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The appearance of the
Deutsch-Langhaar has changed little since its
standards were first defined in 1879. You can
find the Deutsch-Langhaar today in colors
ranging from brown, brown roan , and brown
and white.
Strict standards apply to the
breeding of the
Deutsch-Langhaar. The foremost
goal of the breeding program is
a versatile hunting dog with all
around great performance. Only
healthy and strong dogs with the
determination to complete the
most difficult hunting tasks may
be used for breeding. Of course,
they also may not have any
visible or hidden physical
defects. Every breeder must
comply with the breeding
regulations established by the
Deutsch Langhaar Verband.
Before a dog may be bred, it must pass a series
of hunting tests under the uniform testing
system of the JGHV. These tests evaluate natural
ability and trainability. A
Deutsch-Langhaar is required to demonstrate good
pointing ability, show passion in the water,
hunt loud when it encounters furred game, be
tough on predators, demonstrate willingness to
track and consequently track wounded game
reliably. Deutsch-Langhaars must be certified
clear of hip dysplasia, have a scissor bite with
a complete set of teeth, and must be rated in a
breed show with at least “good” in type,
conformation and coat in order to become
certified for breeding.
As is mandated by the
parent club’s breeding regulations, all data on
health, coat and conformation ratings, and
results of JGHV hunting tests for
Deutsch-Langhaars are collected each year by the
club’s official registrar who publishes the data
in a breed book yearly for use by members. The
collection includes data on Deutsch-Langhaars
whelped in the US as well. The president of
DL-GNA in the US reports the information to the
same registrar in Germany.
ONLY Tested and Proven Dogs Will Be Approved For Breeding.
One of the requirements
for a dog to be certified for breeding is to
pass once at least two of these JGHV tests
specifically for versatile dogs: The natural
ability (VJP) in the spring and the advanced
test in the fall (HZP).
For a dog to be considered a “finished”
versatile hunting dog,
it must also successfully pass the Utility Test
(VGP). This ultimate performance test has 38
individual test subjects takes two days to
complete.
A dog that
has passed this test can be expected to fulfil
any versatile hunting task reliably if it is
handled properly and hunted regularly.
The Deutsch-Langhaar can be seen hunting beyond
Germany in growing numbers.
In
countries where the national kennel clubs are
affiliated with FCI in Belgium, breed clubs for
the Deutsch-Langhaar have formed and sponsor the
breed in accordance with the official breed
standards. Over the years breed clubs outside
Germany noticed that their dogs had undergone a
change in temperament and deterioration in
performance. This disconcerting development in
the breed was attributed to the overemphasis of
breeding for “show qualities” and a testing
level reduced to the minimal demands of hunting
as a sport or no performance standards at all.
Breed clubs, such as Deutsch Langhaar-Gruppe
Nordamerika, of the Deutsch-Langhaar outside
Germany are now making a concerted effort to
re-establish the original qualities of this
breed both in temperament and performance
through targeted breeding and exclusive rights
to select imports from Germany. A sure method to
accomplish this is for clubs outside of Germany
to adopt and implement the German breeding
regulations in their countries, and test their
dogs under the uniform JGHV system.
This was accomplished successfully in 2008 when
a Deutsch-Langhaar–Gruppe Nordamerika (DL-GNA)
was formed by some dedicated supporters of the
breed in the USA. DL-GNA and its members have
vowed to continue the proven German tradition of
breeding and testing the Deutsch-Langhaar in
full compliance with the rules and regulations
of the German parent club (Deutsch Langhaar
Verband). DL-GNA is proud to report success with
the regulated breeding program and is determined
to continue its work under the auspices of the
parent club. Consequently, these performance
tested hunting dogs have increasingly raised the
interest of the American hunter who is looking
for a dependable and versatile hunting
companion.
Deutsch-Langhaar owners/breeders throughout
Europe recognized a deterioration of hunting
ability and temperament in dogs whelped outside
of Deutsch Langhaar Verband regulations.
Therefore, individuals within Finland,
The Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Norway,
Switzerland, and the Czech Republic founded The
International Deutsch-Langhaar Association in
2010. The International clubs’ purpose is to
support its member clubs worldwide and safeguard
the breeding objectives on a global scale by
representing the breed’s interests towards
national kennel clubs and FCI.
The Deutsch-Langhaar Verband is faced with yet
another challenge which is to maintain its high
standard internationally. In some countries,
supporters of this breed have united in clubs
where they change the name of the breed or
modify the official breed standards. The German
parent club does not endorse such clubs and does
not consider their dogs to be true
Deutsch-Langhaars. FCI has been asked to help in
this matter and is in the process of taking
measures to stop such activities.
The Deutsch Langhaar Verband takes it mission
seriously to promote and preserve the breed
through performance breeding and testing. Any
compromise in pursuing the traditional goal for
the breed which was then and still is today
“Bred by the hunter for the hunter” will affect
the quality of the dogs. Member countries of the
International Deutsch-Langhaar association are
committed to the original breeding regulations
from Germany which will ensure that the dogs of
this fine breed are of the same high performance
quality worldwide.
Currently, the versatile
Deutsch Langhaar hunts game in more than 21
states and provinces across North America.
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