Why breeding dogs?
Assuming everything works out well, we feel bonding with the dog as an enrichment, we would not like to miss. What is attractive in this game, so to speak, is to set up something nice, and to have fun about that together.
The ultimate result is a dog capable of practising lessons learned together with its boss. The challenge is to get out the dog, what is present in latency. In our case chasing, but for another breed it could be to watch, to scent, etc.
Training
Our motto is: what is present in the dog, has to be peeled out. This is quite a way, and does not go automatically. At 7 to 8 weeks teaching to retrieve starts and listening to the name. We take over mother's task, and start confronting the puppy with all kinds of situations. Other things arise like walking on a leash, sit, down, etc.
Our methods are based on reward and penalty. Is the pup doing OK then it will be praised or rewarded with something, and for doing wrong it will get a penalty. This, for instance, can be done with a short pull on the special training-leash or speak to it with a harsh voice. Beating the dog when it makes mistakes is for us out of the question. The only achievement in doing so, is that at some time the dog disappears, and does not want to return. What can happen as well, is the fact that its behaviour will tend to be unpredictable, and that is even worse. Our opinion: never ever do this, even if you are angry as hell with the animal.
Furthermore the puppies have to join hunting as soon as possible. This is to get accustomed to their working environment, scents, sounds, and the company of other dogs.And of course, other hunters.
Another aspect is the fact that the dog presently for about 10 weeks per year will be involved in hunting, and for the remaining will be in or around a home.
So the dog has to acquire good social skills, and above all should not fight with other dogs.
Inside the house the dog must be capable of behaving properly, and respect its owner, inhabitants, and last but not least possings. Furniture should be left untouched, hunting is outside. Agresive behaviour against people and pets cannot be tolerated in any way.
After about 3 years the dog should be ready with the training we have in mind, and then we have done the job.
German wirehaired pointer, with which we are breeding since 1982, intentionally has all these properties. By nature it is a very friendly dog.
Originally a German breed, this is an all-rounder. It was founded by count Sigismund, Freiherr von Zedlitz und Neukirch (alias Hegewald) and the, by that time in Germany living, Dutchman Eduard Karel Korthals (griffon Korthals or Griffon darrêt à poil dur). The aim was a dog, which could be used for everything with a fur, that the animal protects under all circumstances and against all kinds of weather. The breed is like a kind of Swiss knife hunting tool. Deployable for any job.
This is in contrast with for instance English hunters, who for every job have a different breed.
Care
A regular visit to the veterinarian is of course a must. But this in fact is true for any dog. For expositions anyhow a number of vaccinations are ademant. Also most countries have their own demands. Often a dog passport is a must.
The Dutch union of dog breeders insist a number of standard qualifications concerning the skeleton. For this the dog is x-rayed by the vet, and an x-ray file is composed as a result of this investigation. This is not cheap, but we see this as an investment for the future. For the For the near future buyer this is THE information to know what will be bought.
The dogs are fed with a mix of old bread, dry dog food and specially for dogs prepared meat. All dry; the dogs can drink water at their own needs.
Purchase
When you buy, all the aforementioned is part of the price. Therefore it is understandable that this is quite an investment, but in return for that you will get a quality dog. In our view the price is a consession for our costs and in the last place a profit.