Wongan English Springer Spaniels

Our love affair with English Springer Spaniels began in 1969 when, on the death of my father, we purchased a Springer from the local pet shop for my mother. This pup was unfortunately run over and a breeder was sought for a new puppy. Vic and May Kaye (Timbulane) lived in a nearby town and had puppies for sale and, thinking that two would be company for each other, we came home with a dog and a bitch. These were shown once or twice when disaster struck. They were both struck down by the poison 1080 which had been spread by a neighbouring farmer. Vic and May kindly gave us the dog they had kept for themselves called Timbulane Woodsman. He was joined soon after by a bitch from Keith and Anne Goodwin, Keane Woodfern. Success in the show ring did not occur until our purchase of Cranloch Cairistiona (Christie) from John and Lilly Tulloch. John was our mentor and spent many hours helping us in our quest for knowledge.

A chance meeting with Charles Venables of the well known Atlas Deerhounds, enabled us to purchase Kurramana Rainbow Bird (Birdie)who went to Charlie from Norm and Vi Vanner (Kurramana) as a working dog. Happily for us, she was not as keen a worker as Charlie required.

Christie and Birdie both made up their titles and the first litter of Wongan ESS was whelped on 6th November 1973. Birdie was mated to one of the famous Cranloch litter brothers by Eng Sh Ch/Aust Ch Moorcliff Freetwood Gamecock (Imp UK) ex Oak Sprig O'Heather(Imp UK), Ch Cranloch Ben Grauchen and from this litter came the first two Wongan Champions namely, Woodcock and Woodswallow.

The following year, Christie was mated to Ch Cranloch Rory Mor who was by Oak Highland Fling, a litter brother to Sprig O'Heather. From this mating came champions Cadwallader and Copperwine.

By this stage, we realised that in order to improve the breed type and quality of our dogs, we needed to go to the UK. Through Greg Browne, who at the time was establishing his now world famous Eireannmada Kennels, we were fortunate to make the acquaintance of Judith Hancock (Hawkhill Kennels) whose well reknowned dogs were linked to those behind our foundation bitches. In 1975, I returned from the UK having purchased a dog and a bitch. Mompesson Midsummer Lad, by the Crufts Group winner and UK Top Dog All Breeds 1973, Eng Sh Ch Hawkhill Connaught ex Eng Sh Ch Mompesson Midsummer Dream and Monclare Sugar N Spice, also by Connaught ex Monclare Chantilly Lace.

Later we were fortunate to acquire Eng Sh Ch  Mompesson Sleeping Partner and and young male, Hawkhill Crepello. These four Springers were the foundation of "Wongan" and from which we were able to breed some quality dogs who not only established our profile in the breed but also that of many other breeders.

In 1977, we purchased the American Cocker bitch, Eng Sh Ch/Aust Ch Hirontower Elvire Madigan(Imp UK)from Harry Begg in Sydney and she was the foundation of our American Cockers. We successfully bred and competed with this breed until our family came along when we realised that this breed required more time than we were able to give and we reluctantly sold our stock.

To date, we have bred 108 champions, made up twenty others and we are extremely proud of our contribution to both breeds.

In 2006 we acquired the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Ch Melloway Excalibur. He was our introduction to the wonderful world of Toy Dogs! An excellent example of the breed, he went on to not only gain his Grand Championship, but was #1 Toy Dog in the country in 2007 and #7 All Breeds.

In 2011, the Papillon bitch, Basiika Lady Portland arrived at "Wongan". She quickly gained her title and was joined later in the year by Basilika Beau Geste. We are looking forward to an exciting time with this deightful breed. Many thanks to Lydia and Chris John for their generocity.

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