Sporting Breeds
Breed Mentor
Status Key
P- Parent Club Approved Mentor.- Approved by and meets stipulated requirements of this breed's National Parent Club.
A- AKC Qualified Mentor- Meets the requirements of the American Kennel Club: 12 years experience breeding and exhibiting, or being an AKC approved judge with regular status in the breed for 12 years.
L- Local Club/SDAA Approved Mentor- Experienced breeders, who were recommended by their Specialty Club or are Sporting Dog Association of Arizona members who meet the requirements of the American Kennel Club.
| Breed/Mentor | Status |
| Brittany | |
| Jessica Carlson | P,L |
| Dee Hartnek | P,L |
| Christine Gourley | L |
| German Shorthaired Pointer | |
| Ken and Sue Clemons | P,A,L |
| Pointer | |
| Doug and Lynn Applegate | P, L |
| Retriever (Labrador) | |
| Marilyn Little | P,A,L |
| Marci Sale | L |
| English Setters | |
| Lanore Matter | L |
| Irene Bottrell | P |
| Shirley Hoeflinger-Carrizo | P |
| Karen Kennedy | P |
| Sandra McCue | P,A |
| Dr. Jill Warren | P |
| Gordon Setters | |
| Gary and Bev Andersen | P,A,L |
| Irish Setters | |
| Robert and Patricia Robinson | P,A,L |
| Mj Mowry | L |
| Irish Red and White Setters | |
| Gary and Bev Andersen | A,L |
| Clumber Spaniels | |
| Valana Wells | L |
| Spaniels Cocker | |
| Dr. Alvin Grossman | P,A,L |
| Spaniels English Cocker | |
| Lynda Gall | P |
| Gary and Bev Andersen | A |
| Spaniels Springer | |
| Richard and Sue Burgess | P,A,L |
| Vicki Harshman | L |
| Spaniels Welsh | |
| Vicki Harshman | L |
| Richard and Sue Burgess | P,A,L |
| Vizslas | |
| Rita Mather | P,L |
| Marge Mehagian | P,L |
| Weimaraners | |
| Rick and Debbie Maher | L |
| Bracco Italiano-AKC FSS/Misc. Class recognition | |
| Marilyn Vinson | A,L |
The American Water Spaniel
The following information is provided from the American Kennel Club Website:
Though a very rare breed, the American Water Spaniel has its own state-wide fan club as the State Dog of Wisconsin! A truly dual-purpose dog, bred for companionship and top-notch retrieval ability, the AWS is active, muscular and medium in size. This breed’s unique coat can be solid liver, brown or dark chocolate and ranges from marcel (uniform waves) to closely curled.
A Look Back
The American Water Spaniel developed primarily in the Great Lakes region of the United States in the mid 1800’s, with ancestors that include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly-Coated Retriever. They were the first breed developed in this country as an all-around hunter that could retrieve from boats. Breed enthusiasts kept the AWS out of the show ring for a short time in fear of ruining his reputation as a hunter, but the breed became recognized by the AKC in 1940.
The Boykin Spaniel
For more information on this breed contact AKC at their website: www.akc.org.
The following information comes from the american Kennel Club at akc.org
The official State Dog of South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, all-around hunting dog with a cheerful, energetic personality. Possessing a rich, chocolate-brown coat and charm to spare, the Boykin is a favorite of hunters due to its willingness to work all day as well as its smaller size, which allows the hunter to lift both dog and duck into the boat at the same time!
A Look Back
In the early 1900s, a small dog was found wandering near a church in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and one of the people attending services there, a Mr. Alexander L. White, took the dog home as a pet. Mr. White sent the dog to his hunting partner Mr. L. Whitaker Boykin of the Boykin community just outside Camden, South Carolina and the little stray developed into a superb turkey dog and waterfowl retriever.
Right Breed for You?
The Brittany
For information on this breed contact the American Brittany Club, Inc. at www.akc.org/brit
The following information comes the AKC website.
The Brittany is a medium-sized, leggy, dual-purpose dog, equally suited for sport and companionship. According to AKC® Registration Statistics, it has surged in popularity in the last 50 years due to its talents as both a hunting and show dog. Originally called the Brittany Spaniel, it is now referred to simply as the Brittany, as its hunting style more closely resembles that of pointing breeds. Its dense, flat or wavy coat can be orange and white or liver and white in either clear or roan patterns.
A Look Back
The Brittany was named for the French province where it originated, but records of its development are largely lost. There is a great deal of resemblance between the Brittany and Welsh Springer Spaniel, which leads many people to believe that the two breeds share the same ancestors. It is possible that native Brittany spaniels mated with English pointing dogs around 1900, intensifying their hunting prowess in the process.
Right Breed for You?
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever
For more inofrmation on this breed contact the American Chesapeake Club, Inc. at www.amchessieclub.org
The following information is from the American Kennel Club.
Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever. He is a strong, powerfully built medium-sized breed with yellowish or amber eyes and a distinctive coat - a short, harsh, wavy outercoat with a dense fine wooly undercoat. His color can be brown, sedge or deadgrass and must be as close to that of his working surroundings as possible.
A Look Back
In 1807, an English brig shipwrecked off the coast of Maryland and two Newfoundlands were rescued from the cargo. When bred to local retrievers, including the English Otter Hound, Flat-Coat and Curly-Coated Retriever, the "Chessie" type developed. Bred to work on land and water, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever originally hunted waterfowl in rough and icy waters, often retrieving several hundred birds per day.
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The Clumber Spaniel
For more information on this breed contact the Clumber Spaniel Club of America, Inc. at www.clumbers.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club Website.
One of the original nine breeds registered by the AKC, the Clumber Spaniel’s long and low build is particularly unique among spaniels. Although not as speedy as other sporting dogs, the Clumber will work all day, trotting along in his signature slow, rolling gait. He may appear dignified and pensive, but he possesses great enthusiasm for both work and play. The breed possesses a beautiful white coat and may have lemon or orange-colored markings.
A Look Back
Some doubt exists about the origin of the Clumber Spaniel, but most believe the breed originated in 18th-century France with ancestors such as the Basset Hound and early Alpine Spaniel. The Clumber was prized for his ability to hunt in heavy cover and his quiet style, which allowed him to come up very close to the game. The breed received its modern name when a large French kennel moved Duke of Newcastle’s Clumber Park at the start of the French Revolution in an effort to save its dogs.
Right Breed for You?
The Cocker Spaniel
For more information on this breed contact the American Spaniel Club, Inc. at www.asc-cockerspaniel.org
The following information come from the American Kennel Club website.
Exhibited in the US since the 1880s, the Cocker Spaniel remains one of the most popular breeds according to AKC® registration statistics. The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels can be black, black with tan points, parti-colored or any solid color other than black (ASCOB).
A Look Back
As far back as the 14th Century there is mention of the Spanyell, which came to be divided into water and land spaniels. "Cockers" are the smallest of the spaniels and the Sporting Group. The American Cocker has evolved somewhat differently in appearance from the breed now recognized as the English Cocker Spaniel. His desire to hunt renders him a capable gun dog; he covers territory speedily, flushing game and retrieving only when under command. He takes to water readily.
Right Breed for You?
The Curly-Coated Retriever
For more information on this breed contact the Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America at www.ccrca.org.
The following information comes form the American Kennel Club.
Though the correct origin of the Curly-Coated Retriever is unclear, there appears little doubt that he is one of the oldest of all breeds now classified as Retrievers. He is popularly believed to be descended from the 16th century English Water Spaniel, the St. John’s Newfoundland, the retrieving setter, and, in the late 19th century, the Poodle. The popular gun dog following the Old English Water Spaniel, the Curly was first exhibited in the mid-19th century at England’s Birmingham show. In 1889, specimens were exported to New Zealand, where they have long been used for retrieving duck and California quail. They are also very popular in Australia, where they are used in the swamps and lagoons of the Murray River on duck.
The Curly is admired as a steady and tender-mouthed retriever, quite unsurpassed in the water. The first breed club was established in England in 1896, and the breed was introduced to the US in 1907. The first AKC registered Curly-Coat appeared in 1924.
The English Cocker Spaniel
For more information on the breed contact: the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, Inc. at www.ecsca.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club site:
An active sporting dog, the English Cocker Spaniel’s compact, solid body practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm, particularly when at work in the field. Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed is a tough worker, capable of covering ground effortlessly and penetrating the densest of cover. His coat can be solid-colored (black, liver or shades of red) or parti-colored, including ticking or roaning.
A Look Back
One of the oldest types of land spaniel known, the Cocker descended from the original spaniels of Spain. They were used to hunt in dense cover, flushing and retrieving game. In 1935, The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America was formed in the United States to promote the interest of the English Cocker and differentiate it from the American-type Cocker that was emerging. The English Cocker was recognized as separate from the American Cocker Spaniel by the AKC in 1946.
Right Breed for You?
The English Setter
For more information on this breed contact the English Setter Association of America, Inc. at www.esaa.com
Or contact the English Setter Club of Phoenix at their website: www.azsetters.com/ESCPHX
The following information comes the the American Kennel Club.
A graceful, elegant gundog, the English Setter today excels in the show, obedience and agility rings as well as in the field.
Although similar in function to the Irish and Gordon Setters, the English is a distinct breed, differing personality and appearance. Their beautiful feathered coat is white with an intermingling of darker hairs resulting in markings called "belton." Belton markings can be orange, blue (white with black markings), tricolor (blue belton with tan points), lemon and liver.
A Look Back
One of the oldest gundog breeds, the English Setter was developed in England more than 400 years ago. Believed to have developed from Spaniel stock, the breed was originally called a Setting Spaniel. Before the use of firearms, this "Setting Spaniel" would find the birds and then crouch down on its front legs or "set" to allow the hunter to throw a net over the game. When guns became widely used, a more upright pointing stance was bred into the Setter so he could be more easily seen.
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The English Springer Spaniel
For more information on this breed contact the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association, Inc. at www.essfta.org
The following information is from the American Kennel Club.
The English Springer Spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an "eager to please" quality common to most spaniels. He is recognized for his ability to keep going and going under adverse hunting conditions, which is partly due to his medium-sized, powerful body. He has long, hanging ears and a moderately long coat that can be black or liver with white, blue or liver roan, and tricolor.
A Look Back
English Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were originally born in the same litters; the smaller "Cockers" hunted woodcock while their larger littermates were utilized to flush, or "spring," game. In 1902 the Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer Spaniel as a distinct breed (separate from English Cockers). The Springer Spaniel became even better known in North America after 1924, when the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was formed and field trials were started for the first time.
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The Field Spaniel
For more information on this breed see the Field Spaniel Society of America at www.fieldspaniels.org
The following information is from the American Kennel club.
Known for its level-headedness and perseverance, the Field Spaniel is a medium-sized flushing spaniel, built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. One of the rarest spaniel breeds (they nearly went extinct!), the Field possesses moderately long, pendulous ears and a single coat that is both dense and water-repellent. He can be black, liver or golden liver in color; tan points or white markings are acceptable.
A Look Back
The Field Spaniel originated in England in the mid-1800s and was used to find, flush and retrieve both fur and feather from land and water. The breed was introduced to America in the 1880’s but did not become a distinct breed from Cockers until the 20th century, when it was decided that anything above 25 pounds qualified as a Field Spaniel (the larger of the two types of land spaniel).
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The Flat-Coated Retreiver
For more information about this breed contact the Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America, Inc. at www.fcrsainc.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
Although his tail never stops wagging, the Flat-Coated Retriever is suited for hard work. Originally bred to flush and retrieve both upland game and waterfowl, he transfers his determination, desire and verve on the hunting field to everyday life, enthusiastically participating in family activities and in the show, obedience and agility rings. Slightly racier and more moderate in bone than other retriever breeds, the Flat-Coat has a solid black or liver-colored coat that protects him from the elements and lies straight and flat.
A Look Back
The Flat-Coat’s ancestry includes the "Retriever Proper," a cross-breed emerging from the Large Newfoundland, setter, sheepdog, and spaniel-like water dogs. These retrievers were invaluable to fishermen and often traded between Britain and North America, where they became known as generic "Labrador" dogs. Eventually, a breed known as the Wavy-Coated (subsequently Flat-Coated) Retriever appeared and became distinct to these "Labrador" dogs.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer
For more information on this breed contact the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America at www.gspca.org or locally contact the Desert German Shorthaired Pointer Club at www.desertgspc.org
The following information is provided from the American Kennel Club site:
A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color.
A Look Back
The origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer is not clear, but the source of the breed seems to have been the German Bird Dog, related to the old Spanish Pointer, and various crossings with local German scent hounds and track and trail dogs. When the Germans introduced the English Pointers to lend elegance to the German Shorthaired Pointer prototype, the result was a utility dog that combined sporting virtue with clean lines, good looks and sound temperament.
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The German Wirehaired Pointer
For more information on this breed contact the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America, Inc. at www.gwpca.com
The following information is from the American Kennel Club.
When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the German Wirehaired Pointer, a versatile, multi-purpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-sized, with a typical Pointer personality, the breed’s most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat. Weather resistant and water-repellant, the outer coat is straight, harsh, wiry and flat lying, which helps to protect the dog against rough cover while hunting. The coat must be liver and white in color.
A Look Back
Most of the early wirehaired Pointers represented a combination of Griffon, Stichelhaar (both mixtures of Pointer, Foxhound, Pudelpointer, and Polish water dog), Pudelpointer (a cross of Poodle and Pointer) and German Shorthair. The Germans continued to breed the distinctive traits of Pointer, Foxhound, and Poodle until they had created what is today the German Wirehair, a constitutionally tough, courageous breed who points and retrieves equally well on land and in water.
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The Golden Retriever
For more information on this breed contact the Golden Retriever Club of America www.grca.org
or locally contact the Valley Del Sol Golden Retriever Club at their website: www.vdsgrc.org
The following information is from the American Kennel Club site:
The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC® registration statistics. The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold.
A Look Back
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integrations of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.
The Gordon Setter
For more information on this breed contact the Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc. at www.gsca.org.
The following information comes the the American Kennel Club.
The heaviest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon Setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience competitors and show dogs today. Sturdy and muscular, the Gordon suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed while on the move. The breed’s distinctive black and tan coat allows it to be found easily in light fields and early snow.
A Look Back
The Gordon hails from Scotland, and his ancient lineage traces back to the early 17th century. Popular among hunters of Scotland, the black-and-tan Setter came into prominence in the kennels of the fourth Duke of Gordon in the early 19th century. As field trials became more popular, the Gordon’s popularity waned in favor of Pointers and other flashy, fast breeds, but the breed remained unparalleled as a one-man shooting dog.
Right Breed for You?
Alert and confident, the Gordon Setter is devoted to his family. Although they are bright, they are not blindly obedient, so may appear stubborn. Gordons are capable of adapting to a variety of living situations, but need plenty of daily exercise on leash or in a fenced area. Regular grooming is also necessary to prevent matting.
The Irish Red & White Setter
For more information on this breed contact the National breed club through AKC at www.akc.org.
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club website:
Despite its name, the Irish Red and White Setter is a distinct breed, not just a different colored version of the Irish Setter. Bred primarily for the field, they should be strong, powerful and athletic, with a keen and intelligent attitude. The coat’s base color is white with solid red patches.
A Look Back
Known in Ireland since the 17th century, the Red and White is thought to be the older of the two Irish Setters. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of its solid red cousin, and separate breeding of the two breeds, the Irish Red and White Setter was nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century. During the 1920s, efforts were made to revive the Irish Red and White Setter and by the 1940s, the breed began to reemerge in Ireland.
The Irish Setter
For more information on this breed contact the Irish Setter Club of America, Inc. at www.irishsetterclub.org or locally contact the Irish Setter Club of Arizona, Inc. through their website at www.irishsetterclubaz.com
The following information comes from the Ameican Kennel Club website:
One of the most distinctive Sporting breeds, the mahogany red Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. Originally bred to be red and white, the solid red color appeared in Ireland the 19th century and became a mark of quality and superior sporting ability. Over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement and clown-like personality.
A Look Back
The Irish Setter became popular in the 18th century throughout Ireland and the British Isles. Developed from a mix of Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, English Setter, Spaniel, Pointer, and a dash of Gordon Setter, the breed was originally used to "set" game, crouching low near the birds so that the hunters could walk up and throw a net over bird and dog. When firearms were introduced, the Irish adapted into a gun dog that pointed, flushed and hunted in an upright stance.
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The Irish Water Spaniel
For more information on this breed contact the Irish Water Spaniel Club of America at iwsca.webs.com.
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
The clown of the spaniel family, the Irish Water Spaniel will think of creative ways to accomplish even the slightest of tasks. Strong and intelligent, the tallest spaniel breed possesses several unique characteristics – its liver-colored curly coat and signature "rat tail." The water-repellant double coat consists of dense, tight ringlets with a topknot of long, loose curls and a smooth face. The "rat" tail is thick and covered with curls at the base, tapering to a fine point covered with short, smooth hair.
A Look Back
A dog of ancient lineage, there is evidence of Irish Water Spaniel-type remains going back as far as the 7th and 8th centuries AD. In the late 1100’s, dogs found in southern Ireland below the River Shannon were called Shannon Spaniels, Rat-Tail Spaniels or Whip-Tail Spaniels, among other things. Records document the "Water Spagnel" with "long, rough, curled hair and a tail somewhat bare and naked." Today’s IWS is a true dual-purpose hunting dog, as qualified with upland game as with waterfowl.
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The Labrador
For more information on this breed contact the Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. at www.thelabradorclub.com
or locally contact the Papago Labrador Retriever Club at their website: www.papagolrc.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club website:
The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC® registration statistics. This versatile hunting breed comes in three colors – yellow, black and chocolate – and because of his aptitude to please his master they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams or in narcotics detection with law enforcement.
A Look Back
Labrador Retrievers, originally from Newfoundland, were initially used in work alongside fisherman, helping to pull in nets and catch fish that escaped from fishing lines. After being crossed with Setters, Spaniels and other Retrievers, the Labrador Retriever honed its skills as a true retriever. From this point in the breed’s history, "Labs," as they are affectionately called, were bred primarily to perform as an efficient retriever of game, with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of activities beyond hunting.
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
For information on this breed contact the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA) at www.nsdtrc-usa.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
Medium sized, powerful and compact, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retrievers. He developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl. The playful action of the Toller retrieving a stick or ball along the shoreline arouses the curiosity of the ducks offshore. This lures them within gunshot range, and then the dog is sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds. Their water-repellant double coat is any shade of red, often with white markings.
A Look Back
There is no authentic record of the development of the Toller, but present day thinking is that the basic stock was the red decoy dog, probably brought to Nova Scotia with the early settlers from Europe. Crosses with other breeds, possibly spaniel and setter-type dogs, retriever-type dogs, and farm collie, produced today’s Toller. Originally known as the Little River Duck Dog after the district of Yarmouth County, or as a Yarmouth Toller, the Toller has now bred true for generations.
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The Pointer
For more information on this breed contact the American Pointer Club, Inc. at www.americanpointerclub.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
A hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go, the Pointer is bred primarily for sport afield and definitely looks the part. He gives the impression of power and grace, with a noble carriage, an intelligent expression and a muscular body. His short coat can be liver, lemon, black, and orange; either in combination with white or solid-colored.
A Look Back
Pointers first appeared in England around 1650 and were the first breed used to stand game. Before wing-shooting with guns became popular, Pointers were often used to locate and point hares in conjunction with Greyhound coursing. The Pointer's lineage is foggy, but there is no question that it includes Foxhound, Greyhound, and Bloodhound crossed with some sort of "setting spaniel," which played an important part in the creation of all modern bird dogs.
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The Spinone Italiano
For information about this breed contact the Spinone Club of America at www.spinoneclubofamerica.com
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
An excellent retriever by nature and an experienced hunter on any terrain, the Spinone is robust, sociable and docile. His wiry, dense coat and thick skin enable him to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water that would severely punish any dog not so naturally armored. The coat can be solid white; white and orange; orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, brown roan with or without brown markings.
A Look Back
The Spinone Italiano, or Italian Pointer, is Italy's all-purpose hunting dog. The dog is a Pointer of the old school, that is, a rather slow-footed dog similar to those used before the era of wing shooting. It is estimated to be a cross of coarse-haired Italian Setters, bred with those left by Greek traders and others from the Adriatic coast, in addition to crosses with the White Mastiff and perhaps French Griffons.
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The Sussex Spaniel
For more inormation on this breed contact the Sussex Spaniel Club of America at www.sussexspaniels.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club.
Although the Sussex Spaniel originated centuries ago, the breed’s appearance has remained virtually unchanged still today. The Sussex possesses a rich golden liver coat unique to the breed, and has a long, low and somewhat massive body. Although not as fast as other Spaniel breeds, the Sussex has a great nose and is well suited for working through dense underbrush on the hunt.
A Look Back
While the Sussex Spaniel was one of the original nine breeds recognized by the AKC in 1884, it has actually existed as a breed for much longer. It originated in the 18th century in the county of Sussex, England, where it was used as a field dog. At that time, the custom of hunting on foot made the Sussex a popular hunting companion and very useful in flushing and retrieving upland game.
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The Vizsla
For more information on this breed you can contact the Vizsla Club of America, Inc. www.vcaweb.org
The following information is from the American Kennel Club.
Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially Pointer in type, although he combines characteristics of both pointer and retriever. An attractive golden rust in color, this "dual" dog is popular in both the field and the show ring due to his power and drive while hunting and his trainability in the home.
A Look Back
The Vizsla’s ancestors were hunters and companions for the Magyar hordes, a tribe that settled in what is now known as Hungary. A favorite of early barons, Vizslas are depicted in etchings as far back as the 10th century.
The agricultural terrain of Hungary created a dog of superior nose and high-class hunting ability well-suited to Hungarian climate and a variety of game, including upland game, rabbits and waterfowl. Nearly extinct by the end of the World Wars, the Vizsla gradually regained popularity and began to be imported into the United States in the 1950s.
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The Weimaraner
For more information on this breed contact the Weimaraner Club of America at www.weimclubamerica.org
The following information comes from the American Kennel Club website:
Often referred to as the "grey ghost" because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports.
A Look Back
Originally known as the Weimer Pointer (derived from the court that sponsored the breed), the Weimaraner is a product of selective German breeding and comes from the same general stock as other German hunting breeds. It is believed to be a descendant of the Bloodhound and was originally used to hunt wolves, deer and bear. Over the years because of the rarity of bigger game in his surroundings, the Weimaraner adapted to become a bird dog and personal hunting companion.
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The Welsh Springer Spaniel
For more information about this breed contact the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America, Inc. at www.wssca.com
The following information is from the American Kennel Club.
A compact dog built for hard work, the Welsh Springer Spaniel is a distinct breed, not a variety of the English Springer Spaniel. With his excellent nose and slightly webbed feet, the breed is a versatile hunter, water dog and retriever. Their trademark coat is a striking red and white in color.
A Look Back
During the Renaissance, the "Land Spaniel," a Welsh Springer-type dog with red and white markings, was used for retrieving, and tapestries of the time depict a dog very similar to the Welsh. Originally, he was bred to spring game toward a net or into the air prior to the invention and common use of the gun. Although the breed was fashionable with the nobility in the 1700s, the English Springer Spaniel soon replaced it in popularity. A small group of breeders kept the breed from becoming extinct.
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The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
For more inormation about this breed contact the American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association at www.awpga.com
The following informatiion comes from the American Kennel Club.
Medium sized and bred to cover all terrain encountered by the walking hunter, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon has been called the "4-wheel drive of hunting dogs" as he will enter briars or underbrush without hesitation. Griffs excel equally as pointers in the field and as retrievers in the water. Their coarse double coat protects them in rough cover and gives them an unkempt appearance. It can be a variety of colors, most often steel gray with brown markings.
A Look Back
Griffon-like dogs have existed throughout history, but exact origins are uncertain. The modern history of the breed, however, has been well documented. Dutchman Eduard Korthals was an avid hunter and desired a dog that could hunt over a variety of terrain, so he developed a breeding program to create a versatile new sporting breed. In less than two decades, Korthals had fixed the new breed he called the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, wrote the standard and formed a Griffon club.
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