GSPIN
Newsletter of
The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of Indiana

President’s Message by Charlie Edwards

    Things are moving along briskly for 2003 GSPCI activities!  We have had our annual meeting and specialty show as was reported in our last newsletter and since then we have participated in the Boat, Sport & Travel Show at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and held our Spring hunt test at Glens Valley.  PLUS we have the home page up for our web page (gspcindiana.org)!!!  Of course, not everything has gone quite as planned.  We endured record snow and ice storms around the Indianapolis area during the B,S &T show causing much rearranging of manpower for the booth.  Many of us who had planned to work the booth simply could not safely get there.  I would like to sincerely thank Phil and Char Rutar, Rick and Becky Feigh, Larry Sowinski, Ron Ferris, Jason Barille, Scott Anderson and everybody else that I might be forgetting for covering for everybody and making sure our club was represented.  Our Spring hunt test was another successful outing with many qualifiers.  A huge thank you to Jason Barille, Ron Ferris, Char Rutar, Larry Sowinski, our gunners and bird planters for making this event go smoothly.

    GSPCI members also had a great time at the National Specialty Show in Riverside, California from which we just returned.  Our club was extremely well represented AND we rid ourselves of the Tippey-Toe award!!  Those brave club members who did venture into the ring (several of us went without dogs but we were past winners anyway and thus exempt) were EXTRA careful about their handling skills.  Both Greg and Martha Veatch took turns showing their dog, Ben (Sharpmtn Air Force One), and Becky Feigh had MANY opportunities to win the “award” as she competed in the Top Twenty with Ziggy (Ch. Whiteriver Ziggy Stardust JH), in which she finished in top three taking second and making some nice money for Char Rutar who “bought” Ziggy in the Calcutta.....AND she competed in the Best of Breed judging with Ziggy who stayed in consideration until the final placements, essentially placing second to NSS winner Ch. Windabrae’s Dire Straits JH and winning an Award Of Merit under Judge Jon Cole.  While it was a little bittersweet for Becky to come so close in both competitions.....it was a HUGE accomplishment in such tough top national competition and both she and Char should be extremely proud that Ziggy was considered for the top awards at our Nationals.  Besides there is always next year. Greg and Martha’s bitch, Sugar (Ch. Berihill How Sweet It Is), made it through several cuts for some nice recognition in the Best of Breed competition and Mike and Lisa Stovall’s young bitch, Maddie (Foxgloves Made About You),  competed in the class competition.

    Martha, being last year’s Tippey Toe award winner had to select a winner for this year and she may have put a damper on some of our future showing since she choose our good friend and AKC breeder-judge Betsy Yates from Ohio who then promptly banned all of us from the Indiana club from ever coming into her ring again!!  All in all, it was great fun and a great chance to see a lot of the West Coast dogs we don’t normally see plus visit with many of our GSP friends from around the country.  I strongly encourage any of you who have ever been interested in experiencing the Nationals to come to Lancaster, Pennsylvania next year.  It should draw an excellent entry and it isn’t that far of a drive.  The GSPC of Indiana did not submit a bid to host the Nationals for 2005 which will be held in the Central section of the country.  At the moment the GSPCA is not sure about how they want to handle the running the National specialty show.  They may choose to host it themselves with the help of some local GSP people.  We’ll keep you posted.  Summer looks to be as busy as the Spring and we will try to post notices of any upcoming activities on our new website!!

 Happenings & Brags  

GSPCI dogs have been filling up the AKC title books this spring.

 

    Foxgloves Mad About You owned by Mike and Lisa Stovall now has a JH behind her name, as do The Son From White River  and Eclipse Final Fling Nthfld,TD owned and trained by Johnny and June Johnston.

 

    Eclipse Final Fling Nthfld, TD,JH made history in her breed by becoming the first Pointer ever to earn AKC’s Tracking Dog Excellent title – she must have learned a thing or two living with two Shorthairs.

 

    New bench champions are Ch Pointsetter Ready To Run bred and owned by Charlie and Amy Edwards, and Ch White River Hot Pants Zoe bred and owned by Phil and Char Rutar.

 

    Ron Ferris’s Arko and Cydney both earned their Junior Hunter titles at Farmland the end of April, and also earned Derby Prize I at the NADKC test in Wisconsin May 11.  (see article below to find out more)

    Foxgloves Mad About You JH, "Maddie" owned by Mike and Lisa Stovall went Reserve Winners Bitch on Sunday May 25 at the Cincinnati Kennel Club Show, under Judge Margaretta Patterson Kaufman. Maddie then took Winners Bitch on Monday at the Cincinnati Kennel Club Show under Judge Elliott Weiss.

    CH White River Ziggy Stardust, JH, owners Rick and Becky Feigh and Char Rutar, added Best In Specialty Show #7 to his record winning the GSPC of Illinois Specialty June 1topping off the day with a third in the Sporting Group.

 

North American Deutche Kurzhaar Club

 

    Did you know there is an American affiliate of the original Deutsche Kurzhaar Klub (the GSP Club in Germany)?  U.S. owned dogs can actually earn the prestigious German titles and take their place in the German registry.    Below is a brief description of the activities of the NADKC.

 

TESTING AND BREEDING REGULATIONS
    Our club sponsors DKV breed tests – Derby, Solms and AZP. The "Derby" test is for young dogs held in the spring for pups born the year before or in the last three months of the year before that. This is a natural ability test in which the young dog's inherited abilities in the field and cooperation are evaluated against the DKV standard to show the breeding worth of the parents.

    The "Solms" is for "adolescents", held in the fall (following the spring Derby), and is also a natural ability test evaluating performance against the DKV standard. In the Solms, the young dog's skills are more developed and more obedience is required. For example, searching a marsh for a duck, retrieving feathered and furred game to hand and again observing the dog's nose, field search, pointing and cooperation at a higher level. The "AZP" is a test for older dogs, which for some reason missed their fall breed test. It is essentially a Solms with more obedience required commensurate with the age of the dog.

    Zuchtschaus (breed shows) are held to evaluate the conformation of the dogs according to the DKV breed standard.

    Two other tests, the International Kurzhaar Prufung (IKP) and the Kleemann Sieger (KS) are held in alternate years in Europe for the elite of the breed.

    In addition to the DKV breed club testing, a DKV-registered dog is eligible for participation in the tests held in North America under the auspices of the German Jagdgebrauchshund Verband (JGHV), the German Versatile Hunting Dog Association. These include the tests held in the United States and Canada by JGHV-member clubs, including our club, as well as the VDD-GNA, VDD Gruppe Canada and the JGV-USA, a multi-breed testing organization. The tests include the VJP and HZP (natural ability tests similar to the Derby and Solms, respectively) and the VGP (Association Utility Test). The "Utility Test" (VGP) is for completely trained versatile dogs and their handlers. This test is a two-day, comprehensive evaluation of the dog's performance in twenty-nine categories. Obedience is emphasized in the Utility Test. The BTR (retrieving and reliability test) and SwP (blood tracking) tests are also available.

    Temperament is evaluated at all of the events above.

    All dogs tested in DKV and JGHV tests must be registered in a registry that is affiliated with the FCI, an international organization based in France. The DKV is a member of the FCI. All owners must be members of a JGHV-member club, like the NADKC.

To be approved for breeding (Zuchttauglich), a DKV-registered dog must have:

·         passed at least one of these performance tests: Solms, HZP, AZP or VGP

·         been evaluated at least "Good" in a Zuchtschau

·         been approved "Hip Dysplasia Free" as evaluated by the DKV (x-ray sent to Germany).

GSPCI SPRING HUNT TESTS:  A TEST OF MAN VS THE ELEMENTS

      What was envisioned as a bright early spring weekend in the field with our beloved dogs, was in reality Survivor Hoosier-style battling the elements, which consisted of cold, wind, rain, sleet, and snow.  The Club, judges, and dogs were up to the challenge and we ran our spring Tests with our usual skill.  Muchas Gracias to Gunners Dave Bertram and Giles Hoyt, Grounds & Bird Manager Ron Ferris, Bird Planters Chris Snyder, Dan Allen & Larry Sowinski, Chief Cook Anna Barile, Head Kahuna Jason Barile, and Secretary Char Rutar.   I may not have all these Thank Yous right, because it was too cold and windy to get out to the field and see who was doing what.  The dogs earning qualifying scores listed here and their hardy handlers are to be commended for good work under harsh circumstances.

Saturday, April 5

Senior Hunter, 8 Starters  Phil Rutar and Bill Lehman judging:

Voyageur’s Lazy M High Hopes, Britt    George and Sarah Moran

Anni Vom Ferron-Haus, GSP                Ron Ferris & Andy Giegold

Gunshot’s Radical Rascal, GSP           Andy Giegold

Marsport Watson Gilchrist, JH              Jeffery Gilchrist

Junior Hunter, 26 Starters  Phil Rutar and Bill Lehman judging

Mapelridge Brown Sugar, GSP            George Ryan

CH Flower Creek’s Sweet Sassafras,GSP   David Dyer

The Son From White River, GSP          June & Johnny Johnston

Kywires Summertime Buzz, GWP        Karen Bunch

Vaughan’s Holiday Express, GSP       Jeff & Jeremiah Vaughan

Gunshot’s Helena Pretty Girl, GSP      Kenneth Long

Indiana Bronson Gilchrist, Britt           Jeff Gilchrist

Kywires Blackberry Whine, GWP          Karen Bunch

Eclispe Final Fling Nthfld, TD, Pntr      June & Johnny Johnston

DI Morglengo Zola Bella Campo, Spin  Mike & Kay McLeland

Cydney Vom Lakotakove, GSP              Ron Ferris

Gunshot Brian Patch, GSP                                     Art Johnson & Mike Osborne

Gunshot’s Itchin’ Gretchen, GSP          Justin Hinkle

Raisin A  Ruckas Rhubarb, GSP          Barrie Fleetwood

Wind River’s Trap, GSP                          George Simmerman

Arko Vom Gierstener Weh, GSP            Ron Ferris

Nani’s To Be Or Not To Be, Weim       Chris Grisell

Gunshot’s Upland Breeze, GSP            Mike Osborne

Moesgaard’s Kelsey Cillie, GSP           Christina Hedge

Gunshot’s Victor Weisenheimer, GSP    Mark Cleveland

Heartland’s Pay Dirt, GSP                       Robert & Charlene Sheehan

Sunday April 6:  

Junior Hunter  29 Starters, Kathy Bobillo and Linda Elbert judging

The Son From White River, GSP     Johnston

Kywires Balckberry Whine, GWP                Bunch

Mapleridge Brown Sugar, GSP                    Ryan

Toscane De Plum Creek, Britt                     Todd Anderson

Eclipse Final Fling Nthfld, TD, Pntr              Johnston

Nani’s To Be OR Not To Be, Weim              Grisell

Gunshot’s Brian Patch, GSP                      Johnson/Osborne

Just Shelby II, Britt                                     Nathan Sipes

Wind River’s Trap, GSP                              Simmerman

Raisin A Ruckas Rhubarb, GSP                  Fleetwood

Gunshot’s Victor Weisenheimer, GSP         Cleveland

Gunshot’s Itchin’ Gretchen, GSP     Hinkle

Awesome Sonic Boom, GSP                      Kurt Carpenter

Gunshot’s Helena Pretty Girl, GSP              Long

DI Morglengo Zola Bella Campo, Spin          McLeland

Arko Vom Gerstener Weh, GSP                  Ferris

Heartland’s Pay Dirt, GSP                          Sheehan

Cydney Vom Lakotacovie, GSP                  Ferris

Rawhide’s Legacy Rowdy, GSP                  Aaron Bell

 

Ethical Breeding Issue - - Mike Stovall

    In the most recent issue of Bird Dog and Retriever News, an editorial appeared that I found to be offensive to proper breeding ethics. The editor Dennis Guldan did not address the issue of a breeder who had a genetic trait show up in a litter of puppies. The breeder allegedly did not notify the bitch owners of a genetic defect or any other puppy owners. The breeder wanted the puppy destroyed and would give the owner a new puppy upon destruction of the defective dog. Dennis states in the article that "breeders are in the business to sell dogs....and it is a business." In several messages from him he maintains that breeders have no duty in taking dogs that are producing genetic defects from their breeding program. I have retained our e-mail correspondence at his request. He did not want the conversation shared with reputable breeders. I would encourage support of the magazine as it is a good source of training ideas. However I would encourage all of us to voice our concern of their breeding ideals. A good breeding program produces capable dogs without genetic defects. Breeding should be to improve a breed, not treated as just a business. The article can be viewed in the April/ May 2003 Bird Dog and Retriever News, sect. title of "Buying a Pup," "Breeder Contracts: Breeder and Puppy Owner Obligations," by Dennis Guldan on pages 32-33. Dennis may be contacted by e-mail at <publisher@bird-dog-news.com>. Although our views on breeder ethics differ greatly, he has always been courteous and quick in his replies. I will give him credit for a great magazine, minus his breeder articles. I would like for him to hear from some of the top breeders, as many of you are in my opinion, on what ethical breeding standards are.

GSPCI WHELPING BOX

    Ron Ferris’s Dee Dee produced 6 pups sired by his young male Arko on May 6; 5 black & white and one liver and white.  Arko is also expecting a second litter later I June.

    On May 29^th the Rutars, Becky Feigh and Sarah Barker welcomed eight little darlings out of their CH White River Reason to Dance, JH sired by CH White River Shot of Tobasco, JH owned by Jason and Anna Barile.

    The Sowinski’s CH Willow Run Make My May,JH is expecting a litter sired by CH White River Ziggy Stardust, JH the very end of June. 

Delegate’s Report    by Charlie Edwards  

    I was given the responsibility to represent the GSPC of Indiana this year at the National Specialty Show Delegates meeting.  At our last board meeting held at the hunt test, we voted on a number of agenda items and I relayed our votes on those items.  The following are the results:

    This year a member from the North Western section and the South Western section were elected to the NSS Executive Committee.  Dave Gilliam was the incumbent member from the North Western section and had been renominated.  Karen Niffenegger nominated herself from the floor.  The delegates voted that Ms. Niffenegger should be elected to that position.  In the South Western section, the incumbent member, Terry Chandler, declined to run again after 20 plus years serving the committee.  Jan McManigal had been nominated.  Donna Taylor was nominated from the floor.  The delegares voted for Donna Taylor to assume that position.

    The main agenda was to vote for judges for the 2005 NSS.  The judges selected are:

Ken Clemons - Intersex and Dogs

Charles Ruppert - Bitches

Pat Laurans - Alternate

Susan Harrison - Futurity

    The dates are the week of May 7, 2004.  It was supposed to be Tuesday through Friday like this year.  But it was pointed out that our running rules state the show should extend to one weekend day so the dates may be changed to include Saturday.

    Brochures were provided to all the delegates with information on the host hotel for 2004 which will be held in Lancaster, PA.  The host hotel will be the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center in Lancaster which is in southeastern PA (Pennsylvania Dutch/Amish country) 70 miles from Philadelphia.  The address is 2300 Lincoln Highway East (RT 30), Lancaster, PA 17602. 

Phone: (717) 299-5500 or (800) 233-0121.  Website: www.lancasterhost.com.

    Of the three agenda items, only one passed.  The one regarding the point scale weighting the votes of the members for judges.  After discussion the motion was amended to state that the membership would vote for five (5) judges for each postion.  With the #1 judge receiving five points and then each subsequent judge on a declining scale (4,3,2,1).  From that a top ten (10) judges list will be voted on by the delegates.  This new procedure will be clearly explained on the ballots when they are distributed to the membership next year.

EDITOR’S WRAPUP AND RAMBLINGS  By Char Rutar

    Well FINALLY we have a newsletter out.  Hope none of you were holding your breath!  I warned you all at the annual meeting I would be pressed for time to work on this, and told every new member I’ve met since that we publish a newsletter whenever the editor gets around to it.  I worry that people have sent me news and I can’t remember where I saved it, so I must apologize for any of those omissions.

    Your official 2003 membership list is on the back page.  Old crusty members please try to make note of new names you see in your area, and maybe give them a call to see if they want to work dogs or tag along to a show or something.  New members, don’t you dare site on the sidelines waiting for something to happen.  Contact one of your officers on this masthead and kick them in the butt with an “I think we should . . .” or “ I would like to . “.  We are what we want to be and do what our members want to do.

    Fall Hunt Test Plans are well underway.  We have the weekend of October 25 & 26 at Glens Valley Conservation Club.  Yes, for those of you who thought you were in the know, that is a change from what the Board originally approved.  Good sports that we are, we moved to avoid a conflict with the Greater Indianapolis Brittany Club’s Test earlier in October.  Jason Barile (317-882-8862) is in charge and would love to have some  enthusiastic help.

    Hope to see everyone later this summer at our summer picnic.  If I can’t manage a whole newsletter, we’ll at least get a flyer out about it.  Keep the brags, notes and bits and pieces coming – I’ll try to stay more organized.  Whiterivergsp@att.net or 765-534-3002.