Hemphill cant' ... Wirehairs that don't and can't hunt is a real issue for Mike. He says he has seen many GWP's that simply don't have basic instinct. He says he has a problem with breeders who sell puppies from long lines with no proven hunting ability to hunters because they didn't turn out to be "show quality." "Genetically, Wirehairs are mutts. Especially with all the outcrosses to create the breed," Hemphill said. "Other, older breeds don't fall apart as fast. I see Wires that just don't hunt, but they're very seldom out of field trial stock." The best way to judge a dog's ability is by actually watching it work, instead of breeding to titles, Hemphill says. "Go watch the dogs. See if they exhibit qualities you want. Some dogs out there you can see are a team with the trainer. Other dogs it's a constant test of wills. The only way you know is to go watch. The second best way to learn about a dog is to talk to a pro about what dog he likes. Pros know which dogs are honest and which are made dogs," Hemphill said.
has nothing to do with ability to run. It's not just structure, it's not just heart or desire. There's something that makes some dogs natural athletes while others aren't. It's not necessarily conformation." An AKC approved field trial judge, Hemphill is currently serving as interim Western Director for the GWPCA board. He is serving out a term that ends this year and intends to run again. He said he'd like to serve the people in the Western Region, "like being a councilman for your district." "I'm supposed to represent the people out here. If people have input, they should call. There's decisions that have to be made, and I try to keep a balance between representing people out here and what they think, and my 30 years of experience. I'll listen to anyone who wants to talk to me about what they think is a problem or what needs to be addressed," Hemphill said.
After watching field trial dogs for three decades, Mike has one observation that runs counter to conventional wisdom. He says a lot of the things judges look for in the show ring don't necessarily work in field dogs.
In reference to the current hot topic of black roan dogs being shown, Hemphill said, "I'd like to see judges judge dogs by our standard. If there is a vote to change the standard, I'd vote in favor of approving black dogs. But right now it says it's a severe penalty. A severe penalty is worse than a fault. All dogs have faults, they shouldn't have severe penalties. This has been coming up for 30 years. There's a minority that wants to have black dogs accepted in the show ring. That's fine if they work through channels. Black's not going to make harder coats or darken pigments. It's not going to do a lot of things except give us black dogs."
"There's nothing to stop a good-looking dog from being a good field dog," Hemphill said. "But dogs are judged at a trot in the ring. Dogs don't do that when they're hunting. Show ring conformation
You can reach Mike Hemphill at Flint3773@aol.com or 509922-8118 if you would like to contact him about a question or concern for the Board.
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