Our breeding philosophy is simple; strive to produce the best versatile hunting companions available to responsible and passionate hunting homes. Dogs in our breeding program have proven themselves as stand out hunting and family dogs, which can positively contribute to the breed. Our breeding stock has endured rigorous training, and excelled in competition and testing at the highest levels. Additionally our breeding  stock has demonstrated competency in handling wild game and waterfowl in a wide variety of locations across the country.

We selectively breed for dogs that are healthy, mentally stable, bold, and confident. Strict breeding standards are adhered to, enabling us to produce dogs that are of medium size, structurally sound, athletic, and have a proper wire coat. Our pups mature into truly versatile dogs that have the ability to adapt to many types of game, cover, and situations.

Health

“People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --- Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t need to stay as long.”

One of life’s greatest injustices is that dogs don’t live as long as people. The strongest and healthiest dogs go on to live long, healthy, fulfilling lives. Quality of health and overall longevity can be directly attributed to genetics. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a robust breed, generally free of many of the afflictions that effect many other breeds. Although uncommon, hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism are two of the most common health problems found in the GWP. We carefully select breeding stock from lines with a record of being free of genetic diseases and disorders. Our own dogs are health tested and determined to be free of hip and elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, von Willebrand’s disease, and eye disorders. This helps to build the foundation for the long, happy, and healthy life of our puppies.

Temperament

We understand that much a dog’s life is spent as a companion.  A dog must be easy to live with to be an integral member of your family. Calm, loyal and well mannered dogs are valued and cherished by their owners and families. We believe a dog’s ability to understand the difference between work, play, and relaxation is heritable, and thus we have no tolerance of mental instability, shyness, extreme sensitivity, or aggression towards other dogs or people.

Coat and Conformation

True to the name, the GWP was bred to have a harsh, dense, water- resistant wire coat. A proper double coat should not be overly long, fuzzy, or soft to the touch. We prefer coats that are harsh to the touch, lie flat against the body, and are easily maintained.

The principle of “form follows function” is an integral part of our breeding program. If a dog is to be able to withstand demanding conditions, its structure must be up to the challenge. A dog that is well balanced seems to effortlessly cover ground, and can hunt hard all day. We desire dogs are of medium size, longer than they are tall, deep chested, strong boned, well muscled, agile, and athletic.

Versatility

“The Versatile Hunting dog is a dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.” The VHD is a great asset to the hunter that pursues many types of upland game, waterfowl, and furbearers. We consider German Wirehaired pointers to be the finest of the VHD breeds .With a single hunting companion you can watch as ducks pile into a pothole in the morning, chase pheasants and grouse in the afternoon, and reflect on a great day of hunting that same evening.

Natural Ability

Since many of our customers are new to the versatile breeds and training, we select parents that have themselves demonstrated the skills that are needed to become a successful hunting dog at an early age.  The natural, inherited abilities of a quality versatile hunting dog are listed below.

Use of Nose:

 “The quality of a dog’s nose, more than any other single factor, determines its usefulness as a versatile hunting dog” It can be difficult to determine how “good” of a nose a dog has, as many variables play into scenting. What we can measure is how a dog uses its nose, and the knowledge it builds from using it to search for, locate, point, hold, track, and recover game.

Search:

“A pup should show enthusiasm, sufficient independence to move away from the handler, and a willingness to investigate likely cover.”A hunting dog is of no use if it will not go out and actively pursue game independent of its handler. Once properly introduced to game, a dog should independently seek likely cover with purpose.

Love of Water:

A dogs desire to enter the water and swim is a crucial component of a versatile hunting dog. If properly introduced to water at a young age, a dog should show no hesitation in getting in the drink.

Pointing:

  “The instinct to point must be clearly evident in the versatile hunting dog. Pointing and searching are the two major aspects of the dog’s work before the shot. An industrious search and a productive point are a thrilling spectacle. Little game is crippled or lost when the hunter can approach game well prepared for a clean shot.” The Pointing instinct is an inherited trait that cannot be taught. A strong pointing instinct is the foundation for future training, and can mean the difference between birds in hand or two flushed from a bush.  

Tracking:

A dog’s ability to use its nose and concentrate on a track is invaluable to locating and returning downed game

Desire to Work:

“The desire to work is the hallmark of a good versatile hunting dog, and this desire is expressed in every phase of work on land and water, from beginning to end. The dog must demonstrate that it wants to find game and is willing to work hard to that end.” A dog that enjoys its job and gives everything it has to please without quitting is a pleasure to hunt behind. These dogs are much easier to train and hunt over even with limited experience.

Cooperation:

“Cooperation can be defined as an inherent willingness on the part of the dog to apply its own initiative and special talents while working with the handler in pursuit of a common goal, producing game.” A dog that can hear you but does not listen is not only frustrating, but a danger to itself. Cooperation comes with the bond built while spending time together. A dog that hunts with and for you is a hunter’s greatest tool.