Our focus has always been to produce dogs conforming to the breed standard, maintaining correct type and sound temperament. This focus has resulted in strikingly sweet, healthy and handsome dogs, well-balanced in appearance and with easy, flowing movement.
- Janice L Johnson
Where did it all start?
Thanks for visiting our site. It's an exciting time at Wil-Orion as we celebrate 55+ years of breeding, training, and exhibiting English Springer Spaniels. We take great pride in our breeding program, our goal having always been to honor the rich heritage of these dogs as companions in the field and home.
We are a family operation – now four generations of breeder-owner-handlers – who are committed to making a lasting, positive contribution to the breed. Across our 55+ year history we have produced well over 100 champions, with dozens of standouts going on to multiple breed, group, specialty, and best-in-show wins. Many of our dogs have also excelled in agility, obedience, field trial, and therapy work.
Over the years, our dogs have become the foundation for several kennels, including CrownRoyal, Cedarwood, Spellbound, Springbrook, Springwest, Tagalong, McD's and Hirdler Hill.
Our focus has always been to produce dogs conforming to the breed standard, maintaining correct type and sound temperament. This focus has resulted in strikingly sweet, healthy and handsome dogs, well-balanced in appearance and with easy, flowing movement. All (usually sooner than later) have warmed ours and their owners' couches, and most have successfully charmed their way into the softest beds. Which is just as it should be.
Why do we breed dogs?
Wil-Orion has always aspired to become one of the top breeders of English Springer Spaniels. To that end, we have strived to breed Springers that are competitive in both breed and performance events while still retaining their hunting heritage, all while performing their most important task…which is to be an outstanding member of someone’s family. This is a long way of indicating that we place a high degree of importance on health, conformation, and temperament. We have committed over 55 years to our desire to improve the breed.
Health Clearances
To ensure we have the healthiest dogs possible, we do several health clearances including:
DNA testing for PRA
Annual eye examinations
OFA Certification of the
Hips, Elbows, Patella, Thyroid and Heart
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
The OFA databases serve all breeds of dogs and cats, and provide breeders a means to respond to the challenge of improving the genetic health of their breed through better breeding practices.
