Sonia Lévy
Founder of Élevage des Petits Castors, Sonia has devoted years to seeking out, importing, selecting and working Working Cockers from genuine British working lines.
Her approach is built around one conviction: preserve the natural qualities of the working dog while selecting for balance, closeness to people and the ability to become an exceptional family companion.
Preserving the authentic English Working Cocker
Sonia was among the pioneers who introduced and helped establish in France the Working Cocker from genuine British working lines.
From the outset, her approach has relied on seeking dogs directly in England that match a clear vision: natural ability, temperament, balance and a strong capacity to share everyday life closely with people.
Origins matter.
They are never enough.
A pedigree tells a story and provides a valuable breeding tool. It can never replace observing the dog itself.
Sonia looks for Working Cockers that genuinely express the qualities she values: intelligence, drive, natural ability, behavioural balance and a close relationship with their handler.
Every breeding dog must have a clear reason to contribute to the programme and bring something meaningful to the next generation.
Training, the natural extension of selection
Working a dog reveals what no photograph and no pedigree can show: drive, sensitivity, intelligence and the dog’s ability to cooperate with people.
Partnership before mechanics
Sonia’s approach is grounded in a deep understanding of the Working Cocker and in adapting training to the personality of each individual dog.
Play, motivation, repetition and understanding the dog help develop natural ability while preserving enthusiasm and confidence.
Quality over quantity
The number of breeding dogs is deliberately limited. This allows us to know every dog extremely well, to continue working with them and to retain a genuinely individual approach to every planned pairing.
New bloodlines are introduced only when they offer genuine value to the breeding programme.
The objective remains unchanged: to preserve an authentic Working Cocker with drive and genuine working ability, while also selecting for balance and the ability to thrive as part of a family.
Breeding means taking responsibility for choices
The value of a breeding programme is not measured by the number of dogs produced, but by the consistency of the decisions made before they are born and the care given to their future.
Preserve
Preserve the authenticity of British working lines and the functional qualities that define the Working Cocker.
Select
Bring together pedigree, health, temperament, balance and natural ability in every breeding decision.
Support
Get to know each family, observe the puppies and support each future owner in seeking the best possible match.
A philosophy lived alongside our dogs
Work, family and everyday life: the balance we seek in our Working Cockers is something we observe every day.
Exacting selection, a relationship built over time.
If you are looking for an authentic Working Cocker from British working lines and would value guidance in choosing the dog best suited to your plans, we would be delighted to hear from you.