Desert Wirehairs
I am dedicated to producing the finest possible versatile dog. A dog that will sit for long hours in a cold duck blind while being willing go all out for hours on end in the field. A dog that will wrestle down a big goose and gently bring in a limit of doves, a dog that points with class and style.
I spent several years searching out the dogs I use in my guiding operation. It was a painstaking process that tested my patience but I desired certain characteristics and bloodlines. I use these dogs for ducks, geese, desert quail, pheasants, sharptails, prairie chickens, Huns, doves and snipe. Because I hunt so many species I desired a dog that could handle it all. I don't believe the hunter should need a full kennel of various dogs to do the required work. This just isn't practical for most bird hunters.
Sage and Rio, Sage's last point
I will produce a very limited number of pups each year depending on prior orders. I want to produce pups going to hunting homes that will give the dogs the experience they were bred for. Wirehairs are wonderful family companions with the utmost loyalty to their family but they need to hunt. Ask any wirehair owner and they will tell you these dogs have an overdose of character making them fun in the home and field.
My dogs are fairly small, running 45-55 pounds. I feel very strongly that the smaller dogs have more endurance (bottom) than the larger specimens. They will also hunt later in life than their large counterparts. In addition I like dogs that are tough. I don't ever want to see a dog quit. This is one of the major reasons I chose wires for my primary guiding—desert quail. This country is brutal on a dog with heat, dryness, rocks and cactus. A dog has to go hard and have a great search. They must also hunt within themselves or they will be mush in short order. I like a dog with a bit more range and speed than a "typical" wire, adjusting to the terrain and game.
I want retrievers! My dogs are all natural retrievers. They do not require force-breaking which while may prove effective it does not foster classy retrieves or intense dead bird search. I believe a dog should be tenacious on a downed bird, doing whatever is necessary to bring it to hand.
Cholla
Lastly, I want to see intelligence. Intelligence makes the handler's life easier and results in a more productive and enjoyable companion. As a trainer, it is a joy to work a pup with above average intelligence. These dogs shine in the field, doing with ease what others struggle to achieve. I have a female who learned to whoa perfectly while watching an older pup being worked for two sessions outside her kennel. I told her whoa on a fleeing quail once and she's been steady to wing since. This kind of stuff makes the trainer look pretty special.
The 2006 price for pups is $700/male and $800/female. A $200.00 deposit is required to reserve a dog. Each pup is guaranteed for the first 12 months after purchase. The pup is guaranteed to be free of hip dysplasia to 25 months of age. Evidence is required to confirm and must be either PennHIP or OFA. Any medical problems must be accompanied by a medical history from a veterinarian. It is the responsibility of the owner to continue a vet proscribed vaccination schedule.
Once again thank you for your interest in my dogs and versatile dogs in general. Please call and we'll talk about further details and questions. References available on request.
