GCH CH Pocotaligo’s Big Lick JH will be one of sixteen Boykin Spaniels vying for honors at 135th Westminster Kennel Club dog show. The state dog of South Carolina, along with five additional breeds, will be making their debut at this prestigious show held at Madison Square Garden.

Better known as “Peach”, GCH CH Pocotaligo’s Big Lick JH is the culmination of an eleven year partnership between co-owners Sandra Johnson of Atlanta, Ga. and longtime Boykin breeder/trainer Kim Parkman of Sumter, SC.

While visiting Parkman’s Pocotaligo Kennel, Mrs. Johnson was smitten by one of her personal dogs, Pocotaligo’s Jumpin’ For Joy. Johnson’s attractive offer for the purchase of Joy was politely rebuffed with a promise of a pup from her first breeding. Soon afterwards, Joy was bred to Ware’s Pocotaligo Banjo. The result of that breeding produced Peach.

Peach’s call name derives from the famous Peachtree Street in Atlanta. Her registered name is a reflection of Johnson’s twenty year ownership of Waterfall Farms of Shelbyville, Tenn., home of an impressive line-up of “big lick” World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking horses.

Parkman trained Peach for the field and handled her to a Junior Hunter title. While attending a hunt test, it was pointed out that she just might be a good candidate for the conformation ring. At first, Parkman balked at the notion of taking one of her field dogs into a show ring. Later, after consultation with Johnson, the decision was made for Peach to spend a month with a friend in Atlanta. It was then, two months  removed from a drastic summer hair cut and handled by an amateur, Peach participated in her first show. While we didn’t win, several judges offered encouraging advice and suggested that we allow her coat to grow and return to the ring.

Since returning to the ring on a limited basis, Peach has done quite well. She earned her Championship title with Parkman on the leash and followed that up by becoming the first Grand Champion bitch in breed history. Recently, she was chosen Best of Breed over male specials each day at Charleston Kennel club shows.

According to Parkman, Peach is equally at home in field, show ring or sofa. She is such a sweet, friendly dog - Peach is truly a fitting name for her. For more info contact Kim Parkman, 803-491-8471 or visit www.pocotaligokennel.com