American Cockers

Learn About the Breed

The merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel, with his big, dreamy eyes and impish personality, is one of the world’s best-loved breeds. They were developed as hunting dogs, but Cockers gained their wide popularity as all-around companions. Those big, dark eyes; that sweet expression; those long, lush ears that practically demand to be touched, no wonder the Cocker spent years as America’s most popular breed. The Cocker is the AKC’s smallest sporting spaniel, standing about 14 to 15 inches. The coat comes in enough colors and patterns to please any taste. The well-balanced body is sturdy and solid, and these quick, durable gundogs move with a smooth, easy gait. Cockers are eager playmates for kids and are easily trained as companions and athletes. They are big enough to be sporty, but compact enough to be portable. A Cocker in full coat rewards extra grooming time by being the prettiest dog on the block. These energetic sporting dogs love playtime and brisk walks.

This description was copied from the AKC website.  You can click on the logo to go directly to their  Cocker page.  It is full of great information about this breed. 

Meet my American Cockers!  Jason was the very first dog that I co-owned with Vickie back in 2012.  All of my American cockers since then have been related to him.  Filo is the fourth generation of this line that I’ve had the privilege of owning and living with. I only have a little room here to post brief descriptions and pictures of everybody, but if you have any questions about my dogs please reach out.  I would be happy to talk about them all day! 

You can see more pictures and videos of me and my dogs on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.  Jesselle Cockers.  Our health testing is all posted publicly on the OFA website.  You can search by the dogs’ registered names or their CHIC numbers. 

Champion Nonnies Song and Dance

"SHEILA"
Ch, UCh, Nonnies Song and Dance NS, TT, NTD, NN, SWN, CGC, SPOT-ON
CHIC #191704

 DOB May 13, 2020
Co-owned and co-bred by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby

Sheila is a 14″ 20 lb black and tan Cocker Spaniel, with a very outgoing and friendly temperament.  She did well in conformation in Canada (CKC), finishing her championship in just 3 shows.  She also has her UKC Championship with a Group 1st win. Sheila has been a model for grooming competitions across North America and has been trimmed by some of Canada’s top groomers! She loves to work and has earned titles in scent, sprinter and tricks. 
Sheila is 4 and has been a very healthy cocker.  In addition to her OFA health testing results, she hasn’t had any ear, skin, stomach or eye issues that can be common in this breed. Sheila is Millie’s daughter.

Sheila is expecting a litter in September.  See more on our Puppies Page. 

Jesselle Cocker Spaniel

"FILO"
Nonnies N Jesselle's Sweet N Savory BN, CD, UCD

 DOB March 15, 2022
Owned by Michelle Jessop, co-bred by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby

Filo is a black and tan Cocker Spaniel and lives here with me in Florida.  He is from the first litter of Americans that I raised and whelped on my own; Gemma’s “Pastry” litter.  His sire is the very popular and well-known “Justin” (GrCh Laurent Ashwood Justin Time CGC). We are currently growing his hair out to compete in conformation this fall.  He is my best buddy with an amazing temperament and loves to work with me in the sport of obedience.  He is a big boy (about 25 pounds), has a thick coat and has lots of tan!

Kelso Jesselle Cockers

"KELSO"
Nonnies N Jesselle's Love is all You Knead

 DOB March 15, 2022
Co-owned by Michelle Jessop and Gavyn Freeman, co-bred by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby

Kelso is a gorgeous black Cocker Spaniel and lives with my friend Gavyn in Texas.  He has a major in AKC conformation, and has travelled across the country to be a model in grooming competitions. He is Filo’s brother, and from the first litter of Americans to have the Jesselle kennel name.  

Kelso is a very sweet boy and is working on finishing his AKC Championship and health testing. 

Nonnies Dare to Dream

"GEMMA"
GCh, UCh, Nonnies Dare to Dream CGN, TDN

 DOB March 5, 2019
Co-owned and co-bred by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby

Black and Tan Cocker Spaniel, Gemma has great conformation, and a sweet and gentle temperament. She loved showing in conformation and was consistently praised by judges for her pretty movement. Gemma’s show career was interrupted by covid, but we did finish our Grand Championship in 2021.  

Gemma had 2 litters, one here in Florida, and one in Ontario. She is now enjoying retirement in a pet home in Beautiful British Columbia. Gemma is Millie’s daughter.

Nonnies Dreams Take Flight

"MILLIE"
Ch, Nonnies Dreams Take Flight
CHIC#126815

 DOB July 10, 2015
Co-owned by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby, bred by Vickie Umpleby

Black and Tan Cocker Spaniel, Millie is a neice of Jason. I learned to groom and show her myself.  Millie has an amazing temperament!  Very happy and outgoing. Millie loved doing sports and  we trained and competed in sprinter, lure coursing, obedience, rally and nosework. We flew to compete in the Canadian National Specialty in Halifax in 2016.  First experience with co-breeding a litter in 2018.
Millie had 3 litters of puppies. Our keepers from each were Cara, Gemma, and Sheila. Cara is the first Show Champion that I was listed as breeder.

Millie is in a retirement home with her daughter Cara.  She came  to the Canadian National Specialty in 2021 and won best brood bitch in show. 

Nonnies How Sweet It Is

"JASON"
BIS, MBISS GrCh AmCh Nonnies How Sweet It Is. CHIC#97817

Jason Nov 19, 2011 – Jan 4, 2021
Co-owned by Michelle Jessop and Vickie Umpleby, bred by Vickie Umpleby

Black Cocker Spaniel Jason has his Canadian Grand Champion title and won Best in Specialty Show at the National in 2014. He also earned his American Championship.  Jason was the very first dog that Vickie and I co-owned back in 2012.  He was gorgeous, a real sweetie, and taught me a lot about proper coat maintenance. Jason’s picture was used to create the Jesselle Cocker logo.
On my 40th birthday, Jason and Vickie won an All-Breed Best in Show.