Sonora Hills ESS

Katherine E.

Breeder of English Springer Spaniels

  • Sonora, CA
  • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

I'm Katherine E., the breeder behind Sonora Hills ESS located in Sonora, CA. We are lifelong ESS dog enthusiasts and excited to share our passion of breeding healthy and playful puppies for families who know and love the breed. Our puppies are bench Springers. We are a small, family-run breeding program. Our puppies are loving and loyal companions. Plus they’re gorgeous!

Q. & A. with Katherine

  • Why did you start breeding?

    My husband had a male English Springer Spaniel when we married. Forty years ago. Then we got a female ESS. Bo and Bonnie. While I was having babies eventually Bo and Bonnie had a litter. Four beautiful puppies. We found great homes for each one and the experience very satisfying.
  • What makes your program special?

    We utilize Embark, a genetic test that screens DNA in over 230 different locations across the dog’s genome. We also x-ray our Springer’s elbows and hips to confirm their joints are in proper placement by OFA. We have genetic tests and orthopedic tests done so that we can guarantee our puppies will be as healthy as possible. Our puppies come with a one year health guarantee or your money back.
  • What are the different breed coat colors in your program?

    Our puppies include liver and white, black and white, black white and tan, and liver white and tan. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.
  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Matched dogs

These dogs are already reserved or have gone home.

Getting a puppy from Katherine

Katherine 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

Puppy prices include a $300 refundable deposit and between $1,300 - $1,700 final payment, before taxes & fees.
Pay over time with Klarna.

“The price is determined based on their coloring and the extensive genetic testing and orthopedic screening I did on Willow, Sadie, Sparky and Skylar to guarantee their puppies health. Your deposit reserves the puppy of your choice in the order it is received. If for whatever reason you decide a puppy is not the right decision for your family, I will refund your deposit in full.”

Contract & health guarantee

Katherine 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 Katherine 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 Katherine 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
      • Surface & tactile stimulation
      • Socialized with children
      • Daily handling
      • Socialized with other dogs
      • Introduced to people of different ages and appearances
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming
      • Vet records
    • Extras
      • Puppy starter kit
      • Blanket with mom & littermates’ scent
      • Initial potty training
      • Toys
      • Food & treats
      • Basic obedience & manners
      • Registration

Location & pick-up

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

Puppy pick-up locations

  • Meet in Sonora, CA

  • Meet at SMF airport

  • Meet at SFO airport

  • Flexible meeting point

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

More about Katherine

  • Katherine has been a member of Good Dog for about 3 years

    Katherine was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2022.

  • Katherine’s links

Katherine is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Sonora Hills ESS 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

Litter and program updates

Parent dogs

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Great level

Sonora Hills ESS 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

    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 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.

  • PRA, Cone-Rod Dystrophy 4 (PRA-crd4), DNA Profile, DNA Repository

    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 Katherine to bring home their puppies.

  • Steven K.

    Verified owner · Feb. 2025

    Katherine was spectacular! She introduced Rocky and Mountain to us and told us about their personalities. She took plenty of time to review their medical history and introduce us to their mom and dad. She had towels that she rubbed all over mom/dad that we then put in the carrier with them. Once we got home we sent her updates to show how the pups were adapting to their new home. Mountain who was a super shy boy came out of his shell within 24 hours and is now driving his brother Rocky crazy stealing his toys.

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