Episode 1: Totem

Bob Knipper & Totem: The Beginning of Boberosa Gundogs

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Before Boberosa Gundogs became known for producing and training some of the finest bird dogs in the field, there was a young trainer, a small kennel, and one remarkable dog.

In the late 1980s, Bob Knipper welcomed his first Field-Bred English Springer Spaniel into his life — a small pup named Totem. Born with swimmer’s legs, Totem’s early days were uncertain. Many might have written her off, but Bob saw something in her spirit: determination, intelligence, and a spark that hinted at greatness.

Those first weeks and months were a lesson in patience, creativity, and heart. As Totem grew stronger, she began to show the makings of a true bird dog — quick to learn, eager to please, and with an uncanny nose for game. Bob’s early work with Totem became the foundation of his first kennel, Little Turtle Kennels, and set the tone for the training philosophy he carries to this day: every dog has potential, if you’re willing to put in the time.

Totem’s rise to field lore began in the rolling coverts of Iowa, where her tenacity and skill turned hunts into legends. She became known not just for her ability to flush and retrieve with precision, but for her connection with Bob — a silent understanding that only comes from countless hours together in the field.

The hunts they shared weren’t just about the birds in the bag, but the memories they created — the crisp autumn mornings, the steady rhythm of boots on frosted grass, and the electric moment before a flush when everything holds still. Totem’s legacy isn’t measured in ribbons or trophies, but in the way she shaped a young trainer’s vision and inspired a lifetime dedicated to the art of the bird dog.

Join us on a walk down memory lane as we share the story of Totem — the pup who beat the odds, became a legend in the fields of Iowa, and laid the foundation for what would one day become Boberosa Gundogs.