Nationals Amateur – Canadian National Spaniel Field Trial Association

I grew up surrounded by dogs, a formative experience that sparked a lifelong passion for field trials and dog training. At the age of 15, I began my journey with Springers, acquiring my first Springer puppy.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, I honed in on my skills alongside renowned trainers Eddie and Esther Faraci, Raymond “Jerry” Cacchio, as well as John Mangine. Fulfilling my aspirations, I became a full-time professional trainer in 1998 when I had the opportunity to join my mentor Jerry Cacchio at Pondview Kennels. This role has allowed me to further develop my expertise and contribute to the field. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my mentors. Your invaluable guidance and endless encouragement have profoundly impacted me.

My judging experience spans several decades, beginning in the 1980s, with ten appointments at the Amateur National and Open National trials in various years, including 1996, 1997, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2020, and 2024 Cocker Open National as well as 2018 Canadian Amateur Nationals, 2023 Canadian Open Nationals and most recently the 2024 Springer Amateur National.

It would be an honor to be selected by my peers as the judge of the 2025 Canadian Amateur National.

Dan Lussen

Mike Sterling

My first introduction to Spaniels was at age 12. The small community in Manitoba were I grew up had several field bred spaniels around town. Rex, is the dog I remember most, his owner and my boyhood friend took that dog everywhere. I was always struck by the dog’s loyalty, intelligence and love of his boy. I told myself one day I’m going to get a dog like that and in 1995 I did, thanks to my friend and mentor Joe Coady.

CFC Goldwithy Dooley was my first springer and ever since I’ve been trying to find another like him. Fortunately for me as a novice handler the dog knew what to do at a field trial and I just needed to walk along. Although I had several other competitive dogs at home, when I retired Dooley in 2002 I too took some time off from training and trialing to focus on raising my then young family. In 2016 I returned to the game and although some things have changed, good dogs and good people are still the cornerstone of the game.

I was fortunate to have been given the opportunity to judge early in my time with dogs and in 1997 judged my first Open with Bird Dog Hall of Famer Tom Meyer. Although I have judged a fair bit since then, being offered the chance of judging these dogs is an eminence privilege. I always tell people the best way to become a better handler is to judge, so if you ever get the opportunity take it.

I can honestly say that training dogs and participating in field trials has given me more joy than I would have every anticipated. Having a chance to see what these amazing dogs can do when trained and handled by passionate people who love our game has been a real privilege and a second to none experience. Thank you to the Field Trial committee for considering me for the 2024 Canadian National Amateur.

Qualifying Dogs

ALRISH PERCY

ARCHIBALD

BELWIND TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT

BRIAR PATCH WILLIE

COLDWATER’S UP TO MISCHIEF

COPPER HILLS SALMO SALAR

ANNIE OAKLEY EL BRIAR’S LITTLE SURE SHOT

GASPEREAUMTN MINNIE B B

GASPEREAUMTN NO BETTER FRIEND

HAWTHORN O’GRADY

JAEGERCOURT’S MAPLE

JAEGERCOURT RUFFLES

JAEGERCOURT LOCHLANN

JAEGERCOURT BELLE BELLA

JAEGERCOURT BETTER BE

JAEGERCOURT BLACK WIZARD

JAEGERCOURT ROOKIE

JAEGERCOURT FIREBUG

JAEGERCOURT MISS MONEYPENNY

KATAHDIN’S TRAINSPOTTER OF SALTAIRE

LODGE SPRUCE ABBEY

NARVIN’S LONGBRIER REMINGTON

PARAGON’S PANDEMIC WILLY NILLY

RIVERMIST BIRD DOG ARCHER

SHELLSPOON HURRICANE

SUNRISE JESSE

UK DOMINA’S PHOENYX

WEATHERBY’S TURBO

RIVERMIST’S RUSTY

Z & Z RIVERMIST’S BROWN BEAR

BLUE RIVER HAZEL EYES