Korthals Would Be Proud

I love all the pointing breeds of gundogs and, if I had space, would own one of each. But the French breeds stand out to me, perhaps because they were developed by hunters with similar interests—primarily upland birds and some waterfowl. Their softer temperaments and natural abilities have always drawn me in. I’ve promoted them in North America, recently writing for Project Upland to discuss their lack of recognition here and urging collaboration among clubs and owners to showcase these breeds in French-style tests and trials. Last weekend, I attended an event designed to do just that!

I attended the Land O' Lakes Cup, a United Kennel Club (UKC) field trial organized by the Korthals Griffon United States club near Milaca. Here is a link to some of the photos I took while I was there. The annual event is open to all UKC-recognized pointing breeds and features a variety of field trials and tests, culminating in a head-to-head runoff on Sunday to declare an overall winner. While I’ve attended field trials and hunt tests in France, this was my first experience with an event here based on the French system. After a few days to reflect, all I can say is BRAVO!

The weekend was a lot of fun, and I saw some outstanding dog work at all levels of the UKC pointing dog system, including the most advanced level of OPEN BRACE. While Griffons were in the majority, there were also Epagneul Bretons, Braque d’Auvergnes, Pudelpointers, Spinoni, Weimaraners and GSPs in the mix. Overall, I felt a strong sense of mutual support and respect among all the participants, mixed with a competitive spirit as handlers showcased their dogs’ full potential to the judges. The grounds were picture-perfect, and the weather was ideal. A highlight was the participation of Aline Tremblay from Quebec, who provided owners with an overall assessment of their dog’s conformation. I’ve long advocated for a system of certifying a dog’s conformation without the pageantry of a formal dog show, as I've written about in Project Upland.

Aline, with decades of experience with Korthals Griffons, took time with each dog to explain her methods and observations before giving a rating. For many, this kind of patient, methodical evaluation can be a refreshing and informative alternative to the busy, competitive show ring.

Building on the momentum from the Land O' Lakes Cup, it's clear that the Korthals Griffon United States is a relatively new club with big ambitions. Formed in 2022 and modelled on the parent club for the breed, the Club Français du Griffon Korthals, the US-based club follows FCI conformation and working standards and places a similar emphasis on the working abilities of its dogs. It hosts field trials that are effectively the same as those run in Continental Europe. They are also developing an Achievement Rating System to assess individual dogs, helping breeders and owners make informed decisions about selection. This system will use the results of UKC trials and conformation results, as well as data from events conducted in accordance with the rules and guidelines of other organizations, such as NAVHDA and the VHDF. The club also seeks to educate hunters, sportsmen, and dog owners about the history and use of the Korthals Griffon. The club is doing something I’ve been advocating for years: developing stronger relationships with the breed’s parent club in its homeland. Club founder Carrol Kemp, who has been to France several times, understands the importance of a strong French connection for the breed. One day, he’d even like to see an American team of Griffons compete in the European Championships!

Reflecting on this experience, I found it truly heartening to see a dynamic group of owners and breeders prove their dogs in the field and on the bench.  Korthals Griffon United States and its Regional events, like The Land O Lakes Cup and the Conformation Evaluation session, exemplify what can be achieved when like-minded people join together to forge a new way forward for their breed. I hope this will inspire other groups and clubs to follow a similar path. If you’d like to learn more about the club, check out their website or have a listen to this excellent podcast featuring club Founder & President Carroll Kemp and club Secretary Pete Aplikowski.