German Shorthaired Pointer (GS): In less than 50 years the German shorthaired pointer has become one of this country's most popular gun dogs. He earned that reputation gradually--without fanfare or ballyhoo--on his own merits. The shorthair is capable of a finished performance in a variety of hunting situations. He has a great nose along with much desire and ability, coupled with speed, stamina, style and guts. Intelligence and desire to please are two of his most valued assets. He is a near-perfect all around gun dog for the foot-hunter as he adapts his range to the cover and the terrain. His versatility in no way interferes with his companionship around the home. His affectionate and playful nature make a big hit with the kids, his intelligence and shorthaired cleanliness is appreciated in the house.

Chapter members owning this breed: Jay Parker, Peggie Bensch, Buck Kuhn, Ron Williams, Bud Goodnight, Jane & Pete Nelson, Doug Koenig, Jon Marcott

German Longhaired Pointer (GL):

The German Longhair Pointer is a pointing spaniel. The roots of this breed can be found in Medieval times. The German Longhair has been an established breed for over 100 years and is considered one of the continental / versatile breeds. Traditionally, these dogs were used to locate and point birds that were then caught with the use of a net or with the assistance of a falcon. Today, longhairs are still used to locate and point birds, as well as retrieve shot game.  Depending on the type and abundance of game in a given area, the longhair is used for hunting everything from ptarmigan and ducks to furred game animals. 

The German Longhair is both a good field and water dog that excels at work after the shot. Characteristics that originally attracted many owners to the breed were their strong pointing instinct and exceptional water work. Another defining characteristic of the breed is a calm, cooperative temperament. Longhairs work for their owners and should be easy to train. The ability of GL's in the field and water, along with their easygoing temperament, makes them well-suited for hunting in North America. German Longhair owners are proud of their good-looking gun dogs that perform at a high level in the field or the water, just as the breed was originally intended. 

German Wirehaired Pointer (GW): GWP's trace their origins back about 120 years. They originated in Germany, where breeders wanted to develop a rugged, versatile hunting dog that would work closely with either one person or a small party of persons hunting on foot in varied terrain; from the mountainous regions of the Alps, to dense forests, to more open areas with farms and small towns. The breed the Germans desired had to have a coat that would protect the dogs when working in heavy cover or in cold water, yet be easy to maintain. The goal was to develop a wire-coated, medium sized dog that could:

• Search for, locate and point upland game

• Work both feather and fur with equal skill

• Retrieve water fowl

• Be a close-working, easily trained gun dog

• Be able to track and locate wounded game

• Be fearless when hunting 'sharp' game such as fox

• Be a devoted companion and pet; and

• Be a watchdog for its owners family and property.

Chapter members owning this breed: Jeff Daigneau, Judy Deaver, Lee Renfrew, John Haddix, Greg & Rita Brenner, Keith Woodworth, Nicholas Van Wyck, Peg Brawner, Glenn Hodge, Russ Jennings, Roger Hull, and Tom St. Clair

Weimaraner (WM): Weimaraners are very energetic animals...they are bred to hunt all day with their master. Changing this behavior changes the essential Weim. If you can not deal with this behavior, you should look at other breeds less rambunctious!

Weims are not soft mouthed like a Golden Retriever or Irish Setter. They are still the game hunter and some Weims have a low tolerance for small fur bearing animals including cats and small dogs. Changing this behavior again changes the basic temperament of the dog.

Weims can bark and if you are away from them too much and they are left to themselves, Weimaraners are like any other lonely dog, they will bark incessantly and develop bad habits or try escaping their surroundings.

Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they do not like living outdoors. They require your attention. They are the true, loyal, hunting companions in every respect, needing your friendship. Chaining a Weim outside will not work!

Vizsla (VI): The Hungarian or Magyar Vizsla represents one of the best in sporting dogs and loyal companions and has a strong claim to being one of the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds.  His size is one of the Vizsla's most attractive characteristics and through the centuries he has held a unique position for a sporting dog -- that of household companion and family dog.  The Vizsla is not content to be "put in the kennel with the dogs" after the hunt and only reaches his fullest capacity when he is a member of the family he serves.

Wirehaired Vizsla (WV): They are a relatively rare breed that is versatile, working as well in water as on land, and are becoming popular as a hunting dog due to their steadfastness and quick learning ability.
They are also becoming popular with falconers as their temperament appears to suit this discipline.

Small Munsterlander (SM): The Small Munsterlander is for the most part easy to train and makes a great family companion. Its loyalty and affection are second to none. However it must be remembered that this is an active and intelligent breed so it naturally will require adequate exercise and mental stimulation when fully matured. This should include roadwork and swimming when possible. Most importantly hunting, hunting and more hunting. If left alone Small Munsterlanders have been known to start hunting on their own.

Chapter members owning this breed: John Sarvis, Skip Johnston, Andrew Crow, Forrest Bolles, Jeff Alling

Large Munsterlander (LM): This field dog characteristically is calm, gentle with children and well adjusted to living in the master's dwelling. The versatile characteristics of the LM provide for a reliable companion for all facets of hunting. A recent comparison of the scores of 82 LMs with 104 other versatile breeds entered in NAVHDA tests showed that the Large Munsterlander is a versatile dog with a difference. On average, LMs work closer and are more responsive to the handler than other breeds although the LM's pointing instinct matures later. The LM displayed greater cooperation than other breeds and an excellent concentration in the tracking and recovery of crippled game birds. During search for game, most LMs range 50-150 yards, depending on cover. Their long and thick coat protects them against cold and allows them to search dense cover thoroughly.

Chapter members owning this breed: Don Holum, Alison Hull

Brittany (BS): Brittany's can make excellent family dogs and excel in many areas, but they require personal attention every day, training and most do not make good "kennel" or outdoor dogs because of their personal devotion to their owner. On the other hand, their medium size, wash-and-wear coat, and happy, intelligent temperament make them an ideal family dog. Brittany’s also make excellent hunting companions or pets for single people. Most get along very well with other dogs, and many love the challenges of different types of competition. 

Do not get any dog on impulse. If you are very serious about getting a Brittany, you should be willing "shop around" and/or wait for the right one for your family and/or your needs and wants. These are long-lived dogs (average 12-14) and you should only get one with the intention of caring it for its entire lifetime. The more time you put into your dog's socialization and training, the more it will give back to you.

Pudelpointer (PP): The idea behind this breeding was to combine the outstanding natural working abilities of two great specialists in one dog:

The intelligence, water love, retrieving instinct, easy trainability and willingness to please, wrapped into the protective coat of the Poodle with the unending desire to hunt, birdiness, pointing instinct, field nose and endurance of the English Pointer.

The Pudelpointer in its home country Germany, has always ranked among the finest performers in tests and in the field, and is sought by those who enjoy and value a dog with desire and drive. Pudelpointers are predominantly solid in color, from dark brown to the color of autumn leaves, and occasionally black. The ideal coat is harsh, wiry and dense.

Through its strict breeding guidelines, pups are produced which are reliable on many different kinds of game under varying conditions of terrain and weather.

A sound temperament, as well as a style pleasing to the eye, makes the Pudelpointer a great companion both in the field and the home. They take to training easily, despite their desire and drive.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (GR): The Griffon is a very people oriented dog known for its trainability and high degree of cooperation. The Griffon has a great love for the field and is an excellent swimmer. With its keen nose it is also particularly suited to tracking. The fun loving side of its personality enjoys agility training. The Griff's outgoing personality makes it well-suited as a family pet and great with children. Overall, the Griffon is one of the best-kept secrets in the Sporting Group and is the ultimate VERSATILE hunting companion.

Chapter member owning this breed: Roger Hull, Sher & Bruce Schwartz, Yong Chun, Jeff McDonald, Tom Temple

Spinone (SP): The Spinone is a large, rugged dog of distinctive appearance. He has a distinctive head, with hanging ears and eyes described as "human like."  In body he is a substantial, strong boned dog with a square build.  Everything about this breed indicates great strength as well as stamina. This versatile breed is suited for hunting in all climates and on all terrain. Its harsh coat and thick skin protects it in the field, water and freezing temperatures.  It is an excellent swimmer and a model retriever.

Chapter members owning this breed: Kim Redding

Bracco Italiano (BI): The Bracco Italiano is one of only two native Italian gun dog breeds. The Bracco is a classic, ancient breed, considered an antecedent of many of today’s modern sporting dogs.

They are a strong, deep chested dog with muscular hindquarters. Their coat is glossy, short, dense and fine, and comes in all white, orange and white, orange roan, a bronze /brown with white.

Admired as an all-purpose family gun dog, docile in the home, obedient and loyal, making a fine hunting companion, becoming energetic when he hears birds or a gun. Happiest when doing a job and is a true, sporting dog, not suitable for homes where his hunting ability is allowed to go to waste.

A strong and powerful animal, combined with a friendly nature and the need to please. Very distinct even in the hunt, head held high with a noble expression.

They have superb noses, being an "air scenting" breed, and hold a staunch point as retrieve well to hand. When hunting, the Bracco appears to be "led by his nose." They are tireless in the field and appear not to expend energy unnecessarily. They enjoy water, are strong swimmers and can prove to be quite versatile.

Braque d' Auvergne (BA): The Braque d'Auvergne Pointer is a rare versatile hunting dog breed from France. They have been a homogeneous breed since the late 1700's. And, have made a recovery since World War II from appoximately 25 specimens.

They are strong natural hunters, great companions. They point, track, retrieve and with proper exposure love the water. As a hunter they are close working hunters, checking with their partner frequently.

In family life they do their best as a member of the household. They are very affectionate, intelligent, athletic and soft natured.

Braque Francais (BF): The Braque Francais is a French pointing dog that is well-known in France and other parts of Europe. The Braque Francais, which translates to French Pointer in English, is an ancient breed. It is a direct descendant of the very first pointing dog, the Spanish Pointer. The breed not only contributed to all of the French pointing breeds such as the Braque du Bourbonnais, but is also contributed to all of the shorthaired dogs of Continental Europe.

The Braque Francais is registered through the  North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA.) This breed is a high performing versatile hunting dogs for the foot hunter. The traits include a strong pointing instinct, tracking ability, reliable retrieving from both land and water and responsiveness to their handler and one that encompasses the best qualities of a family companion.

Calm, even-tempered and intelligent, French Spaniels enjoy the company of their owners. They are gentle with children, making great pets. Rustic looking, relatively tall and powerfully built. The French Spaniel trains well but is easily intimidated. Training should be gentle, firm and consistent. They need human companionship and lots of exercise. Known and appreciated for their hunting skills, the French Spaniel works well on rugged terrain and in the water as a flusher. French Spaniels are good retrievers and point very precisely. Hunting at a gallop or extended trot, the French Spaniel has an excellent nose, but has less speed and a more limited search range than the Brittany. They are enthusiastic hunting dogs, persistent, hardy and courageous. This breed gets along well with other dogs. It is important owners are even-tempered, but firm and consistent with the rules for the dog.

Chapter member owning this breed: Peter Hayes

Gordon Setter (GO)

The Gordon Setter is distinguished both for its loyalty and obedience. A polite, mild-tempered, devoted dog, making enjoyable companions that are excellent with children. Intelligent and willing, they are a skilled hunter that is seldom wrong about a scent. Brave, cheerful and affectionate. This breed needs lots of exercise or it may become high-strung. Loyal to the family, but can be distant with strangers. Generally good with other pets but may try to dominate if it is lacking in human leadership. This breed likes to roam, so it is a good idea to have a fenced-in yard. Train early with good leadership before bad habits set in.Training these dogs is certainly not difficult, provided the owners are firm, but calm. If they sense the owners are meek or passive they will become stubborn.

Chapter member owning this breed: Alison Hull, Gail Holum

The Slovakian Wireaired Pointer is an all purpose working breed that was developed in Czechoslovakia after WWII. This dog is believed to be an amalgamation of the Weimaraner, the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Cesky Fousek. This recently developed hunting, pointing and retrieving dog is recognized in Slovakia as the Slovensky Hrubosrsky (Ohar) or Slovensky Ohar Hrubosrsty. However, outside its country of origin, the breed answers to a number of confusingly similar names. The SRHP is also known as Slovakian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon thus it is often confused with the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Both are distinct breeds.
This versatile HPR dog is a real asset to any hunter and is capable of working under difficult conditions... be it on land or water. This natural tracker has a superb nose and an inherent determination to follow both air and ground scents. With its physical size, stamina and a good pace this dog can tirelessly cover large tracts of land. The thick coat protects the dog when it hunts in areas covered with heavy undergrowth. This breed is equally adept retrieving in water. Steady at point, the dog is also an excellent after the shot dog and will unerringly retrieve fallen game. 
The dog is highly valued by Slovakian hunters as the dog is biddable and focused in the field. However, this breed has other desirable attributes as well. The dog is loving, loyal and noted to have a calm temperament inside the house. Highly intelligent, this breed is easy to train. A Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer does not have genetic health problems. This hardy breed has a life span of 14 to 15 years.