About Cryslen Welsh Springer Spaniels
First A Little Background
My name is Crystal Nolen and I am a web
developer by trade with 13 years of experience and an aspiring dog trainer. I share my life and my dogs with my boyfriend Alex, who is a Senior Systems Engineer (computer geek). Alex helps with the daily
care of the dogs and goes with us on our dog show adventures. I started working for a golden breeder in 1991 (I was 13 years old) and got my first show dog, a golden named Brooke in 1993. Between 1991 and
2007, I owned several more goldens and co-bred several litters that produced two AKC Champions, a UKC Champion, an International champion and an obedience and agility-titled golden. In 2003, a boxer named
Raiden came into my life, but he was shown sparingly and never bred.
Our Introduction to Welsh Springer Spaniels
I purchased my first welshie, Tucker, GCH CH/U-CH Mystic Acres Kung Fu Fighting BN, RN, CHIC from Keith and Carla Vooris, Mystic Acres WSS in 2007. In 2010, Tucker became my first AKC and UKC Champion. Since then, we have acquired two more welsh springer spaniels, half-sisters, Leeloo and Jasmine. I am currently showing Leeloo in AKC conformation shows and training the dogs in tracking, obedience, rally, agility and nose work.
In 2011, we moved to a more natural way of caring for our dogs in the hopes that they will live longer, healthier lives. We switched them to a raw diet and a reduced vaccination schedule. Visit our Natural Dog Care page to read more about how we care for our dogs in a more natural way.
Future Breeding Plans?
Though we have not
bred a litter of welshies yet, it is our policy to thoroughly health test all of our future breeding prospects.
Tucker has completed all of his required health testing and received his CHIC number. Leeloo and Jasmine have
started their health testing and it will be completed when each of them turn two years old. It is our hope to
breed Leeloo in 2013 when she has completed her health
testing, as well as, the requirements for her AKC champion title and her AKC tracking dog title.