June 2024 • Volume LXXVI • Number 6
OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE: To promote cooperation and friendship among the breeders and owners of Brittanys and to encourage higher standards in breeding, training and showing of Brittanys in the field and in the show ring; to discourage the breed from becoming split into groups of “field dogs” and “show dogs” and to strive to keep it forever a “dual dog”. Sponsored by: Special Features AKC Delegate Report |Terry Hilliard Back to My Roots (Part II)| Vince Anderson 2024 Stud Dog Directory Health: Brucellosis in Dogs 6 11 18 30 Officers & Directors Notes From the President | Joe Droel New Members New AKC Titles Listings: Kennels |Trainers | At Stud Regional Club Secretaries, Web Sites & Directors Other Web Site Listings Event Calendars (Field & Specialty) Magazine & Advertising Rates Departments 5 5 25 52 57 58 59 60 62 Field Trials, Hunt Tests & Specialty Shows Field Trial Results: 2024 International Grand Open Limited All Age Brittany Championships Michigan Brittany Championships | Apr. 2024 2024 Nebraska Brittany Grand Open Limited All Age Championship Ed Powell Memorial Grand Open Limited Regional Gun Dog Champiohship Prairie State Brittany Championships | Feb. 2024 33 37 42 45 48 The Deadline for the July 2024 Issue is June 1st, 2024. Submisions to: [email protected] June 2024 • Volume LXXVI • Number 6 Cover Dog: 2023 High In Trial Agility Dog Name: GCH CH AGCH MACH17 RACH Keili’s Goldstar Kir Royale CDX BN RM2 RAE3 JH MXS5 PDG MJC5 PJS MFC TQX T2B6 CA DCAT RATS CZ8B TKA Call name: Kir Sire: GCHG CH MACH5 PACH2 Brookewood’s Just Too Hot UD RAE MXG2 MJC2 MXP6 MXPS MJP8 MJPG PAX2 MXF T2B2 RATO Dam: CH Swift River’s Believe I Can PCD BN RAE2 JH NA NAJ OAP OJP NF OFP CA Breeders: Patricia John/Sue Drazek Owner: Sue Drazek The American Brittany ▬ 4 ▬ June 2024
Think Big Marketing, LLC, Publisher P.O. Box 2084 • Tarpon Springs, FL 34688 (215) 378-0203 Email: [email protected] Magazine Chair, Sandy Malloy 518-258-6521 | [email protected] MAGAZINE COMMITTEE: Jacqui Campbell • Dani Drogue • Dawn Droel • Patricia Ellis Karen Hanson • Natalya Harris • Linda McCartney • Phil Thayer Chris Walker • Peggy Wier • Mark Claypool • Yvonne Shanto OFFICERS President: Joe Droel Po Box 320, Oseola, IA 50213 515-901-8623 • [email protected] 1st V.P.: Richard Beaver, 9975 Musgrave Rd., Wichita Falls, TX 76305 (915) 504-4793 • [email protected] 2nd V.P.:Jacqui Campbell, PO BOX 2525, Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 308-0750 • [email protected] 3rd V.P.: Joy Crisler, 12237 KS HWY 152, La Cygne, KS 66040 (816) 812-7355 • [email protected] 4th V.P.: Mike Poehler, 930 Cornell Lane, Schaumburg, IL 60193 (847) 207-3010 • [email protected] Executive Secretary: Jennifer “Brooke” Burlingame 731 Maple Grove Court, Hope Mills, NC 28348 (910) 973-3098 • [email protected] Secretary: Jacqui Campbell, PO BOX 2525, Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 308-0750 • [email protected] Treasurer: Gerilyn Sennott, 352 Whitney Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047 (847) 736-2622 • [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Statistician: Mary Karbiner, 10741 W. Cheryl Dr., Sun City, AZ 85351 (940) 636-5681 • [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ABC Webmaster: Steve Ralph, 25256 Kettle River Blvd., Forest Lake, MN 55025 (651) 303-0129 • [email protected] ABC Facebook: Lilli Wert, [email protected] AKC Delegate: Terry Hilliard, 8496 Hensingersville Rd., Alburtis, PA 18011 (610) 349-3460 • [email protected] ABC/Pro Plan Coordinator: Ed Janulis (815) 666-8370 • [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Futurity Chairman: Leslee Masolotte 6533 W Lakeside CT, Littleton, CO 80125 [email protected] Futurity Secretaries: 1st Litter Nomination send to: Sue Lehosky 1249 Copeland Road, Leechburg, PA 15656 (724) 339-4616 • [email protected] Final Futurity Forfeits, Running: Jacqui Campbell, PO BOX 2525, Woodinville, WA 98072 (425) 308-0750 • [email protected] Summer Specialty: Joy Crisler, 12237 KS HWY 152, La Cygne, KS 66040 (816) 812-7355 • [email protected] Juniors Coordinator: Yvonne Shanto 2366 Stone View Drive, Sparks, NV 89436 775-741-9826 •[email protected] Membership Data Chairman: Deb Rudert, P.O. Box 503, Orefield, PA 18069 (610) 248-2394 • [email protected] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The American Brittany (ISSN 0199-7297) (USPS 544-240) is published monthly by The American Brittany Club, Inc., P.O. Box 2084, Tarpon SPrings, FL 34688. Periodical postage paid at Jefferson City, MO 65101 and at additional mailing offices. Send address changes to The American Brittany Club, P.O. Box 503, Orefield, PA 18069 Views expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publication, American Brittany Club, Inc., its Officers, or Directors. Sponsored by: PURINA Chosen by Champions, a GARMIN company Making it easier for dogs to learn. Notes from the President Joe Droel HELLO! When this comes out we will be just finishing with our last field trial of the Spring season. It’s time to get to some dog shows and do some other fun activities with the dogs. I would encourage everyone to try something new this summer – dock diving, agility, obedience, scent work, barn hunt, FAST CAT, etc. Our Brittanys are amazingly versatile! Good news on the website front – the ABC Board of Directors has approved a new website designer. It will be great to have some new features on the website, such as a Membership Portal, redesigned calendar, better online payment option for all events/activities, the security will be beefed up, etc. And this is just Phase 1, there will be another phase with even more user-friendly benefits in store. Hope to see you at the American Brittany Club Summer Specialty in Canfield Ohio August 3rd. The superintendent is MBF, for more information check out www.infodog.com. Regards, Joe The American Brittany ▬ 5 ▬ June 2024
Good Day. I’d like to share some of the topics that we voted on, discussed or will be voting on from our March AKC Delegate Meeting held in Newark. The first item in the meeting was the presentation of the AKC Masters in the Field video that was from the Master Hunter Excellent Test for Pointing Breeds that was held at the Oak Hill Farm in North Carolina. The Master Hunt Test Excellent program was developed in 2023 and this was the first test that was held. 13 pointing dogs competed and 7 qualified. Our own Gwen Hayes competed to represent the Brittany. A video is available on the AKC Canine College for those that would like to view. The election of new Board of Directors was held at the meeting. The newly elected board members are Carmen Bataglia, Michael Knight and Sally Fineberg were elected. Dr. Thomas Davies was re-elected as President of the Board and Dominic Caraton was re-elected as Vice Chairman of the Board. A proposed amendment to the Pointing Dog Field Trail Rules was proposed by the English Setter Association of America. This amendment is to Chapter 14, New Section 36, of the Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedure for Pointing Breeds, which allows for a National Walking Gun Dog Championship for English Setters. This amendment was proposed by the English Setter Association of America and brought forward with approval by the AKC Board of Directors. It will be published in two issues of the AKC Gazette and you will be asked to vote on it at the June 2024 meeting. I would appreciate any feedback on how to vote on this amendment in our June meeting. AKC Meet the Breeds that was held at the Javitz Center in January was the largest and best attended event ever. I would like to thank Doug Tighe, Deb Rudert and Addie Hellmers for helping me with the Meet the Breeds. It is always a fun event for both the humans and canines. The directors of the AKC TV presented a program on the AKC TV and AKC ESPN network. It was the most watched TV for the AKC dog sports and national Championship broadcast. Don’t forget AKC has it’s own AKC Rx program for all your pets prescription and nonprescription needs. In view of the recent arrest of an AKC judge for suspected sex abuse, Mary Duke’s, AKC Field Rep and Judge has presented to the AKC the SafeSport Program as an additional step in creating a safe and respectful sport environment for all and the AKC BOD approved the following educational requirements policy and recommendations: Effective immediately all AKC BOD, Inspectors, Field Staff across ALL sports, AKC Registered Handlers and additional AKC staff that regularly attend events will be required to successfully complete the Stewards of Children training from the Non-Profit organization Darkness to Light once every three years. All Current and future Junior Showmanship judges will be required to successfully complete the Stewards of Children training. The initial course will be offered by AKC on a complimentary basis and must be refreshed every three years. All current AKC Junior Showmanship judges must fulfill this requirement in 2024. All current and future Club Junior Coordinators will be required to successfully complete the Stewards of Children training. The initial course will be offered the AKC on a complimentary basis and must be refreshed every 3 years. Junior participants and parents will be recommended to take the following complimentary course as applicable from SafeSport. It’s a shame that we need to implement these changes but it is a start to curbing sexual abuse of our children in our sport. The ABC needs to address this as well in any event that adults will come in contact with our children. The field Trail and Hunt test committee has finalized our Best Practices project that we feel are useful to our clubs and their participants and are now starting a Best Practices for Field Trail and Hunt Test Secretaries plan. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Again, I am pleased to serve the ABC as your delegate and strive to present the information to you as it relates to our breed. Terry Hilliard AKC Delegate AKC Delegate Report for March 2024 Submitted by Terry Hilliard The American Brittany ▬ 6 ▬ June 2024
Owned and Handled By : Abigail Engler | Bred by : Barbara Pepin D.V.M. and Wayne C. Pepin Freddie GCHS Crosscreek’s Vibrant Festival Prince Fredrich BN RI BCAT CGCA CGCU TKI Multiple Group Placing | Multiple OHBIS | Multiple OHRBIS |NOHS Platinum TOP 20 BRITTANY 2021 & 2022 TOP 10 NOHS 2021, 2022 & 2023 NOHS FINALS BEST OF BREED 2021 & 2023 Available at Stud to approved bitches CHIC# 191014 Best in Show Owner Handled Sporting Dog Club of Indiana under Mrs. Virginia Murray
My first fall hunting experience came that year, and Our departure date for Saskatchewan, Canada, was Sunday, September 24th. Before that, planning had to be finalized on where to stay. I looked into Airbnb rentals but found nothing near our planned destinations. I had asked Don McNeil, a seasoned traveler and hunting enthusiast, where he stayed when traveling, and he said he had an Airstream travel trailer. I told Don that would work well because I have a horse trailer with living quarters, and the dogs could stay in the horse area. Don asked me if it was under 30 feet. I said not with the gooseneck; it was over 40 feet. Don told me, “You need a trailer under 30 feet in Canada; the spaces there are smaller and tighter than those in the United States”. Wow, a new predicament: no Airbnb to rent, and a trailer I thought would work great was now out of the question. I had two options: tell Christopher, my hunting partner, we can’t make the trip or figure something out quickly. I didn’t like the first option, and I remembered the quote from Roy Disney: “When your values are clear, your decisions are easy.” I had to scramble to get everything in order since time was running out. I began looking at travel trailer options and how to accommodate four dogs while traveling and out hunting. We decided on an Owens aluminum 3-dog box that would fit in the back of my GMC pickup and put one dog in a Ruff Land kennel in the back seat. On September 18th, we picked up a 30-foot Grand Design travel trailer for the western trip. We had set our sights on a rendezvous with Don in Avonlea, Saskatchewan, on September 26th. The journey from Erie to Avonlea was a thrilling 1,588 miles, which we planned to cover over three days. On September 24th, we left Erie and headed to a Hipcamp in Yorkville, Illinois. Arriving at the farm at dusk, we were guided to our parking spot via text. The trail was a maze, poorly marked and winding. I was grateful for Don’s advice on the 30-foot trailer. The next day, we woke up to find a creek on one side of the trailer and a ravine on the other. I would need to back out the truck and trailer for about 3/4 of a mile. I couldn’t help but think of the times Jack Alexander had bailed me out by backing me in at different trials. I sure wish he was here now! The next leg of the trip was 635 miles to Fargo, ND. We stayed at a beautiful state park on a lake, and the site was impressive. On the 3rd day, we made the last part of the trip by crossing the Canadian border and arriving at the park in Avonlea. Well, Don was correct about the smaller sites in the Canadian parks. Christopher said, “It was like they My first fall hunting experience came that year, and Our departure date for Saskatchewan, Canada, was Sunday, September 24th. Before that, planning had to be finalized on where to stay. I didn’t like the first option, and I remembered the quote from Roy Disney: “When your values are clear, your decisions are easy.” by Vince Anderson Part II Brock on Point in Saskatchewan The American Brittany ▬ 11 ▬ June 2024
took a big ribbon and tossed it on the ground when they designed the layout for the road.” We carefully made all the twists and turns on the snakelike road and were greeted by Don at our campsite. He said, after you get settled in, come over to my trailer. I’m making dinner for all of us tonight. After the long drive, I didn’t care if dinner was hotdogs and beans; I was wrong. Don’s dinner was grilled sharp-tailed grouse, a delicacy I had never tasted before, with sliced potatoes, broccoli spears, and a well-deserved cocktail. We had a great evening with Don and listened to his hunting adventures on his Montana trip that started S e p t e m b e r 1st. Don was at the tail end of his 3-week bird hunt and would be t r avel i ng back to Ontario in 3 days. He s h a r e d g r e a t information on plac - es to hunt in Montana after we left the 2nd leg of our trip at Leslie Andrea’s in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. The following day, we got up early and decided to take our two adult dogs, Gauge and Gunnar, to get a feel for the hunting in the area. We followed Don to a spot he had hunted a week ago, which he said produced sharptailed grouse and Hungarian partridge (Huns). Don had his three-year-old female Weimaraner “Piper.” She had been hunting with Don almost daily for the past 20 days. We decided to pair Piper with Gauge, and they matched up well as if they had been hunting partners for years. It wasn’t 10 minutes, and Piper slammed on point, and Gauge backed her. Don encouraged CJ to be the shooter and said he would back him up if necessary. I was the designated flusher, and a small covey of sharptailed grouse rose into the skyline. Christopher’s gun cracked twice, and two birds fell to the ground. Each dog retrieved a bird, and the day was off to a great start. After about 2 hours, we swapped 11-yearold Gauge for his 5-year-old son Gunnar. We hunted with Gunnar and Piper for another 2 hours and had our limit of sharp-tailed grouse and a few Hungarian Partridge. I was amazed at how much stamina Piper had. She managed the whole 4 hours and had been hunting continually for almost three weeks. We had two more days of bird hunting with Don and Piper in Avonlea and experienced a variety of hunting spots. The following morning, we exposed Gauge’s two younger sons, Elijah and Brock, to wild bird hunting. Don decided to rest Piper but mainly to help us with the two juvenile dogs. The game plan for that day was to take one dog at a time. Brock is very vocal, and we knew he would be hollering in the kennel if left behind, so we decided to take him first and tire him out. From all the driving and inactivity, he was juiced up to run. He put his track shoes on that morning, and off he went. He disappeared over a hill that was about 400 yards away. A moment later, we saw a small covey of sharp-tailed grouse fly off in the distance with Brock in hot pursuit. Both young dogs had been doing quite well with training at home. But there was a vast difference between their experience with penraised quail and chukar at home and these wild game birds. I called for Brock to return, but he must have forgotten his hearing aid that day. I grabbed my Garmin 550 Pro Plus tracker and slightly tickled him. His brain re-engaged, and he came running back with his tail wagging. After the little outburst, he quickly became a team player and locked up on point at a distance of about 150 yards. CJ would be the shooter since I wanted to keep things the same as training for Brock and maintaining eye contact with me while flushing. Four birds exploded out of the cover; Christopher shot twice and dropped one of the birds. I tapped Brock on the top of his head to release him. He raced over, picked up the partridge, and returned Don McNeil’s Avonlea Dinner Gauge end of day at Leslie’s in Maple Creek Piper on point in Avonlea The American Brittany ▬ 12 ▬ June 2024
it to me. I was pleased and wanted to make sure Brock ended the day with a positive experience. We returned to the truck for a brief sandwich and a rest. After the break, we decided to hunt the opposite side of the road with Elijah. We kept him on the ground for over an hour, and he was better mannered than his younger brother. I was surprised he was not rewarded for his hard work in the field. We decided to make our way back to the truck. We were about a quarter mile from the truck, and Elijah slammed on point. We followed the same process as we did with Brock, with me flushing and CJ being the shooter. Christopher made a great shot, and I released Elijah. He was a bit more stubborn than his brother in giving up his bird, but it all worked out, and we called it a day. We completed our third and final day of hunting in Avonlea along with Piper and Gunnar. We were fortunate to witness a beautiful sunrise and experience a cool, brisk morning. Don reserved his favorite spot for the last day, which did not disappoint. Piper and Gunnar had multiple opportunities with bird work that day, and we finished the day with a good harvest of game birds. When we returned to the campsite, Don showed Christopher his method of cleaning and preparing the game for cooking and freezing for later use. The following day, we planned to take off for Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, to spend some time hunting and visiting with Leslie Andreas on the second leg of our journey. The trip from Avonlea to Maple Creek was relatively short, at 240 miles. It was a nice, uneventful four-hour drive. We enjoyed seeing a variety of big game animals along the route. We arrived at Leslie’s home mid-afternoon and parked our trailer on the side of her property for our 4-day stay. We spent the day visiting and catching up on dogs, hunting in the area, and meeting her husband, Rick. We also had the opportunity to see and hold puppies from the breeding of Gauge and her female Blaze (Ch. Kinwashkly French Blaze). Leslie invited us for dinner that night, and we enjoyed a tremendous home-cooked roast dinner with all the fixings. We especially enjoyed the time with her husband, Rick; he has a witty, dry sense of humor. The next morning, we followed Leslie to one of her hunting areas. When we reached our destination, we decided to hunt with Gauge. The area was a beautiful meadow that looked like it was groomed for bird hunting. Within 10 minutes, Gauge slammed on point, and it was my turn to go in and flush and shoot. A covey of Hungarian Partridge rose into the skyline, and I connected with one of the birds. As usual, Gauge waited for the customary tap on the head to release him for the retrieve. Later, CJ added a bird to his hunting vest, and we decided to move to another location. We grabbed a quick lunch in town and headed to a new spot with Leslie. We decided it was time to run Gunnar. I grabbed the dog collars and water bottles. We needed to crawl under a barbed wire fence at the farm so the guns weren’t loaded. After I released Gunnar, CJ informed me that he loaded my 20 gauge Benelli after his crawl under the fence. About 20 minutes later, Gunnar slammed intensely on point. A friend, Dan Rein, commented that Gunnar would look like a proud lion when he watched him training at Ben Lorenson’s in Maine. I walked in to flush the birds, and the biggest covey we had seen to this point exploded from the cover. I zeroed in on a bird and heard a “Click.” My gun didn’t fire. When loading my gun, Christopher didn’t put one into the chamber. I thought my jaw would hit the ground, and then we started laughing. I don’t know if Gunnar thought that it was so funny. The next day, we took the young dogs out. We arrived at a new area, which was quite a bit different. There was a Montana Regulated Hunting Area Vince end of day in Montana The American Brittany ▬ 13 ▬ June 2024
creek meandering through, and it was rather swampy. Almost immediately, we encountered pheasants for the first time. We could hear the roosters cackling in the boggy creek bottom. It was exciting to see and hear, but we were informed that only Saskatchewan residents could hunt pheasants. We took Elijah out first, and Leslie brought one of her seasoned females out to hunt with her. Leslie would need to be the shooter if the dogs could locate and point a pheasant. We were about 20 minutes into the hunt, and on the other side of the creek bottom, Elijah changed his pace from a hunting mode to a flat-out run. I thought, “crap, he bumped a pheasant, and he’s chasing.” I no sooner got that thought into my head when Leslie hollered,” he’s chasing a coyote.” I started screaming at him to no avail, and then I remembered the 550 Garmin. I cranked it up to high, and he squealed. He immediately crossed the creek and came back to us. If any dog can get into trouble, it’s Elijah. We decided we needed to go to another location. We finished the day with Brock on a beautiful farm owned by a friend of Leslie’s. Brock scored another point on a small covey of sharp-tailed grouse, with Christopher being the dog’s marksman. We enjoyed another homecooked dinner with Rick and Leslie in the evening and shared a few stories. Our departure for Montana would be the following morning. The mentoring from Leslie and Don was over, and now it was up to Christopher and me to apply what they had both taught us. Our travel to the eastern corner of Montana in the town of Plentywood was 300 miles. The drive was going well, and we stopped in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to pick up some food and supplies. We hit the highway heading out of town and almost immediately heard a thumping noise coming from the truck’s rear. As I pulled to the berm of the road, CJ looked into the side mirror and exclaimed, “We have a flat tire.” We discovered a 6-inch carriage bolt jammed into the tire, causing the flat. We quickly changed the tire and called a GMC dealer in town. He said they didn’t have matching tires, but a Michelin Tire dealer was in town. CJ called, and they had a set of matching tires, but it was 4:15 pm, and they would close at 5 pm. We raced into town, and the guys at the shop were great. They had me pull the truck and the attached trailer into the garage and put on two new tires. I didn’t know what we would have done if we had to wait until the following Monday when the tire dealer reopened for business. It was dark when we arrived at the campground in Plentywood, Montana. We quickly set up the trailer, fed the dogs, and called it a night. We needed to go into town the following day to purchase Montana hunting licenses. We went to a local 3rd generation hardware store that looked like it was made for a movie from the 1950s. The state of Montana is fantastic at providing information, maps, and brochures of local farms available for public hunting access. We used the morning as a reconnaissance mission to drive around and observe the different hunting access sites available. As we drove around the Plentywood area, I would sync my onX Hunt app and add waypoints for future possible hunts. We spent a couple of days hunting the same upland type of birds that we were accustomed to in Saskatchewan, but we also regularly encountered pheasants in the Plentywood area. Pheasant season didn’t open until Saturday, October 8th, so we tried to avoid getting into the birds to keep them undisturbed. Opening day came, and we were up and out of the campground before daybreak. We had about a 40-minute drive to our chosen Gunnar with Christopher Gauge checking out Blaze puppies at Leslie’s The American Brittany ▬ 14 ▬ June 2024
starting point. As we had done previously, we took the adult dogs Gauge and Gunnar only so we wouldn’t disturb the pheasants with screaming juvenile dogs in the truck. The regulations require that roosters only be taken while hunting. This was a bit difficult at times because the dogs would locate and point, then we would have hens come up, and we could not reward the dog for his efforts. Each day, we would rotate the dogs we would hunt with and generally give Gauge an extra day’s rest due to his age. It seemed like there was no typical way the birds would react while hunting them. We had times when we would see birds launch, and the dogs were over 400 yards away from them. At other times, the dogs had points on pheasant five feet away from their nose. It was an adjustment, not only for the dogs but for Christopher and me too. Over the next few days, we harvested a fair share of rooster pheasants and could see the dogs improving with each outing. Two experiences in particular stood out as our trip was winding down. One sunny mid-afternoon, we were just finishing up hunting with Gunnar, and an SUV stopped with two gentlemen. They said they had been out pheasant hunting, and we began talking. We shared different experiences we both had over the past few days. I mentioned this was my first time in this area and was looking forward to returning. I also had on my bucket list the possibility of hunting Kansas in December. The driver of the car said he knew of some nice places in Kansas and to give him a call sometime, and he would share them with me. He leaned across the seat and handed me a slip of paper with his name, phone number, and e-mail. He said he owned a timber company from Oregon and would be happy to help me. Again, I was stunned at the generosity of people we encountered, whether in field trials or hunting. Another noteworthy event happened on our last day of pheasant hunting. We had Elijah out by himself, and he worked the cover nicely. About 15 minutes later, my Garmin beeped, indicating he was on point. As we worked our way down to the hill, I encountered the biggest porcupine I had ever seen, with Elijah still on point and full of quills in his face and body. I scooped Elijah up as the rotund porcupine strolled away. Fortunately, I had a Leatherman multi-tool, and we could pull about 50 quills from his mouth, face, and paws. As I said earlier, if any dog can find a way to get into trouble, it’s Elijah. Fortunately, We found a veterinarian in the area who checked him out. The gentleman was 92 years old, and after he finished examining him, I asked, what do I owe you for your services? He said I enjoyed your company, and there’s no charge today. I cleared my trip odometer before we started the western upland bird hunt trip and made a note to check it when we returned home. Our total trip was 5,187 miles over 23 days. I thought of a photo I took in Whitetail, Montana, of a grain bin with a picture and an inscription. I thought I would never take a trip like this, “When Pigs Fly.” What a journey! A generous portion of sale proceeds from our steak sauce benefit the “Give A Dog A Bone” nonprofit — A charity fund established in 2022 to help dog owners in need of financial assistance for their pet’s surgery or hospital stay bills, spay or neuter services, or cremation/burial needs. Purchase a bottle of our “Give A Dog A Bone” Steak Sauce or donate directly at GiveADogABoneFund.org The American Brittany ▬ 15 ▬ June 2024
Stud Dog Directory 2024 Photo: Tera Ward Photography | KaLa Brittanys ~ Kassie Hamaker The American Brittany Magazine is pleased to present the 2024 Stud Dog Directory featuring 26 dogs. Listing a dog does not imply endorsement of the dog by the ABC. Due to the possibility of errors when transferring data from health records or pedigrees, it is recommended that if you are interested in a dog, you obtain the original health test documentation and pedigree directly from the stud dog owner prior to breeding. The American Brittany Magazine has made every effort to publish names and titles as accurately as possible with the information submitted. Pedigrees and titles within the gallery are supplied directly by the advertisers. Titles may not be complete. Names may not be correct. The American Brittany Magazine does not assume responsibility for errors to pedigrees or titles. The American Brittany ▬ 18 ▬ June 2024
The American Brittany ▬ 19 ▬ June 2024 MBIS MBISS GCHP CH Brigadier Shamrock All Silver Stars "Merit" DOB: 04/03/2019 Reg#: SS11798003 CHIC#: 170151 CH JORDEAN ENCORE Sire: CH JORDEAN ALL KIDDIN’ ASIDE JH CH JORDEAN MILLETTE JUST KIDDIN’ CH DUALAN MARSPORT SUPERCHARGER Dam: GCHP CH BRIGADIER’S LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE GCHG CH SHAMROCK RIVALS BOLT OUT OF THE BLUE Proven Stud. Producer of Multi Best In Show winner. Produced Multiple GCH Champions and Dual Pointed Puppy. Awards: National Specialty Winner 2023 | Summer Specialty Winner 2022 Nationals Top 20 Winner and Peoples Choice Award Winner 2022 2023 #1 Breed and All Breed | 2022 #1 All Breed | 2021 #1 Breed and All Breed Owners: Julie & Mike Lee, Beth Rosener Email: [email protected] GCH CH Brigadier’s Into The Storm MH “Winston” DNA#: V956760 OFA: BS-19247E24M-VPI EXCELLENT CHIC # 174760 CH JORDEAN ENCORE Sire: CH JORDEAN ALL KIDDIN ASIDE JH CH JORDEAN MILLETTE JUST KIDDIN CH DUALAN MARSPORT SUPERCHARGER Dam: GCHP CH BRIGADIER’S LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE GCHG CH SHAMROCK RIVAL’S BOLT OUT OF THE BLUE Incredibly biddable bird dog, natural retrieve, natural honor, big running personal gun dog. Top 20 Show Dog (CC thru March 2024) Owners: Beth Rosener, Mike Lee, Julie Lee Phone: 740-706-1863 Email: [email protected] GCHG CH MACH5 PACH2 Brookewood’s Just Too Hot UD RAE MXG2 MJC2 MXP6 MXPS MJP8 MJPG PAX2 MXF T2B2 RATO “Aidan” DOB: 6/3/2008 AKC#: SR50576105 CHIC#: 94827 Hips: BS-15202E28M-VPI EXCELLENT Elbow: BS-EL993M43-VPI NORMAL Patella: BS-PA77/43M/P-VPI NORMAL Cardiac: BS-CA107/55M/C-VPI NORMAL Eyes: BS-EYE42/104M-VPI Clear age 9 Years CH TRIUMPHANT’S MIAMI-HEAT JH Sire: GCH DC NAGDC AFC TRIUMPHANT’S TO HOT TO HANDLE JH CH JORDEAN ALL THAT JAZZ CH BROOKEWOOD’S STAR ATTRACTION Dam: CH BROOKEWOOD'S JUST AN ILLUSION CH BRENFAL JEWEL OF ILUSIONHAUS JH Aidan was beautiful and talented: AKC #1 Brittany & Eukanuba BOB in 2013, ABC Top20 2013-2018, ABC National Rally High Combined 2015-2017 and AKC #3 Brittany in Obedience 2016. He passed his good looks, brains and biddable nature on to his 53 pups of which half earned more than 100 titles. Frozen semen available to approved bitches. Owners: Sue Drazek & Cindy Miller Phone: 301-221-3767 Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 20 ▬ June 2024 BISS BISOH GCHB CH Caliah’s Coral Sea Nalu CDX CGC “Nalu” DOB: 11/12/2016 CHIC: 144461 Hips: BS-18662E34M-VPI EXCELLENT Cardiac: BS-CA333/34M/P-VPI Normal Eyes: BS-EYE477/28M-VPI NORMAL RJ’S FIRST EDITION Sire: GCH RJ’S SIERRA EDITION MH RJ’S SHE’S GENUINELY DIVINE COPLEY’S RED RIVER Dam: CH CALIAH SANBAR’S FLOATING RIVER SANBAR’S EVENING SHADES Nalu loves to show and always has a great time in the ring! He has fun anywhere doing anything I ask! He loves everyone he meets but especially loves puppies! He’s also passing that love for life on to his kids! Owners: Carrie Castro, Becca Taylor, Shellie Sytsma Newport Beach, CA 92660 Breeder: Shellie Sytsma & Mary Brown Email: [email protected] GCH CH Caliah’s Kenai be Guided by Spirits CGC TKI “Kenai” DOB: 9/21/21 DNA: V10106715 OFA: CHIC: 190158 Hips: Good-BS-20153G24M-P-VPI Elbows: Normal-BS-EL2689M24-P-VPI Heart: Normal-BS-BCA194/23M/C-VPI Eyes: Normal W/BO-BS-EYE928/26M-VPI GCH RJ’S SIERRA EDITION MH Sire: BISS BISOH GCHB CH CALIAH’S CORAL SEA NALU CDX CGC CII CALLAH SANBAR’S FLOATING RIVER J H GCHB SANBAR’S STANDING OVATION Dam: CH CALIAH’S REVERSE FLOW CHICAGO RIVER GCH COPLEY CALLAH’S UP A CRICK Kenai finished his championship before a year old and finished his grand championship as a 2 year old completely owner handled. He is a sweet silly boy who loves kids. Kenai is a versatile boy who enjoys sports like: Hunt tests, Rally, Obedience, scent work, agility, and fast cat. Owner: Katelyn Didur & Carrie Castro Phone: 586-306-4715 Email: [email protected] DC Cross Creeek Sovereign Pop-A-Top “Jackson” OFA: good Elbows: certified Patellar: certified Eye: certified DC HOPE-FULL BARNEY SIRE: DC AFC HOPE’S TAP-A-KEG CH HOPE’S HONEY ’N SPICE GCHS CH DC SOVEREIGN’S CHASING LEGENDS DAM: CH SOVEREIGN’S LEGENDARY CHOCOLATE JH GCH CH FIRESTARTER’S CLEAR WINTER NIGHT Jackson is the product of a frozen semen breeding that was collected in the 1990’s from DC Hope’s Tap-A-Keg, who was Runner Up at the 1994 Gun Dog Nationals having 8 stellar finds with an entry of 68. He finished in the show ring with 4 majors. He finished his field championship with a 5 point major win and has multiple hour stake placements. Owner: Wayne and Barbara Pepin Phone: 502-548-4482 Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 21 ▬ June 2024 GCH CH Dogwood Hollow Breaking Point BCAT “Chipper” DOB: 02/26/19 Reg # 10606304 DNA #V10056547 Elbow: NORMAL BS-EL2248M29-VPI Hips: GOOD BS-19383G29M-VPI Cardiac: NORMAL/CLEAR - PRACTITIONER. BS-BCA51/29M/P-VPI CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW NEW KID IN TOWN SIRE: CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW EMMANUEL CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW WINNING COLORS CHELSEA LANE GCHP STAR FLIGHT JUMPIN JACK FLASH, RN AX AXJ MJP CGC TKI DAM: GCH DOGWOOD HOLLOW FLASHPOINT SH GCHB DOGWOOD HOLLOW LITTLE SURFER GIRL Chipper has a sweet, easygoing temperament that makes him a wonderful companion to three young boys. Chipper lives in Greenville, South Carolina. Owner: Kathryn Baughman & Cheryl Mika Phone: (205) 617-8770 or (931) 581-4483 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] GCHG CH Dogwood Hollow Flashstorm MH TKN CA CGC “Blitz” DOB: 07/01/2015 Reg#: SR8916305 CHIC: 127893 Hips: BS17755 Good Cardiac: Normal Patella: Normal Eyes: Normal CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW HAMMERIN’ HANK SIRE: GCHP STAR FLIGHT JUMPIN’ JACK FLASH RN AX AXJ CGC CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW C ME FLY CDX RAE JH AX AXJ CH GREAT JOHN T DAM: GCHB DOGWOOD HOLLOW LITTLE SURFER GIRL CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW SYNGULAR SYNSATION JH Multiple BIS, multiple RBIS, multiple BISS, 2020 Best of Breed Westminster KC. Blitz is a loving companion and a fierce competitor. Top 5 Brittany multiple years, placed in multiple field trails, good, stylish point. Owners: Jennifer Brooke Burlingame, Aaron Burlingame JR, Cheryl Mika, Marie Starsiak Phone: 910.973.3098 Email: [email protected] GCHS CH Dogwood Hollow Point Of No Return “Shia” DOB: 02/26/ 2019 SS10606302 CHIC: 168189 Elbow: BS-EL2171M25-VPI Normal Hips BS-19237G25M-VPI GOOD Patella: BS-PA434/25M/P-VPI NORMAL Cardiac: BS-BCA36/25M/P-VPI NORMAL-PRACTITIONER Eyes: BS-EYE759/36M-VPI NORMAL DOGWOOD HOLLOW NEW KID IN TOWN Sire: DOGWOOD HOLLOW EMMANUEL DOGWOOD HOLLOW WINNING COLORS CHELSEA JANE GCHP STAR FLIGHT JUMPIN JACK FLASH, RN AX AXJ MJP CGC TKI Dam: DOGWOOD HOLLOW FLASHPOINT DOGWOOD HOLLOW LITTLE SURFER GIRL Owner: Barb Deike Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 22 ▬ June 2024 GCHB Dogwood Hollow The Patriot “Valor” DOB: 05/22/2021 DNA: V10123456 CHIC: #187065 EYES: BS-EYE898/26M-VPI Normal OFA: BS-20107E26M-P-VPI Excellent OFEL: BS-EL2665M26-P-VPI Normal CH JORDEAN ALL KIDDIN’ ASIDE JH Sire: CH WINDTUCK TOBY AURAND JH CH WINDTUCK’S DAN D DAYS MH GCHP STAR FLIGHT JUMPIN JACK FLASH RN AX AXJ MJP CGC TKI Dam: H DOGWOOD HOLLOW FLASHPOINT SH GCHB DOGWOOD HOLLOW LITTLE SURFER GIRL Valor was 3rd money male at the 2023 Western Futurity. Is a multiple group placer and was a 2023 ABC Top 20 Invitee. He is an excellent bird hunter, has a sweet, friendly disposition and overall is a wonderful dog who loves his people. Owners: Jacqui Campbell, Cheryl Mika and Donna Hess Email: [email protected] CH Fernhill Attitude Walking on Sunshine JH “Walker” DOB: 9/28/20 Hips: BS-19856G26M-P-VPI GOOD Elbows: BS-EL2513M26-P-VPI NORMAL Patella: BS-PA548/25M/P-VPI NORMALEyes: BS-EYE691/22M-VPI NORMAL GCHB DC TRIUMPHANTS ABSOLUT ON ICE ROM Sire: BIS GCHG TAILZ END TURBO POWER FROM DUAL LANES JH CGC TKN VD GCH DUAL LANES ABSOLUTELY DUAL OAKS GCH BIG OAKS TEXAS RANGER Dam: GCH BIG OAKS BROXDEN BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN JH GCHS BIG OAKS DELTA SUNKIST BY CREDIT Walker finished his show championship with all Specialty wins and was also 2nd Money Male at the 2022 ABC Central Futurity. His littersister, CH Fernhill’s Rocket to the Sun, was BOS at the 2023 National Specialty. His first litter has three show pointed get at under a year old. Walker is available to approved bitches. Owners: Colleen Walsh and Anne Phillips Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] BISS GCHB CH Fyrebyrd’s First Round Draft Pick JH CGCA CGCU “Paxton” DOB: 04/28/2016 SR93712506 DNA: AKC #V863300 CHIC: 136366 OFA: OFA26E OFEL26 OFEL: 26 Hips: Excellent Elbows: Normal Eyes: Normal GCH CH RJ’S SIERRA EDITION MH Sire: GCHS CH SUNQUEST STAR VUE’S SPECIAL EDITION GCH CH SUNQUEST WIND DANCER OF STARVUE BN RAE RATN CGCA GCHG CH TRIUMPHANT’S SAVIOUR MACHINE Dam: CH WILLOWICK N ZAFFRES SETTIN FIRE TO THE REIGN GCH CH WILLOWICK LIGHT BY FIRE Frozen / Live Cover Owner: Leslie J. Chudnoff Phone: 651 - 788 - 6465 Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 23 ▬ June 2024 FC Godfather’s F.N. Rockstar “Rocky” DOB: 1/14/2013 AKC Reg #: SR76367801 AF Reg#: 1678902 OFA: BS-18944E84M-NOPI OFA Rated: Excellent OFA Date: 7/31/2020 FC AFC COOPER’S OZARK TRAVELER SR66273901 Sire: BBB’S LUCKY STRIKE SR12327206 WHITE LIGHTNING XV SN57551506 SOUTHPLATT GANGSTER SN55133301 Dam: GANGSTER GIRL RUNNING WILD SADDIE ANN SR54897704 MY WILD CHILD ROXY SR36267203 Strong Natural Retrieve, Won All Breed Retrieve Stake. Owner: Ethan Hilberg Phone: 410-598-5482 Email: [email protected] GCHS BIS MBISS Hill’s Catch The Spirit, MH, FDC, CGC, TKI, NW2 “Sawyer” DOB: 5/28/2015 REG#: SR88112802 DNA#: V935449 OFA HIPS: BS-17847E27M-VPI CH HILL’S BLAZIN’ JAC, JH Sire: GCH HILL’S MID-NIGHT EXPRESS CH HILL’S MORNING EDITION J & A’S APPLE JACK OF ACTON, JH Dam: HILL’S CATCH’N THE WIND, JH KJ REQUET’S BOUNCIN CRYSTA Only liver & white Brittany to win an all-breed Best In Show. Multiple Regular & NOHS Group winning/placing. NOHS Silver. Owner trained and handled to all titles. OFA Excellent Owner: Tim and Liz Smith Phone: 508-801-5466 Email: [email protected] GCH CH Horizon’s Causin’ A Commotion JH “Havoc” DOB: 05/03/2017 CHIC#: 143418 DNA: V897054 OFA Hips: BS18607E27M -VPI Excellent OFA Cardiac: BS-ACA70/25M - VPI Normal OFA Elbows Normal BS-EL1869M27-VPI OFA Eyes: BS-EYE486/25M -VPI - Normal OFA Patellas: BS-PA341/27M/P-VPI - No luxation- Normal Sire: CH MUSTANG’S STERLING EDITION SH Dam: GCH CH SHADY BROOK’S MEASURE FOR MEASURE Havoc is a spunky, sweet, easygoing guy with a loving temperament. Ready to please in both the show ring and the field. Havy Is also a registered American Field Stud Book and is a Registered Champion in the United Kennel Club. AKC accomplishments include 2017 Best Puppy in Match ABC NSS, 2017/2019 American Brittany Club Eastern Futurity Best of Opposite and Dual Dog Award. 2020 Westminster Kennel Club Award of Merit. UKC accomplishments include 2019 #1 dog UKC Top Ten BOB along with Multiple BOB and Group Wins, including a Reserve Best in Multiple Breed Show. Havoc is currently in the field, working towards his Senior Hunter title. Owners: Marysusan & Scott Janowski & Lisa Marie Tailby Phone: 585-727-1530 Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 24 ▬ June 2024 CH Keili’s Ammo This Is Ground Control RN JH RATN “Bowie” DOB: 09/11/2021 CHIC#: 193419 OFA Hips: BS-20134G24M-P-VPI Good OFA Elbows: BS-EL2677M24-P-VPI OFA Eyes: BS-EYE949/29M-VPI Normal OFA Patella: BS-PA615/28M/P-VPI No Luxation/Normal OFA Thyroid: BS-TH126/28M-VPI Normal BISS GCH DC NAGDC AFC CAN CH TRIUMPHANT’S TO HOT TO HANDLE JH Sire: CH AMMO’S SOUTHERN BOOGIE CH AMMO’S AUTUMN SUNSET ROSE GCHG CH MACH5 PACH2 BROOKWOOD’S JUST TOO HOT UD RAE MXG2 MJC2 MXP6 MXPS MJP8 MJPG PAX2 MXF T2B2 RATO Dam: GCHB CH KEILI’S HOPE SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT RI CAA DCAT CGC CH HOPE’S I CAN’T DRIVE 55 Bowie is a handler focused, competitive and obedient spirit. Currently he is training for Agility, Barn Hunt, Flyball, Rally and with John Swider for Senior Hunter. Bowie is a BBE champion with 4 majors and 3 champion defeats towards a GCH. Owners: Jessica Sielawa &Paul Twyman Phone: (315)224-4085 Text Preferred Email: [email protected] BIS MBISS GCHG Marsport Hot To Ride Lucky Seven MH “Rook” DOB: 08/12/2009 REG: #SR57802201 CHIC: 95335 DNA: V674183 OFA Hips: #BS-15539G24M-VPI GOOD Elbows: BS-EL960M24-VPI NORMAL Heart: BS-CA124/53M/C-VPI Normal Eyes: BS-EYE24/53M-VPI Normal CH TRIUMPHANT’S MIAMI-HEAT JH Sire: DC NAGDC AFC TRIUMPHANT’S TO HOT TO HANDLE JH CH JORDEAN ALL THAT JAZZ CH STERLING OAKS-SIR BENTLEY Dam: CH MARSPORT REBEL RIDER JH CH MARSPORT RABBIT RIDGE Rook is a square, moderate boy with smooth, effortless movement. He exudes personality, is a natural retriever who aims to please, and a proven sire. To date he has produced 40 CH, 21 GHC, 1 NSSBOB, 1 DC, 1 NAVDHA UT1, and 6 MH, plus multipl SH and JH get. Frozen semen available to qualified bitches. Owner: Peggy and Larry Snider – Upland Brittanys Phone: 614-306-0346 Email: [email protected] DC GCH Ory’s Marshal Dillon SH ROM “Dillon” DNA: V665181 CHIC: 94839 Hips: BS-15708G25M GOOD Elbows: NORMAL Congenital Cardiac and Eyes from 32 through 124 months CH CASTLE ONE IN A MILLENNIUM JH ROM Sire: GCH CH SHELTTANY’S AGAINST ALL ODDS AGAINST ALL ODDS ROM SHELTTANY’S ITSY BITSY DC AFC REDLINES TEQUILA SMOKER Dam: DC ALAR’S TANGO BAR CH SOVEREIGN ALAR SKYROCKET JH Dillon’s a 4th generation DC, 6 generation FC and Senior Hunter. He’s also the 2012 AKC NOHS Brittany. Dillon’s progeny include 18 AKC Champions with 1 DC, 2 specialty winners, and 3 in Top 20 conformation rankings during their careers. Frozen semen is available by private treaty. Owners: Joy and Tim Ory Phone: 661 510 3523 Email: [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 25 ▬ June 2024 CAN CH Prairiestorm Fired Up “ Pyro” DOB: 10/ 17/2018 OFA: CHIC : 179298 Hips: BS-19522G38M-C-VPI GOOD Elbows: BS-EL2325M38-C-VPI NORMAL Patella: BS-PA489/38M/P-VPI NORMAL Cardiac: BCA204/60M/C-VPI NORMAL Eyes: BS EYE839/51M-VP NORMAL SOVEREIGN’S CHASING LEGENDS Sire: RIVERMIST BROXDEN SHOOT OUT RIVERMIST BROXDEN BEST I FEATHER SEEN REDDIAMOND TENDAYI DOWNUNDER Dam: PRAIRIESTORM RAYNA RJ’S PRAIRIESTORM RAYA SUNSHINE Pyro is an active boy when running the fields on the farm. Pyro also has a great off switch for when it’s time to settle in for the evening. Pyro is true to the Brittany in that he is up for any adventure. Owner: Kelly Longtin/ Tanki Brittanys Email: [email protected] FC Rajins Buddy Boy “Buddy” OFA: BS-19692E24M-C-NOPI EXCELLENT FC AFC SNIKSOH LITTLE RASCAL Sire: GFC/FC/AFC SNIKSOH SPANKS HANKS AFC DECANS BLAZIN BYE NAGC GFC FC AFC SPANISH CORRAL SONNY PATCH Dam: 2XAF R/U FC AFC RAFC SPANISH DANCER JANEES DIRTY DANCER “Buddy is a field dog with style and class” Owner: Robbie Myers Phone: 308-870-3448 Email: [email protected] NBOB BIS BISS DC GCHG Sovereign’s Chasing Legends ROM “Hobey” DOB: 7/29/10 Hip:OFA #BS-15897G24M CHIC #105830 (eyes & thyroid) NBOB BISS CH N-VEE’S TOUCH OF ROMANCE Sire: BISS CH ALAR’S THE ROCKETEER CD SH ROM CH ALAR’S N-VEE MY HERITAGE DC AFC ROJA’S GAMBLING CHIPS Dam: BISS DC SOVEREIGN COPLEY KISS MY CHIPS CH SOVEREIGN’S CLASSICAL CODE JH ROM “HOBEY” made Brittany history being the only Dual Champion to have won a Best in Show and Best of Breed at the American Brittany Club National Specialty Show (from the Field Trial Dog class)! He also won the ABC Top 20 Invitational Competition, Best in Show in Canada, and the Canadian National Best of Breed. “Hobey” is a 4th generation Dual Champion with 29 Field Trial placements. He has produced 48 Champions (including #1 Brittany in 2019), Dual Champion, and many Dual Champion grandkids. Still having live breedings (at 13+), and also frozen semen available to select bitches only. Breeder/Owner: Dawn & Joe Droel, Sovereign Brittanys www.sovereignbrits.com 651-260-3272 Osceola, Iowa
The American Brittany ▬ 26 ▬ June 2024 GFC GCH DC Sovereign’s Judge N Jury DN “JJ” DOB: 10/1/2018 Hip OFA# BS-19059E25M OFA elbows BS-EL2086M25 BISS CH ALAR’S THE ROCKETEER CD SH ROM CH SOVEREIGN’S CUT TO THE CHASE JH CH SOVEREIGN’S TREASURE THE CODE NBOB BIS BISS DC GCHG SOVEREIGN’S CHASING LEGENDS ROM CH SOVEREIGN’S LEGENDARY CHOCOLATE JH ROM GCH FIRESTARTER’S CLEAR WINTER NIGHT “JJ” has been an incredible competitor in the field! In 2022 he was the American Brittany Club’s # 1 Gun Dog, earning the Magnum’s Masked Man Award. He was awarded Runner Up at the 2022 American Brittany Club Gun Dog Nationals. “JJ” has also been a Top 20 Brittany in the show ring, earning his Grand Championship along the way. “JJ” earned the American Brittany Club Versatility Excellent Award when he earned a title in Dock Diving last summer. He has produced show champions and has young promising dual potential get. “JJ” is at stud (live cover or frozen semen) to select bitches only. Owners: Chuck & Marcia Lawrence Breeder/Owner: Dawn & Joe Droel www.sovereignbrits.com 651-260-3272 Osceola, Iowa BISS GCHP Sovereign’s Legendary Disciple JH TKN CGC BCAT “Titus” DOB: 3/19/16 Hips OFA#: BS-18154G27M OFA Elbow: BS-EL2508M80 OFA Patella: BS-PA547/80M BISS CH ALAR’S THE ROCKETEER CD SH ROM Sire: NBOB BIS BISS DC GCHG SOVEREIGN’S CHASING LEGENDS ROM BISS DC SOVEREIGN COPLEY KISS MY CHIPS CH TRIO’S MR ROCKTOBER Dam: BISS RBIS GCHS TRIO’S SOVEREIGN ALLELUIA JH CH SPLASH’S IZZABELLE JH “Titus” was # 1 Brittany in 2019. He is also the ABC Summer Specialty Best of Breed Winner 2018 & 2021, 23x Best in Specialty Winner, Sporting Group Winner, Multiple Award of Merit winner at the ABC National Specialty Show, two time ABC Top 20 People’s Choice Award Winner, Futurity Winner, and the BEST pet! “Titus” has produced multiple champions and a MACH (Master Agility Champion) along with junior hunters, rally titled dogs, dock diving titled, Fast Cat titled, and dual pointed get. He is at stud to approved bitches. Owner: Colleen Walsh Breeder/Owner: Dawn & Joe Droel Email: [email protected] NAWGDC/DC/GFC/AFC Starlight’s Mercury Out Ryder “Ryder” OFA Hips: BS-17767G30M-VPI GOOD OFA Elbows: BS-EL1551M30-VPI GOOD FC MAKING R-POINT Sire: DC/AFC TIMBERLINE STRAIT TO THE POINT RAINBOW’S BIJOU BELLE DC/AFC MEGASMOKE LIMITED EDITION Dam: FC RUBYRIDGE’S MILLION DOLLAR BABE DC/AFC RUBYRIDGE’S MEGADOT Ryder finished his show championship easily with a Best of Breed from the classes and completed his FC with Bob Burchett which made him a Dual Champion before he turned 3. In 2022, under the handling of Teresa, Ryder won the 32 dog National Amateur Walking Gun Dog Championship, and he has placed in the National Gun Dog Championship and the National Walking Gun Dog Championship. Ryder currently has 68 adult all age and gun dog placements including 22 hour placements. He has sired multiple show champions and field pointed get. Ryder is available at stud to approved bitches. Owner: Teresa Richmond - Starlight Brittanys [email protected]
The American Brittany ▬ 27 ▬ June 2024 GCHB Tonan-Magicbrit In The Leather JH “Gimme” DOB 01 /27/ 2010 SR60885304 DNA Profile: V705598 CHIC: 104496 ELBOW: BS-EL1047M33-VPI Normal HIPS: BS-16014G33M-VPI Good EYES: BS-EYE131/61M-VPI Normal PATELLA: BS-PA134/63M/P-VPI Normal JORDEAN MACE WINDU OF AURAND Sire: SOUTHGATE ENDOR MYSTIC SHAMAN SWIFT RIVER’S WISH IN A STAR MAGIC GETTIN’ JIGGY WITH IT Dam: MAGICBRIT LOTTIES DREAM KENYETTO DAYDREAM AT ALCEON Gimme was the winner of the American Brittany Club NSS Stud Dog Class (2016), and sire of back-to-back ABC NSS Best of Winners in 2017 and 2018. Outstanding temperament and health. Frozen semen available. Owner: Sandy Malloy Location: Albany, NY Email: [email protected] CH Woodland’s Takeoff “Apollo” DOB 4/1/2021 SS25497101 CHIC#: 184840 Hips: Good Patella: Norm Eyes: Norm GCHB WOODLAND’S FORREST FIRE SIRE: CH WOODLAND’S TIME LORD GCH WOODLAND’S SPIRIT OF BIG OAKS CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW EMMANUEL DAM: GCHB CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW’S WOODLAND RIVER SONG CH DOGWOOD HOLLOW SWEET HOME ALABAMA Apollo finished his show title quickly by going BOB over specials multiple times, and then was awarded Winners Dog at the 2022 ABC National Specialty. He’s been taking some time off to mature, and has made occasional appearances at shows to work on his GCH title, and has been awarded several OH group placements. He has good hips, and normal patellas and eyes, and is available for stud to approved bitches. Owners: Karen Pillion-Schramm & Connor Landmesser Located in Northern Virginia Email: [email protected] This is a reminder to all ABC members to submit their Purina receipts to the Purina Pro Club website. Not only do we receive points for Purina product, but PURINA MATCHES our contributions and donates to the Canine Health Foundation’s Donor Advised Fund (DAF). The ABC Health & Genetics Committee then selects research grants they feel would be most beneficial to issues affecting our breed. Your DAF grows at CHF and your participation in the Purina Parent Club Partnership Program (PPCPP) maximizes those efforts, increasing your impact and investment in canine health. Purina tracks reciept submissions for Pro Club members and one half of each club’s individual annual earnings is issued directly to CHF to support research. ~REMINDER~ Purina Parent Club Partnership Program HELPS PAY FOR CANINE HEALTH RESEARCH
The American Brittany ▬ 29 ▬ June 2024
Brucellosis in Dogs Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP Revised: March 13, 2024 | Published: November 13, 2006 HEALTH Brucellosis is an important venereal disease in many species. It does not usually come up in pet ownership because most pet dogs are not bred. Once someone decides to breed their dog, though, they should know all about this disease, particularly since it can be transmitted to humans. All dogs to be bred should have a brucellosis test. Active stud dogs should be tested every 6 months. If you are planning to breed your dog, test your dog and insist that the owner of your dog’s mate produce results of a recent test for your inspection. WHICH TYPE OF BRUCELLA There are ten species of Brucella and while Brucella canis is of most concern for dogs. Dogs can certainly become infected with Brucella abortus from cattle; Brucella melitensis from goats; and Brucella suis from pigs if they are allowed to drink contaminated milk or eat leftover birth membranes, contaminated meat, or aborted young. Other Brucella species are Brucella ovis, which affects only rams, Brucella neotomae, which affects desert mice, Brucella microti which affects rodents and voles, Brucella ceti and Brucella pinnipedialis, which affect marine mammals, and Brucella inopinata, which has only been found once in a human breast implant infection. Luckily for people, Brucella canis causes much less serious disease in humans than the livestock Brucella but the health department still considers any Brucella infection reportable. HOW DOGS GET INFECTED Dogs like to stick their noses in all sorts of nasty places. They also chew up all sorts of disgusting things. Brucellosis can be contracted sexually, but it can also be contracted by inhalation (sniffing contaminated urine or fetal membranes), through the eyes, or orally (licking contaminated urine or urogenital secretions or chewing up fetal membranes). Urine and saliva from an infected dog are not nearly as rife with organisms as urogenital secretions; it is when breeding and/or whelping is in the picture that the transmission risk becomes high. When a female dog aborts a pregnancy because of a Brucella infection, she continues to secrete fluids packed with Brucella bacteria for four to six weeks. Brucella organisms are able to survive in the environment for months if conditions are moist, cool, and dark. Bleach is an effective disinfectant in the environment. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER INFECTION? The organism requires three weeks on average to become evident in the bloodstream. After that, it localizes in the reproductive or urinary tract and either continuously or periodically seeds the bloodstream from there. Lymph nodes can enlarge and possibly the spleen or liver can become inflamed but generally the infected adult dog does not seem sick in the short term. Chronic disease from long-term immune stimulation can result. Diseases produced by long-term inflammation can include: • Diskospondylitis (inflammation of a disk in the spine) • Uveitis (deep eye inflammation) • Multiple joint arthritis • Glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation and protein loss) Most of the time, the only sign is aborted pregnancy between the 45th and 59th day of pregnancy (relatively late in the pregnancy). Classically, the aborted pups appear to have died at least several days prior to abortion as they do not look freshly dead. Abortion does not always appear in this most common form, though. Sometimes, the pregnancy is lost so early in its course that the problem is mistaken for infertility. Sometimes, puppies are stillborn. Sometimes, they are born live and infected. TESTING Direct culture of the organism from a dead puppy, infected dog’s blood or from secretion is confirmatory but the organism is difficult to isolate in this way. This means we usually depend on immunologic tests. Which test is selected depends on what the test is being used for. SCREENING BEFORE BREEDING The RSAT (rapid slide agglutination test) is a test that can readily identify negative dogs. That is, if the test comes out negative, the dog can be considered negative. If the test comes out positive, further testing is needed. Up to 60% false positives occur. A test kit is available inside the veterinary hospital and some facilities can perform this test while you wait. The IFA (Immunofluorescent Antibody) test is a similar screening The American Brittany ▬ 30 ▬ June 2024
test, but it must be sent to the reference laboratory. The same guidelines apply negative means negative, and positive means do further tests. That said, if there is a classic history (such as an aborted litter of puppies) along with a positive IFA test, it may not be necessary to do further testing, as the situation is clear. FURTHER TESTING FOR RSAT OR IFA POSITIVE DOGS There are two tests that fit in this category. The most specific test (meaning the most trustworthy positive value) is the AGID (agar gel immunodiffusion) test. A version of the test called the CPAGID, named for the bacterial protein it detects, is the most accurate of all. Another test is called a TAT (tube agglutination test). It looks for antibodies against Brucella canis. Antibiotic treatment with tetracyclines can drop antibody levels low enough for the TAT to be negative but this does not necessarily indicate that the infection has cleared. At this time the CPAGID is favored over TAT. If a dog is to travel to Australia, a TAT test is required as part of the travel documentation. If a dog is to travel to New Zealand, an AGID test is required as part of the travel documentation. TREATMENT First and foremost, the dog in question must be removed from the breeding program by either spay/neuter or euthanasia. The dog can remain as a pet but probably should not be sold due to potential health risks to potential buyers. If the dog is to remain as a pet, there are several considerations that must be observed: 1. BRUCELLOSIS IS CONSIDERED TO BE A PERMANENT INFECTION! This means that precautions against human exposure must be maintained for the life of the animal. 2. The dog should be confined to the owner’s property for life. This means that veterinary services should be provided by a house call veterinary service and grooming services should be provided by a mobile service. Obviously, these service providers should be warned about the dog’s condition so that proper protective gear can be employed. 3. The dog can NEVER have contact with pregnant women, children, elderly people, people on chemotherapy or anyone considered to have a compromised immune system. Most human cases are mild and flu-like, but certain “at risk” human populations can have more serious consequences. 4. No exposure to any other dogs. All body secretions of an infected dog and contagious. 5. The infected dog will need to be on antibiotics (see below) as long as tests are positive. Ideally, testing (such as gel immunodiffusion) should be done monthly. Antibiotics can be discontinued as long as tests are negative but they will invariably become positive again eventually necessitating more antibiotics. ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENTS Tetracycline and Streptomycin In this regimen, tetracycline is given twice daily for a month, and injectable streptomycin is given daily for the first and last week of the month. In one study, over half the dogs were considered cured with this regimen, but currently, streptomycin is difficult to come by (as it is considered old-fashioned and has few uses at this time). Minocycline and Streptomycin Minocycline and doxycycline are derivatives of tetracycline that can also be used to treat brucellosis, but neither is effective when used alone. Again, four weeks of treatment is needed. Minocycline is used once daily while the aminoglycoside is used daily during the first and last week. Lack of availability of streptomycin has been a problem in treating this condition. Aminoglycosides such as gentamycin have been proposed as substitutes but they are not as effective. Quinolone antibiotics such as enrofloxacin have also been proposed as substitutes, and are much less toxic than aminoglycosides; they may emerge as the best replacement for streptomycin. Doxycycline and an Aminoglycoside This regimen requires daily injections of the aminoglycoside antibiotic for the first and last weeks of a four-week course of treatment. The aminoglycosides are a class of antibiotics that has some very real negative effects on the kidney and so a longer course is not without risk. Monitoring may be needed. Newer literature suggests replacing the aminoglycoside with rifampin. Because of the potential for human exposure, euthanasia has been encouraged for dogs confirmed to be positive. In some states, euthanasia of positive dogs is mandatory. If you choose to keep a positive dog for a pet, see the links below to minimize contact with infected body fluids. KEEPING BRUCELLA OUT OF THE KENNEL A new dog for a breeding kennel should be isolated for one month. Two Brucella tests two to three months apart should be adequate to confirm negativity (it takes 8-12 weeks from infection for tests to turn positive). If an infection is detected in a kennel, the entire kennel population should be evaluated and re-screened every 3 months. The kennel should be quarantined until all dogs have tested negative three times with 3 months between tests. Positive dogs should be removed from the kennel. LINKS If you are living with a positive dog, the potential for human disease is always there. Here are some links to help in that situation. • US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) • National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Copyright Veterinary Information Network®, Inc.; Originally published on Veterinary Partner (https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/doc/?id=4952554&pid=19239). Reprinted with permission. Veterinary Information Network®, Inc. is not affiliated with the American Brittany Club. The American Brittany ▬ 31 ▬ June 2024
The 2024 running of the International Brittany Championships began on Wednesday March 27th. We had delayed by 1 day due to some cold rain and light snow that moved in on Monday night. Everyone was more than happy with that decision. The week of Championships, 4 of them, followed by the Iowa Brittany Club trial and Ed Powell Memorial Gun Dog Championship can really wear you out! WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK PURINA FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT of not only these championships, but all the Championships that are supported by The American Brittany Club. Purina not only supplies the winners with dog food, but also helps the club on a monetary level. Ten bags of Pro Plan Performance are offered to the winners of each Championship. That’s a lot of dog food if you’ve ever had to take delivery and move it around! Thank you Matt Harris and Ed Kostka for your help getting our delivery to the grounds! THE EVENT COMMITTEE WORKED HARD, and short-handed… or should I say, short footed. Darlene Dow, who helps prepare meals and drives the dog wagon, suffered a broken foot six weeks before the events began. She still managed to pick up dogs and tend to the crock pots as she drove the dog wagon. Landowner Linda Thomas also pitched in to help Darlene with these duties. Ed Kostka did a phenomenal job planting birds, no dog went birdless. Dale Phillips showed up a few days to give both Darlene and Ed a hand. FINDING QUALITY JUDGES IS NEVER AN EASY TASK. With so many events in conflict in our Region, the job is even more difficult. We were blessed to have another great panel of judges to evaluate our breed. Iowan Justin Hess and Leroy Long from Ohio did the honors for the Open All Age Championship. Long time Brittany competitor Dennis Sullivan and Jon St. Clair were in the saddle for the Amateur All Age Championship. The keen eyes of Cindy Finley and Scott Thielen oversaw the Tommy Thomas Memorial Amateur Gun Dog Championship, while Tom Jagielski and Dan Campbell officiated the Ron Zook Memorial Open Gun Dog Championship. We thank them for their hours in the saddle! We broke away the Grand Open Limited All-Age Championship at 8:30 am on Wednesday morning. Twenty-four dogs went to the line. This year’s CHAMPION was ANJ’s Ohio Hellion. Hank was handled by his owner Mike Poehler. SECOND PLACE went to Dan Campbell’s Mr. Staley, handled by Dan. AMJ’s Hudsonville Hellion, a young daughter of the Champion also owned by Poehler and handled by Bob Burchett PLACED THIRD. Sovereign Legendary Power, another young entry owned by Doug and Christine Ziegler and Dawn and Joe Droel finished in FORTH PLACE. Briggs was handled by Bob Burchett. The Grand Amateur Limited All-Age Championship was run on Friday. While we only had 14 entries, the judges both commented that these were very competitive all age dogs. The stake was enjoyable to watch, but with so many good dogs, it was not easy to judge! Richard Beaver piloted Wingra’s Indy-Go! to the Championship win. Indy is owned by Pat and Craig Johnston and Emmy Wollenburg. TJ’s Black Diamond, owned by John and Joanne Perry and handled by John, placed second. The 10 year old liver and white male proved he’s not ready for retirement yet. Third place went to My Lil Classic Mercedes, owned and handled by Richard Beaver. Mr. Staley and Dan Campbell placed forth. The Tommy Thomas Memorial Amateur Gun Dog Championship started on Easter Sunday. Four braces were run on Sunday morning. We took a break for mid-afternoon Easter Dinner. Dawn and Joe Droel hosted the celebration at their new home in Osceola. Matt Weldele supplied a ham and Cheryl Pellegrino made her scrumptious lasagna. Various donations of sides and desserts were enjoyed by all. We thank Dawn and Joe for opening up their beautiful home to all of us. Sovereign’s Legendary Cowboy, owned and handled by Matt Weldele was named this year’s Champion. Duke bested the field of 16, which also finished his Amateur Field Championship. Congratulations Matt! Second place went to Richard Beaver and My Lil Classic Mercedes. Third place was awarded to Saradac’s Dangerous Diamond Caper. Caper is owned by Darlene Dow, Ed Kostka, and Lisa and Paul Pollock; handled by Lisa. Fourth place went to Firestarter Handful Of Stars, with Shawn Macleod on the whistle. We welcomed Shawn and Amanda McGavin, co-owners of Lyra who joined us for the first time from Huffman, TX. With light rain and a wintery mix in the forecast for Tuesday, we delayed the start of the Ron Zook Memorial Gun Dog Championship until Wednesday… another good decision! This year’s Champion was Sovereign’s Top Shelf. Pappy is owned by Jeff and Evelyn Hickman and Dawn 2024 International Grand Open Limited All Age Brittany Championships March 27 2024 | Bird Dog Ranch Thayer, IA The American Brittany ▬ 33 ▬ June 2024
Tommy Thomas Memorial Grand Amateur Limited Gun Dog Championship (16 Starters) Judges: Cindy Findley & Scott Thielen 1. DC Sovereign’s Legendary Cowboy (CH Sovereign’s Fast and Furious JH x CH Sovereign’s Legendary Chocolate JH) o/Matt Weldele and Dawn and Joe Droel h/Matt Weldele 2. GFC/GAFC/RFC2/RFC3/FC/AFC My Lil Classic Mercedes ((FC Willie Makeit x MK’S My Lil Classic) o/Amanda Beaver and Richard Beaver h/Richard Beaver 3. FC/AFC Saradac’s Dangerous Diamond Caper (GCH/DC/AFC Diamond Hill Dangerous Man x CH Kinwashkly Stolen Diamond) o/Ed Kostka, Darlene Dow, Lisa & Paul Pollock h/Lisa Pollock 4. DC Firestarter Handful Of Stars (DC/GFC2 Almaden’s Under Lock And Key x GCH Firestarter’s Chasing The Sunset) o/Amanda Gavin & Shawn Macleod h/ Shawn Macleod International Brittany Grand Amateur Limited All Age Championship (14 Starters) Judges: Dennis Sullivan & Jon Stclair 1. DC GCHB Wingra’s Indy-Go! (GFC DC Almaden’s Under Lock And Key x GCH FireStarter’s Chasing The Sunset)o/Patricia & Craig Johnston & Emmy Wollenburg h/Richard Beaver 2. FC/AFC/GFC/RAFC TJ’s Black Diamond (DC Shadow Attack x Sniksoh Tequila Caliente) o/John A. & Joanne Perry h/John Perry 3. GFC/GAFC/RFC2/RFC3/FC/AFC My Lil Classic Mercedes (FC Willie Makeit x FC MK’S My Lil Classic) o/ Mary Amanda Beaver and Richard Allen Beaver h/ Richard Beaver 4. FC/RFC Mr. Staley (NFC FC Bean’s Blaze x Janee’s Rush”N Past The Limit) o/ Daniel W. Campbell h/ Daniel W. Campbell and Joe Droel. He was handled by Bob Burchett. Bob also placed second with Sovereign’s Hanky Panky, owned by Janey Lioy, Andrew Greubel, and the Droels. The judges awarded Saradac’s Dangerous Diamond Caper third and fourth place was awarded to Startlight’s Mercury On All Cylinders. Diesel is owned by Bob Mason and Teresa Richmond, and handled by Bob Burchett. We hope to see everyone back in Iowa next spring for the 2025 International Championships International Grand Open Limited All Age Championship Judges: Justin Hess & Leroy Long (24 Starters) 1. NAFC/GFC/GAFC2/DC/AFC ANJ’s Ohio Hellion (DC/ AFC Grand Junction Jake x FC/AFC High Hope’s Little Ann) o/h/ Mike Poehler 2. RFC FC Mr. Staley (NFC FC Bean’s Blaze x Janee’s Rush”N Past The Limit) o/h/ Daniel W. Campbell 3. AMJ’s Hudsonville Hellion ( NAFC/GFC/GAFC2/DC/ AFC ANJ’s Ohio Hellion x FC High Hopes Jac’s Original Spice) o/Mike & Stacy Poehler h/ Bob Burchett 4. CH Sovereign Legendary Power (GCHG/DC/ Sovereign’s Chasing Legends x CH My Lil Kansas Sunflower JH) o/Doug & Christine Ziegler/ Dawn & Joe Droel h/ Bob Burchett GRAND AMATEUR LIMITED ALL AGE GRAND OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONS GRAND AMATEUR LIMITED GUN DOG CHAMPIONS The American Brittany ▬ 34 ▬ June 2024
GRAND OPEN LIMITED GUN DOG CHAMPIONS Ron Zook Memorial Grand Open Limited Gun Dog Championship Judges Tom Jagielski & Dan Campbell 1. Sovereign’s Top Shelf (GFC/FC/AFC Sniksoh Spank’s Hank x CH Sovereign’s Legendary Chocolate JH) o/ Jeff & Evelyn Hickman/ Dawn & Joe Droel h/ Bob Burchett 2. DC/GCH Sovereign’s Hanky Panky (GFC/FC/AFC Sniksoh Spank’s Hank x Sovereign’s Dark Chocolate) o/Janet Lioy, Andrew Greubel, Dawn & Joe Droel h/ Bob Burchett 3. FC/AFC Saradac’s Dangerous Diamond Caper (GCH/DC/AFC Diamond Hill Dangerous Man x CH Kinwashkly Stolen Diamond) o/Ed Kostka, Darlene Dow, Lisa & Paul Pollock h/ Lisa Pollock 4. Starlight’s Mercury On All Cylinders (NAWGDC/DC/ AFC Starlight’s Mercury Out Ryder x CH Mustang Sally’s Grand Finale) o/Bob Mason and Teresa Richmond h/ Bob Burchett NAFC/DC/GFC/GAFC2/AFC ANJ’S Ohio Hellion (Hank) • 2018 National Amateur Champion • 2018 Region 4 AAA Champion • 2018 International AAA Champion • 2019 Nebraska OAA Champion • 2020 ABC Quail Champion • 2022 International AAA Champion (15 Hour Placements) Sire: HOF - DC/AFC Grand Junction Jake Dam: NAGDC/FC/AFC High Hope’s Little Ann OFA Good/Elbows/Eyes/DNA Profiled Born 11/18/2014 Trained by Bob Burchett Mike Poehler – Owner/Handler (847) 207-3010 Located in Buffalo, Missouri Placements Available @ http://www.fieldtrialdatabase.com The American Brittany ▬ 35 ▬ June 2024
Michigan Brittany Championships As one of the oldest Brittany Championships, the 2024 running was the 46th renewal hosted by the Michigan Brittany Championship Association on April 1-5 at the Ionia Recreation Area, Ionia, MI. As is often typical for this trial, the weather was gloomy, cold and wet. Periods of sleet stung the faces of the judges, handlers and gallery. We thank Purina for their continuing support of this championship. Purina’s continued support, year after year, allows the Championship Association the resources to extend the tradition that exists with this contest. Their food products are first class. It should be noted that Purina extensively supports the American Brittany Club by supporting many different venues within the ABC organization. The championship also had the support of Garmin this year. This year, three venues were offered, two one-hour stakes: Grand Open Limited All Age and Grand Open Limited Gun Dog, and a 30-minute open derby. To run a trial of this caliber, it takes a village – from the chair Kathy Gulembo and secretary Donna Janulis to the bird planter Dick Lipski, dog wagon driver Bob Watson assisted by Bob Ackermann and Mike Magnuson and directed by team leader Jeremy Thompson. Lunches and two dinners were offered for the four days of competition by Kathy, Donna, and John Hall. It should also be spotlighted that association members Ron Gulembo, Ed Janulis, Carlos Gust, John Hall, Al Cropek, Chuck Langstaff, Charlie Fenech, and others are in the background attending to receiving and feeding birds, clean-up, marshalling and other needed activities. The judges who volunteer to judge the events are also deeply appreciated. We had an excellent slate, deep in experience. We were also appreciative of the out-of-state participants; these included professional trainers Al and Cindy Cropek, Diane Vater and Chuck Cooper, Scott and Harlene Johnson, and Mark Auman. These individuals bringing their string of talented dogs helped make this trial competitive and exciting. Other out-of-state participants included Ed and Vicki Manifold, Rebecca Walters, Al and Sharon VanWieren, Sam Thompson and family, Jim Winnen, Julie and Mark Claypool, Chris Sennott, Kevin Remmers, and the local group from the great state of Michigan. THE RUNNING MICHIGAN BRITTANY GRAND OPEN LIMITED GUN DOG CHAMPIONSHIP Judges: Blake Rizzo and Sam Thompson (27 entries / one hour) 1. RFC/RAFC/FC/AFC Ru-Jem’s Grand Touch Bourbon (GFC/FC Touch of Bourbon Little Chug x FC/AFC Bark River Queen of Diamonds JH) o/ Jerry McGee h/Rebecca Walters 2. NFC/NAGDC/NGDC/FC/AFC B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock (FC Spanish Corral’s Sonny Patch x Janee’s Dirty Dancer) o/Trasa Fowler h/Scott Johnson 3. NGDC/DC Kinwashkly King Louie (MVP Redline’s High Octane x Kinwashkly Brightest Star) o/h Diane Vater 4. DC/AFC Over Under Reign the Field (DC/AFC Trace of Bourbon with Diamonds x Ch Over Unders Kick It Out JH) o/Samantha Gauthier h/ Al Cropek Jr. KICKING OFF THE EVENT WAS THE GRAND OPEN LIMITED GUN DOG STAKE. This stake fielded 27 dogs to run under the watchful eyes of judges Blake Rizzo, a shorthair competitor and experienced judge from Michigan, and Sam Thompson who has logged many hours in the saddle as a Brittany competitor and judge from Wisconsin. The running order was a who’s who of field champions, hours winners, a national champion, and some very nice up and coming dogs. AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE WAS EARNED AGAIN BY LAST YEAR’S CHAMPION, FC AFC RFC RAFC RU-JEM’S GRAND TOUCH BOURBON. Owned by Jerry McGee, handled by Rebecca Walters, and scouted by Al VanWieren. Touch ran in the fourth brace and broke away from the clubhouse. He had six finds spaced evenly throughout the brace. The first find came at six minutes and his final was at 52. Touch also had a perfect stop to flush at 14 and dead bird at 22. At 40 minutes, while on point, the bird flew right over his head and he stood nicely. He showed good style on point throughout the brace, and had an attractive forward pattern, carrying lines and edges, rimming outside of Hires field, and making impressive moves throughout the hour. THE RUNNER-UP TITLE WAS AWARDED TO NFC/NAGDC/ NGDC/FC/AFC B&T’S SONNDANCE KID ROCK (ROCKY) owned by Trasa Fowler, handled by Scott Johnson and scouted by Harlene Johnson. Rocky broke away from the big oak in brace six. Rocky’s first find came at 5 minutes when he and his bracemate had a divided find. Rocky’s Host: Michigan Brittany Association | April 1 -5, 2024 Ionia Recreation Area, Ionia, MI The American Brittany ▬ 37 ▬ June 2024
bracemate self-relocated and moved up several feet, but Rocky handled it well. He had another find at 11 and pointed a hawk kill at 22. He pointed again at 54 which turned out to be a large pile of feathers. Rocky ran a nice forward race that just got stronger as the brace went on. Scott and Rocky put together a very polished performance. NGDC DC KINWASHKLY KING LOUIE (LOUIE) GOT THE NOD FOR THIRD. The 2022 AKC National Gun Dog champion owned by Diane Vater and Chuck Cooper and handled by Diane ran in the first brace. Louie put on a bird finding clinic, with a total of nine finds space throughout the hour, with the first at seven and the last at 57 including a nice relocation at 38 He took a bit of a hop while marking his second bird but displayed excellent manners on the rest. Louie ran consistently throughout the hour and finished well, but fell just short of the winner and runner-up. DC AFC OVER UNDER REIGN THE FIELD (REIGN) owned by Samatha Gauthier ran under the whistle of Al Cropek and was scouted by Cindy. Breaking away from the clubhouse in brace ten, Reign carded three finds throughout her hour at 12, 16, and 30. Reign broke away like a rocket, and continued making some impressive moves throughout the hour but inconsistencies in her range and pattern kept her from climbing higher in the placements. THE JUDGES ALSO RECOGNIZED THE DOGS IN THE 12TH BRACE WITH AN HONORABLE MENTION, Miss Behavin’ handled by Al Cropek and scouted by Cindy, and Hy Steppin Ali’s Got Attitude, handled by Chris Sennott and scouted by Al VanWieren. Both dogs had snappy runs, showed good style on multiple finds and honored each other but were just short of the ribbons. Al Van Wieren, Blake Rizzo (judge), Rebecca Walters w/Ru-Jem’s Grand Touch Bourbon, Sam Thompson, Harlene Johnson, Scott Johnson w/B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock, Joe Droel, Chuck Cooper, Diane Vater w/Kinwashkly King Louie, Kathy Gulembo, John Hall, Al Cropek, Samantha Gauthier w/ Over Under Reign the Field, Cindy Cropek and Ava Gauthier MICHIGAN BRITTANY GRAND OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP Judges: Ed Manifold and Rebecca Walters (20 starters / one hour) 1. FC Phillip’s Sir Louie Louie We Got To Go Now (Kid’s Red Devil x Shiner Creek Kate) o/Dale Phillips h/Scott Johnson 2. NFC/NAGDC/NGDC/FC/AFC B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock (FC Spanish Corral’s Sonny Patch x Janee’s Dirty Dancer) o/Trasa Fowler h/Scott Johnson 3. Ripper’s Tequila Bandit (FC/AFC Walker’s Prairie Bandit x Tequila Short Shot JH) o/Mark Auman and Raelle Ferlitch h/Mark Auman 4. FC Molly’s M&M Crunch N Munch (FC/AFC Highpoint Blazin’ Lamont x Molly’s M&M Miller’s Star) o/Molly Ward h/Diane Vater This Regional Championship is held in honor of long time Association and ABC Hall of Fame member Wade Haines. The stake began on Wednesday morning following the conclusion of the Grand Open Limited Gun Dog. The field of twenty dogs entered the stake were judged by Ed Manifold, a veteran Brittany competitor and judge from Indiana and Rebecca Walters an experienced handler and judge from Illinois. Both have handled dogs to a national win on these grounds. FC PHILLIP’S SIR LOUIE WE GOT TO GO NOW (LOUIE), handled by Scott Johnson ran in brace nine on Thursday morning to garner the championship title. Starting at the headquarters, Louie exhibited the range and ground speed of a true all-age performer. Scouted by Harlene when seemingly out of pocket, handler and scout both put on a master class to showcase the dog’s best performance. It wasn’t until late in the brace after emergence onto the derby section of the course that Louie had bird work. Swinging wide along the snowmobile parking lot edge, he hit the forward line and was rewarded with a find which was handled with great intensity. THE RUNNER-UP TITLE WAS AWARDED TO NFC/NAGDC/ NGDC/FC/AFC B&T’S SONNDANCE KID ROCK (ROCKY) handled by Scott Johnson. Casting off in the second brace and scouted by Harlene, Rocky had his first find early with picture perfect stance. Pointing again in the line before Hires field, his bracemate failed to back and took the bird out. Rocky’s third point was on feathers, but he went on to have three more finds with nice style. The fifth find was a running bird in the woods and required multiple relocations before the judges could get eyes on the bird. The final find was on the derby section of the course. RIPPER’S TEQUILA BANDIT (RIP) owned and handled by Mark Auman earned a third place nod. Rip started the hour strong but slowed midway for a brief time before finishing strong again. He had two finds where running birds were seen but wouldn’t cooperate to flush. On the third find, his bracemate failed to back and flushed the The American Brittany ▬ 38 ▬ June 2024
birds. Rip stayed staunch throughout the incident. FOURTH PLACE WAS FC MOLLY’S M&M CRUNCH N MUNCH handled by Diane Vater and scouted by Chuck Cooper. Breaking away from the Big Oak in brace eight, Munch showed a nice all-age range from the breakaway to just past Cardiac Hill. Moving to the front through the woods with an impressive cast, he was not seen again until we entered the gravel pit area. Munch finished the hour with a find at 55 but earlier non-productives kept him from placing higher. Scott Johnson w/Phillip’s Sir Louie Louie We Got To Go Now, Rebecca Walters (judge), Harlene Johnson w/B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock, Ed Manifold (judge), Chuck Langstaff, Mark Auman w/Ripper’s Tequila Bandit, Joe Droel, Bob Ackermann, Diane Vater w/Molly’s M&M Crunch N Munch, John Hall, Cindy Cropek OPEN DERBY Judges: Ed Janulis and John Hall (11 entries / 30 minutes) 1. High Hopes She’s All Assets ATT (FC Fairleigh’s Gambit x High Hopes Nite Moves Dot Com) o/h Samantha Gauthier 2. Glade Run Irish DBL Booker T (NFC/GRC3/RFC/ RAFC2/FC/AFC CVK’s Spartan King x Glade Run White Cloud) o/David Webb h/Mark Auman 3. Fernhill’s Project Prometheus (GCHP/CH Sovereign’s Legendary Disciple x CH Fernhill’s I’ve Got Sunshine) o/David Webb, Rose Leale and Shellie Sytsma h/ Diane Vater 4. Hy Steppin Hurricane Casey (FC HeHi’s Slim Chipley x Hy Steppin Annie Oakley) o/h Chris Sennott Eleven derbies entered the field, and the quality of the performances was exceptional. The stake was judged by experienced Brittany competitors and judges, John Hall from Michigan and Ed Janulis from Illinois. FIRST PLACE WENT TO HIGH HOPES SHE’S ALL ASSETS (FAE) handled by owner Samantha Gauthier. Fae placed third last year. Fae and Samantha performed as a seasoned team with Fae exhibiting her bird dog instincts with Samantha lightly guiding her. Fae had multiple finds throughout the course with Fae handling each find with experience and enthusiasm. Her ground race was also superior ranging to far out objectives while handling pleasingly to Samantha’s direction. GLADE RUN IRISH DGL BOOKER T (JUNIOR) handled by professional trainer Mark Auman grabbed second place. During the brace Junior had a number of bird encounters demonstrating his hunting ability. Mark was able to guide Junior around the Michigan course keeping him at a good range and to the front. He finished well to the front at the brace’s completion. FERNHILL’S PROJECT PROMETHEUS (PIKE) stewarded by Diane Vater took the third place honors. Pike started out the brace well extending range as available. He encountered bird finds by the pond tree line, the island by Hires field and the tree line in the orchard area. All birds were handled as a seasoned derby dog should. In between finds Diane was able to guide Pike around the course to show well at the completion of the brace. FOURTH PLACE WAS HY STEPPIN HURRICANE CASEY (CASEY) handled by his owner Chris Sennott. Casey also had bird contacts in Hires field, and along the tree line in the orchard. She handled pleasingly for Chris demonstrating range at times and mature hunting abilities throughout the brace. The American Brittany ▬ 39 ▬ June 2024
The American Brittany ▬ 41 ▬ June 2024
2024 Nebraska Brittany Grand Open Limited All Age Championship Reporter Wesley Felt The 2024 running of the NEBRASKA BRITTANY GRAND OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP was held April 15-17, 2024 at the Chester (Chet) McClain Field Trial Area near Raymond, Nebraska. The Nebraska Championship is hosted by the Nebraska Brittany Club and followed the regional club event held April 12-14, 2024. Branched Oak Wildlife Management Area includes a dog field trial area. In 1973, Chet McClain was promoted to wildlife habitat area manager. The field trial area as we know it today was Chet McClain’s vision. His effort was honored October 24, 2015, when the area we use for field trials became Chester (Chet) McClain Field Trial Area. I bring this up, as we are so thankful for Chet’s hard work to develop this area for us to trial our fine Brittany’s. There are some fine folks we need to mention for their contribution to the success of this Nebraska Brittany Championship event. Claudia and Stan Truksa spend many hours planning this event for the Nebraska Brittany Club. Claudia is the event secretary along with dog wagon driver. Mary Felt and Tom Maneely helped where needed. Tom planted birds every morning and helped with the dog wagon. Stan planted birds every morning and rode every brace as the Marshall. We thank these dedicated folks for their hard work in order to maintain a premier field event in the Brittany world. The sponsors for the Nebraska Brittany Championship are Nestle Purina and Sport Dog Brand Collars. Nestle Purina gives both money toward the running of this event and Pro Plan products for the winners. Purina is fed to several dogs running in this event as testimony to the quality of feed used in the Pro Plan dog products. Sport Dog Brand was a sponsor this year for the Championship. Sport Dog Brand provided to the Grand Champion and Runner Up an Sport Hunter 1825X, one mile Remote Trainer. We thank these sponsors for their continued support of this event. The Chester (Chet) McClain Field Trial Ground has a large lodge used to gather for socializing and meals. This year the meals were provided by Nebraska Brittany Club members. The 880 acres field trial grounds provide ample space to show a true all age bird dog. The grounds were in good shape and the birds were plentiful. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission have been grooming the grounds these past years with clearing and burning areas. However, the ponds were dry from the past couple years of drought. The judges for the thirty-eighth running of the NEBRASKA BRITTANY CHAMPIONSHIP were Cindy Findley from Iowa and Wesley Felt from Texas. These two judges were up to the task of three days of riding to select the true all age competitors for this Championship. The judges had several dogs to choose from with the all-age range and the handling necessary to be named as the Grand Champion, Second, Third, and Fourth Placements The format for the event was to break away the first brace at 8:00 a.m. with three braces in the morning and 3 braces in the afternoon. The weather had all seasons in three days. We had cold, wind, rain and even hail. Monday began with low fifties ending with low seventies. The wind helped the afternoon dogs keep going on Monday. The temperature for fishing was not much better, as the local fisherman, Hyatt Burchett was asked if fish were biting and he said “no fish”. Tuesday we had a start delay due to early rain and lightning, so the first brace went out at 9:00 am. Tuesday afternoon we broke way after lunch and dogs were down for 24 minutes before the clouds, rain and lightning began. Judges stopped the brace and we all found shelter at the fish camp. We had about a 30 minute delay, so the judges decided to drop this brace to last brace of the stake and continued with the next brace. Wednesday was our best day weather wise. Host: Nebraska Brittany Club | April 15 -17, 2024 Chester (Chet) McClain Field Trial Area near Raymond, Nebraska The American Brittany ▬ 42 ▬ June 2024
THE CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNING: Grand Open Limited All Age 1hr (34S) Brace 1: NOBLE SOUTHPAW - Chang CIRCLE C’S AMERICAN EAGLE - Burchett NOBLE SOUTHPAW showed some nice forward run. At 59 minutes, he went on point, but his manners were not acceptable and sent to the dog wagon. CIRCLE C’S AMERICAN EAGLE had a good bird find at 43. He backed his brace mate at 59, but failed to maintain and was picked-up. Brace 2: URBAN AMERICAN LEGEND - Chang SNIKSOH SONIC BOOM - Burchett URBAN AMERICAN LEGEND went on point at 14, but no birds were produced. He had two more points with bird work at 29 and 39. His last point, he self-relocated and bumped the bird. SNIKSOH SONIC BOOM failed to back at 29. Brace 3: B & T’S SUNDANCED KID ROCK - Johnson COUNTYLINE’S THAT GUY - Truksa B & T’S SUNDANCED KID ROCK had three bird finds and finished the hour. COUNTYLINE’S THAT GUY had great moves forward and then out of sight and then handler asked for tracker. Brace 4: SNIKSOH DIAMOND JACK - Johnson COUNTYLINE’S FULL THROTTLE - Truksa SNIKSOH DIAMOND JACK had birds at 17 and 49. He finished the hour. COUNTYLINE’S FULL THROTTLE ran to the top of the hill at break away and when he returned was carrying a bird proudly. Brace 5: RED GRANITE’S HENRY WILL BE A STAR - Burchett WINGRA’S INDY-GO - Tillson RED GRANITE’S HENRY WILL BE A STAR had bad manners on a bird at 48. WINGRA’S INDY-GO released at break away chose to go left and had to catch the front and showed good range. At 20 went on point, handler was unable to locate bird. His second half of the hour was a true all age performance with a point at 57 with good manners and finished the hour strong. This performance was enjoyed by the judges as WINGRA’S INDY-GO was awarded Runner-up Champion in the 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP. Brace 6: SOVEREIGN LEGENDARY POWER - Burchett PINEY RUN WHITE LIGHTENING - Johnson SOVEREIGN LEGENDARY POWER was picked up before the hour. PINEY RUN WHITE LIGHTENING had a bird bump at 41. Brace 7: SOVEREIGN’S INDECENT EXPOSURE - Burchett SHE’S OUTA CONTROL- Johnson SOVEREIGN’S INDECENT EXPOSURE had a bird bump at 14. SHE’S OUTA CONTROL had a bird pointed at 14, the style was not acceptable to the handler and was sent to the dog wagon. Brace 8: ANJ’S OHIO HELLION - Poehler BIG MAC XIV - Chang ANJ’S OHIO HELLION had one bird to many this day as the third piece of bird work had a chase. BIG MAC XIV had a bird at 31 and finished the hour. Brace 9: PHILLIP’S SIR LOUIE LOUIE WE GOT TO - Johnson SNIKSOH HANK’S HATCH - Burchett PHILLIP’S SIR LOUIE LOUIE WE GOT TO was picked up before the hour. SNIKSOH HANK’S HATCH had a bird at 28 and finished the hour. Brace 10: MAXINE CONFESSEUR DE LA TRINITE - Burchett ROAN SURVIVOR - Perry MAXINE CONFESSEUR DE LA TRINITE had a bird mishap at 16 and was sent to dog wagon. ROAN SURVIVOR had a bird at 7. This dog was moved to the end of the stake as the storm and lighting stopped this brace at 24 minutes. Brace 11: OSAGE FORK SLICK - Burchett TEQUILA CHICA BONITA - Beaver OSAGE FORK SLICK had bad manners on a bird at 41. TEQUILA CHICA BONITA had birds at 11, 31, and 45 all with impeccable manners. She had some big lines to the front and showed confidence seeking the next bird. This performance was enjoyed by the judges as TEQUILA CHICA BONITA was awarded Third place in the 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP. Brace 12: AMJ’S HUDSONVILLE HELLION - Burchett MY LIL CLASSIC MERCEDES - Beaver AMJ’S HUDSONVILLE HELLION had a point at 8 with the handler failing to locate the bird. He backed the turtle find and also had a turkey find. MY LIL CLASSIC MERCEDES had a bird at 7 with great style and a turtle find. She went on to demonstrate true all age range The American Brittany ▬ 43 ▬ June 2024
and handling to entertain the judges for the entire hour brace. This performance was enjoyed by the judges as MY LIL CLASSIC MERCEDES was awarded Grand Champion of the 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP. Brace 13: TJ’S BLACK DIAMOND - Perry WW’S GIN & TONIC - Wice TJ’S BLACK DIAMOND was gone after break away and then joined us and then again was gone and finished with us to conclude the hour with no birds. WW’S GIN & TONIC had a bird at 8 and 12 with good manners. The next bird at 35 was bumped and he was sent to the dog wagon. Brace 14: ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER - Johnson WIND MOUNTAIN TEQUILA SENORITA - Chang ACCIDENTAL ENCOUNTER walked off a back. WIND MOUNTAIN TEQUILA SENORITA had a bird at 17 and 37. At 45, point was called, and both handlers got off their horse and both dogs decided to walk off point. Both dogs went to the dog wagon. Brace 15: MR. STALEY - Campbell HELLI RAMBLING ROSCOE - Burchett MR. STALEY at 29 failed to maintain back. HELLI RAMBLING ROSCOE had birds at 29, 32, 49 and 59 all with great manners on the birds. He finished the hour strong. This performance was enjoyed by the judges as HELLI RAMBLING ROSCOE was awarded Fourth Place in the 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP. Brace 16: WW’S MISS CORONA - Wice DOKKEN BY DOGWOOD - Burchett WW’S MISS CORONA had mishap with a bird at 31. DOKKEN BY DOGWOOD had birds at 32 and 59 and finished the hour. Brace 17: CODE OF NOBLE - Chang GATTON’S HIGH FLYER - Burchett CODE OF NOBLE had a skunk find at 40, however neither judge rode over to verify the situation and moved on. He had a bird at 51 and a nonproductive at 55 and finished the four. GATTON’S HIGH FLYER was picked up by the handler around 30 minutes. Brace 18: ROAN SURVIVOR- Perry BYE (Moved down from Brace 10) ROAN SURVIVOR was lost at midway through the brace. This concluded the running of the 2024 Nebraska Brittany Open Limited All Age Championship. 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP Judges: Cindy Findley and Wesley Felt 1. MY LIL CLASSIC MERCEDES (F), by WILLIE MAKEIT x MK’S MY LIL CLASSIC; o Mary Amanda Beaver and Richard Allen Beaver, h Richard Beaver 2. WINGRA’S INDY-GO (M), by ALAMADEN’S UNDER LOCK AND KEY x FIRESTARTER’S CHASING THE SUNSET; o Patricia & Craig Johnston & Emmy Wollenburg, h Ed Tillson 3. TEQUILA CHICA BONITA (F), by SPANISH CORRAL’S SUNDANCE KID x SNIKSOH TEQUILA CALIENT; o Mary Amanda Beaver and Richard Allen Beaver, h Richard Beaver 4. HELLI RAMBLING ROSCOE (M), by PURGASON OZARK TIMMY x KIRBY MOUNTAIN ROSIE; o Thomas Healey, h Bob Burchett 2024 NEBRASKA BRITTANY OPEN LIMITED ALL AGE CHAMPIONSHIP Left to right: Cindy Findley-Judge, MY LIL CLASSIC MERCEDES with Richard Beaver, WINGRA’S INDY-GO with Ed Tillson, Wesley Felt- Judge, TEQUILA CHICA BONITA with Scott Johnson, Bob Burchett, HELLI RAMBLING ROSCOE with Mike Poehler, Hyatt Burchett and Stan Truksa The American Brittany ▬ 44 ▬ June 2024
Ed Powell Memorial Grand Open Limited Regional Gun Dog Champiohship Host: Iowa Brittany Club | April 09 -10, 2024 Bird Dog Ranch, Thayer, Iowa The Ed Powell Memorial Grand Open Limited Regional Gun Dog Championship was held on April 9-10, 2024 at the Bird Dog Ranch near Thayer, Iowa. Weather conditions were clear skies with cool winds. This marked the 17th year since the inception of this event, held in memory of one of the great stalwarts of the Iowa Brittany Club. Ed Powell was an avid conservationist who loved all aspects of the outdoors, especially those activities that involved his beloved Brittanys. This year, 27 dogs competed under the watchful eyes of two well-known judges, Kendall Brown of Knoxville, Iowa and Matt Harris of Emporia, Kansas. They selected My Lil Classic Mercedes, owned by Amanda and Richard Beaver of Wichita Falls, Texas, and handled by Richard as this year’s Champion. Cedes, who ran in the 3rd brace, is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having amassed several regional open and amateur championships over her career. Second place went to Sovereign’s Legendary Power, owned by Doug and Christie Ziegler of Champlin, Minnesota and co-owned by Dawn and Joe Droel of Oceola, Iowa. Briggs ran in the 11th brace under the whistle of Bob Burchett. He is a young dog who shows a lot of promise for the future. Third place was awarded to B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock, owned by Trasa Fowler of Cushing, Oklahoma. Rocky, also a veteran with numerous national championships, ran in brace 8 and was handled by Scott Johnson. Rounding out the placements was Wingra’s Indy-Go!, who ran in the first brace with Ed Tillson handling. Indy, also a regional field champion, is owned by Patricia & Craig Johnston of Plympton, Massachusetts and co-owned by Emmy Wollenberg. This Championship was hosted by the Iowa Brittany Club, and we thank all those members who showed up to help with both this event as well as the weekend trial that preceded it. Especial thanks go to Linda Thomas for providing us and other clubs with a wonderful venue to run dogs. In addition, we are particularly grateful to corporate sponsor Purina, who continues to provide financial and product support for bird dog field trials nationwide. Their support is critical to the continuation of this sport. THE RUNNING: Brace 1: Wingra’s Indy-Go! - Tillson TJ’s Black Diamond - Perry We broke prompty at 8 am, both dogs showed a strong start and were seen going over the hill into the orchard. One dog was seen in the soybean field by the deer stand as we headed down to the double ditch crossing. At 11, Indy was found standing by the feeder at the top of the hill and scored his first find. Coal caught the front from the ditch on the left as we approached the barn. Indy had a second find at 16 just before the old barn. At 23, Coal had a find on a small covey on the east side draw before the pond. Indy made a big cast on the west side as we road rode along Velvet road Avenue and was found standing in the draw past the double green gates at 27. Indy was relocated, but no birds were found. Heading for the road crossing, tracker was called for Coal while Indy crossed the road and headed west. As we headed down the East crossing, Indy was spotted on the hill, headed for the keyhole. At 50, as we headed forward on course, point was called to our south on the draw below the keyhole. Indy carded his third find an and finished the hour as we headed up the hill to the old corral. Brace 2: Sovereign’s Hanky Panky - Burchett Venatrix Touch Of Angels - Johnson We broke from the old corral heading south. Both dogs away with a good head of steam. At 8, T was leashed on the east side of the draw after the crossing behind Jerry’s house. Ollie worked the south side of the road toward the Church corner. At 20, Ollie had a find on the left side of the keyhole. Back on the north side, Ollie had 2 more finds, at 42 and 45. At 50, Ollie pointed at the cedars on the north side of the draw before the old barn. No birds were produced. Ollie finished the hour. Brace 3: My Little Classic Mercedes - Beaver Tequila’s Dutch Courage - Tillson We broke at the double gates along the alfalfa field on 197th road St. Cedes made some huge moves on the hills on the north side and took some time to make her way The American Brittany ▬ 45 ▬ June 2024
up through the orchard as we headed to the road. Dutch maintained a consistent forward race. After the road crossing, Dutch had a nice find after the east crossing. Cedes was far to the front and had her first find at the pond by the old corral. As Dutch caught up from his first find, he pointed at the same location by the pond, but had a breach of manners and was leashed. At 37, Cedes scored another find in the cedars after the crossing by Jerry’s house. Cedes raced around the south side and at 43 had another find in the wooded area along the south road. Cedes finish finished the hour as we headed toward the road crossing. Brace 4: Big Canyon Chasing The Rising Bar - Johnson Starlight’s Mercury On All Cylinders - Burchett This brace broke from camp. Cam was on a rope before the old barn. Diesel had 2 clean finds and finished the hour. Brace 5: Wichita Hope - Johnson Sovereign’s Top Shelf - Burchett After the double creek crossing, Mollie carded 2 finds on the north side while Pappy hunted a consistent foward race, but had no bird work. Mollie’s third find was in the cedars on the south side before we headed for the old corral. She was leashed for breach of manners. Brace 6: Stellar Fifty One - Burchett Saradac’s Diamond Facet - Johnson Breaking from the old corral, the 2 roan dogs took to the front. Jojo was found buried up on point under a hedge tree at the first tree line. All was in order and she was sent on. After the crossing behind Jerry’s house, Jojo scored another find. Stella took to the north east across the alfalfa field and was returned to the front as we headed for the church corner. At 18, Stella carded a find on the left side of the keyhole. At 21, Jojo was found standing down in the willows after the keyhole. At 37, Jojo pointed after the double creek crossing with Stella coming in for an honor. At 39, both dogs started heading for the east corner by the cow field. Jojo had another find and Stella continued to move forward. Jojo ended her bid shortly after the old barn when a wild flushing pheasant, and covey of quail took her out. Brace 7: Maxime Confesseur De La Trinite - Burchett Frosty Meadow’s Ramblin’ Man - Johnson We broke the last race of day 1 at the double green gates on Velvet road. Bo scored first with a find in the willows after the east crossing. At 30, Bo had a second find in the cedars after the crossing behind Jerry’s. Moose was pointed further up the line but no birds were produced. At 37, Moose pointed by the woods on the south side. While Moose’s birds were being worked, Bo had made the cast along the corn field on the south west side and had a stop to flush. Shortly after, Bo was leashed for bad manners at his next find. At 42, Moose had his last find in the Church corner. He finished the hour. Brace 8: B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock - Johnson Starlight’s Mercury in Iris Rising - Burchett Another great day to run bird dogs! Winds a little lighter and temperatures a little warmer than day 1. After a short absence, Rocky was spotted heading toward the old barn on the left edge. At 14, Rocky pointed on that same edge, exhibiting his usual great style and intensity. After that find he was sent over the hill to catch the front. While doing so, he came to an abrupt halt as he encountered another bird. At 20, Rocky scored another find on the left side of the alfalfa field before the pond. Iris had been missing during this time and joined us from the ditch off the alfalfa field. Iris was leashed as she joined up with her handler by the double green gates. At 26, Rocky had another find at the feeder past the double green gates. He stayed forward and hunted the east edge before the road crossing. He was last seen going away from the old corral and found at time on point on the east end of the cross hedgerow. Brace 9: Triple Shot Of Jack Daniels - Johnson Crosscreek Sanbar Windrider - Burchett We broke from the old corral. Rider went right to work, scoring finds at 4 and 6 minutes on the top side of the field past the cross hedgerow. Rider caught the front at the corn field and rimmed the right edge. At 17 Rider had another find at the Church corner, and Dan was leashed. After that find, Rider went into the cedars on the east side of the and was on a rope shortly thereafter. Brace 10: Sovereign Campbell’s Don’t Spill The Tea - Burchett Roan Survivor - Perry We broke in the Church corner and headed straight up the hill to the keyhole. Just before we crossed the road Tia had some trouble with a wild covey by the pond and was picked up. Rey took some time to be gathered and sent across the road. After the road crossing Rey continued to try Joanne’s patience. Rey had 2 non productives after the double creek crossing and was leashed at 34. Brace 11: Diamond Hill Dangerous Big Bang - Johnson Sovereign’s Legendary Power - Burchett We started at the old barn. Leonard stopped at 3 along the edge of the alfalfa field before the pond. After several relocations the bird flushed and Leonard was leashed. At 8, Briggs had a find by the Johnnie house past the double green gate. Briggs went on to have 3 more finds on the south side of the road to complete his hour. The American Brittany ▬ 46 ▬ June 2024
Brace 12: Dokken By Dogwood - Burchett Saradac’s Dangerous Diamond Caper - Pollock We broke from camp after lunch as the temperatures approached the mid 60’s. Both dogs showed well as we headed down to the double creek crossing. Caper was found standing along the feed strip on the other side of the creek crossing. She was moved on after several relocation attempts. At 8, Caper had a stylish find on the draw above the feed strip. Dokken continued to push forward. Caper had a second find at 12 just south of the old barn. Dokken was on a rope after knocking a bird by the feeder after the double green gates. Caper went on to have a second non-productive ending the hour. Brace 13: Romance’s Life Of Riley - Burchett Diamond Hill Dangerous Dark Side - Pollock We broke at the double green gates. Riley had a hard time getting started and was leashed at the half way point. Borden finished the hour with 4 nice finds, but proved to be a little hard to handle. Brace 14: MK’s My Lil Classic - Johnson Nova ran as a bye dog and broke away from the gate on the south side. As we approached the keyhole Nova headed west. We waited while she was returned to judgement. Nova showed without her handler but later took some steps on a find and was leashed before we crossed the road. Judge Kendall Brown, Richard Beaver with My Lil Classic Mercedes, Dawn Droel, Mike Poehler, Bob and Hyatt Burchett with Sovereign’s Legendary Power, Judge Matt Harris, Scott Johnson with B&T’s Sonndance Kid Rock The American Brittany ▬ 47 ▬ June 2024
Prairie State’s inaugural running of the Open All Age and Open Shooting Dog Championships under American Field rules occurred in March of 1988 at the Green River Field Trial Grounds in Princeton, IL making this year’s running the 36th renewal of the Prairie State Brittany Championships. As the years went on, the Amateur All Age Championship and the Open Derby Classic were added. This years’ trial was run on February 23-29 at the Sportsmen’s Association Grounds Inc, Grovesprings, MO. This area continues to be premier championship grounds that bring the best out of the dogs. We continue to thank Purina for their continuing support of this championship. Purina’s continued support, year after year, allows the Prairie State Championship Association the resources to plan this event for years to come, extending the tradition that already exists. Their food products are first class. It should be noted that Purina extensively supports the American Brittany Club with support of several different venues within the ABC organization. This year, three venues were offered, three one-hour stakes: Grand Open Limited All Age, Grand Amateur Limited All Age and Grand Open Limited Gun Dog and a 45-minute open derby. Contributions of their time and efforts by several people who helped ensure this Championship occurred smoothly. These included Jerry McGee, Field Trial Chair, Donna Janulis Field Trial secretary and provider of meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for the entire venue. What makes this competition possible is the support from most of the participants in one manner or another; dog wagon drivers (Jerry McGee and Donna Janulis); bird planters (Jerry McGee); Bob and Valerie Burchett received delivery and supplied transportation to the grounds of the Purina dog food graciously contributed by the Purina Corporation. Without this effort and commitment this event would not have the success level it has. Other personnel helped with marshalling activities and dog wagon duties. Chad Holman, who has participated and supported this championship from the inception, was unable to compete this year. We wish him “Well” going forward. The judges, who volunteer to judge the events, spending hours in the saddle, are greatly appreciated. We had an excellent slate, extensive in experience. Prairie State Brittany Championships February 23-29, 2024 | Sportsmen’s Association Grounds Inc, Grovesprings, MO THE RUNNING Prairie State Brittany Open Derby (Bill Schreiber Memorial) Judges: Dave Capstick and Bob Travis (9 starters / 45 minutes) 1. Sovereign’s Legendary Rascal (GCHG/DC Sovereign’s Chasing Legends x Libby Ann) o/Joe and Dawn Droel h/Bob Burchett 2. HeHi Le Roi (FC HeHi’s Slim Chipley x Hy Steppin Annie Oakley) o/h Matt Healey 3. RW How Do You Like Me Know (River Haven’s Blaze’n Sam x Jones Milan Grace) o/Rebecca Walters h/Bob Burchett 4. Withheld The Derby Classic ran on Friday, February 23. The weather was good, and the course was in excellent condition for the 45-minute braces. The judges expected the competitors to hunt forward and hard, to clearly establish point when birds were encountered and to finish strong. The blue ribbon went to “Sovereign’s Legendary Rascal” (Alvin) handled by Bob Burchett. Alvin ran in the first brace setting the standard for the rest of the pack. Alvin had two nice finds and a mature forward race. Second place was awarded to HeHi Le Roi (Leroy) owned and handled by Matt Healey from Michigan. He put down a mature race for a Derby, hunting objectives intelligently and showing consistently to the front. He was located on point at the base of the course exiting apple tree hill. He finished with energy to spare. Third place was “RW How Do You Like Me Know” (Maverick) also handled by Bob Burchett. Maverick ran in the second brace starting on the top of Apple Tree Hill. Maverick had a find heading across the terrain exit. The bird was located, and all was in order. He completed the time allotment with stamina. Bob Travis (judge), Mike Poehler w/Sovereign’s Legendary Rascal, Dave Capstick (judge), Ed Janulis, Matt Healey w/HeHi Le Roi, Jerry McGee, Tom Healey, Bob Burchett w/RW How Do You Like Me Know The American Brittany ▬ 48 ▬ June 2024
Prairie State Brittany Grand Amateur Limited All Age Championship Judges: Dave Capstick and Joe Williams (8 starters / one hour) 1. NAFC/GFC/GAFC2/DC/AFC ANJ’s Ohio Hellion (DC/ AFC Grand Junction Jake x NAGDC/FC/AFC High Hope’s Little Ann o/h Mike Poehler 2. RFC2/GFC/FC WW’s Miss Carona (NFC/GFC4/ GAFC2/RFC2/RAFC2/FC/AFC CVK’s Spartan King x FC/AFC WW’s Miss Wendy Peffercorn) o/Burton & Sharon Wice h/Burton Wice 3. Jagoub’s Spell Caster (GFC/FC Jagoub’s Buzz’n Bayou x Super Natural) o/Tom & Debbie Jagielski h/ Tom Jagielski 4. Withheld The blue ribbon was awarded to ANJ’s Ohio Hellion (Hank) owner/handler Mike Poehler. Hank, with Mike directing, broke away first thing in the morning on course one. Together dog and handler put down a performance that could not be beat by any other competitors. Hank was found standing on point on game five times during the course of the hour, handling all bird situations successfully. In the interim Hank put down a forward running, good ranging, easy handling, performance to have awarded him the top contender. Second place was awarded to “WW’s Miss Carona” (Rona) owner/handler Burton Wice. Rona is a young dog making her mark in the Midwest circuit. She was unleashed on the second course heading up the hill. She ran a big running race periodically disappearing to the front but showing at strategic points along the course always in front. During these periods Rona located two different game contacts demonstrating her pointing skills during both bird contacts. She finished to the front and with energy to spare. Third place in the competition was given to “Jagoub’s Spell Caster” (Tabu) owner/handler Tom Jagielski” Tabu was let loose on course two. She started strong attacking the various cover and forging a course forward, along the edges, with Tom as her guidance. Tabu located multiple game including one in sycamore valley and along the rolling hills on course towards the double barns. She handled all the bird contacts with discipline and style. Tabu and Tom completed the hour running steady and to the front. A championship title could not be awarded for this stake due to the small entry, however, there was no lack of championship performances. Dave Capstick (judge), Mike Poehler w/ANJ’s Ohio Hellion, Wayne Pepin, Barbara Pepin, Jerry McGee, Ed Janulis, Burton Wice w/WW’s Miss Carona, Joe Williams (judge), Matt Healey, Tom Healey, Tom Jagielski w/Jagoub’s Spell Caster, Burt McCandless Prairie State Brittany Grand Open Limited All Age Championship Judges: Howard Burbach and Kevin Remmers (16 starters / one hour) 1. NAGDC/GFC/FC/AFC Sniksoh Hank’s Hatch (GFC/ FC/AFC Sniksoh Spank’s Hank x Sniksoh Boomers Babe) o/Adam Freeman h/Bob Burchett 2. AFC WW’s Gin and Tonic (NFC/NAFC/GFC3/GAFC2/ FC/AFC Glade Run Irish x GFC2/FC Driving Miss Daisy o/h Burton Wice 3. HeHi Rambling Roscoe (Purgason Ozark Timmy x Kirby Mountain Rosie) o/Thomas Healey h/Bob Burchett 4. AMJ’s Hudsonville Hellion (NAFC/GFC/GAFC/FC/AFC ANJ’s Ohio Hellion x FC High Hopes Jac’s Original Spice) o/Mike & Stacy Poehler h/Bob Burchett The winner was awarded to “Sniksoh Hank’s Hatch” (Hatch) handled by Bob Burchett. Hatch was released on the first course exhibiting a big cast as we headed south on course one. During the hour that followed Hatch scored bird finds at 17 minutes at the double gates, 26 minutes in Davis Bottoms and 40 minutes at the bottom of Horse Killer hill. Each of these finds were executed with style and discipline. During the run time Hatch handled pleasingly to Bob, running forward and handling well. Runner-up was presented to “WW’s Gin and Tonic” (Ginee), owner/handler Burton Wice Ginee started her hour on course one starting with a big opening cast and progressing forward in a continuous pattern with a single bird find at 51 minutes at the island on Apple Tree Hill. The remainder of the brace Ginee continued running forward with Burton guiding her. The yellow ribbon (third place) went to “HeHi Rambling Roscoe” (Roscoe) handled by Bob Burchett. Roscoe broke away on the third course, exiting the double barns. The American Brittany ▬ 49 ▬ June 2024
Roscoe had two game contacts one at 9 minutes in the bull pastor and one at 40 minutes in the barn loop. Both opportunities were handled well. In the interim Roscoe ran a consistent forward race responding to Bob’s direction as needed, Roscoe finished the hour strong to the front. The judges awarded Fourth place to “AMJ’s Hudsonville Hellion” (Lucy) handled by Bob Burchett. Lucy was released on course three heading towards the street crossing. She ran a consistent all age performance staying on course and handling well. At close to time Lucy established point coming off RJ’s loop. Bob successfully flushed a small covey of Quail with all in order. This completed the hour. Ed Janulis, Bob Burchett w/Sniksoh Hank’s Hatch, Howard Burbach (judge), Jerry McGee, Dawn Droel w/HeHi Rambling Roscoe, Kevin Remmers (judge), Mike Poehler w/AMJ’s Hudsonville Hellion Prairie State Brittany Grand Open Limited Gun Dog Championship Judges: Ed Janulis and Dennis Sullivan (13 starters / one hour) 1. Sovereign Legendary Power (GCHG/DC Sovereign’s Chasing Legends x CH My Lil Kansas Sunflower JH) o/Doug & Christine Ziegler and Joe & Dawn Droel h/ Bob Burchett 2. CH Double, Double Toil and Trouble (2xNAGDC/DC/ AFC Clyde’s Double Trouble x Never Looking Back) o/ Kevin, Sandra & Charlie Remmers h/Kevin Remmers 3. GFC/GCH/DC Sovereign’s Judge N Jury (CH Sovereign’s Cut To The Chase JH x CH Sovereign’s Legendary Chocolate JH) o/Marcia & Chuck Lawrence and Joe & Dawn Droel h/Dawn Droel 4. Sovereign’s Top Shelf (GFC/FC/AFC Sniksoh Spank’s Hank xCH Sovereign’s Legendary Chocolate JH) o/ Jeff & Evelyn Hickman and Joe & Dawn Droel h/Bob Burchett The Champion of this event was awarded to “Sovereign Legendary Power” (Briggs) handled by Bob Burchett. Briggs was set on his way on course one. He ran a good “gun dog” race from start to finish, handling pleasingly with medium range. During the time period Briggs handled two bird contacts very well: the first occurring at the double gates tree line and the second at the valley just before the trek up horse killer hill. Briggs completed the hour as a champion should. Runner-up was directed by the judges to “Double, Double Toil and Trouble” (Deuce) owner/handler Kevin Remmers. Deuce also broke away on course one. He started out with a far front running cast to start the hour. Deuce continued to perform well, handling pleasingly and showing to the front. At 26 minutes in Davis Bottoms location, along a tree line Deuce established point. Kevin successfully flushed a quail with Deuce maintaining manners. Deuce completed the hour with range and easy handing. Third place was awarded to “Sovereign’s Judge N Jury” (JJ) owner/handler Dawn Droel. Break away occurred on top of Apple Tree Hill and Dawn handled JJ in a very experienced manner, handling him successfully through a variety of terrains. JJ rewarded Dawn with three finds, first in Apple Tree Hill at 2 minutes, the second at 35 minutes in Sycamore Valley and the third at 52 minutes along the tree line near the double barns. JJ handled all finds very well and each time was sent on to further the hour. Dawn and JJ completed the hour successfully. The white ribbon (fourth place) was presented to “Sovereign’s Top Shelf” (Pappy) handled by Bob Burchett. Break away began on course three heading towards the double barns. As the brace continued Pappy located quail at 40 minutes on the tree line by the double barns and at 52 minutes adjacent to Andy’s field. Pappy completed the hour with stamina to spare. Bob Burchett w/Sovereign’s Legendary Power, Ed Janulis (judge), Kevin Remmers w/Double, Double Toil and Trouble, Jerry McGee, Dawn Droel w/ Sovereign’s Judge N Jury, Mike Poehler w/Sovereign’s Top Shelf, Dennis Sullivan (judge) The American Brittany ▬ 50 ▬ June 2024