Post by Chigger on Apr 18, 2014 14:16:21 GMT -5
After much persuasion I have been encouraged to start this thread on the Deutsch Drahthaar (DD). The literal translation of the name is German Wire Hair and although the DD is where the German Wirehaired Pointer originated from, now days the two breeds are quite different. I am not a fan of the German Wirehaired Pointer as is recognized by the AKC and so I will not comment on them other than to simply say they are not the same dog. I will however discuss the DD or as it's sometimes called for short, the Drahthaar.
The Drahthaar is an all purpose hunting machine that isn't just mediocre at multiple tasks, but truly excels at multiple tasks!
* They can point as good or better than any pointing breed!
These dogs have a tremendous desire to hunt and they never quit. Also their tough coat of hair allows them to hunt in briars and brambles that other pointers would skirt.
* They can retrieve on land and in water as good or better than any retrieving breed!
For starters, I've never seen a DD refuse to retrieve ANYTHING, including Dove! Secondly, they LOVE the water and have a double coat like most retrievers. Thirdly, they are extremely tough and not bothered by the cold. But most important, they have a much better nose than most retrievers and will find downed game that other retrievers would never find!
* They can track wounded game as well or better than any tracking breed!
Part of their breed testing is to track a wounded rabbit at least 300 yards and then retrieve it back to hand all on their own. Pretty impressive! Also, they are used to blood track wounded deer and are tested on both a 20hr and 40 hours old blood trail.
* Additionally, they have great personalities and love to be with their family. Most DD owners keep them in the home as part of the family.
The most important thing about the Drahthaar is the high standards to which they are held. The DD is registered through the parent organization in Germany, but just because it is registered DOES NOT mean that it is allowed to breed. In order for a DD to be allowed to breed it must pass two different performance tests, a coat and conformation evaluation, and have full hip and shoulder xrays examined to certify that the dog is dyspasia free. When you buy a DD puppy you know without a doubt that EVERY dog on the puppy's pedigree is a proven hunter with natural talent, has good coat and conformation, and is dysplasia free. It's true that this does not guarantee that your puppy is going to be a superstar, but it sure increases the odds! A DD without hunting ability is likely slightly less common than a unicorn.
As falconers we hunt all sorts of different game and in my opinion a versatile dog such as the DD is exactly what is needed. Although for falconry the retrieving talent is somewhat wasted, I suspect most of us gun hunt from time to time as well. For us the nose and the cooperative attitude are the main thing. For falconry, I use mine mostly to point quail and to flush rabbits, both are tasks that they excel at! They're also very handy when it comes to finding a falconry bird on a kill in tall grass. I also use mine for gun hunting both upland birds and waterfowl, as well as tracking downed deer.
I own a couple of these dogs and will try to post some pictures and training updates here.
Questions and discussion are welcome!
The Drahthaar is an all purpose hunting machine that isn't just mediocre at multiple tasks, but truly excels at multiple tasks!
* They can point as good or better than any pointing breed!
These dogs have a tremendous desire to hunt and they never quit. Also their tough coat of hair allows them to hunt in briars and brambles that other pointers would skirt.
* They can retrieve on land and in water as good or better than any retrieving breed!
For starters, I've never seen a DD refuse to retrieve ANYTHING, including Dove! Secondly, they LOVE the water and have a double coat like most retrievers. Thirdly, they are extremely tough and not bothered by the cold. But most important, they have a much better nose than most retrievers and will find downed game that other retrievers would never find!
* They can track wounded game as well or better than any tracking breed!
Part of their breed testing is to track a wounded rabbit at least 300 yards and then retrieve it back to hand all on their own. Pretty impressive! Also, they are used to blood track wounded deer and are tested on both a 20hr and 40 hours old blood trail.
* Additionally, they have great personalities and love to be with their family. Most DD owners keep them in the home as part of the family.
The most important thing about the Drahthaar is the high standards to which they are held. The DD is registered through the parent organization in Germany, but just because it is registered DOES NOT mean that it is allowed to breed. In order for a DD to be allowed to breed it must pass two different performance tests, a coat and conformation evaluation, and have full hip and shoulder xrays examined to certify that the dog is dyspasia free. When you buy a DD puppy you know without a doubt that EVERY dog on the puppy's pedigree is a proven hunter with natural talent, has good coat and conformation, and is dysplasia free. It's true that this does not guarantee that your puppy is going to be a superstar, but it sure increases the odds! A DD without hunting ability is likely slightly less common than a unicorn.
As falconers we hunt all sorts of different game and in my opinion a versatile dog such as the DD is exactly what is needed. Although for falconry the retrieving talent is somewhat wasted, I suspect most of us gun hunt from time to time as well. For us the nose and the cooperative attitude are the main thing. For falconry, I use mine mostly to point quail and to flush rabbits, both are tasks that they excel at! They're also very handy when it comes to finding a falconry bird on a kill in tall grass. I also use mine for gun hunting both upland birds and waterfowl, as well as tracking downed deer.
I own a couple of these dogs and will try to post some pictures and training updates here.
Questions and discussion are welcome!