I am looking for a black & white small working strain dog puppy, preferably undocked. Ready end of May onwards. I have a 4 year old liver & white bitch with quite a lot of Countryways and Rytex in her pedigree.

Hi Daisychain

If you go on to the Southern website they have a great puppy list.  Also contacts for you to try.

www.SESSS.org

Cheers

Vicky

Thanks Vicky, I emailed them earlier in the week but the reply was that they only know about show strain litters.

As you are after an undocked pup are you actually wanting to work the pup?  If not then perhaps a shwo bre one will be more suited to being a non worker?  They certainly seem far calmer, and to my eye more attractive and uniform.

http://www.englishspringer.org/Julia/memberspages/meadowdale.htm

this breeder does show and working breeds.

HTH

go onto www.sportingcountryside.co.uk, have a feeling that there was a litter on there not long ago.  It's a forum and not an advertisement for a site selling pups etc.  If you ask your query on there hopefully someone will be able to help.

In response to Barbara, I am not intending to work the dog. We are an active country home. I am looking for the puppy to join our 4 year old working strain undocked bitch. Obviously it is a matter of personal choice but I prefer the working strain springer from all aspects.

Oh OK, trouble is the true working ones are likely to be docked, but there are lots of Pet bred ones of working type looks, but then they are less likely to come from really responsible breeding and have been health tested.

i have tel no of b/w puppies but they are from showbred parents and are docked

Not being funny but how come they've been docked if the parents are showbred dogs?  Do they work them also because I believe that they have to be worked to be allowed to dock the pups?

Not stirring anything just interested and surprised that they've been docked.

Hi Daisychain,
Have you tried your local shoot?

Daisychain

Can I just ask what aspect of the working type you prefer over the show type?  Is it just that you prefer the look?  Have you any experience of the show type, temperament wise v the working type?

Not having a go, just as owner of both type I'm interested in your views as I would prefer show type every time.

Vicky

SORRY MEANT NOT DOCKED  got the long tails although dewclaws done but some vets wont do those now 

I would think that if she already has a working ESS with Rytex lines.. then she knows what she is letting herself in for   very strong working lines.. and an unlimited source of adrenalin

good luck in your search

In response to Vicky, I have always liked the temperament of two working strain springers owned by a friend. When we lost our 1st cross welsh springer we bought our current bitch. Our girl is quite small and we have been approached on numerous occasions as to where we got her. I don't know the temperament of the show strain but I do prefer the looks of the the working springers. I don't come in to contact with any show strain dogs, but there are a lot of nice character working strain pets in my area. Over the last thirty years or so we have only had one dog that was not a spaniel.

To Kayc, I have a sensitive, people loving bitch. She is adored by all my friends. Of all my dogs I have never had one that has made me laugh so much. They may not be the right dog for someone who has never had a dog before but that probably applies to quite a few spaniels. Thank you for good wishes.

I can understand that DaisyChain.. My Megan was very solid Rytex on Dam's side.. she too was very sensitive.. but a wonderful loving girl, with an amazing character, I couldnt have wished for better.. sadly no longer with me...

Again.. I hope you find what you are looking for...

Thank you for your reply Kay. Your description is exactly right. They do make fantastic companions. I'm sure the right pup will find me.