Judges: Cathy Kleinsorge

I began officially judging cockers about a year ago but I've been involved with breeding and showing them for 19 years. I bred under the name of Wild Wood and finished many dogs. Because of my teaching, I could only breed two litters a year. Since this really cut down on the dogs I had to show, I began handling for other people. I was fortunate to finish some very nice dogs and make some wonderful friends. Some of the problems I see in cockers today, are toplines and tail sets. This is a sporting breed and this should be kept uppermost in our minds when we breed a litter. We should concentrate on good construction and proper movement. If a dog is built correctly, it will move correctly. We have all been "ringside judges". To judge in the ring is not as easy as it looks. I'd much rather think," what will I put up(because there are so many nice ones), rather than "what will I put up(because there aren't!) Exhibitors need to be aware of their dogs. Is this dog in top condition? Is it trained well? Is it ready to win? Does it move properly? If the answer to these questions is yes then enter the next show!