I'm John R., the breeder behind Appalachian Kennels located in Manchester, KY. Our dogs are family, so we work hard to offer healthy, bench bred puppies that will make others as happy as our dogs make us! We’re a small-scale program with a big love for English Springer Spaniels. We responsibly breed and raise our dogs to pass on their exceptional health and temperaments. While we work hard to produce a show quality puppy, our main goal is health and family suitable temperaments.
Q. & A. with John
Why did you start breeding?
I always wanted an ESS as a kid. When I was finally able to afford my fist Springer I knew i wanted to raise them. It's been an incredible experience for my children. They've all been very hands on with raising our pups over the years.
What makes your program special?
I actually respond to my customers. When they need help with anything as the puppy grows into adulthood I am there for support.
My pups are all produced from my own breeding adults. I do not outsource any breedings which means I know all about the health and temperament of the parents on the front end before pairing them up.
What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include red and white, liver white and tan, liver and white, black white and tan, lemon and white, and black and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and a kennel on my property.
Matched dogs
These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.
Lincoln
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Boy 4
Went home
Male
Boy 1
Went home
Male
Jinxy
Went home
Female
Forest
Went home
Male
Salsa
Went home
Female
Blade
Went home
Male
Elsa
Went home
Female
York
Went home
Male
Ollie
Went home
Male
Bud
Went home
Male
Gisepie
Went home
Male
Sully
Went home
Male
Lottie
Went home
Female
Keiko
Went home
Female
Boy 2
Went home
Male
Bentley
Went home
Male
Getting a puppy from John
John has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
Connect with John to learn more details about pricing.
“Our puppies come with age appropriate vaccinations, routine dewormings, AKC registration and health guarantee. Contact me directly for pricing. When you submit a deposit with me for a pup you'll be able to select the pup of your choice or wait for a future litter. Deposits are non-refundable but do not expire.”
Contract & health guarantee
John may provide a written contract or
health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps
protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you
both have a clear understanding of the terms of your
puppy purchase. If John offers a contract
or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them.
If you have any questions or want to know more,
don’t hesitate to reach out to John directly.
Appalachian Kennels meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Responsible breeding practices
Health of breeding dogs and puppies
Puppy environment and enrichment
Buyer education and policies
Parent dogs
Trina, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Trina
Trina is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Maeve, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Maeve
Maeve is a petite girl with a very sweet demeanor.
Booker, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Booker
Beautiful and sweet boy who is always eager to please
Raven, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Raven
Raven is the perfect female! Great momma and the sweetest temperament.
Jaymes, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Jaymes
Jaymes is a very sweet boy that's eager to play and stay by your side... a True Velcro dog like an ESS should be.
Scarlett, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Scarlett
Scarlett is the gentlest little girl! Shes proven to be an excellent mother too!
Roux, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Roux
Roux is the perfect Springer. Perfect size and very independent and confident.
Panda, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Panda
Panda is a beautiful Black & White Female
Sookie, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Sookie
Sookie is an amazing Dog, excellent mother and has the kindest temperament.
D, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About D
D is a full European boy. He has an amazing personality, and the looks to go with it.
Indi, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Indi
Indi is the sweetest gentle dog. Excellent momma too! She is a real show stopper!
Kylian, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Kylian
He is a gorgeous Liver & White Tri Roan
Demi, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Demi
Demi is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Twyla, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Twyla
A beautiful example of the English Springer Spaniel in classic Liver & White
Grainger, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Grainger
Beautiful Liver & White Tri Roan
Cersei, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Cersei
Cersei is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Whiskey, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Whiskey
Whiskey is a male English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of his breed, John decided to make him part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Georgia, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Georgia
Georgia is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Moxie, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Moxie
Moxie is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Mina, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Mina
Mina is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Gemma, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Gemma
Gemma is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Huck, dad
English Springer Spaniel
About Huck
Blue Tri Roan
Zoi, mom
English Springer Spaniel
About Zoi
Zoi is a female English Springer Spaniel. Carefully selected as a great representative of her breed, John decided to make her part of their program. John has passed Good Dog’s screening process, which involved a review of their breeding practices, environment, and the mental and physical health of their dogs.
Parent health testing
Breeder-Reported Testing
Great level
Appalachian Kennels reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for English Springer Spaniels.
Hip Dysplasia (Preliminary), Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Elbow testing reduces the chance of passing down elbow dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause arthritis in the elbow joint and front leg lameness.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
DNA Repository, PRA, Rod-Cone Degeneration (PRA-prcd)
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
Verified owner stories
Hear what other owners say about working with John to bring home their puppies.
EP
Elizabeth P.
Verified owner · July 2025
Communication with John was easy and frequent. The flexibility in the meet up time was appreciated. He even allowed frequent contact afterwards to ask any questions I may have. Ellie J is the perfect addition to our family.
MP
Michael P.
Verified owner · Apr. 2024
+6
Our experience with John has been very pleasant. This is the second dog we have gotten from John at Appalachian Kennels. Our new addition Louie has been a blessing.