Navy Seals and Deutsch Drahthaar
"Comparing an AKC Versatile Dog to a Verin Deutsch Drahthaar is like comparing Boy Scout to a Navy Seal; there is simply no comparison. DD's are the Navy Seals of the Gun Dog World - Versatile and Elite."
Senior Judge
Frank van Dresser
vom Cripple Creek - Ohio, USA
The German Testing System and The Deutsch Drahthaar
If you are not familiar with the Verein Deutsch Drahthaar (Club German Wirehair), I feel it is important for me to explain why I posted the quote from Senior VDD Judge – Frank Van Dresser. In the beginning of my search to find the ultimate hunting companion, I did not realize that there was a Deutsch Drahthaar - I only thought there were German Wirehairs. In my research, I learned that the German Wirehair Pointer and the Deutsch Drahthaar are two distinct breeds. Before I continue, let me say that I am a fan of most Hunting Dog Breeds and that there are there good AKC German Wirehairs and respectable breeders out there. However, there is a distinct difference between these two breeds and they can not be looked at in the same light. The German Wirehair Pointer became more of a specialized upland hunting dog; hence the word pointer being added to the name. Furthermore, the AKC German Wire Hair Pointer has no regulations whatsoever which determine a "quality" system. Any AKC Registered dog can produce pups without regulation: with no regard to Performance and/or Confirmation. The Verein Deutsch Drahthaar (VDD) has set a rigorous standard of testing that all Drahthaars must pass before they are allowed to breed. Puppies are tattooed shortly after birth and all documents are protected through Verin Deutsch Drahthaar - Group North America and Germany as well.
"From Performance to Standard"
By using proven parents through a selective breeding program over the past 100 years the Verin Deutsch Drahthaar has become a physically sound and mentally stable "Hunting Machine" for the "Versatile Foot Hunter".
The Testing System is comprised of several components:
First, the Deutsch Drahthaar's Confirmation must be physically sound: Eyes, Bite, Coat, Symmetry, Size, Gate, Temperament and Hips, all must be evaluated by Certified Breed Show Judges. X-rays of a DD's hips must be taken and sent off to Germany to be examined to ensure that Hip Dysplasia is not apparent. If a DD is aggressive towards other dogs or people he/she is banned from breeding.
Secondly, a Deutsch Drahthaar must pass a series of Natural Ability Tests that represent true-to-life hunting experiences that show the dog's Nose, Desire, Intelligence, Cooperation, Pointing, Retrieving, Tracking and other assets that are necessary for a dog to be successful as a hunter. These tests take place in fields, forests and the water. The tests are designed with "versatility" in mind. Not only are Deutsch Drathaars pointing dogs, but they are also tracking and retrieving dogs, both on land and in water (hence the analogy of Navy SEALS – having a Deutsch Drahthaar is like having a Labrador Retriever, a German Shorthaired Pointer, a Beagle and Bloodhound all in one dog.) A panel of judges evaluates the dogs and scores them according to a pre-determined standard. To become a Verin Deutsch Drahthaar (VDD) Judge, one must first train and pass their own DD through the entire Testing System. They must then go through a rigorous apprenticeship program, a great task that is to be commended upon completion. VDD Judges are a very devoted "breed" themselves!
Finally, it is important that you understand that when you are looking to buy a pup from Vom Grimm-Haus or any other reputable VDD breeder, you are buying a guarantee for a genetic package. This package has come from over a Century of dedication to the Verin Deutsch Drathaar. Only because of dedicated hunters has this breed been able to achieve its tremendous versatile hunting abilities and sound confirmation over the years. The dedicated hunter who tests their pup(s) insures that they care for the future of this breed.
If you believe that you are a die hard hunter and dog person then it is very important that you join the Verin Deutsch Drahthaar-Group North America (VDD-GNA). We want to speak with you and get to know you. We want to help you train and become better handlers. And we want to get together and share our favorite hunting spots. Ask your potential breeder about what guarantees they offer on their puppies; and if they will give you incentives for passing the VDD tests. It is important that you trust your breeder and that you are able to build a good rapport with him or her. We want to help you and watch your puppy grow to its full potential. A finished Deutsch Drahthaar is a dog to be extremely proud of. Not many people can say they own a family dog that can accomplish such tremendous tasks. |
