The Pointer is one of the first breeds exhibited in the United States. It is also a breed that has been depicted through the centuries by artists. Many of the dogs immortalized by masters such as George Earl, his daughter Maud Earl, Thomas Blinks, Leon Danchin, Richard Fath, and Marguerite Kirmse, just to name a few, are not very different from the modern-day Pointer.

When you enter the ring, you will see a class of Pointers in different colors and coat patterns. This is the icing on the cake, for it is what lies underneath that makes a good Pointer. Thus, color and markings should have no bearing on your decision.

In the General Appearance section of the Pointer Standard, phrases such as “bred primarily for sport afield,” “impression of compact power and agile grace,” and “hard-driving hunting dog” are used. In evaluating the Pointer, one must keep in mind the breed’s purpose. These dogs should have outgoing temperaments and be in excellent muscular condition so they can perform the duties for which they are bred.

For many years, the Pointer has been described as a head breed. There is no doubt that the correct Pointer head is the hallmark of the breed and distinguishes it from other breeds. However, putting all emphasis on the head and neglecting the traits that make the dog capable of hunting all day is a disservice to the breed. That being said, the Pointer’s head is very well-chiseled. The planes of the skull and muzzle can be either parallel or slightly dished. The standard calls for the muzzle to give the impression of length. Wide, open nostrils enable scenting ability. The eyes are ample, rounded, and intense; an oval eye is incorrect and detracts from expression. Eye color should be dark, in contrast with the coat color. The ear leather is fine, so thin that veins are evident, and is short, reaching just below the lower jaw when relaxed. The ears are pointed at the tip, not rounded like those of a scent hound.

The outline of the Pointer consists of a series of gentle curves from the neck blending into smooth, laid-back shoulders. The correct topline has subtle curves from the head to the tail, with a slight rise over the loin and a gently sloping croup. The underline is also integral to the outline, with a gentle, non-exaggerated tuck-up—neither straight nor overly curved, which would suggest hound characteristics. The Pointer’s silhouette should show a well-balanced dog devoid of exaggerations, such as an extreme sloping topline or very high tail carriage. The Pointer should not appear low in leg, as these traits are not correct for the breed.

The Pointer’s chest is deep rather than wide, and the breastbone is bold but not overly prominent. Bone is oval in shape, neither too refined nor too heavy, as both extremes would hinder the breed’s agility and endurance. The feet are oval with well-arched toes and deep pads, necessary for speed and agility.

Our standard calls for muscular and powerful hindquarters. Well-defined musculature should be apparent when examining a Pointer, as strong hindquarters propel the breed in the field. Decided angulation is required in the Breed Standard. Purists will say the head and tail are the two most important physical characteristics of the Pointer. The tail is thicker at the base, tapering to a fine point. Never docked, it should not reach below the hock in length, carried straight without curl, and lash from side to side when moving. The tail may be held straight off the back or as high as 20 degrees above it. The Pointer’s tail should never be carried between its legs.

People often refer to the ideal Pointer tail as a “bee-sting” tail. It is extremely short, tapered, carried perfectly straight, and lashes from side to side in motion. One would never need to measure this tail, as it falls well short of the hock.

In 1906, William Arkwright wrote in The Pointer and His Predecessors, “…while the head is the hallmark of the breed, for the certificate of blue blood, apply at the other end.” At the turn of the last century in England, Pointers were crossed with Foxhounds and Greyhounds, though Mr. Arkwright was opposed to these crosses. He felt that the tail could indicate hound crosses, a concern still relevant today. Certain hound characteristics can still be seen in some Pointers: lack of stop, round bone, cat feet, exaggerated tuck-up, lack of tuck-up and skirting, long ropy tails without taper, sickle tails, long ears with rounded tips, flat croups, and steep croups. Any hound characteristic is incorrect in the Pointer and should be penalized.

A good Pointer’s gait is as integral to breed type as its head and tail. The gait should be strong and powerful, with the head held proudly and tail lashing from side to side. In the U.S., there is significant emphasis on movement, with judges looking for tremendous reach and drive. However, the dog should not lose its outline when moving. The Pointer should not become longer and lower or let its head face the ground. Faults like hackney gait and pounding movement should be penalized.

Pointers may be black, lemon (with a flesh-colored nose), orange (with black pigment), or liver, either solid or combined with white. The lemon Pointer has a hazel eye, which is genetically impossible to darken, often causing confusion among judges who may mistakenly see the lighter eye as a fault.

The standard does not explicitly address proportions, as in some other breed standards, but it does mention “compact power” and “loins of moderate length.” Most Pointer breeders agree that the breed is just off-square, meaning the height from withers to ground is equal to or slightly less than the length from forechest to rear of the upper thigh.

If you keep these points in mind, you will be comfortable judging the Pointer and able to reward the dog that best exemplifies our standard—a Pointer capable of doing a day’s work in the field and going into the show ring the next day.

For more resources, including the American Pointer Club’s Illustrated Standard, PowerPoint presentations, and informative articles, visit our website at www.americanpointerclub.org.

The post Judging the Pointer appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Judging the Pointer

Among all sporting dogs, the Pointer has achieved a place in history through the paintings of some of our most renowned artists, who depicted a dog of beauty and intensity working afield on upland game. Over the span of several centuries, volumes have been dedicated to his abilities in the field. The root of his origins is often debated among aficionados of sporting dogs. Was he a companion on hunting trips with the Egyptians 3000 years ago, etched in carvings on the tomb of Thebes? Did he stem from Spain with the influx of the Spanish pointer brought by troops into France and England in the 1600s? Is he, perhaps, just a jumble of genes through a bunch of disparate crosses from bloodhound to foxhound and ancient spaniel that produced, by luck of the cross, the breed we see today? There is considerable evidence in the bibliography to support an affirmative answer to the first two questions, and a resounding refutation of the last one. My advice, should you hold interest in the modern Pointer, is to read these historical accounts and weigh their evidence and the arguments in support of their positions carefully. In the final analysis, you be the judge.

The purpose of this article is to provide judges, who are at the forefront in the evaluation of the Pointer, a practical guide to ensure the evaluation of breeding stock is accomplished at its highest level of excellence. You should begin by reading the AKC Pointer standard, read it carefully, and read it often. Review the American Pointer Club Illustrated Standard. It is important to the evaluation process to translate the words of the standard into a mental image of the ideal specimen. Our responsibility as judges is to evaluate breeding stock with respect to the breed’s ideal. Among breed standards, the Pointer standard is not the most difficult to understand. In fact, it presents a very moderate view of a finely hewn sporting dog ready and willing to work afield. The connotations of what is stated in the standard relevant to the breed’s form and function, I detail in this article. I include several references to the Pointer’s field capabilities to draw a tight coupling between form and function.

Five Key Attributes:

While attending the AKC Sporting Dog presentations last August, practically every breed presenter provided the audience with five key attributes of their breed that ensured thorough evaluation of breeding stock. For the Pointer, the five attributes that establish his true type are the head, front, feet, rear, and tail. They are placed in the order you judge a dog. The two attributes unique to the Pointer are his head and tail. To paraphrase William Arkwright, for a certificate of his heritage apply to the head, for a certificate of his blueblood apply to his tail.

Head (see Figures 1a, b, and c): I use the terms ‘classic dish’ as reference to the heads we find in paintings and older breed references that called for a concave nasal bone, which brings the nostrils to a point higher than the base of the stop, as in Figure 1a. Parallel planes are exhibited by the dog in Figure 1b. The nostrils should be large with considerable expanse as in Figure 1c. The stop should be pronounced with a rounded eye and proper placement to complement their dark brown color and intensity. The skull should be flat with a well-defined Occiput, and only as broad as the length of the muzzle from stop to nose.

To understand Pointer symmetry, it is important to understand several relative ratios that aid our subjective evaluation. Relative ratios have a tendency to get exaggerated if left unchecked, but the standard pulls us back to reality with the statement that the head should give the impression of length. Short-muzzled, rounded back skulls are not acceptable in the breed standard. The ear is triangular in shape, somewhat pointed at the tip, and thin in leather, carried at eye level or higher when excited. The ear should reach no further than to the lower jaw. A scissors or level bite is acceptable.

Front assembly: There is an old saying, ‘should he toe in he is out; should he toe out he is in.’ Toeing out is usually associated with young stock. They often grow out of this tendency by the time they reach 12-15 months of age. However, toeing in is often associated with problems in the humerus, rib spring, and front angulation. Proper muscle development and conditioning should be examined. (Refer to Figure 2 for a proper front view.) The width of the forechest is only as wide as is necessary to support a proper shoulder. (Refer to Figure 3 for a proper front assembly side view.) You must train your eye to visualize the layback of the scapula (remember to follow its mid-rib), and the angle formed with respect to the humerus or upper arm.

Most breed authorities concur with the observation the optimal angle of the scapula is 45 degrees, and the humerus should meet the scapula to form an angle of 90 degrees. In the ring, you often do not see these optimal angles. However, the elbow should set directly under a vertical line drawn from the point of the withers to the front pad. The front assembly is the most significant load-bearing structure in the Pointer. There should exist little doubt, the front is the most important structure of the dog’s skeleton. Refer to McDowell Lyon and Edward Gilbert for more critical analyses of dog structure. Both texts explore in detail the structural aspects and establish an excellent rationale for a proper Pointer front assembly and angulation.

Feet are oval, more to the hare in shape, never cat-footed; it is faulted in this breed. The Pointer foot is premier in its ability for work afield. The toes are well arched and accompanied by strong pads. In the field, a quick burst of speed, followed by abrupt turns, and pulling up abruptly to freeze in a statuesque point, hinge on a proper foot to support this action. We see a similar shaped foot in several hound breeds such as the Saluki, Afghan Hound, Greyhound, and Whippet. All these dogs are built for speed and quick turns. The pasterns should be finer in bone and slant slightly. The pastern serves as an additional shock absorption structure. Short, thick upright pasterns are to be avoided in this breed.

Tail carried level with the back, may be slightly elevated above the top line in the AKC standard, and lashed from side to side. It is thick at the root with the third caudal vertebra somewhat enlarged, then tapering to a fine point. Its length has been the object of considerable debate, but it should reach no further than to the hock. This is consistent with many sporting dog standards. Historically, the tail has been likened to a wasp or bee sting; however, the standard calls for neither.

In fact, historically, the documentation in many paintings illustrates a lovely pump handle tail, which follows a lazy S-curve. One cannot lose sight of the artistic works of Maud Earl, Deportes, Oudry, Blinks, Osthaus, and others, who documented the Pointer from the 17th century onward. The quality of the Pointer tail is one of the breed’s most important attributes, and exciting to watch its action when the Pointer is working on game. In the show ring, a tail should lash in small arcs. This is characteristic of the ideal tail action.

Rear assembly of the Pointer provides powerful propelling action with well-developed thighs. The upper thigh should not be weedy and overly refined. The hocks are short and strong, i.e., well let down. The Pointer rear angulation should balance with the front angulation. A well-angulated rear does not mean overly angulated. The standard calls for decided angulation as evidence of power and endurance. The judge should look for balance that supports proper reach and drive. Straight fronts and rears are to be avoided in the breed.

Summary:

The five key attributes composed of head, front, feet, rear, and tail were presented. I proceed to add some additional details to the five key attributes. Soundness and temperament help round out the key components of the breed. As previously noted, the two attributes that speak to breed type are the head and tail, more than any other attribute of the breed. Selective breeding, to ensure good specimen replication, is paramount to guarantee long-term success for this breed’s type. The Pointer’s symmetry is a series of graceful curves. The curve comprised from the occiput, down the neck that should fit smoothly into the shoulders, across the short back and moderate length loin to finish at the tail should form a smooth curve. The underline curve begins at the point of the elbow that meets the brisket, follows on to the tuck-up, and flows across the thigh, upper thigh, and finishes at well-let-down hocks.

The curves represent an excellent test to assess how everything fits together, i.e., the Pointer’s overall image is reflected in these curves, the curves of symmetry. The Pointer should stand over ground: he is not a square dog. Relative ratios come into play again. From the point of shoulder to point of ischium it is slightly longer than height at the withers. The optimal inclination of the pelvis should be 30 degrees. The bone is oval and built for speed, never round as in the foxhound. The topline of the pointer should show a slight rise from the sacral vertebrae to the withers. It must not be flat, slack, or too long, as these traits will impede proper locomotion. The characteristic sporting dog formula of a short back and moderate length loin fits the Pointer’s conformation as well.

Soundness, in this article, references the merging of form and function. The Pointer should be moved on a loose lead to allow his head to come over his center of gravity. You should place equal emphasis on the up-and-back as well as movement in a circle. At the trot in the show ring, the head will come forward and slightly down when moved on a loose lead. The gait should be smooth and effortless, with feet traveling in low arcs for efficiency. Viewing movement from the side, a proper front assembly will permit the front foot to extend out as far as a vertical line through the tip of the muzzle. Feet and legs should move in unison, not crossing, paddling, winging, side-winding, pounding, or anything akin to hackney action. The latter is to be faulted. The pointer will tend to single track at the trot. This is an efficient and effective way to move and cover ground. In the field, the pointer moves rapidly with front legs and rear moving in unison like a hinge supported by a strong back, capable of considerable speed. The pointer is a very fast-running breed, well-muscled and athletic.

Temperament embodies the Pointer’s mental ability to demonstrate confidence and congenial behavior. He is very alert in all situations and keenly interested in anything that has wings. The Pointer is easily trained for work in the show ring and responds favorably to consistent training regimens. The socialization factor should begin at an early age, as the Pointer does not fare well if brought to dog shows with little or no prior experience. Young dogs are often a bit unruly, but judges should be patient to allow the handlers to bring out the best from their younger exhibits. International standards vary to some extent from the AKC standard. If you judge outside the US, you should be aware of the differences that may exist in the breed standards.

Some standards have size variations and emphasize the classic dish head. Most standard variations outside the US are associated with size limitations. I found the Italian standard to be most committed to relative ratios. The English standard provides for the tri-color: black & white with tan markings. In the AKC standard, the color is irrelevant, with a single comment that a good pointer cannot be a bad color. I have seen one liver tri-colored pointer in 48 years. Additional breed comments are detailed in the work of Solero8 and, to some extent, in Lola McDonald Daly’s book4. Solero’s book is written in Italian, and the illustrations are excellent. Enos Phillips2 has portraits of tri-colored Pointers in his book that date back several centuries. In breed seminars, I am often asked to answer the question of why there is such a disparity between the field pointer and show pointer.

The disparity is especially evident in the US. The answer lies in understanding the balance of form and function. With rare exception, those dedicated to field trials in the US emphasized the functional aspects of the breed at the expense of optimal structure. The field pointer evolved as a smaller aberration of the breed, with broader cathedral fronts and barrel ribs, shorter legs, and flagpole tails. The tail, designed perhaps by happenstance to illustrate some arcane association with desire and intensity, came in vogue as early as the mid-1930s. The late Robert Wehle6, whose pointers were a great success in field trials, created his own standard of the breed, which called for the vertical tail. A photograph of a pointer skeleton with the vertical tail appears in the book. The AKC pointers are excellent gundogs, where form and function have been emphasized without exempting the dog of its natural ability to hunt upland game. Different venues of competition have driven some to emphasize certain breed attributes over others. Hence, we have the divergence in breed type.

The standard exemplifies the importance of judging the entire animal, as a smooth, balanced dog is more desired. The formula I provided encapsulates the entire animal perspective in the evaluation of breeding stock. Several years ago, I had an opportunity to chat briefly with Ed Gilbert. I presented his book for an autograph. What Ed wrote are words I value: ‘Read, think and be challenged.’ This is practical advice for judges and breeders alike. Ongoing education is crucial to success as a breed evaluator. I find ringside observation of sporting dogs to be a valuable learning experience. Informal discussions with your peers at judges’ seminars are of additional value. I should add an additional observation—evaluation of breeding stock must begin with careful evaluation conducted by breeders whose intent is to present the pointer in the show ring or compete in the field.

The best years of the modern pointer lie ahead, with dedicated breeders and judges working together to ensure the breed’s quality remains intact. In reference to dog breeders, Robert Wehle6 said, ‘The dog breeders of today, then, are merely temporary custodians of the breeds that were handed down to us from the last generation of breeders and which we, in turn, shall hand on to the next generation.’ It is incumbent upon judges and breeders to ensure the preservation of the Pointer’s valuable and ancient heritage.

The post Judging the Pointer appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

The Versatility of the Pointer – Fact or Fiction???

The Pointer Breed Standard states “The ideal specimen gives the immediate impression of compact power and agile grace; the head noble, proudly carried; the expression intelligent and alert; the muscular body bespeaking both staying power and dash. Here is an animal whose every movement shows him to be a wide-awake, hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go. And in his expression are the loyalty and devotion of a true friend of man.” Pointers are not often seen in performance events such as agility or obedience, but it is not because they do not have the desire or the ability to excel.

They are willing and able competitors, and their athleticism enables them to perform at the top levels with appropriate training. Their exuberant and even mischievous nature can be misleading as they can be very sensitive when they think they have made a mistake. Above all else they want to please their human teammate. Because of this sensitivity, you should always reward the positive and try to ignore mistakes to maintain enthusiasm, and look for frequent opportunities to give your Pointer the chance to be successful in every training session. It is important to understand each breed’s natural inclinations when considering training approaches to other venues such as agility or obedience. The American Pointer Club website describes the Pointer in the field as “very biddable, personable dogs that have one thing on their mind when let loose in hunting terrain, and that is to find birds. Because of this, they tend to run hard, fast, and cover as much ground as possible to accomplish their aim.

As the Pointer may be a considerable distance from the handler at the time of the bird-find, he must also be trainable, so that he will “stand” his bird until the handler arrives.” This inclination to work away from the handler while still taking directions can be an asset in canine sports such as agility—allowing the handler to ‘send’ the dog to an obstacle while minimizing the distance the handler must travel—ultimately resulting in faster run times. While in general the breed is well suited to performance events, it is important to consider the ultimate goals for your canine teammate when evaluating potential puppies in a litter. While important in all venues for pups to be brave and bold, for sports like agility I also like to see a very strong play and toy drive. I personally love naughty puppies—it’s fun to direct that positive energy into desired performance behaviors.

Some of our top agility Pointers have come from Pointer rescues—don’t discount the suitability of a rescue if you are looking for a potential performance partner. To highlight the versatility of the Pointer, the American Pointer Club offers awards at the National Specialty for Pointers competing in field, obedience, rally, agility, and conformation venues. Depending on the number of different venues each dog participates in, they are eligible to receive the coveted “MVP” award. This program was established to encourage Pointer owners to venture out and try new types of events with their dogs, and it has been a great success with participation at record levels at the 2013 Pointer Nationals.

There are so many different venues available to participate in with your Pointer, it’s important to find the ones that make you and your dog the happiest. It’s not about the competition; at the end of the day a national ranking means nothing if we aren’t having fun with our dogs. Our canine partner’s lives are much too short, find what they love and help them do it! Is the Pointer a versatile breed? Definitely a FACT!

The post The Versatility of the Pointer – Fact or Fiction??? appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Life With Pointers

What’s so special about Pointers? For one, they come in striking colors—bright white with varying amounts of markings in either black, orange, liver or lemon, or solid with possible white on feet, foreface, and chest. Color pattern helps tell them apart, but it’s the individual personalities of these lovable canine athletes that shine through and win your heart. There are many reasons to like Pointers—first of all, they are unabashedly beautiful to look at with that classic outline, all streamlined and sleek, exquisite head and kind expression.

They are true sporting dogs, built to have great stamina yet make beloved companions and pets, no pressure if you don’t “do” extra-curricular activities. They’re versatile, wash ‘n wear dogs with a lifespan of 11-14 years, or more. Living with a Pointer is easy. If you have kids they can tire each other out and be happy. They’re clean and sociable and eager to be part of the family. They will fit right in on the sofa beside you, no matter how small the space. In fact, they might even pile on top of one another to fit into that small space. You won’t have to look far to know where your Pointer is either, as it will most likely be where you are. I usually say, “I’ll be right back, I’m only going into the other room” but it doesn’t matter if it is for the first or fifth time, at least one will tag along to be sure not to miss anything. Others might stay in place but listen or watch to determine if further investigation is warranted.

As for hearing, it is remarkable—a Pointer snoozing or doing something of interest at the opposite end of the house can detect the stealthiest opening of a refrigerator door and arrive instantly. Pointers were introduced from Europe into England around 1650 where the breed has been perfected over the ensuing centuries. They grew in popularity in America after the Civil War ended in 1865 with a real concentration of imported stock arriving from the British Isles during the 1870s and 80s, and again in the 1920s and 30s. For a more detailed look into the breed’s history, please see the April 2012 ShowSight Pointer feature online. During the early to mid-part of the 20th century, a true divergence of Pointer type took place in the US due to many sportsmen breeding for field performance alone. This resulted in a smaller, faster, wider-ranging bird dog with a flagpole tail (straight up) that is often followed on horseback to keep track of it.

They are registered with the Field Dog Stud Book (FDSB) and vastly outnumber the traditional Pointers registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC). From the outset, AKC-registered Pointers were classic personal gundogs bred to conform to the physical standard adopted from England in the 1880s with relatively few changes by the parent club(s) since. Our focus is entirely on these Pointers, often known as the “show” Pointer. That’s a nice label, but wait! There’s more! What can be more memorable than that primordial thrill the first time you see your Pointer suddenly stop, intently whiffing something divine on the wind and then freeze into a point as if in a trance? You can’t teach that! An increasing percentage of dedicated Pointer breeders and owners are nurturing the talents for which their dogs are most universally renowned through training and competition at AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials.

Some refer to this work afield as their own form of “therapy” and you wonder just who is benefiting the most! It’s exciting to watch a flashy Pointer being put through its paces at any Performance venue. There are bound to be smiles from the gallery as it maneuvers the course with spirit and grace. If you’re willing, they’re willing, but humility and a healthy sense of humor are virtues when things don’t go as planned. Though Pointers were never considered contenders, now an impressive number can boast titles as long as your arm before and after their name thanks to their efforts and dedication their owners’ perseverance. More inspiring is that over a dozen Pointers have now earned Tracking titles and still others have become successful Search and Rescue dogs!

The versatility of this breed is endless. Many are able to mix and match varying disciplines without difficulty. Pointers are very loyal and want to please. Some might show a natural aptitude for a task, where others need more time and direction and plenty of that elusive quality known as patience to make it happen. For all their exuberance, Pointers have a soft and gentle nature and are really quite sensitive to harsh reprimands, regardless of the transgression. A little correction goes a long way and positive reinforcement works best. Pointers make a striking Junior Showmanship breed choice with their unembellished physique and easy demeanor. They have also been known to make appearances at elementary schools for show and tell sessions where they’ll patiently allow schoolchildren to pet, prod and play show dog with them. They can sense when tenderness is required. Some make incredible Therapy Dogs, with special certification training that includes working with autistic children, Alzheimer’s patients or nursing home residents.

That beautiful head with earnest expression and soft, brown eyes nosing gently under a hand and the innate ability to move closer without intruding are remarkable talents. Since it is hard to resist such an empathetic friend, moods tend to brighten. At home, Pointers can intuitively comfort a distressed family member (young or old) and willingly absorb tears shed into their embraced necks. Everything said, Pointers are robust and full of energy which needs to be released daily. Ready access to a fenced yard, regular trips to the park or a jog, or kids as mentioned earlier, are good ways to prevent the house from becoming their gymnasium.

Since Pointers weigh between 45-65 pounds, remember those bony elbows if considering a lap dog (and they do consider themselves lap dogs). Crates are a valued element in a Pointer household. They provide refuge (never for punishment) for rest and quiet for the dogs, as well as peace of mind for an owner who cannot be sure if it’s wise to leave them unattended while away. Case in point was the day our cat brought a live chipmunk into the house through the doggie door, turning the three Pointers in residence into Keystone Cops on a car chase. The chipmunk survived, but the corner cabinet was never the same.

The post Life With Pointers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I’m Laura Heidrich of Laurent Cocker Spaniels, Pointers, and Irish Setters. I have a 10-acre home/kennel/grooming shop in the country outside of Manhattan, Illinois. Cockers are my first breed and I’ve bred over 250 champions. I started in Cockers in 1988, Pointers in 1996, and Irish Setters in 1999.

2. For me, I still believe that dog shows are a proving ground for breeding stock. I try not to really start evaluating them until at least 6 weeks, usually more like 8-10 weeks. I stack them daily, watch them play in the front pasture on their own, and see who catches my eye. About that time, I meet up with my good friend and sometime co-breeder, Genea Jones, at a gas station partway between our homes, and stack and watch them walk on a lead. We call it the “Pet Parade.” It is good to evaluate them away from the comfort of home. I almost always keep the top two picks until their bites come in and try to make my final decision then.

3. I think that Cocker Spaniels are not as well-structured as they were in the past. We need to work on improving with every breeding, and that means knowing where each dog could be better. There are no perfect dogs, but we need to do a better job breeding to a stud dog that will ADD to our bitches, not just who wins the most or has the prettiest pictures. We need better front construction, better layback of shoulder, and the better reach that comes from these.

4. As a Preservation Breeder, I have been very successful in using frozen semen from the past, when there were many more good dogs to choose from. I think the sport has gotten more “commercial” in that it takes more money to campaign a dog than it used to in the past. If you do the National Owner-Handled Series, it’s a little less that way, but I personally show my dogs to prove them, not for the glitz and glory. Now, if I had more $$$$ it may have been a little different. I think we need more and better educated judges in the sport. I actually think that AKC puts too much emphasis on the procedural exams and not as much on the true hallmarks of each breed. The dog with the best overall type, movement, and soundness should be the winner. It shouldn’t be that hard. Judges should be mentored by BREEDERS, not handlers also. I think that’s important.

5. I think that social media is a good tool for meeting people, but I see too many people who put their mediocre dog’s picture on there and so many people make “nice” comments just to be nice. If they are truly nice examples of the breed, I will comment. If not, I usually scroll on by. So, my advice to the newer people in the breed is to get a mentor and get THEIR opinion. They will tell you the truth, as hard as that can be to listen to, so take their advice! That’s how you improve, not just get “likes.”

6. The biggest challenge for the dog show community is to remember that we all came to the show to prove our dogs, not to BEAT other dogs. It is a gentlemanly sport. Be civil, be NICE, and show your dogs!!! You get to take them home!

7. I think, in the past decade, AKC has tried to implement new rules to facilitate the championships, like majors for Reserves in large entries, majors for some Group placements if the numbers are high enough, and the NOHS dog show. I’m not sure that the whole Grand Champion title is really a great idea. Some people keep showing dogs that are not really happy to show, just to get the Grand or Bronze, Silver, Gold, etc. What I would like to see is a “Breeders Certification” where dogs can be evaluated by, say, five “Breeder Judges” with a minimum of 20 years and 50 champions. Their stamp of approval is worth more than a Grand, etc., which just means you kept on showing your dog. We need to breed better dogs, not breed to dogs just because they are big winners.

The post Laura Heidrich | Laurent Cocker Spaniels, Pointers & Irish Setters appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

1. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. Where do you live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder? What is your kennel name?
2. What is your “process” for selecting show puppies? Performance puppies?
3. In your opinion, is your breed in good condition overall? Any trends that warrant concern?
4. As a Preservation Breeder, can you share your thoughts on the sport today? How’s the judging these days? What do you think about the number of shows?
5. In your opinion, is social media good for the sport? Is it harmful?
6. What are the biggest challenges facing the dog show community as a whole today and how can these be addressed?
7. What are some of the positive changes you’ve seen in the sport over the past decade?

1. I’m originally from California but have lived in North Carolina for the past 10 years. I have been licensed in California as an Animal Health Technician since 1978. I am a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser licensed in California, Washington, and North Carolina. I started showing dogs in 1978 with (American) Cocker Spaniels, got my first Curly-Coated Retriever in 1987, and my first Pointer in 1993. I bred my first Cocker litter in 1985, Curly litter in 1992, and Pointer litter in 1999. Over the years, I have bred Petits Bassets Griffons Venéens, German Wirehaired Pointers, Flat-Coated Retrievers, and Japanese Chin. My kennel name was Avanti. When Richard and I got married, I started using his kennel name, Avalon.

2. Structurally, I grade my litters at eight weeks. I evaluate temperament and movement from the time they are born. I don’t have a defined process, it’s based on experience and gut feeling. I spend a lot of time just sitting and watching the puppies play and interact with their littermates.

3. I feel Pointers are in good shape, there are numerous breeders who are experienced and successful. I am concerned about the future for Curlies. Many experienced breeders are nearing the end of their breeding programs with no one interested in learning and carrying on. We have new breeders who have no idea how to linebreed or research pedigrees. They are using frozen semen from foreign dogs that they know nothing about other than pictures they have seen.

4. There are too many shows and no fun matches. Too many shows means the numbers are low, and in many breeds it takes only four for a major. If you have a dog that is fairly sound, will stand for exam, and will go around the ring wagging its tail, you can finish it. I don’t think most judges ever see enough of either breed (Pointers and Curlies) to know what is correct. Typey dogs get beat by generic dogs all the time. New people in the breed don’t even know correct breed type.

5. Social media is bad for the sport on so many levels.

6. Growing up, purebred dog breeders were admired. Having a well-bred purebred dog was something to be proud of. Now, breeders are vilified and “designer dogs” are status symbols. It is harder for breeders to keep a lot of dogs, so most people are unable to have a robust breeding program unless they can partner with other breeders. I would like to see AKC help to promote preservation breeders more.

7. I can’t think of any positive changes in the past 10 years

The post Leslie Puppo Rogers | Avalon Pointers & Curly-Coated Retrievers appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Suzanne Bambule, Breeder of Monarch Pointer & Cocker Spaniels

Where do I live? How many years in dogs? How many years as a breeder?

Suzanne Bambule: I live in Manhattan, Illinois. I have been actively involved in Cocker Spaniels for 39 years and I acquired my first Pointer to show in Junior Showmanship in 1990. My first litter of Cockers was in 1990, and Pointers in 1993.

What is my kennel name? How many dogs do I currently keep?

Suzanne Bambule: My kennel name is Monarch. Currently, I have 10 Pointers, six Cockers, and a Maremma Sheepdog.

Which show dogs from the past have been my noteworthy winners?

Suzanne Bambule: My noteworthy winners have been GCH Monarch Laurent’s I Heart Stargazer. “Angel” was the No. 1 Owner-Handled Pointer for two years. Some winning Pointers that did well at National Specialties have won Best of Opposite Sex, Winners Dog and Reserve Winners Dog, Winners Bitch, Futurity, Sweepstakes, Awards of Merit, and Best Puppy.

Which have been my most influential sires and dams?

Suzanne Bambule: In 2005, CH Northfield Monarch Witchcraft (Salem), and in 2018, CH Monarch Laurent’s Ready To Run (Dixie), were the Top-Producing Pointer Dams. I hope that my young male, GCH Monarch’s Fly Away (Doc), can prove to be an influential part of the breed. He has some beautiful, sweet puppies from his first couple of litters that we are excited to see grow up.

Can I talk a bit about my facilities? Where are my puppies whelped? How are they raised?

Suzanne Bambule: I have an addition on my house that the dogs are housed in, and the puppies are whelped and raised in my den. The neighbor girls often come by with their friends to help care for and socialize the puppies.

What is my “process” for selecting Show Puppies? Performance Puppies? Field Puppies?

Suzanne Bambule: When I do a breeding, I have an idea of what I am trying to accomplish phenotypically from each breeding and what I want to hopefully accomplish in the next generations as well. When selecting a puppy for show, I generally wait until six weeks before I even really evaluate them. If the puppy has what I was hoping to get in that breeding, then I plan on holding on to them and grow them up more. When they start really getting their legs under them, that is when I really decide if I feel they will be successful in the show ring or not.

Do I compete in Companion Events? Performance Events?

Suzanne Bambule: I mainly compete in Conformation Events, but my cousin has started doing bird work with several of them.

Are Field Trials or parent club Hunt Tests important to me?

Suzanne Bambule: These events are definitely important to both breeds, Cockers and Pointers, as the functionality of these breeds needs to be preserved, and even better if it is exhibited in a beautiful example of the breed!

How would I define “conditioning” as it relates to my breed?

Suzanne Bambule: Pointers definitely are very lean, graceful, yet powerful dogs that need to get adequate exercise. Road-working is very helpful, as is good genetics. Good muscle tone in a Pointer is an exquisite trait, and this trait needs to be taken into consideration when breeding. Some people overlook this quality.

Are there any health-related concerns in my breed? Any special nutritional needs?

Suzanne Bambule: Like all breeds, there are health issues that may arise, and as breeders, we try our best to breed healthy animals and do the testing necessary to ensure the healthiest animals are produced and to help keep a record of genetic issues. I explain to families that are looking into the breed that they should be aware of issues like epilepsy and hip dysplasia. Adult Pointers definitely need a diet high in protein so that they can keep up their nutritional needs.

Do I think my breed is supported by a sufficient number of preservation breeders?

Suzanne Bambule: I feel like there are great preservation breeders all over the world. People are constantly trying to breed quality Pointers, both in form and function. Communication and sharing opinions on breeding and health concerns continue to make the Pointer a great breed.

Is my breed well suited to be a family dog? Who are the best candidates to own my breed?

Suzanne Bambule: Pointers make fantastic family dogs! When raised properly, they love people and kids and are excellent additions to the family. Any person can be a great candidate to own a Pointer. I would say people who tend to do activities and are more social make the best homes, as Pointers definitely need to be socialized regularly with new people and dogs.

What is the biggest misconception about my breed? What is my breed’s best-kept secret?

Suzanne Bambule: Pointers rank over 100th in popularity and this does not denote what a wonderful companion they make. Their sweet, sympathetic, fun-loving personalities are their best-kept secret. People read about Pointers being extremely hyper and always wanting to be outside running. Yes, they do love to be active, but they are just as content curled up on your lap.

People read about Pointers being extremely hyper and always wanting to be outside running. Yes, they do love to be active, but they are just as content curled up on your lap.

If I could share a comment or two with judges of my breed, what would I like to say to them?

Suzanne Bambule: The head and tail are definitely the hallmarks in this powerful breed of graceful curves, but they also need to move with the correct sporting movement, reach, and drive! Incorrect front movement, whether from the elbows or especially hackneying, is one of the two written faults in the Standard. Movement is important!

Do I have any words of wisdom to pass along to newer breeders?

Suzanne Bambule: Remember that this is hard work and takes a lot of time and heart. These are living creatures and we can only do our best when it comes to breeding. Make informed decisions and always be honest about health issues.

For a bit of fun, what’s the most amusing thing I’ve ever experienced with a Sporting Dog?

Suzanne Bambule: Always sweet and willing to please, the Pointer might not always be the smartest pup. Our larger adult Pointer, “Bailey,” once jumped into the van as we were packing up to leave a show and loaded himself into a small Cocker crate. He was also able to turn his entire body around and just stayed in there. We, of course, removed him and put him in his proper crate.

Are you looking for a Pointer puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?

Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Pointer dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Pointer Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the loyal Pointer dog breed with articles and information in our Pointer Breed Magazine.

If you enjoy the Pointer Breed Magazine, help us educate the community by sharing it.

The post Suzanne Bambule | Monarch Pointers & Cocker Spaniels appeared first on Showsight Magazine.

Interview with Dennis and Katey Brown of Solivia Pointers, 2022 AKC Sporting Group Honoree

The Pointer is a classic Sporting Breed known for its high style in the field and in the ring. What is it about the breed that has sustained your interest for so long?

In looks, a Pointer is aesthetically beautiful. Their outline simply flows from their nose to their tail tip. It is a beauty no other breed has, in our opinion. In temperament, Pointers are generally kind and sensitive. They can be quirky and need lots of socialization as they grow, but they are truly devoted to their people and are always up for anything you’d like to pursue, from lounging on the couch watching TV to field work to hiking to taking laps around the show ring.

Breeding dogs requires the vision of an artist, the curiosity of a scientist, and the commitment of a philosopher. As a breeder, do you view yourself as an artist, a scientist or a philosopher? Maybe you’re a combination of all three?

I suppose, on some level, all three are true for any longtime dog breeder.

• The Artist: You want balance but with beauty.
• The Scientist: For a random example, you need their heads to be held high while moving and yet their fronts cannot be lifted. So, how is this feasible without exact calculations?
• The Philosopher: Again, for example, knowing through years of trial and error which dogs (or line) will give you the balance while holding their heads high.

In dogs, selection is key. How do you select your sire and dam combinations? How do you select which puppies will appear in the show ring?

We are on our 12th generation, so we base a lot of our breeding decisions on pedigrees; not only on their physical attributes, but also on our past experiences with certain lines that we have brought in.

What are their temperaments like? How are they personality-wise? Can you live with them? Are they too hyper or destructive? Are they good, dependable show dogs? Are they good pets? Birdy? Outgoing? Too reserved? How is the health behind them—not just OFAs but other Pointer-related health issues, and should “A” be crossed with “B” or is that too close to chance certain possibilities?

Then we look at the dogs themselves to see what their pros or cons are and what they have produced previously and go from there.

The Breed Standard is the preservation breeder’s most essential tool. What are your thoughts on the importance of breeding to the Standard and presenting the breed in the ring accordingly?

We put great emphasis on the Breed Standard. There should be an overall feeling of beauty when you see a Pointer in the ring. Class! That is the first thing that should come to your mind when you see a Pointer. You should never think “hound.” Round bone, thick skin, thick, long ears, ropey tails carried over their backs, too much skirting, and too much lip are all houndy traits that we are especially sensitive to and avoid.

Presentation is subjective. Every dog is different and every dog should be presented how it looks the best. There is no cookie-cutter way to do it.

Today’s breeders have found themselves on the defensive from public criticism and from legislative proposals that would restrict breeding practices. In your opinion, what can preservation breeders do to counter the anti-purebred rhetoric that has taken hold in this country?

I think there have been quite a few compilations of studies on dogs in shelters, with the vast majority of them being mixed breeds. If it were possible to share these more publicly in some way, I think that it would help tremendously. Most breeds have a rescue set in place so that if one ends up in a shelter it is networked out of there pretty rapidly. The amount of genuinely well-bred dogs that end up in shelters truly makes up a faction of what is there.

Are you looking for a Pointer puppy?

The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder? Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.

Want to help rescue and re-home a Pointer dog?

Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.

Pointer Dog Breed Magazine

Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.

Read and learn more about the loyal Pointer dog breed with articles and information in our Pointer Dog Breed Magazine.

The post Solivia Pointers | Dennis & Katey Brown – 2022 AKC Sporting Group Honoree appeared first on Showsight Magazine.