English Springer Spaniel Named 'Solo' Stands Out to Win 2020 National Open Championship

True to his name, “Solo,” a 4 ½-year-old white-and-black male, delivered a star performance to win the 2020 English Springer Spaniel National Open Championship. NFC FC AFC Rockey’s Solo outperformed 119 starters over four land series and one water series with his keen bird-finding ability, driving flushes and precision retrieves. Pro handler Jason Givens of Lighthouse Kennels in Cambria, Wisconsin, says, “Solo is a very powerful dog with an above-average nose. Despite tough scenting conditions, he was more impressive with each series.” Solo gave Givens his second National Open win, having won in 2003 with NFC Lighthouse Reverence. Solo’s owner Chuck Cloninger of Greenleaf, Wisconsin, bought the spaniel as a started 9-month-old from Gary Riddle of Rockey’s Kennels in Trenton, Utah. As a 1-year-old, Solo earned top points to be named the Midwest High Point Open Dog, an honor he repeated the next year along with being named the 2018 National High Point Open Dog. Handled by Cloninger, Solo placed third at the 2019 National Amateur Championship. Another National Open Champion in Solo’s pedigree is his maternal great-grandsire, NFC FC AFC Crosswinds Warpath HOF, who won in 2006. The 2020 National Open Champion is fed Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula dog food