NADKC News Articles

Road to DK

A new member's story of (his) introduction to Deutsch Kurzhaar–Part 2

By John Kreuscher, Gothenburg, Nebraska

Thank you to the many people who have helped me learn about Deutsch Kurzhaars. This includes web sites by DK breeders, the NADKC web site and Kurzhaar.us.

Part One of the "Road to DK" started with my search for a new German Shorthair puppy and concluded with my having sent a deposit in, instead, for a Deutsch Kurzhaar puppy. Part Two will discuss some of what I have since learned about the DK breed and DK testing. After having learned more about the DK and its testing philosophy, I hope to inspire other potential DK owners, and to explain why they should test their pups.

Let me start by saying that I am, and have been for many years, a serious hunter. My passion is upland hunting for pheasants and quail with a good gun dog. What I was looking for, and needed, was a dog that would not give up, and one that was not only good in the uplands, but also in the water.

The DK Testing System

Originally, I didn’t understand the idea of "testing" DKs when I started down my "Road to DK", nor was I especially receptive to the idea of participating. Now, however, I have really come to appreciate that DKs are tested against a standard and not in a competition. There are several significant advantages to this testing. One of these is observing firsthand dog owners helping each other and rejoicing in each other’s successes, rather than competing against one another. Another is seeing the passion and dedication that DK breeders have and display in their continued efforts to improve the breed. These breeders use the testing system and knowledgeable breeding practices, always seeking to produce a better Kurzhaar. Having the dogs' individual scores available for reference in the stud books helps breeders make informed choices about what qualities they want to focus on or improve in their lines.

Water Work

Water work is a perfect example of this. I had always known that Drahthaars had strong water skills, but until recently, had never heard of Kurzhaars. (My only point of reference or basis of comparison up to that point was my knowledge that my previous AKC Shorthair had greatly disliked the water). In fact, our eight year old son said to me once that he wanted a Drahthaar when he grew up because "Drahthaars like the water". During my search for a puppy, I told my wife that a couple of DK owners I had met were taking their DKs to a pond for training. She said, "I will believe it when I see it". Thanks in part to those two DK owners that I followed to the pond that day, I have since learned that Kurzhaars have the same proving system and water skills as Drahthaars. I knew that I might have new duck hunting opportunities in 2006 and decided that I would love to have a capable DK to try them out with. The nearby Platte River is perfect for a DK. If it is too cold for a DK in a neoprene vest, I figure it will be too cold for me to sit in the blind comfortably, as well.

Tracking

Another example is tracking. When I first heard about the rabbit drags in the DK tests, I have to say that, initially I was quite turned off; I didn't like the idea of a pointing dog used to hunt or allowed to chase rabbits in the field.  Now, however, I understand that the rabbit drag portions of our tests are more about tracking and obedience.  When I thought about it, I realized that tracking is a high priority for me in a hunting dog.  I despise losing downed pheasants.  My previous AKC-registered German Shorthairs, Blitz and Dutch, had amazing tracking skills.  They would not give up on wounded game any more than I would. Knowing that this was a trait prized, bred for, and evaluated in the DK breed was another "plus" for me in the DK column of my puppy checklist. As I learned more about the DK and the German testing system, the more I came to understand that a DK would be the perfect hunting and family companion for me.

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Sources of Info on DKs

Some of the things that have been beneficial to me for learning about the DK and what testing was about were NADKC training days and NAVHDA tests. I attended the annual meeting of the Great Plains' VDD-GNA Chapter in Pierre, South Dakota with a nearby DD owner. I was impressed by the Drahthaar members and dogs. The annual meeting contained sessions on beginning training and VJP testing. The session on HZP training was impressive. I have also spent a good deal of time reading lots of versatile dog training books and have visited many "Kurzhaar" related web sites. I have initiated e-mail conversations with many DK owners and breeders regarding their philosophies, goals, and practices, and I have shared my goals and expectations with them, as well. Finally, I am very excited about attending the upcoming NAKP and Zuchtshau. I feel that it will be a great opportunity to see some great Kurzhaars in action, and to visit with many like-minded people. I hope to see many other potential Kurzhaar owners attending to observe and learn.

The Versatile DK

North American hunters are looking for a versatile dog for water and upland hunting, and for a variety of other tasks. In the late 1800’s the Germans developed many breeds of versatile dogs, including the DK, to deal with just such a situation. The popularity of the DK with hunters grew exponentially in Europe over the years, and is now starting to catch on here in the US. In my opinion, our club needs to educate people about the reasons they should purchase DKs, the differences between the Kurzhaar and the Shorthair, and the benefits of the German testing system. To that end, there are two critical requirements for our club: producing more DK litters, and educating and marketing the testing system and the breed to serious hunters like myself.

The DK in North America

This is an exciting time in the North America for the Deutsch Kurzhaar, and opening doors to the breed and opening minds to testing will help the DK soon become as well-known and appreciated as the DD. I am excited about my first hunts with my new Kurzhaar this fall, and I look forward to doing my part to spread the word about the DK and the NADKC.

Continue...“Road To DK”

Road to DK, Part 3

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