Appalachian Kennels

John R.

Breeder of English Springer Spaniels

  • Manchester, KY
  • Responds within a day

Meet the breeder

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.

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.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Enrichment & socialization
      • Various sounds
      • Car rides
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Socialized with other animals
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Food & treats
      • AKC registration
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from John.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Manchester, KY

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Blue Grass Airport


Flexible meeting point

John can meet at a location that works for both of you

More about John

  • Certifications & recognitions

    AKC Breeder of Merit.

  • John has been a member of Good Dog for about 4 years

    John was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

John is a trusted Good Dog breeder

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

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 Dysplasia (Preliminary), Elbow Dysplasia Finals (OFA, BVA, SV, FCI)

    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

    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.

your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites
your favorites