Nottingham Kennels were established to provide nice English Springer Spaniel puppies on a limited basis as dogs proved worthy to be bred.  These dogs are tested in the field on wild game but also get a chance to prove themselves in other areas as well.   In reality, only a small percentage of people are interested in running Field Trials, Hunting Tests, or any of the other "dog games" that are available.  The dog needs to be easy to "live with" in order for the family to enjoy having the dog around the house. If trained in the basic obedience commands, these dogs can be fun to have around the house.

The primary event I like to run my dogs in is the AKC Hunt Tests.  These are Tests that the dog has to complete the required elements for a Pass.  A certain number of "Passes" are required to complete the title.  There are three levels of the Tests, Junior, Senior and Master. 

Click Here for a copy of the AKC Spaniel Hunt Test Rules.

Another form of event I like to run is the Hunting Retriever Club Hunt Tests.  Again, these are Tests where the dog is judged in a Pass / Fail format and not judged against the other dogs in that Test level.  This is a retriever event so the dog is tested in its ability of Marking, steady, and control. 

I have also run in some Tournament Hunt formats where the handler and dog have a certain amount of time to find a particular number of birds.  The event is scored based on what you and the dog produce and is not subjectively judged. 

I like to have a versatile dog that can do many different things in the area of hunting.  I have seen the desire of these dogs to hunt over a period of time when we are not finding birds in a particular location.  These dogs continue to hunt and search for game.   I have also seen them keep their focus and work hard with me even though we are on a game farm and there are several birds "released" in the field. 

100% Field Lines.  These dogs are bred to hunt and work with the handler.  The trainability of a dog is essential in having a nice hunting companion as well as a nice companion at home.  Since the hunting seasons don't last that long, I prefer a dog that is also easy to live with. 

As you will see on the pedigrees posted, there are many different titles showing on dogs listed.  The following Abbreviations are defined as: 

In front of names -

FC  = Field Champion - an AKC Championship for dogs competing in the Open Division

AFC = Amateur Field Champion - an AKC Championship for dogs competing in the Amateur Division

CFC = Canadian Field Champion

At the end of names -  AKC Hunt Test Titles

JH = Junior Hunter

SH = Senior Hunter

MH = Master Hunter

SHR = Started Hunting Retriever -  This is an HRC Title that is only on UKC Pedigrees.  Spud, Bingo and Kasey are both AKC and UKC Registered so they can participate in the HRC Hunt Test.