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Laura Heidrich of Laurent Kennel shares insights from decades breeding champion Cocker Spaniels, Pointers & Irish Setters.
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Laura Heidrich
1. Hi, I’m Laura Heidrich, of Laurent Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, and Irish Setters. I have 10 acres in Manhattan, Illinois. I started in dogs in 1988 after competing in horses, Hunters, specifically, where movement is very important, for over 20 years. I had my first litter in 1989, and to date, have bred over 250 champion Cockers as my main breed. Most of these were Breeder/Owner-Handled. I have bred many Champion Pointers and Irish Setters as well. My dogs have been winners on a national level for many years.
2. In Cocker Spaniels, the hallmarks of our beautiful breed are head type, outline, Sporting dog movement, and a happy, merry temperament. Cockers are bred to hunt woodcock and then come home and be your best buddy, so temperament is extremely important as is a ground-covering, effortless movement to be able to hunt all day. The head type and slightly sloping topline make the Cocker easy to identify.
3. I do think there are enough puppy homes to breed litters, as I get many inquiries and there are really not that many breeders these days. Cockers are a great medium-sized, all-around pet, which doesn’t shed as much as a lot of other breeds because they don’t have as much undercoat. Being in the breed as long as I have been, and due to my diligence on health testing and knowledge of pedigrees, I have many repeat homes in addition to many referrals as well as show homes.
4. I have used progesterone testing and chilled and frozen semen to breed litters more often than in the past, opening up the possibilities to linebreed more effectively on great dogs in the pedigrees. Transcervical insemination has made these breedings easier on the bitches as well.
I do think that the use of Facebook, in particular, has made communicating with other breeders, fanciers, and potential customers much easier. It also helps if you are looking for transportation for dogs as well. We all try to help each other out in that way.
5. Public perception of purebred dogs has improved immensely over the last few years. People have found that purebred dogs are predictable; you know what size, breed characteristics, and temperament to expect when purchasing a purebred dog. Even adult purebred Cockers are consistent and easily adaptable to their new owner’s lifestyle and household.
6. As far as new trends, I have been disappointed in the lack of correct structure and movement in my breeds. Breeders seem to value dogs that are “showy” and run fast, the faster the better. To cover ground efficiently, they should not have to go fast. They should take fewer steps, reaching forward and driving with their rear with minimal wasted effort, and smoothly cover ground. Front construction is mostly to blame. Dogs have excess snap in the ankle and move high in the front, so to compensate, handlers move their dogs faster. Our breed clubs need to spend more time on breeders’ education.
7. On a positive note, I think civility and kindness are making a comeback. Our competitors and judges are more welcoming and helpful to our Juniors and new exhibitors, and it’s making for a more relaxed, fun atmosphere at the shows. There are still some exceptions to this, but overall, I have seen more great sportsmanship than in the past.
Thank you, for asking my opinion.
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