Mossy Creek Springers

Q. & A. with Christina

• Why did you start breeding?

  I got into breeding through my love for English Springer Spaniels and my interest in animal science, genetics, and raising animals. As an agricultural education teacher, I’ve spent much of my career teaching students about animal care and responsible management. Starting Mossy Creek Springers in 2021 gave me the opportunity to bring those interests together. As I’ve gained experience, my goals have become more focused. Living with and training my dogs, participating in dog sports with my daughter, and seeing the impact of health challenges firsthand have shaped the breeder I want to be. I’ve strengthened my health testing expectations and am moving my program toward breed-standard colors, sound structure, and stable temperaments. What began as a love for Springers has grown into a commitment to thoughtful breeding, continued learning, and supporting the families who welcome our puppies home.

  Read more

• What makes your program special?

  What makes Mossy Creek Springers special is the combination of my animal science background, our family’s involvement with our dogs, and my willingness to keep learning and improving. My daughter and I train and participate in dog sports together, which gives us opportunities to understand our dogs’ personalities, trainability, and abilities beyond breeding. I’ve become more intentional about the future of my program, with stronger health testing expectations and a focus on breed-standard colors, sound structure, and stable temperaments. My standard for future breeding dogs includes OFA hips rated Good or Excellent, completion of the testing required for a CHIC number, CAER eye examinations, temperament testing, and at least one earned title. I evaluate individual health results carefully rather than relying on DNA testing alone. Temperament testing adds another layer to my evaluation alongside everyday observations and training experiences. Our puppies receive Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, and age-appropriate enrichment, along with gentle introductions to handling and grooming. I observe their individual personalities to help families choose a puppy suited to their lifestyle. Above all, I value transparency and lasting relationships with our puppy families. I want owners to understand the breed, feel comfortable asking questions, and have support as their pupp

  Read more

• What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

  Our puppies include tri-roan, liver white and roan, liver and white, white and black, red and white, black and white, black white and tan, white and liver, and liver white and tan. 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.