As many of you know all of our hunting dogs can be traced back to some field trial stock no matter what the bred may be.  Unfortunately there has always been a perception that one dog is not equipped to be a field trial champion as well as a good ole “meat dog.” 

This month we would like to showcase an English Pointer that has excelled on the field of competition as well as put some good food on the table for his owners.  NSTRA Champion Mr. Elhew Excitement is owned by Eddie Ross of Blaine Kentucky and JW Collins of Albany Kentucky.  He is handled by JW out of the Albany Branch of E and S kennels.

Cole is four years old and is a one- time NSTRA Champion with a total of 21 points.  He has placed in field trial events in KY, TN, MI, IN, and OH in the three years that he has been competing.  He also placed in the top six in the 2008-09 Kentucky region elimination trial which qualifies him to compete in the National Dog of the Year trial in Amo Indiana during the month of October. 

Cole has exceptional style, speed and stamina.  All of these attributes he has used to earn respect in the field trial community.  These same qualities have also made Cole an exceptional wild bird dog! He has handled Wild Quail in Ky, TN, and the Black Kettle region of Oklahoma, as well as grouse in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and the North woods of Wisconsin.  He has also pointed several woodcock in both states.  In Cole’s life he has pointed and retrieved over thousand pen raised quail and also pointed his share of wild game.  

When owner JW Collins was asked what made Cole so successful, we expected him to say style, speed, or nose all of which are extremely important to both genres.  Collins is amazed with Cole’s ability to figure out each new situation and adapt to it.  “His intelligence level is so high,” Collins said.  He attributes this to the Elhew breeding as well as the work done with him as a puppy by Ross and his wife  Sharon in Blaine. 

This dog was taught how to learn at a very young age and has never stopped.  Collins added that a lot of time needs to be taken when picking out a new dog.  Research breeds and bloodlines, as well as the breeders.  Great Bloodlines coupled with a breeder who really socialize there puppies can make a good dog possibly that one great dog,  no matter if it’s in the heat of battle or the thrill of the wild flush!