I am not a Brittany or English Pointer fan. I make no apologies
about it. The problem I have with the two breeds is the breeds seem to be
aloof, non affectionate dogs. For a dog that is suppose to be your companion
throughout the year I find that tendency distasteful.
I like springers, labs, goldens and vizslas. Dogs that
need to wag their tail off and jump up and down when you approach their
pen. Dogs that scream "come over here, we're glad you stopped by."
That being said I continue to search for a breeder who
will change my mind. Happily I believe Don and Diane Ascher of Monticello,
MN may have done that.
The Ascher's breed a basic birdy gun dog for the basic
hunter. And they breed a dog that is a pleasure to be around. They do not
trial or test their dogs. But their lines have thrown some dogs that have
scored well across the nation and in fact around the world. John Kim of
Korea has one of the Ascher's dogs and calls back periodically. When Don
asks how the dog is doing? John typically answers in broken English: "We
had very big trial, my dog wins everything, very good dog."
The Aschers have had Brittanys for about 15 years. They
have been breeding for about half that long. There lines are from Ban-Dee
(out of Kansas City) and Brandy's Bullet (Delmar Smiths) lines. A trademark
dog from those lines is Ramarda's Trademark. Ramarda's Trademark was the
90 All age dog of the year, Sire of the 94 National Gun Dog Champion, and
Sire of the 95 National Gun Dog Champion. Showing the most important facet
of a line: the ability to throw birdieness and style to the next generation
is very potent. You can have the best dog in the world, but if it can pass
on it's genes, it will remain one of a kind.
The Aschers OFA all of their dogs for hip dysplasia and
give a written MN state health guarantee free of genetic problems.
They also tattoo all of their dogs and pups. For dogs that
might get lost that is not a bad idea. The tattoo numbering system is interesting.
The national dog registry has given the Aschers the letters AB Ascher's
Brittanys (DD was taken) to use in all of their registrations. A typical
Ascher registration number is NDR AB 3214
NDR is the National Dog Registry
AB for Ascher or DD Brittanys
3 for Dam number 3
2 for Sire number 2
1 for the A or 1st breeding
4 for the fourth pup in the litter
So if someone calls the police, pound, lab or vet with
that tattoo the national registry can quickly identify exactly which dog
it is.
Diane Ascher is only one of 15 animal tattooist in the
state and tattoos about 60 dogs, in addition to theirs, a year. They charge
$12 per dog plus a kennel registration fee to the national registry of $38.
They also tattoo dogs that have implants since the implant identifier people
still have three non standard systems.
Don watches his bloodlines close. He will not breed a dog
before it his two years old and has proven itself both in the field and
on the vets table. The number one thing he breeds for is a birdy dog. And
again I must add, one with a very good demeanor. He likes a smaller brit
and they are good looking little dogs with some of his pups becoming show
champions.
If your in the market for a good family dog that can find
birds and you have an extra $350 burning a hole in your pocket give Don
and Diane Ascher a call at 612-295-3801 you'll be glad you did.
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Copyrights Bird Dog & Retriever News March 1998
Do not reproduce or retransmit in any form
Maintained by Dennis Guldanpublisher@Bird-Dog-News.Com
Bird Dog & Retriever News, 563 17th Ave NW, New Brighton, MN 55112,
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