Highwind |
Interview to a Deerhounds breeder and judge: Björn Fritz (Fritzen's kennel) |
by Sandra Zanolla - Italy |
Why
have you chosen this breed and how did you approach and started in
it? We, Björn Fritz & Klaus
Krüger, started almost at the same time with Deerhounds. What does " Deerhound"
mean for you? Interesting
question, - when I think back what other have said about the breed I would
very much like to repeat their points of view. It is the most perfect
creature of heaven. The breed is tall, elegant without being fragile, not
aggressive, not smelly, not noisy, devoted to the owner and most of all a
reliable companion. Since January 1990. The typical Deerhound at home is always friendly never
hectic or noisy. And in the field an athlete with this look in his face
“I enjoy live – I enjoy being with you”. Anyone who answers this question with a yes is either
ignorant or has not read the standard. I have seen superb examples of the
breed, - such as Betsinda of Rotherwood, Ardkinglas Idol and her beautiful
daughter Val, Rosslyn Carric and her son Killoeter Onich. A mixture of
this lot would be perfect! The best Deerhounds we bred are from our point
of view F. Dorian Gray and F. Kate. The best memories I have are from the time I lived in
the United Kingdom. I met and became friends with the leading Deerhound
and sight hound people. These are definitely my most positive and
influential memories. We have always between ten and fifteen dogs. What are the principles you
follow when planning a litter? The dogs have to “fit”. This means that we would
never breed two dogs that have the same fault. We are very lucky to know
the background of our dogs more than well. We do like to choose a male
where we know the background. Other breeders have shown us with their
breeding results that going into lines where you have no knowledge of, can
give you a rather different type of Deerhound. And sometimes that is not
what the standard describes and is asking for. What do you suggest is important
to look for choosing a puppy in a litter? We do not like to choose or make definite decisions
before they are eight weeks old. Deerhounds do develop rather late. At six
weeks they look all the same. We love broad well developed hind-quarters,
low hocks, a long body, small ears, small feet and a dark eye. What do you do to achieve the
best physical and mental development for a Deerhound? Deerhounds have to go every day for a walk. For
puppies a big garden is lovely, they should know that a vacuum cleaner is
not a monster. Also a radio with a good station (I mean with people
speaking and different sounds of music is very helpful) We do believe that
puppies should get as much exercise as they want and not as they
are forced to get. This year we will use three different British males.
Two living in the UK one is an import to Germany. No doubt the Ardkinglas dogs have been most
influential. Behind all present dogs is either Ardkinglas Inigo or from
the present hounds Kilbourne Shamus a son of Rotherwood Brandon who is
again also behind several other winning stock. Well, where shall I start? Is it the breed or some
breeders that try to create a different type…? A Deerhound should be in
very good condition till he reaches a good age (above 10!). Many breeders
do not care about the health of their hounds, so few are above five years
in the kennels or in the show-ring. Talking about the breed-faults, -
incorrect coats (no mane, no face furnishing), bad feet (to flat), poor
angulations, etc. Of course it is not easy to breed superb examples of the
breed but we all should at least try, I think some just put a Deerhound to
another one and hope for the
best………… All the time that we do not have to work to earn money
for keeping our beloved companions. In the house, except for the very young ones. But they
also come in when we are at home. We enjoy shows and especially meeting all our
“doggy” friends. Very few Deerhounds enjoy the show-ring. We do love
huge competitions like the Breed Show or our annual specialty. And how many shows do you think a
deerhound can " tolerate" (or bear) Do you work with other breeders? |
Last updated : 12th MAY 2006 |