© Doug Souza 2006

About Us

My first experience in the dog fancy was with an American Cocker.  Injun and I competed in obedience completing his Companion Dog Excellent title and training for Utility.  Unfortunately he had severe problems stemming from an epileptic condition and was just over 3 when he had to be euthanized.  Looking for a breed with fewer health issues, I chose English Cocker Spaniels which I competed with for a number of years.  I had several home-bred champions with multiple obedience titled dogs to our credit. 

There was a break from active competition when I spent a number of years pursuing sports with my kids.  During this time we had Standard Poodles but again discovered health issues that sent us looking for another breed.

When I was ready to re-enter the wonderful world of competing with my dogs, I researched many breeds and fell in love with PWDs and the people dedicated to them.  Cruiser was our first Water Dog and we competed in conformation until he made it clear to me that this wasn't his idea of fun so he retired to the sofa.

Jasper was next and you couldn't ask for a sweeter boy.  He and I competed in Rally, obedience and water work.  We trained for tracking but just for fun.

Uma came into our lives when I decided I was ready for another conformation prospect and she certainly lived up to our expectations.  She finished her AKC championship shortly after her second birthday then she and I went to work training for Rally, tracking and water work.  I owner-handled her to her UKC championship in August 2007 and we completed her Rally Novice title in the fall of 2007. Were looking forward to resuming work on the tracking and water areas now that her puppies are in their new homes.

Curious about the beautiful portrait of Uma on the heading of our pages?  This is from an original pastel by Doug Souza.  Prints are available, email for details.