Studs Ess

[EssGrouse]

Always a bit of mine field, and nothing is a given but if you was looking for a spaniel stud with the following attributes, who would you recommend.

- Proven in the field - FTCH/OFTW/FTW
- Powerful
- Add Size to his offspring
- Adds Attitude
- Proven to produce
- Has bags of natural ability
- Craigharr/Edwardiana Free
- Good bitch line
- Alpha Male

Not as easy as you may think!

[Alice]

Saturn's Spirit? Larford Cannon? Samsir Babbler? Bitch lines might not be your cup of tea though.

[EssGrouse]

Ye i was avoiding spirit too Alice so not for me although i do rate Blu as i've trained with him.

I can only come up with the following.

FTCH Belvden Vatanan
FTCH Rothienvale Medlar of Edgegrove
FTCH Cleeburf Bramble - Not seen anything by him?
FTCH Hollydrive Kurt - but dubious because i heard he was a carrier for something!!
FTCH Spitfire Sortie - Not sure he will add size and power.

[David]

Nothing wrong with a carrier if you've done your own testing

[EssGrouse]

Very true David, I am yet to see what he produces dog wise too.

I've seen what Vatanen produces and Moss, and was impressed.

I am only asking because i had a good long conversation with someone last night and it was quite hard thinking of dogs with the above attributes.

[Strathcraig]

Kurts away back to Mick Walsh, read into that what you will.

[EssGrouse]

Ive just got off the phone to Jack who owns Sortie, he was very honest in his description of what his dog is throwing and gave me some in depth background on both parents the dog itself and what his progeny is like.

[Alice]

I really liked Spitfire Sortie when I saw his champs runs. Another thought- and I'm biased cos I've got one of his sons and am friends with his owner, but FTCh Glanhowy Peach Melba is a powerful beast who hasn't been massively used for reasons unrealted to his quality, so it may not look like he's produced much at first glance, but he's seen three very nice bitches recently so watch this space He is by Kidnais Spice though so is a grandson of Craighaar Classic...bugger, I'm beginning to agree, this is harder than it looks!

[EssGrouse]

Haha ive gone though almost every dog you can think of Alice....they almost all go back to Craighaar/Edwardiana one way or another, which isnt a bad thing in some respects but it is when folk are looking for a total outcross.

The easy choice would be fore me to use Henry, he has all the attributes i want and having a son of his i know he produces, but i would be cheating myself and going down the easy route.

[Ada C]

As a beginner, could you just elaborate for me on what you mean by 'alpha male'? and 'attitude'?

Also, by 'proven to produce', do you mean he has successfully sired pups or that a percentage of his offspring have proved themselves in competitions or otherwise?

Thanks