC National Championship in Florida. Starting in 2018, and together with Jessica Lagath, Jon went on to win many Group placements, Sporting Groups, and several Specialty BIS. Jon ended his show career as the No. 1 ASCOB. GCHB SoundView’s Voyager (Cruz) was owner-handled by myself.
We won many Group placements, Sporting Groups, and made the NOHS Finals and OHBOV in 2019. GCHB SoundView’s Ring Master (Barnum) has won many Group placements in 2020-2022 and Select at Westminster KC in 2021. He qualified two years in a row for the NOHS Finals and won OHBOV together with co-owner Bethany Keene in 2022. GCH CH Justice N SoundView’s Goddess of Fire (Hera) is a product of Justice Cockers, owner Debra Allen, breeding one of her girls to Jon. Hera won ASCOB variety at the ASC National 2022 and then BOS to BOB. This was a dream win for both Debra
and myself.
Judith Webb: I bought my foundation bitch from my mentor; her pedigree goes back to Lydgate and Ka Ron lines. She gave me two litters of which I kept a male and female. A couple years later, I purchased a two-year-old bitch that came from the Gemstonz lines. Breeding this girl back to my first litter dog produced many of my winning puppies and gave my lines the movement and outline I strived for.
Judith Webb: Our dogs are very much part of our family and so they live and are raised in our home. Puppies are whelped in a room near our kitchen. They are exposed to people and daily household traffic.
Judith Webb: I always consult with my mentor and co-owners. I like to watch them on the ground and at play before I pick. The overall look and movement (and not just parts) is how I like to pick my pups.
Judith Webb: I don’t compete anymore, but that was my first introduction into dogs. I started Agility with my first Cocker when I moved to the US. When I decided to show in Conformation, and then had my first litter, I really wanted to produce Cockers that would excel in all events. Now we have SoundView pups in homes that are competing and excelling in all Performance Events, and I could not be more proud of these owners and dogs and the titles they have achieved.
Judith Webb: I think it’s very important to see our breed in the field, doing what they were bred to do. As a breeder, what I see in the Conformation ring should translate to the field; form follows function.
Judith Webb: Regular grooming, diet, and exercise are crucial to keeping Cockers healthy and safe. Good muscle tone and weight helps to support the physical activities Cockers love to do.
Judith Webb: I think cataracts are our biggest hurdle, but as breeders and ASC members, we are doing the research and hoping to find the DNA marker. But for now, we do annual testing.
Judith Webb: I do think for now we have the support, but many of our best breeders are retiring or getting older. So, now it’s up to the younger breeders to carry forward the legacy of the many wonderful pedigrees/lineage that have been built, and preserve their hard work.
Judith Webb: Very much so, they can be very active but also ready to cuddle on a sofa or on your bed if given the opportunity. Cockers love their people and make wonderful companions. No matter the activity, this breed will do it.
Judith Webb: The biggest misconception is the excessive hair, but it’s nothing that a short trim can’t solve.
What’s the breeds best kept secret?
They are very versatile: Hunting, Agility, Obedience, and Dock Diving. But they are also ready to be a snuggle buddy. Cockers can do it all. There isn’t anything they are not willing to do for their people, and with lots of love and plenty of treats, they will excel in any of the Performance Sports.
Judith Webb: Judge the dog as the Breed Standard is written; as a whole, not in parts.
Judith Webb: Watch. Read. Ask questions and make sure you have a mentor who has your interest at heart. Don’t run before you can walk—and be humble.
Judith Webb: We had a boy (Brig) who I was looking to retire, and had a home visit with a family on a farm. The gentleman was very excited and took Brig to see the chickens. I warned that perhaps a leash would be best, but the man said no. He felt it would be okay. Well, Brig ran into the chicken coop, chickens flying everywhere, and the gentleman tried to rugby-tackle him (no luck with that). Then Brig dashed into the pig pen! Pigs screaming and fleeing was the next crazy scene. We did finally catch Brig, and I sheepishly left. He is now living his best life with a retired couple and loves his RV trips with his loving family.
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred Cocker Spaniel dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
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