Welcome to the thunderbird springers family
At Thunderbird Springers, we believe that bringing a new puppy into your home is the start of an incredible journey. We want you to feel like the luckiest people alive, not just receiving a puppy, but joining our extended family. Discover the passion, trust, and dedication that goes into every single Springer Spaniel we raise here in Fort White, Florida.
About Me
Hi, I’m Heather Richards, the heart behind Thunderbird Springers. I’m a mother, a dog breeder, and a firm believer that how a puppy is raised matters just as much as where they come from.
My dogs and puppies are raised right here on our family farm, surrounded by children, daily routines, and real-life experiences. As both a breeder and a mom, I understand the importance of patience, consistency, and creating a safe, nurturing environment. That mindset carries into every part of my breeding program.
I am deeply committed to ethical breeding, health testing, early neurological development, and intentional socialization. My goal is to raise English Springer Spaniels that are not only beautiful and healthy, but confident, stable, and ready to become true family companions.
Thunderbird Springers isn’t just a kennel—it’s a reflection of my family, my values, and my promise to raise puppies with care, purpose, and integrity from day one.
Shelby and Emma
My girls are a big part of life at Thunderbird Springers and play an important role in helping care for our dogs and puppies. From an early age, they’ve learned responsibility, consistency, and compassion through daily, hands-on involvement.
They help with puppy socialization and gentle handling, and they are trusted with important daily tasks such as measuring and preparing food, checking and refilling water bowls, and helping keep bedding clean, fresh, and sanitized. They take pride in learning proper care routines and understanding that the dogs’ health and comfort always come first.
Their favorite part is spending time with the puppies—snuggling them, watching their personalities emerge, and helping them grow into confident, happy dogs.
Outside of the kennel, both girls stay busy with soccer, rodeo, and gymnastics. These activities teach them teamwork, discipline, and perseverance—values that naturally carry over into how they care for the dogs and contribute to our program.
Raising puppies alongside my children is one of the things that makes Thunderbird Springers so special. The love, structure, and real-life experiences our dogs receive are a direct reflection of our family and the environment they’re raised in.
"From the moment we connected with Thunderbird Springers, We had the BEST experience. You can truly tell how much love and effort goes into her puppies, and we loved knowing her kids helped socialize and prep our puppy for life with our crazy, energetic kids. Our puppy arrived happy, confident, and doing amazing. Heather even flew him to us, which made the whole process so easy and stress-free. We couldn’t be happier and would recommend her a thousand times over!!"
Kate Lynne Williams- Colorado