TAKING THE GERMAN WIREHAIR ONE STEP BEYOND EXCELLENCE
First,
just as the original breeders did, we breed only the best to the best.
Our breeding stock is mentally and physically robust. We avoid using breeding stock with any genetic flaws.
We feel that in most cases females contribute more to the general and
especially the mental characteristics of their offspring.
As such, we use only dogs that have proven themselves, both males and females, as performers and as producers.
We use breeding stock from outside sources as long as they meet our
strict criteria. In any case, all
dogs used for breeding purposes are personal gun dogs, that are actively hunted
over on a regular basis. Because of this, we are able to avoid reproducing dogs with
quirks or mental problems such as those found in puppy factories or kennels
breeding a large number of dogs each year.
Second,
before a prospect is considered for breeding it must demonstrate its
ability through performance testing. All of our breeding stock is
tested primarily in VHDF. Some of our
dogs are also tested in NAVHDA, JGHV, and VDD. JGHV and VDD are European organizations
and are used to test our dogs that are registered with those associations.
JGHV and VDD will only test dogs with European registration. VHDF is an American
version of the German versatile gun dog tests, and is used to test our dogs with
American registry. VHDF will allow any dog, of any registry to be
tested. There are other organizations that also test the performance abilities of
dogs, NAVHDA, AKC, NSTRA, etc.
The point is not which organization is better, but that we have a
standard and we maintain that standard at all times.
No shortcuts, no excuses.
Third, we are members of and only work with other breeders that are members of the German Wirehair Alliance. The German Wirehair Alliance is the only group in North America that requires German Wirehair Pointers to meet performance, health, temperament and conformation standards. By using only this qualified gene pool we are able to ensure the health, quality, and ability of our dogs at all times.
Fourth,
our kennel is located in the heart of Idaho bird country.
All of our breeding stock is hunted extensively throughout the five month
long bird season. On a given day,
we may hunt ducks, geese, pheasant, Valley quail, Chukar, Hungarian partridge,
Sage grouse, Ruffed grouse, Blue grouse, and even Sharptail grouse. We have found that while many dogs can successfully handle
the rigors of testing and field trialing, very few dogs can effectively deal
with such a variety of game and conditions to our satisfaction.
We hunt our potential brood stock for two seasons before judging their
breeding promise. Only the very best and
hardiest
hunters are then put into our breeding program.
Fifth, we encourage our customers to test their pups in the appropriate venues mentioned above. These tests evaluate natural ability and the dog's potential usefulness as a hunting companion and examines the physical characteristics of each dog. This gives us a good evaluation of the litter as a whole. Progeny testing of this nature allows us to increase selection pressure for the best possible performers by pairing the most genetically valuable parents.
Copyright 2000 Three Devils Kennel, Inc.