There are numerous FTCh and FTW in both Ruffys and Vahris lines (5 generation pedigrees), I'm not ruling out handling Ruffy either, just that I will need guidance from an experienced handler.
Vahri is just too highly strung to handle in the field and I certainly wouldn't force her.
Ruffy and I are now involved in dog training classes where he is displaying a fair degree of potential.
Having him in the gene pool is an advantage to the working cocker franternity, just by being here, in my humble opinion.
My main concern is that if, and it's a big IF, I do decide to put Ruffy to stud I would lose my pet.
Naturally, I would want to research any bitch that requested, his services (
), and I would only proceed if I was absolutely positive it was for the advantage of the breed, not for a fast buck!!
Ruffy is now 6 months old, so to stud him would be at least another year away, as I would want health checks carried out too.
I guess for Pete it may be a male thing
- you know where I'm coming from, but I'm a wee bit more rational than that I think (hope)
I guess there's a bit of the proud mum in me too - in that no girl will ever be good enough for my boy!!