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The genetically inherited qualities of both our bitches and our dogs are our foundation. To start with, I believe that a good breeding prospect comes from a family of good dogs, sound of mind and body, with the inborn talent and desire to hunt, and displaying the typical Griffon temperament, joyful and eager to please. Genetically, we are looking for Griffons that have the natural attributes needed for a functioning as a good hunting dog and a reliable, joyful family companion. When these traits are bred into the dog, he will have the "hard wiring" necessary to live up to his full potential.
We are relatively new breeders, and at this point we do not subscribe to "only linebreed" or "only outcross". Rather we use a variety of breeding practices, with a tendency to outcross with emphasis on complimentary matches. In the past 10 years of specialized study of Wirehaired Pointing Griffons, particular attention is paid to which lines produce strong hunting/family companions. Our Breeding dogs are evaluated for
desirable genetics, Each
breeding considers the "total dog". Selection for Essential genetic, mental, physical or performance traits
over generations will result in progeny that demonstrate the
strengths in that
area. In the same way, a disregard for these essential elements over
one or more generations will cause a loss of essential elements. An understanding of the long-term effect is emphasized when
planning our breeding program, as not every breeding is perfect. Griffons that have physical defects (ie. entropian eyelids) are never used for breeding. We have hips (and often elbows) of our breeding dogs cleared with OFA. Our breeding dogs also have their eyes evaluated by a Veterinary Opthalmologist for signs of eye disease. We do not breed any dog that has already produced a high proportion of genetic problems, nor one that is from a litter with a high proportion of genetic problems. In our young puppies, we watch for signs of cooperation, a natural retrieve, a pup who likes to point things, carry articles around the house and bring them to us. We expose our puppies to birds and gunfire at a young age and give our puppies the opportunity to search, point, track, and retrieve. A great deal of importance is placed on intelligence, desire, and good, correct efficient movement. We want a Griffon with that "something" extra. The heart and desire that will take it through the really tough hunts, and willingness to do it all for a word of praise and the sheer joy of the hunt. We value the loyalty and "joi de vivre" that makes the Griffon such a unique family companion. Many times we have raised a Griffon to the age of two or three, have the hips and eyes cleared... only to decide against using the dog for breeding in our program. Within a breeding program, there must be responsible and accountable breeding practices. In order to benefit the breed or to advance a family of dogs, priority must be given to what is best for the breed, whether in the short term or in the long term. There is always a chance that a puppy may become affected by a genetic problem, even if the breeder has cleared the parents of genetic problems, and even if the genetic problem has been unknown in a line prior. Part of the responsibility of breeding involves accountability to our breeding community and to our puppy Owners. We ensure that our puppy Owners are protected by a guarantee, and that we participate in our breeding community by coming forth with information gained through our breedings. Griffonpoint Lines: a map of our lines and their evolution.
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