Q&A: German Shorthaired Pointer
MAUREEN DAY I currently live on Long Island, NY but will be relocating to Raleigh, NC shortly. I also recently retired from a major transportation agency in New York City, which is a wonder- ful feeling. There is so much to do outside of work and I now have more time to devote to my “loves.” I hesitate to say that I have been “involved in dogs” most of my life, but my family was not. So from the 1970s on I have been involved in breed- ing, showing in conformation and I dabbled in field trialing for a bit. I have been judging and enjoying the learning facet of dogs for about 15 years. KAREN NAUER I live in Colorado Springs, CO. I am a Clinical Consultant (RN with a MBA) with Cigna. I’ve been in the dog world for more years than I care to admit, my mother started showing Bedlington Terriers before I was born. My dad wanted a hunt- ing dog and purchased our first GSP in 1963. I loved showing GSPs—no more hours of grooming! I started judging in 2003. WILLIAM R. RUSSELL I live in Edgewood, Washington, a little south of Seattle, Washington. I am retired, but I bowl 3 days a week and stay busy with Kennel Clubs and I travel a lot. I have been show- ing dogs since 1959 and judging for around 40 years. We have had and did show Beagles, Basset Hounds, German Shep- herds, Papillons, Maltese and Brussels Griffons. I have been in the Marine Corps and was an electrician before I retired. We had 4 children and I still bowl with 2 of them. I have 12 grandchildren.
the elegant but powerful look of a versatile hunting dog that could work all day in the field. KN: Short backed, correct gait and athletic condition. 3. Are there any traits in this breed you fear are becoming exaggerated? MD: Excessive speed when gaiting. This excessive speed is distorting the smooth and effortless gait. The dog is either charging, strung up or out of control. Also, I have noticed lately that many exhibitors are overstretching the rear. This really changes that silhouette. KN: Too long in the loin and exaggerated rear angles. WR: Some dogs are getting too long of a body. 4. Do you think the dogs you see in this breed are better now than they were when you first started judging? Why or why not? MD: I think they are getting better and I am seeing some really nice dogs. Of course this depends on the part of the country where you are judging. KN: Many breeders have worked hard to maintain correct type and movement in our breed. We are lucky because so many people in our breed show in conformation and do performance in the field and other events keeping structure in mind for success in all venues. I have loved dogs from years past and dogs being shown today. WR: I think they are about the same. We had a few great dogs then and a few great dogs now. 5. What do you think new judges misunderstand about the breed? MD: I think some new judges don’t get the versatility and hunting tasks that this breed was bred for and should be able to do. When I field trialed years ago, I watched this breed keep up with the Pointer and several other breeds that are major contenders in that arena. The GSP has to have the stamina and correct body type to do that job. KN: Short backed standing over a lot of ground, judges and exhibitors interpret this to be long in the loin instead of athletic presence. WR: The overall balance is very important. 6. Is there anything else you’d like to share? MD: This breed should always have a keen, alert, focused attitude. To me that look is just the icing on a well- balanced, properly proportioned German Shorthaired Pointer. I always enjoy judging this breed. KN: GSPs need to have good health, conditioning and tem- perament to be successful in all events as well as being a great family dog. WR: I love to judge the GSP. Most of the people who show this breed have them well trained and ready to work.
1. Describe the breed in three words. MD: Medium size, well-balanced and elegant.
KN: Versatile, intelligent and athletic. WR: Balance, power and animation.
2. What are your “must have” traits in this breed? MD: My must haves are short backed, good muscle tone and proper proportions with good substance as well as correct angles that produce the correct movement. Silhouette on first impression always includes the short backed, but standing over plenty of ground, as described in the standard. Along with proper neck length and fit into shoulders, this gives you that lovely outline. These “must haves,” along with the ease of movement, provide
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