Short, sharp and nostalgic, 'Hirsch' was chosen as her prefix. In German riding through the Thuringian forest is where she first came across a ‘Hirsch’ (meaning ‘stag’ in German). This seemed a fitting prefix for a German hunting breed.

 

Catherine has been involved with the German Wirehaired Pointer breed for over ten years. Aust. Gr. Ch. Korskote Stop N Stare 'Bronte' who is not only the youngest, but also the first and only solid liver Gr. Ch. and RUBIS Aust. Gr. Ch. Ostoja All Rapt Up 'Ollie'. Proving that GWP's are a truly versatile breed our dogs are worked as well.


 

At a show in 2007, Catherine was introduced to a very cool, calm and collected scruffy faced, white baby puppy atop a trolley ringside; not at all like a rambunctious wirehair puppy. This was her first time meeting an Italian Spinone. Upon researching the breed, almost 12 months later ‘Quick’ Aust. Gr. Ch. Pagliaccio Fiorela stepped onto the scene and we haven’t looked back. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her ‘kind, almost human expression’* and ‘social, affectionate’* temperament. Quick has made her mark on the Australian show scene; she was the first Grand Champion Italian Spinone not only in Australia but the world! She was the #1 Gundog Rising Star in 2008 for most of the year until she aged out and finished overall 4th (Dogzonline Pointscore (DOLPS)). She had had over 50 class in group wins, multi in show, group 1 & 2 wins under her belt also- all of this by 2 years of age.
 

In 2010 Catherine travelled to America to attend the Spinone Club of America (SCOA) National held in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. She had the opportunity to witness over 100 Spinoni in all phases of competition- hunt tests, obedience and conformation. She had the chance to handle a young dog, Sweetbriar’s Ecco D’Orro (photo left) to Reserve Winners Dog at the National under breed specialist Nicola Spencer of Bannonbrig Spinoni from the UK.

 

Whilst in the USA Catherine attended several North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) hunt tests and a training day in both Pennsylvania and Virginia.  She was extremely impressed with the hunting abilities of both GWP’s and DD’s.
 

Catherine has since been to the 2011 German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America (GWPCA) Nationials in Ionia, Michigan and the 2013 Nationls held in Lincoln, Nebraska. She also attended both the 2012 & 2013 SCOA Nationals at Rend Lake, Illinois.

(Photo left: 2012 SCOA Parent Club Best of Breed Winner: GCH BELLAEBRAVO BRUNO SH)




 

Introducing our new adventure for 2014... "Bindi" - 'BISS American Grand Champion Claddagh's Dual Citizen At Hirsch JH NA1'. Bred by Courtney and William Bastian - Claddagh Kennels, Wisconsin, USA. Bindi gained her grand champion title in style at the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America Nationals 2013 cluster of shows held in Lincoln, Nebraska. At just over 12 months of age she won 'Best in Futurity' at the National, 'Grand Champion Select' and went one better on the last day to 'Best of Opposite' making her the youngest GWP US grand champion gaining her title with 5 majors.

 

Bindi gained her champion title with 4 majors back to back and a Best of Opposite/ Best of Winners at the Wisconcin German Wirehaired Pointer Specialty show and Best Bred By Exhibitor Group First the same day!
She also picked up a Best in Specialty Show and Best in Sweepstakes show at the Twin Cities German Wirehaired Pointer Club held in Minnesota. Bindi is also accomplished in the field; expertly trained by William Bastian (Claddagh Kennels and Training) gaining her Junior Hunter (with 5 consecutive passes) and NAVHDA Natural Ability Prize 1 along the way. Bindi loves the water and retrieving; we can't wait to get her out on some ducks.

 

 

 

Bindi is currently ranked #1 German Wirehaired Pointer All Breeds for 2017 in Australia**.
 

 

-1 Best in Specialty Show (Gundogs only)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*The Kennel Club- Italian Spinone Breed Standard

**Dogzonline Pointscore
 
Located in the Southern Riverina, NSW, Australia.