I’m Ines, a forestry and ecology student at Göttingen University. Since 2018, a little wire-haired dachshund has been my loyal companion. Although I had always dreamed of having a second dog, my time as a veterinary assistant left me with limited time to do so. But after two years with my dachshund, I knew I wanted another four-legged friend by my side for my studies.
In 2019, a close friend who later became my roommate brought home a Working Cocker from Denmark. I was immediately captivated. A year with this energetic dog showed me that this was exactly the breed I was looking for: a small, agile, adorable companion with a strong “will to please.”
In March 2020, I finally reached out to Regine and Aart through Facebook. I had already pored over their website and was absolutely fascinated. During 2020, I visited Regine and Aart multiple times, which allowed me to learn about the breed and get to know the individual dogs. I quickly fell in love with Mousse and decided I wanted a puppy from her. Finally, in February 2021, the timing was right. Both Shorty and Mousse had litters, giving me more choices. I had hoped for a female companion for my dachshund, though I was initially against choosing a black or brown one. And wouldn’t you know it—only black and brown females were in the litter!
Regine sent me daily updates with countless photos and videos, allowing me to observe each puppy’s behavior before I even met them. Ultimately, Pumpernickel from Shorty’s litter was the perfect match for me. Regine and I agreed that she had just the personality I was looking for: an alert, brave, and self-assured little dog who would fit right into my studies and join me in the field.
Before the puppies were even born, Regine and I discussed breeding rights and some of the broader challenges in Working Cocker breeding. With my veterinary training, I felt confident about the medical aspects and was even more impressed by Regine and Aart’s conscientious approach to breeding. Their commitment to their dogs and the thoughtful way they raised the puppies left a strong impression on me from our first meeting.
In May 2021, I finally brought Niki home. Regine and I stayed in close contact, and I knew I could always reach her with questions, receiving thorough answers each time. When Niki turned one, I had her hips X-rayed and her patellars examined and evaluated. It was a long process, and next time, I’ll definitely go to Regine’s vet since it’s so much easier.
As winter 2022 approached, I started to feel anxious—what did I need to prepare, and how would everything go? I must have asked Regine a thousand questions, and each time she patiently answered and reassured me.
With a demanding semester ahead in summer 2023, we decided that Niki would stay with Regine from her heat until the puppies were weaned. I knew it would be a long stretch without her, but I still had my dachshund to keep me company, and I had no doubt Niki would be comfortable with Regine. My only worry was her attitude—Niki could be a bit of a diva, and I hoped she wouldn’t stir up the other dogs. Thankfully, my concerns proved unfounded.
One weekend, I visited Regine and the other dogs, noticing how interested they all were in Niki. Back in Göttingen, the reason became clear the next day—there were blood spots on the floor. I immediately called Regine, and we arranged for me to bring Niki to her in a few days. Two stud dogs were potential matches, one in England and one in Germany. In the end, Aart only needed to drive south instead of crossing the Channel. He booked a nearby room, and the pairing went perfectly. Niki was so comfortable that she even made herself at home in Aart’s bed.
After the mating, Regine checked in with me more than once to see if I wanted to bring Niki home until her due date, but my schedule just didn’t allow it. So, Niki stayed in Bunderhee, where she continued to thrive in Regine’s care.
Nearly every day, I asked if there were signs of puppies on the way. After about half of her pregnancy, Regine took Niki to the vet for an ultrasound, which showed she was expecting around five puppies. I was overjoyed and eagerly tried to calculate the likely due date. As the day approached, Regine kept me updated with photos and videos showing how seamlessly Niki had blended into the pack, happily and stress-free.
One afternoon, Regine and I were chatting, and she mentioned she thought the puppies would come soon. While I considered visiting, I realized that my presence might make things more stressful for Niki. Having seen many births during my veterinary training, I knew newborn puppies only start to shine when they develop a bit. I tried to stay up that night, waiting for news, but sleep won out. When I woke up, I saw photos and videos of the new puppies in a special Facebook group that Regine and Aart create for each litter. I was incredibly proud and immediately called Regine to hear all the details.
From there, the adventure continued, and Niki took to her new role beautifully. Through Regine’s ongoing support, I’ve felt fully involved in the process, witnessing firsthand the joy and commitment involved in breeding Working Cockers.
In the weeks after the puppies were born, I received daily photos and videos – not only of the little rascals but also of my own dog, Niki. The first prospective puppy owners joined the Facebook group, giving me an early glimpse into who they were. Regine shared details about each potential owner and their backgrounds, and I was fascinated by the range of activities these puppies would be involved in, from semi-professional agility to police work.
When the puppies were about four weeks old, I visited for the first time, bringing along my mom and two friends. It was amazing to see how accurately the videos had captured each puppy’s behavior and personality. Shortly before the puppies were to go home with their new families, I visited once more. On the first night, Niki still wanted to stay with her pups, but by the second night, she came up to join us. Surprisingly, the little ones had no trouble spending their first night without their mother.
After the puppies went to their new homes, the Facebook group became a kind of daily diary for everyone. It was wonderful to see how well each puppy settled in and adapted to their new families. A year later, the group is still active, with regular updates, photos, and videos. Soon, the first puppies will be going in for their hip and joint X-rays.
Looking back, I can say that the breeding-rights arrangement with Regine has been a great experience for me – so much so that we’re considering another litter with Niki next year. The hardest part wasn’t being apart from Niki for so long (especially since I still had my dachshund to keep me company); instead, my main worry was whether Niki might cause issues within the pack. Regine quickly put my fears to rest, and the daily contact with her and Aart gave me confidence and reassurance that Niki was in excellent hands.
Deciding on a breeding-rights arrangement is a personal choice. It’s essential that it’s not just about getting a puppy faster. This choice comes with responsibilities, and breeding Working Cockers requires a serious commitment and attention to various aspects. Beyond health, character traits are crucial. Thanks to their years of experience, Regine and Aart can assess the puppies’ personalities early on and make a very intentional decision about keeping a female – or sometimes, not keeping one at all.
For those who may be unsure, it might be more suitable to choose a female without breeding rights to ensure they can meet the expectations. The duties associated with the breeding arrangement are generally manageable – primarily the X-ray screenings and being open to having your dog away for several weeks. But taking on this responsibility and placing trust in Regine and Aart is something to consider carefully. No one has to leave their dog for as long as I did, but this flexibility shows how much love and conscientious care Regine and Aart put into breeding their dogs.
As I mentioned, I’d love to plan another litter with Niki, and I’d be happy for my next dog to also be a breeding female with Regine and Aart. I’ve never seen a breeding program quite like theirs. Their dedication to and passion for the breed make them truly unique. So here’s a huge thank you for your amazing work and all the effort you put in!