CLADDAGH KENNEL - Wisconsin German Wirehaired Pointer Breeders

Excellent health, temperament and hunting ability are the essence of our German Wirehaired Pointers, and our primary considerations. We believe that these three essential qualities, bred carefully and with the consideration they truly deserve, also make the GWP an exceptional household pet that excels in any job given to them. Conformation, intelligence, work ethic and other attributes that complement our primary aims are equally important to our breeding program. Health Testing is a MUST for this breed!! We test for everything this breed is inflicted with, and will not breed any dogs with health issues!! We test hips, elbows, thyroid, eyes, and vWD (bleeding disease).

Health Considerations

The GWP in the United States today is plagued with various health issues, and we feel that testing our breeding dogs' health is important to produce healthy puppies that will live long and function into old age as a hunting partner and pet. Our dogs are hip and elbow x-rayed and submitted to OFA for evaluation. We also run full thyroid panels, von Willebrand (vWD) test, and CERF eye test our dogs. We pedigree research in order to take extra precautions to avoid the multitude of inherited diseases and conditions, such as epilepsy, and take care to avoid producing and propagating genetic disorders into the gene pool.

Temperament Considerations

Quality of mind is very important as is a certain level of "toughness" (never aggression) and resiliency. GWP's with the correct temperament are easily trainable for any job and also makes them exceptional pets and house dogs. Our dogs compete in the obedience ring, as well as agility, and rally.

Hunting Ability

Our dogs are working hunting dogs, but they also competed in various venues such as conformation dog shows, field trials, hunt tests and NAVHDA testing to help us assess our breeding stock. We do not, however, discount the differences in competitive events and real hunting, and most of all, we hope to produce dogs that will serve as hunting companions. Exceptional drive, strong pointing and retrieving instincts, water love, willingness to please and intelligence are all characteristics we value in our dogs.

Conformation Considerations

We breed to the GWP standard, "The functional wiry coat is the breed's most distinctive feature. A dog must have a correct coat to be of correct type. " Balanced and moderate type is strongly preferred, and extremes are avoided. "The German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile hunter built for agility and endurance in the field. Correct size and balance are essential to high performance."

German Wirehaired Pointer

Hunting, Stud Services

Courtney Vogel-Bastian & William Bastian
Mayville, Wisconsin 53050

Breeding quality gun dogs for over 8 years.

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I have been breeding, raising and showing dogs for over 35 years. My husband and I were looking for a versatile hunting breed to add to our dog family that he could hunt with and that I could show in conformation. We met Courtney and Bill and their Wirehair clan at the Wisconsin Dog Fair and soon feel in love with the German Wirehaired Pointer. We acquired a female puppy from Claddagh Kennel last summer. Not only do we have an outstanding hunting dog, she is a beautiful conformationally sound dog as well. We are new to hunt tests and NAVHDA and Courtney and Bill have provided excellent guidance and support in all aspects of training. Their extensive pedigree knowledge of their dogs, hunting expertise and veterinary science training broadens their base for selection of breed type and genetic stability and predictability. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to get to know them over the recent years and I would highly recommend them as breeders.
Kristin & Paul Wehking

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I've been into German wirehaired pointers for over 30 years. I participate in confirmation, hunt tests, field trials, and various pheasant and chucker challenges. I think the female puppy I purchased from Claddagh Kennels is potentially one of the best dogs I've seen in my 30 years of experience. Her coat, confirmation, and disposition are right at the top of the breed. I am extremely excited about her potential. She is a Timo puppy, and I believe she has inherited all of his excellent traits. If you have any questions, call me at 651-480-1454.

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After getting to know William & Courtney & their GWPs over the last couple years, I have to say that they're a class act with excellent dogs. I can honestly say that they have a truly balanced approach to developing dogs that hunt well, are well-built & have great dispositions. In particular, they have done a great job with Timo in getting his NAVHDA Utility Prize I & in setting a great foundation for Camus for the future. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Timo & Camus continue to develop over time. For GWP breeders who are dedicated to doing things right, I'd definitely recommend Claddagh!

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I am a novice gun dog owner. Bill and Courtney have helped tremendously. They have given my family a dog that is great around the house and is a definite hunter in the field. They have answered all of my questions along the way. I believe that they truly care that we are happy with the dog, for both our's and the dog's sake. I would highly recommend them.

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I purchased a puppy from Courtney and Bill about a
year ago. In addition to getting a wonderful, happy, heathy puppy, I gained a breeder who has been extremely responsive to all of my questions. This is despite the fact that we live in different states.

I am extemely happy with my puppy
and would highly recommend them!

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