Go Celtic Cascade, “Dot”, is Dr. Gavin O’Connor’s 1 year 7 month-old German wirehaired pointer that calls Springfield, Missouri home.

 

“She has really impressed me with her keen nose,” says O’Connor. “(Dot) has been on point in places I would have argued there was absolutely no way there was a bird there, only to have one flush right where she told me it was. I have learned not to question her too much.”

 

WIRED TO HUNT: German wirehaired pointers trace their origins back to the late 19th century. 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. Sources differ on the exact lineage, though the German shorthaired pointer, wirehaired pointing griffon, pudelpointer, stichelhaar, and Deutscher-kurzhaar are commonly accepted as the most likely contributors.

 

Have a bird dog photo you’d like to share? Email it to Rehan Nana, Quail Forever public relations specialist, at RNana@quailforever.org.