This educational video features Sarah Willms of Tagalong English Springer Spaniels leading a live puppy evaluation, assisted by Rebecca Hoskins and Tekla Viker. The litter, bred by Sarah in partnership with co-breeder Donna Larson, is sired by Thomas and out of Amelia. Because the breeding is linebred on influential early winners, the presentation offers a valuable opportunity to discuss pedigree, type, and the goals behind thoughtful breeding decisions.

The program focuses on evaluating puppies at eight weeks of age, a stage widely regarded as one of the most important for assessing future show and breeding potential. Viewers are taken through the structure and balance of each puppy, with close attention given to essential features such as shoulder layback, forechest, depth of chest, ribbing, angulation, outline, and overall symmetry. The discussion also considers temperament, movement potential, and the ways early observations can help guide future decisions.

One of the video’s greatest strengths is its collaborative format. Sarah Willms, Rebecca Hoskins, and Tekla Viker demonstrate the value of having several experienced breeders participate in the evaluation process, sometimes informally called a “puppy party.” By comparing observations and discussing preferences openly, they show how multiple knowledgeable perspectives can lead to a more complete and thoughtful assessment of each puppy.
The male puppies are examined both individually and in comparison to one another, allowing viewers to see how subtle differences in construction, balance, and attitude shape evaluation. The presenters explain hands-on techniques for assessing puppies and offer commentary on how experienced breeders interpret what they see and feel. The same careful attention is then given to the female puppies, with discussion of breed type, expression, symmetry, and potential for future success in the show ring.

Throughout the presentation, Sarah and her assistants share practical insights, personal experience, and candid observations that make this video especially useful for breeders seeking to sharpen their evaluative skills. The result is an engaging and informative exploration of puppy evaluation as both an art and a discipline, encouraging breeders to observe carefully, think critically, and continue refining their eye for the breed.

TIME STAMPS
0:00 _ Start
0:07 _ Welcome and Introduction
1:38 _ Born to Win: Breed To Succeed
3:55 _ Explanation on How the Evaluation Will Proceed
8:38 _ Barry
17:24 _ Marvin
19:36 _ Bruno
21:54 _ Marvin & Bruno Compared
27:37 _ Barry Explained
30:18 _ Marvin Explained
36:36 _ First Question from Julie — Pick Dog Top Line
36:47 _ Answer — About Bruno Pick Dog
37:44 _ Question — Structural Difference between Marvin and Bruno in the Shoulders
37:57 _ Answer — Difference between Marvin and Bruno
40:15 _ The Evaluation of the Girls
40:23 _ Courtney
46:46 _ Mavis
52:15 _ Roberta
56:45 _ Billie
59:31 _ Roberta and Billie Compared
1:01:38 _ Additional Questions