About Me - American and English Cocker Spaniels

Meet the Breeder

Hello, my name is Michelle and I am originally from Canada where I was a professional pet groomer for almost 20 years. During that time I co-owned several purebred dogs that I enjoyed showing and training in a variety of dog sports. I achieved the title of Certified Master Groomer and have competed across North America in grooming competitions, conformation shows and performance trials.

I’ve had many reputable breeders as close friends for almost 30 years and am aware of the commitment and dedication it takes to breed responsibly. In 2021 I retired from grooming full time to whelp and raise my first litter, Sophie’s “nut puppies”.

All of my cockers are co-owned and co-bred with Vickie Umpleby of Nonnies Cockers. She has been breeding for over 40 years with many Best in Show and Specialty winners and is an AKC and CKC conformation judge.

About Me - Extended Version

I got my first dog on a whim in college in the early 90’s. I adopted “Shelby” a beautiful husky mix from the local humane society. I really didn’t know what I was doing and had trouble handling her, so we enrolled in training classes with our local kennel club.

It was there that I met so many kind and wonderful breeders and was welcomed into the pure-bred dog community. I learned so much from those club members and spent my spare time reading dog magazines, researching breeds, volunteering at events, training my dog, and travelling to watch and learn about so many dog sports.

I got my first purebred dog in 2000. “Keira” the greyhound aka Ch Lakilanni Long Cool Woman CD, CGN, FChX3. We did conformation, obedience, and lure coursing. Over the next 10 or so years I also had another greyhound and a Havanese. All were show champions and competed in a variety of dog sports. Throughout these years I made many close friends that were breeders and trainers.

In 2003 I started a dog grooming apprenticeship, and in 2004 started working full time at a vet clinic. I’ve always loved learning and achieving titles, and in 2009 began my journey towards becoming a Certified Master Groomer. In 2011 I entered my first grooming competition with an American Cocker Spaniel named “Quinn”. I earned the CMG title with the International organization in 2012, Canadian in 2014 and American in 2019.

During that time, I met Vickie of Nonnies Cockers. She let me borrow her dogs to practise grooming breed standard trims. Her cockers were so beautiful and well behaved. I started asking if keep could them overnight, then for a few days, then it seemed I always had a cocker or two at my house “visiting”. Over the years our relationship has slowly evolved from just borrowing dogs for grooming, to now a great friendship and co-owning and co-breeding both American and English Cocker Spaniels. Vickie has over 40 years’ experience with many Best in Show and Specialty winners and is a CKC and AKC all breed judge (conformation).

During Covid, when everyone was stuck at home, I started taking some on-line breeding and whelping courses, watching webinars, and learning from other breeders in Facebook groups. In 2021 with Vickie’s help and guidance I whelped and raised my first litter. Sophie’s “nut” puppies. Since then, I have raised and whelped 3 more litters.

All my breeding dogs are conformation show champions (often in multiple venues), have extensive health testing (above and beyond CHIC requirements), have been grooming contest models, and regularly train and compete in a variety of dog sports. I limit my numbers to 3-5 adult dogs in my home to ensure that I have enough time and resources for their grooming training and care.

Active Memberships and Contributions to the Industry

Canadian Kennel Club
Scarborough Kennel Club
Sunshine State English Cocker Spaniel Club
Sarasota Obedience and Training Club

Past Board Member of the Ontario Dog Groomers Association

Founding Board Member of Groom Team Canada

Host and Organizer of the T.O. Grooming Show since 2014. TOGS is an annual trade show and educational event that features GTC sanctioned competitions for professional dog groomers across Canada.