From Farm Life to French Bulldogs: The Unconventional Journey of Justin Cox
Born on March 1st, 1965, Justin Cox, the only child and son of Peter and Ivy Cox, hails from a farming background on Exmoor in Somerset. Growing up on a sprawling 260-acre farm with 800 sheep, 100 beef cattle, pigs, dogs, and horses, Justin developed a profound love and connection to animals from a young age.
His isolated childhood, while having its ups and downs, fueled his strong bond with farm animals, particularly the terrier farm dogs that became his constant companions. Horses also played a significant role in his life, with Justin spending countless hours racing around the farm on his pony, reminiscent of the Lone Ranger.
At the age of three, Justin made waves in a BBC-filmed documentary for the program “Play Away,” showcasing his daily two-mile pony ride to catch the school bus. However, at the tender age of six, he was sent off to boarding/prep school, marking a significant shift away from the farm life he cherished. Despite the challenges, Justin found solace and freedom in sports, excelling in football, rugby, cricket, and athletics, earning him captaincy in various school teams.
His rebellious spirit persisted, but sports became an outlet for his energy and drive. Justin’s leadership qualities emerged when he was pulled out of detention to salvage a losing game, leading his team to a triumphant turnaround. This early experience foreshadowed his lifelong passion for sports and challenges.
Justin’s affinity for animals extended beyond the farm, as he mastered the art of riding horses, fearlessly taming even the wildest of them. Riding in competitions and participating in various sports, including rugby trials for Southwest England, Justin’s prowess as an athlete and leader shone through.
Leaving school at 16 with no formal qualifications, Justin ventured into the world with a determination to succeed. Early marriage and the birth of three sons followed, but his journey took a different turn when he relocated to London. There, he co-founded a successful decorating and maintenance company called Monarch, enjoying a period of financial success, travel, and adventure.
After selling a hotel and a nightclub, Justin returned to Exmoor, reigniting his passion for horses and dogs. However, a life-changing event occurred in 2009 when a horse-riding accident left him temporarily paralyzed. Undeterred, Justin embarked on a remarkable recovery journey, even completing his first Ironman.
Subsequent years saw him explore various ventures, from developing properties to owning a gym and diving into extreme sports. In 2013, Justin and his wife Sue returned to Exmoor, resuming their hobby breeding dogs. They expanded their breeding endeavors to include Dachshunds, earning them recognition as the number one breeder in the UK.
In 2016, they welcomed a new addition, a Cocker Spaniel Bitch named Willow. Justin’s involvement in training gun dogs for field trialing in the competitive UK scene became a pivotal chapter. In 2019, they bred from Willow, and two sisters, Bear and Wispa, joined the family.
Bear, one of the sisters, achieved remarkable success, becoming a Field Trial Champion in 2021. Her journey led her to compete in the prestigious British Field Trialing Championships at the Queen’s estate in Windsor, where she earned a high Merit grade, placing an extraordinary 6th among the world’s finest dogs.
Beyond breeding, Justin’s connection with dogs extends to extreme challenges, such as a 600-kilometer race around the Arctic with husky dogs. This experience underscores his profound understanding and love for dogs, emphasizing the deep bond that goes beyond breeding — trusting them even in the harshest conditions, where connection becomes a lifeline.
In 2023, Justin’s love for French Bulldogs took him to Hungary, where he collaborated on creating cosmetic products tailored for these unique dogs. The venture promises not only professional and educational content but also innovative products crafted from natural ingredients.
From a farm boy to a multi-faceted entrepreneur, Justin Cox’s journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering love for animals. As he continues to make strides in the world of dog breeding and ventures into new territories, Justin Cox’s story is one of constant evolution and dedication. Watch this space for the next chapter in his extraordinary journey.
