Kit Goodrich | Rocksprings Welsh Springer Spaniels

Interview with Kit Goodrich, Breeder of Rocksprings Welsh Springer Spaniels

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What are the hallmarks of your breed and why are they important for maintaining breed type?
3. In your opinion, are there enough puppy homes to support breeding a litter this year?
4. How have you implemented new technologies in science and communications as a breeder?
5. In your community, have you noticed a change in the public’s perception of purebred dogs?
6. Have you noticed any trends in the sport? Anything to be concerned about?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport in recent years?

Kit Goodrich

1. I am Kit Goodrich, and I have had dogs all my life. My mom and dad raised Collies, and I got my first Welsh Springer Spaniel when I was 15 years old. She was my first breed champion. I have owned, bred, and exhibited Welsh Springers for 47 years. My kennel name is Rocksprings.

2. Welsh Springers are sturdily built without being overdone or heavy-boned. They have a ground-covering, moderate gait, and are not heavily coated. This allows them to do their job in the field and to work all day without tiring. Their temperament is reserved with strangers, but not shy or unfriendly.

3. Yes, currently I don’t have enough puppies for the people who want them.

4. My veterinarian specializes in canine reproduction and performs progesterone testing on my bitches to pinpoint ovulation, helping to predict the best time for breeding, estimate due dates, and identify any potential fertility concerns. We often use either frozen or fresh-chilled semen. I use my website, Facebook, and email to communicate with potential homes and update people on upcoming and current events with our litters and our dogs.

5. Not particularly. There are a lot who believe mixed breeds are healthier and that purposefully bred dogs add to overpopulation in shelters.

6. The NOHS (National Owner-Handled Series) seems to have had a positive impact. I am concerned about the aging judges and the difficulty and expense of becoming a judge. It’s becoming very hard to find judges who are capable of judging all day and who are up to date on the breeds.

7. The NOHS has been great for many people who find it difficult to compete with the pros. On the Performance side, it is great to see all the new sports available to dogs and handlers.

“Welsh Springers are sturdily built without being overdone or heavy-boned. They have a ground-covering, moderate gait, and are not heavily coated. This allows them to do their job in the field and to work all day without tiring.”