Cooper’s Redneck Kennel is a family affair. While started by Ray back in 1981 it has become an endeavor of the whole family over the years. Here’s a little information about the family and their involvement in this work of passion and dedication to the breed.

Ray Cooper – Born in 1948 and raised in East Texas has been around bird dogs all his life. As a 4 year old he slipped out of the house one day while his Mom napped and wondered into a pasture of wild Brahman Cattle. The family English Setter, Gene Dog, fought off the herd for over two hours till the neighbors found Ray sitting on a tree stump crying, with Gene Dog completely exhausted from fighting the wild critters to near death. From those early years on Ray had dogs and mostly hunting dogs throughout his life. Then in 1980 he discovered Vizslas, getting his first in 1981 and not being without them since. His love of hunting and field trials led Ray to competing with his Vizslas in both AKC and American Field trials and eventually co-founding the National Vizsla Association with his good friend Bruce Hale in 1990, hosting the first National Classic in the Spring of 1991. This year the NVA celebrated its 19th National Championship recognized by the American Field. In addition to campaigning his Vizslas in field trials over most of the Western US, Ray has also sold puppies to bird hunters all over the country and into Canada.

Cindy Cooper – After marrying Ray in 1986, immediately became involved in the sport of field trialing and training of their dogs. As a kind, soft spoken person she also realized how effective she was at nurturing young pups to help them develop a bold and friendly temperament. During the past 20 plus year Cindy has assisted with every aspect of Kennel Life. Everything from hosing out, feeding, helping whelp litters to getting young dogs started is now on Cindy’s resume. Her contribution has been invaluable to the success of Cooper’s Redneck Kennel.

The kids – All five of the Cooper kids have played a valuable role in the progress over the years. The older kids, Darren, Tiffany and Jake helped out with training and socializing pups back in the early days. Will and Natalie are carrying on the tradition today, with Will now serving as assistant trainer and scout for field trial dogs as well as training hunting dogs with Dad. Will has scouted two dogs to National titles for other owners and is becoming successful as a handler in his own right.

While we appreciate the accomplishments of the Vizsla in the show ring, versatility tests, agility events and all the other activities available for the breed, our passion and dedication is to the Vizsla as a premier bird dog. As with many of the Continental Breeds today the Vizlsa has attracted a substantial following of pet and companion dog owners as well as show ring competitors. In some cases the breeding practices of those pursuing these endeavors have placed the hunting instincts as lower priorities in their breeding programs. Here at Cooper’s Redneck Kennel these hunting instincts and natural Bird Dog characteristics are the number one priority with all the others still being on the list but in positions 2 through infinity. We are convinced this is why puppy buyers contact us years later to brag about how well their dogs have done on recent hunting outings or field trials. Of the more than 150 recognized pure bred dogs in the United States only 11 are recognized as pointing breeds. We are dedicated to insuring the Vizsla continues to be one that excels at what they were bred for originally.