Tawney Crawford

Growing up, I was a typical tomboy who loved horses and dogs. I trained my first dog, (a stray I had to beg my military father to let me keep) to be a horse! I set up a steeplechase course in the back yard with jumps made of lawn furniture, scrap lumber, concrete blocks and mud puddles. When Bob and I married in 1969, our first dogs were sporting dogs because Bob loved to hunt. We got our first English Cocker Spaniel in the early 80’s and “Dancer” turned out to be a grand little hunter. I handled her to first place in an AKC Sanctioned B field trial September 7, 1985. I also became interested in obedience competition and was quite successful. At the time, my “Stoney” was the most titled ECS in the history of the breed with titles in conformation, obedience, tracking and field. We started out with Parent Club working titles (WD/WDX) and then AKC Spaniel Hunt Tests began in 1988. “Stoney” was one of very few who qualified at the first AKC spaniel hunt test and became the first ECS to earn the Junior, Senior and Master Hunt Test titles.

In 1993 we heard of an AKC Licensed cocker field trial to be held in Colorado, which was a big deal since there had been none for nearly 30 years. “Stoney” was steady so, we entered. It was there that I truly recognized the difference between show and field types. Although I came from the show world, I chose to believe my own eyes – pretty IS what pretty DOES!

I was Chairman of the ECSCA Field Events Committee (as it was known then) when the cocker field trial revival began. There was considerable distrust by the field community because the Parent Club was essentially a “show dog club”. I helped to convince the field people that we needed them more than they needed us – especially if we wanted AKC recognized field trials and/or to progress to a National Championship. As FEC Chair I was able to modernize AKC rules for cocker Field Champions regarding the minimum entry required and the point system. I was Secretary for the first NCC (National Cocker Championship) in 1998.

I am an AKC Breeder of Merit. I consider that competition at field events is critical in determining the worthiness and quality of breeding stock. That does not mean that the dog has to be a champion or a big winner – just that it is seen by people whose opinions matter to me. Aside from our foundation breeding stock (from Glencoe Farm & Kennels) I have only competed with dogs we have bred. Our Quailmoor prefix is attached to 2 NFC’s and many FC’s, AFC’s and MH’s. I put more emphasis on the bitch tail line of a pedigree than who is the current top stud dog. We are currently on our 5th generation of Quailmoor bred Field Champion bitches. I am the breeder/owner/trainer/handler of the 2017 National Field Champion – NFC/FC Quailmoor Queen MH (“Bee”). She is my dog-of-a-lifetime in SO many ways!

I have always considered health equal to quality when it comes to breeding dogs. Good hips and eyes have always been a priority and, when it became available, I began DNA testing all of my breeding stock. Prior to 2018 these tests did not include AMS and it was not commonly known in the U.S. Not only had I never heard of it, I unknowingly bred two Carriers (both FC’s) who had passed all other genetic tests. As a result, 2 puppies in that litter became positive cases for AMS. It would have been easy to ignore because it was considered a rare condition. But I chose to make the information public in the hopes that other cases could be avoided by encouraging specific DNA testing. As a result, all responsible field cocker breeders now test for AMS.

I enjoy being part of a great training group who has been ever supportive and instrumental to my success. I have also enjoyed mentoring and/or introducing many people into the sport of cocker field trials. I have made many cherished friends over many years of being in dogs. I love the sport and I love the dogs. There have been, and will be, others named to the Cocker Hall of Fame far more accomplished than I. I hope they are lucky enough to share it with someone special, like my husband Bob; without whom none of it would have been possible. I also hope that their journey has been as much fun as mine.