South Island Working Spaniel Club
South Island Working Spaniel Club: A Legacy of Excellence
Following in the footsteps of the Working Spaniel Club based in the North Island, keen trialists saw the potential to establish a similar club in the South Island. The idea quickly gained traction, and in 2004, the South Island Working Spaniel Club (SIWSC) was officially formed.
Initially, the Game preserves such as Bendigo, Dorset Downs, and Craigmore provided ideal environments for spaniels to work efficiently. Spaniels, in particular, excelled in these settings—demonstrating remarkable drive, skill in flushing game, and retrieving from dense cover. Thanks to the generosity of preserve owners, trialists now had access to reliable grounds for hosting trials.
Beyond the preserves, expansive stations in Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin offered an abundance of rabbits, creating exceptional trialling opportunities. The Rabbit trials are arguably the most thrilling, presenting the ultimate challenge for spaniels: remaining steady to a flushed rabbit. With rabbits often hiding in thick, prickly matagouri, spaniels must show true courage to flush game for the gun.
These trials have grown so popular that North Island trialists frequently travel south to compete, often arriving early to gain exposure and solid training. SIWSC holds its trials during the winter months, from late April to July. The club’s main events are organised into two one-week blocks, accommodating both Novice and Championship-level dogs. This format fosters mentorship, training, and collaboration among all participants.