About Us

Steve Bowman comes from five generations of hunters and outdoorsmen. Born in the middle of the Heartland in Kansas, Bowman now resides in Tennessee and has hunted across the USA. Bowman raised his children the same way he was raised – in the great outdoors.

It was his combined passions for the outdoors, hunting, his family, and dogs that started Bowman on the search for a dog that would be both the perfect hunting partner and family companion. What he found was the Pudelpointer – and Bo.

“The dogs are my family,” Bowman says, highlighting their central role in his life. He insists that Pudelpointers, known for being both friendly and expert hunters, make the perfect combination of hunting and family pets. Bowman enjoys any outdoor activity he can do with his family, having raised them with the same appreciation for nature that he experienced growing up. He manages the day-to-day workings of the business with his daughter-in-law, Brittany Bowman.

He has trained several dog breeds over the years including Border Collies and Labs. He also trained and competed with both roping and cutting horses.

“Timing is key with all animals,”

Steve said. He has trained Pudelpointers since the beginning of Bowman Kennels and has tested many dogs for clients and his program in the NAVHDA system. Due to growth in the business he has now added Steve Kosmicki to the training team and together they are training all versatile hunting breeds.

Bowman’s dedication is evident in his hard work and commitment to his kennel and his dogs. His moral code is reflected in his work ethic:

“You have to be consistent; we start when the sun comes up,” he said.

In his free time, Bowman enjoys spending time with his family, as well as fishing and hunting, reflecting his deep connection to both his personal interests and professional endeavors.

Seasoned trainer Steve Kosmicki has a career spanning five decades, preparing and judging dogs for hunting, tracking, and retrieving tests. Currently working alongside founder Steve Bowman, Kosmicki excels in teaching dogs how to hunt daily on our grounds.

Originally from a small town in Northern Illinois, Kosmicki worked as a school administrator before retiring and moving to Tennessee to escape the cold winters along the Wisconsin border. His career began at 17, shadowing local professional trainers in obedience and protection work. early experience fueled his passion, leading him to 40 years of versatile dog training.

Kosmicki’ credentials include serving as an AKC Hunt Test Judge and achieving the AKC Hunt Test Junior, Senior, and Master Hunter titles. He has worked extensively with the Jagdgebrauchshundverband (JGHV), the German system, specializing in the Deutsch Kurzhaar breed. Kosmicki has tested and trained dogs at every level of the German system and owned two of the three dogs worldwide to hold both the NAVHDA Versatile Champion and the German KS titles. He played a key role in helping the third dog achieve these titles. Kosmicki trained and ran several dogs to earn NAVHDA’s Natural Ability, Utility, and Versatile Champion titles; He has been a NAVHDA Senior Judge for 20 years.

Kosmicki met Bowman at a NAVHDA test, discovering their shared views on rearing hunting dogs. Their mutual appreciation for each other’s training methods led to a partnership that has thrived for the past six months.

Why Statement: “Flipping that switch in dogs’ heads… it’s something amazing.”

Kennel Manager Brittany Bowman wears many hats at Bowman Kennels. While her title might not fully capture her wide-ranging role, Brittany plays a crucial part in the daily operations and success of the kennel. She works closely with Steve Bowman to oversee the breeding process and make key decisions, ensuring the quality and health of the dogs.

In addition to managing the breeding process, Brittany handles marketing, runs the social media accounts promoting the kennel’s services, manages the sale of litters, and takes on the role of photographer. She captures the daily activities, training sessions, and milestones of the dogs through her photography, showcasing the dogs ‘development and success.

Brittany has an intimate understanding of the responsibilities of each team member. Her leadership ensures that staff tasks are clearly defined and efficiently executed, contributing to the smooth operation of the kennel. She is also lightly involved in training, sometimes teaching puppies basic skills (i.e. swimming) crucial to development. Her hands-on approach and dedication to each dog’s progress contribute significantly to their success.

Brittany makes it a priority to ensure that all puppies find safe and suitable homes. She carefully screens potential adopters to ensure each puppy is placed in a loving and appropriate environment.

Brittany was born in Ohio but was raised in Lebanon, Tennessee, from a young age. Before marrying Schuyler Bowman, she had already been integrated into the Bowman family. She had been longtime friends with Schuyler and Steve beforehand, through the business, they have grown much closer over the years. When Steve approached her with the idea for Bowman Kennels, Brittany was eager to transition from her role selling cell phones to becoming a full-time part of the kennel. Tired of city living, Brittany and Schuyler moved to Tullahoma to embrace a smaller, more personal setting that aligns with their lifestyle.

Brittany has been an integral part of Bowman Kennels for the entire six years of its operation, and she gives her all to ensure its success through her multifaceted role and passion for dogs.

Schuyler Bowman, husband of Brittany Bowman, plays a valuable role at Bowman Kennels. By day, he is a diesel mechanic, working with heavy machinery and vehicles. When he can, Schuyler contributes to the kennel, occasionally helping with training alongside his father, Steve Bowman, and Steve Kosmicki. He also assists his wife, Brittany, in training puppies to swim, which is an important part of their early development.

Originally from Lebanon, Tennessee, Schuyler and his wife moved to Tullahoma because Lebanon was becoming too large for their taste; they prefer the charm and pace of small-town living. Schuyler fondly recalls his childhood on a family farm, where they had cattle dogs. This early experience of training dogs to take commands and perform tasks in the field sparked his interest in working with dogs. His father instilled in him the value of hunting and the outdoors, with memorable moments spent duck hunting and enjoying the outdoors with his family.

Schuyler’s priority is supporting his family and the business. He uses his mechanical skills to address maintenance needs at the kennel, such as repairing broken doors or fixing a busted vehicle. His diverse contributions and hands-on approach are instrumental in ensuring the smooth operation of the kennel.

Looking to the future, Schuyler hopes to succeed in a Utility Test and earn a spot at the Invitational.

Kennel Technician and Grounds Keeper Clayton Conley’s passion for animal care, inspired by his four dogs, led him to a career with Bowman Kennels. Conley made a significant career shift from automotive assembly work to the kenneling business, driven by his lifelong love for dogs.

“I’ve always loved dogs, I’ve had dogs my whole life… and dogs love me,” Conley said.

Originally from Lima, Ohio, Conley faced a challenging start but eventually moved to Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where he met his wife, Iris. They relocated to La Vergne, Tennessee, and eventually settled in Shelbyville, Tennessee.

Conley has been with Bowman Kennels for a year, where he plays a crucial role in maintaining the grounds and kennels. While he occasionally assists with training, his primary responsibilities include running the dogs, helping with sanitation, dispensing food as scheduled, regularly checking water bowls, monitoring their health and wellness, and administering medications as needed.

Conley’s personal experience with his diabetic dog, which requires daily insulin shots and a strict feeding regimen, has deepened his understanding and commitment to animal care. He approaches every animal in his care with the same dedication and initiative he applies to his own pets.

Why Statement: “Comes down to caring for the dogs, that’s what it’s all about for me.”

Kennel Technician Jennifer Lee Cotton, the newest member of our team, lives by the motto: “Cleanliness is next to godliness.”

Cotton retired after a 30-year career at Attica Corrections in New York, where she also volunteered for her county’s local SPCA program. Raised on a farm by her single father, who was passionate about the outdoors, Cotton’s background is deeply rooted in a love for the countryside.

After relocating from rural New York to the green hills of Tennessee, Cotton earned SPCA and D.A.R.T. certifications through Bedford County Animal Control in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Her move was driven by dissatisfaction with lax state laws regarding animal abuse and neglect, prompting her to seek an environment that prioritizes the health and safety of animals.

Cotton found that environment at Bowman Kennels, where she quickly fell in love with the Pudelpointer breed. Her extensive experience in animal aid and disaster relief, including her work with D.A.R.T., makes her a perfect fit for the role. At Bowman Kennels, Cotton is dedicated to maintaining clean, safe kennels and vigilantly observing the dogs for signs of illness or fatigue.

Cotton appreciates that Bowman Kennels offers her the best of both worlds: working with Pudelpointers and embracing her farm girl roots.

Why Statement: “We try to be the voice for the voiceless.”