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How did I get
there!
As a member of the French club (Club Français
du Griffon à Poil
Dur Korthals) since 1999, I’ve always been interested
in “nice and typical griff”. The breed comes
from France so it’s obvious to me that the best and
most reliable griffs are there. That is why we own 3 griffons
from Normandie. Des Bords du Dan line is issued from an
old bloodline - De La Réoté - and I’ll
work very hard toward this goal: to keep the essence of
this bloodline and produce excellent hunting and family
dogs.
From the arrival of Pirate in 1999, we have made giant
steps, not to say the least! Kilometers and kilometers
and … miles.
Griffs drove us to East USA, from Kentucky to Ontario,
with a loop in France (north and south).
Griff’s owners always get together somewhere in the
world!
As a AQGPD East of Québec representative from
April 2003, I actively took part in the Club’s activities.
Since 2009, I’m very happy to serve as NAVHDA secretary
for the Montreal chapter. Being an apprentice-judge for 2
years (2006-2007), I believe I can bring my little experience
and serve the people’s interest to the best I can.
The way I train my dogs is based on the NAVHDA philosophy.
In 2005, in Minnesota and for the first time in my life,
I tested for VC (versatile champion):Pirate des Bords du
Dan and Toulouse des Bords du Dan. They became the first
2 AQGPD’griffs to own this title. I was also the first “lady” and
the first “québécoise” to test
2 dogs at the same time and to succeed!
I also handled my dogs in NASTRA
field trials. To sad,
trials are too far away for Saguenay.
To top it all, I helped organized a lot of get-togethers
like the Défi Maître-Chasseur (2002-2003-2005)
in Saguenay.
We are still very active and training is part of our routine.
With a bunch of hunting dog lovers, we train every Wednesday – as
soon as the snow melts – and it’s been like
this for 3 years now.
Now let’s talk conformation! A good hunting dog
must possess a structural body without obvious defects.
If not, he will not last long. He will quit swimming
after a while or he will need a pause somewhere during
hunting season. Often, he will be prone to articulations’ problems.
You will not be able to enjoy you dog long enough.
To understand, one must learn and listen. Conformation
is the key. Always compare to the standard. Always come
back to the essence, not the “IN” product at
the time. To understand, I rely on experts and I attend
classes like the "Puppy Puzzle", Pat Hasting
(October 14th, 2006) and “stripping the wirehaired” (May
3rd, 2006).
American Specialties is also an excellent place to see,
listen, learn and question other griffs’owners.
Let’s not forget obedience. At winter time, while
nobody can go out, I take obedience lessons but I keep
some Saturdays for me: I play curling. We must not forget
ourselves!
DuValin is
a member of:
Canadian
Kennel Club
American
Kennel Club
Association
Québécoise du Griffon à Poil Dur
Club
Français du Griffon à Poil Dur Korthals
American
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association
Club du
Chien de Chasse de Québec
Club
du Chien Rapporteur du Saguenay Lac St-Jean
North
American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
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