German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

[dualgwp]

Whoops, slight slip of the keys there....
Wires gotta love em..or go nut's trying to breed "them" right.....
sorry

[Jon P]

I hate to throw a monkey wrench into this discussion, but there are kennels producing consistently good coats with occassional great coats. They are German kennels - but, as you all say it is a severe challenge. I just returned from Germany and saw 4 litters (total 23 puppies) and did not see one coat that I would fear to be a problem. Now of course there are breeders that do struggle, but over all, coats are shorter, and more consistent.

I think the challenge of good coats in the US has been complicated by the preference for a more "Griffon" type of coat in US circles. By that I mean a longer, higher maintenance coat. Trends have created further challenges such as severe feathering. I also believe that US enthusiasts are more willing to compromise - rather than struggle with breeding a complete dog. Granted, the US genepool is relatatively small compared to the German genepool. I think the consistency of coat, type and talent would be far better if more folks were willing to raise the bar. Everyone would profit.
_________________
Jon P

[Dave]

Freudian slip there Bernee?

[dualgwp]

Well Dave, you know how it is when you hit that "send" button, and then suddenly see something not quite right?????

Let's call it a Senior moment....
Bernee

[Keith]

My first wirehair was purchased from a shorthair breeder that raised wirehairs on the side. Being new to the breed I didn't know what a proper wirecoat was supposed to look like. All of his dogs had the long griffon coat. On the other end of the spectrum I wonder if some shorthairs are crossed in accidentally or deliberately to add more range to field trial dogs. I think some breeders don't know what a proper wirecoat is or don't really care. I like the coat of my newest pup. He came from a litter where all the pups had good coats. His hair is about 1 1/2 inches long down his back and wiry. He has a thick undercoat. His coat lies flat and is real dense with good coverage on his belly and inner legs. On his head and ears the coat looks like it has been clipped short. He does have a little beard and eyebrows over his eyes. His color is brown on the head and roan everywhere else. I wish I could duplicate his coat in every wirehair I ever breed.

[trackindog]