The International English Springer Spaniel Award of Merit in 2006 to Colin & Carolyn Muirhead (Shipden), United Kingdom

Carolyn and Colin Muirhead are the breeders of the famous Shipden English Springers, from Norfolk UK.

The Shipden prefix has been in existence for some 50 years, and the kennel is known for their unshakable belief in the "dual purpose Springer".

There have been some highly significant Springers bred or owned by Carolyn and Colin. One would be Kublai Khan who was the sire of 3 Champions: - Sh Ch Persimmon of Shipden (BOB Crufts 1967), Ch/ Irish Ch Sotherton Phantom of Shipden and Sh Ch Sotherton Sky Warrior.

Later came the most famous Shipden dog Ch Swallowtail. Generally handled by Carolyn, he won 18 CCs (still the record for a B/W) as well as two Ch Gundog Groups and his Show Gundog Working Certificate. He sired Champions all over the world.

Apart from the show ring the Shipden dogs have an enviable reputation in the field. A high number have achieved their Show gundog working certificates and Shipden Harvest Moon was Best performance at the Show Spaniels Field day. All the dogs work regularly on local shoots.

More recently, the winning dogs have been Sh Ch Shipden Chuck Berry (Sire of Champions) and the history making Sh Ch Mistilys Magic Merlin to Shipden (Imp Sweden).

Exports include Swedish Ch Sweet Lady Anne from Shipden who was BIS at the Swedish Breed club show and Ch/Aus Ch Bomaris Envoy to Shipden, another Crufts BOB winner and one of Australia’s top ever Gundogs.

Carolyn has judged the breed at CC level since 1974, including Crufts. She has also judged many times internationally.