March 2012 Newsletter - Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club

The Whoa Post
A publication of the Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club
Newsletter Date
March 2012
March 2012
Inside this issue:
Tails from the Field
1
Tails from the Field
Ask Butch
Up Coming Events
2
MEMORIES by Lynda Kieres
4
Photo Gallery
5
The Epagneul Breton as a
Separate Breed Using
Mitochondria DNA
6
When Ken called and asked me to write a “Member’s Profile”, I said “sure.” What surprised me the most – when I
started thinking about what to write – was that I’ve been at
this for over 13 years. YIKES! Who knew . . . . ?
Little did I dream that day sitting at the kitchen table when
Chris and I decided to get an Epagneul Breton, what an
adventure it would turn out to be.
Field Trial at Hyalite Kennel 8
Luc
9
Recipe
10
Product Review
11
Field Trial Double Header
13
Officers for 2011-2012
President:
Kenneth Bruwelheide
Vice President:
Peter Ward
Treasurer:
Fred Overby
Secretary:
Sherry Niesar
Newsletter & Web Site:
Peter Wax & Sherry Niesar
For years my friends and family have heard me reminisce about my “trip of a
lifetime” when I had the opportunity to travel to Germany to visit several
German hunting clubs and observe the fall hunt tests. Recently, my daughter
reminded me of that; and then she pointed out, “you know you’ve gone to
Europe FIVE TIMES since then and each and every trip has been “a trip of a
lifetime.” And it’s all because of these lovely little dogs.
I’ve made so many friends, from all ends of this country, Canada, and
throughout Europe: Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark,
Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Greece, Spain – my goodness, I can’t count
them all. And it’s all because of these little dogs.
Here is just a summary of some of these wonderful trips and the memories:

Chris and I spent 10 days in Belgium with Georgine WeberDierrick and her wonderful husband Alphonse (Apo). After
waiting for 3 years for
“Destinée,” we decided we
deserved to go pick her up. The
memories of that trip will live on
in our hearts forever.
Destinée - 2005
Continued on page 3
Page 2
March 2012
Ask Butch
We attempted breeding again this winter with no luck. As you might recall I asked you some
questions last summer and I took your advice, we got a cytology and then attempted AI’ing, but
never got a good enough collection, or maybe we were a hair late. Anyway, this time Diego was
ready to mount but both females, first Bandy, and then Jersey would yip and move when he tried
mounting, even though they were standing and flagging and showed all signs of ready at the
time. They weren't snapping to telling him no, but yipping and trying to get away. I am wondering if you think I will ever get them to tie or if I will have to rely on Artificial Insemination to
get them bred? Todd
Todd...Good to hear from you. Although this may not be a training question it's worthy of n opinion as to why
you're struggling. The practice of breeding dogs has been around a long time. I can remember a person throwing two dogs in a barn with ten days of food and water and two months later a litter was born. Not so today in
most circles. My question is, "If a male is not aggressive enough to get the job done, should he be breeding
stock?" Is there a genetic link to poor performance in the breeding pen? These are the very questions I've talked
to my vet about as I'm A.I.ing my own dogs. Many outside factors are involved. Did the stud have an
injury? Does the female show no signs of submissiveness? And if so, should we be breeding her? Is there a
genetic link to this problem? Does the male lack experience? Have we put the male and female together too soon,
which can cause problems? So many more potential hazards on why we are not producing. Should we give
up? My answer is no.
Todd, my first line of attack would be a collection of the male. Make sure there's a bunch of aggressive
soldiers. Even if you find some are they strong enough to swim up-river to get the job done? I've had this
issue. Next, swab your females to test for infection. Chances are good this is not the problem but we need to
eliminate the obvious. Then when all parties have passed these tests, look at their surroundings. Are they in
kennels or are they a family group in the house? One reason for a lack of breeding aggression in males is when
multiple females are around there are many chances for biting when they aren't ready. You might not have noticed
but he's had his nose lit up I'm guessing. Let's goon. Day ten is when I introduce the male. If I'm not sure I have
a sequence of cytology's done to make sure she's coming and not going. By the way, I've had a pointer female
ovulate on the fifth day. Darn near impossible to breed then, but we got her done. I keep them separated and
only try when I'm available. You might have to change elevations due to size but two abiding players can
overcome even this. Time and space will not allow all my experiences so call me for specifics. Don't give up on a
coupling. I do believe that some absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Continued on page 3
March 2012
Page 3
Ask Butch—Continued
I've even brought a teaser male in but much experience and heavy gloves plus a Stout rope is a must. If all of this
still doesn't accomplish our goal then you could try an experienced male and if that doesn't work then A.I.. What
methods did you try? Was the collection large enough? Not all vets are equal. Some take on the challenge with
more gusto and I would go with the gusto.
This will give you a start. It's not the breeding bible, though I do believe that attending Church could help. Keep
trying and take care.
p.s. My good veterinary friend once said that breeding animals is a humbling experience, how true, how true
Butch
Put Butch’s many years of experience to work for you. Don’t be shy and if you want your name left off we can
make the questions anonymous. Send you questions to: Butch Nelson PO Box 858, Denton, MT 59430 or
[email protected]
Tails from the Field continued from Page 1


And then there was the Centenary in 2007, celebrating the 100 Year Anniversary
of the Epagneul Breton. I can’t begin to describe what an experience that was.
(In spite of the lost luggage debacle.)
The very next year I had the privilege of taking one of my dogs (TR CH
TopperLyn D’Artagnan) to Germany to present him at the C.B.V. National
Breed Show, where I also had the honor to apprentice judge with CEB President
Christian Gunther. What a trip THAT was. After the show I spent several days
at the home of Hermann Wreesman and his lovely wife Andrea. Again, I could
go on and on.

The following year I ventured off to France yet once
again, thank goodness for my GPS “Hildi.” There I had
the honor of spending nearly a whole week at the home of
D’Art - Germany 2008
Christian Gunther and his lovely wife Collette.

2010 afforded me another opportunity to apprentice judge, but this time at the
Nationale d’Elevage in Millau. That DEFINITELY was the opportunity of a
lifetime!
 And then, of course there are the thousands of miles traveled to Shows, Field
Trials, Tests and National Specialties here in the US. Sometimes just GETTING
THERE was an adventure in and of itself. Remember when we lost Trinite and
Nikki – and then there was the snowstorm between Montana and South Dakota with
drifts over 7’ high . .
Envie - France 2009
I am constantly amazed at how many, many memories these dogs have given me.
Certainly you would think enough to last a lifetime, but it’s not over yet. Every day
brings yet even more memories - “You should have seen what Hawk did
yesterday . . .”
Page 4
March 2012
Upcoming Events
April 21, 22 & 23, 2012: Great North Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club Field Trials and Tan
Benson, Minnesota
http://ceb-us.org/2012% 20Benson%20FT%20Premiums.pdf
For more information contact Kristin Lodermeier, [email protected] 612-877-2773
April 28 & 29, 2012 - Big Sky Epagnuel Breton Gun Dog Club Field Trial and Tan
Denton, Montana
http://ceb-us.org/2012%20MT%20FT%20Premiums.pdf
For more information contact Glen Gunderson, [email protected] 320-815-0663
A Big Thank You To Club Members In Advance...
Thank you, in advance, to all of the folks who are working to put on the club's
field trial on April 28 and 29 at Hyalite Kennels in Denton, Montana. Thank you
to Butch, Chairman and Glen, Secretary for their work before -during -and after
the trial; Butch and Karen for their hosting the trial at Hyalite Kennels and for
opening their home and finally to the honorable judges Anne Johnson and Sherry
Niesar for their time and knowledge. I do not want to forget all of the trial participants and their dogs and the reason we do these things.
A special thanks for all members who have yet to pay their annual club dues and
trial entry fees. I know you just forgot but we need to know who will be participating in the trial so that the birds may be ordered as well as accommodations arranged. THANK YOU!!!
Ken Bruwelheide
www.ceb-us.org
The CEB-US has a new web site. The site has been updated, organized, and hopefully more user friendly.
Give it a look and tell us what you think.
Join CEB-US Facebook page. If you have a Facebook
page, request to become a friend, its that easy. You can
post your pictures, hunting stories or just events that
you share with your Epagneul Breton.
March 2012
Picture Gallery
If you have a picture you would like to share with the club, please
email it to Sherry at [email protected]
Page 5
Page 6
March 2012
The Epagneul Breton as a Separate Breed Using
Mitochondria DNA By Peter Wax
The study of canine genetics is improving at a rapid rate due to new methods and larger data bases. It was not that
many years ago that the only way to trace a dogs ancestry was on paper, a less than perfect method in a less than
perfect world. Then with DNA sequencing we were able to add definite parentage which reduced errors and
caught a number of “Paper Errors”. The current studies using mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) are now beginning to
identify the ancestral lineages of whole breeds. This forensic ability has and will continue to connect the science to
the verbal and written history of the pointing breeds.
Tracking mtDNA works because mtDNA in mammals are inherited exclusively from the mother but passed on to
both her male and female progeny. The fact that mtDNA is maternally inherited enables researchers to trace the
maternal inheritance into the very distant past. Because mtDNA is not highly conserved and has a rapid mutation
rate, it is also useful for studying the evolutionary relationships of phylogeny. Biologists can determine and then
compare mtDNA sequences among different breeds and use the comparisons to build an evolutionary tree.
This has significant ramification for the Epagneul Breton as currently in the USA only the United Kennel Club
recognizes it as a discrete breed from the American Brittany. However the ground work to definitively answer the
question of lineage has already been accomplished by a D. Parra, S. Me’ndez, J. Canon and S. Dunner (attached
abstract) who have identified through mtDNA research that the verbal and written history of the pointing breeds
is overall accurate and that the Epagneul Breton was developed isolated from the other pointing breeds.
Epagneul Bretons
American Brittany
Genetic differentiation in pointing dog breeds inferred from microsatellites and mitochondrial
DNA sequence by D. Parra, S. Me´ndez, J. Can˜o´n and S. Dunner Department of Animal Production, Veterinary Faculty,
Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain International Society for Animal Genetics, Animal Genetics, 39, 1–7 1
“Summary: Recent studies presenting genetic analysis of dog breeds do not focus specifically on genetic relationships among pointing dog
breeds, although hunting was among the first traits of interest when dogs were domesticated. This report compares histories with genetic
relationships among five modern breeds of pointing dogs (English Setter, English Pointer, Epagneul Breton, Deutsch Drahthaar and
Continued on page 7
March 2012
Page 7
The Epagneul Breton as a Separate Breed… Continued from Page 6
German Shorthaired Pointer) collected in Spain using mitochondrial, autosomal and Y-chromosome information. We identified 236
alleles in autosomal microsatellites, four Y-chromosome haplotypes and 18 mitochondrial haplotypes. Average FST values were 11.2,
14.4 and 13.1 for autosomal, Y-chromosome microsatellite markers and mtDNA sequence respectively, reflecting relatively high genetic
differentiation among breeds.
The high gene diversity observed in the pointing breeds (61.7–68.2) suggests contributions from genetically different individuals, but that
these individuals originated from the same ancestors. The modern English Setter, thought to have arisen from the Old Spanish Pointer,
was the first breed to cluster independently when using autosomal markers and seems to share a common maternal origin with the
English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer, either via common domestic breed females in the British Isles or through the Old
Spanish Pointer females taken to the British Isles in the 14th and 16th centuries. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequence indicates
the isolation of the Epagneul Breton, which has been formally documented, and shows Deutsch Drahthaar as the result of crossing the
German Shorthaired Pointer with other breeds. Our molecular data are consistent with historical documents.”
Club Membership
You are an important component of the Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Dog Club. Your dues go towards
important programs in dog training education, trials and social events for club members and their dogs.
Membership dues are important to the financial health of the club. Please complete the membership form below
and return it with your payment to Fred Overby.
Send dues to:
Fred Overby
c/o Overby Law Office,
101 E. Main Street, Suite C
Bozeman, MT 59715
Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Club Membership Form
Name_________________________________________________ 2nd Family Member ______________________________
Address_______________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________
Membership Category
$20 Individual Membership _____
$30 Family Membership _____
Make Check out to: Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Club
Return form and Dues to: Fred Overby c/o Overby Law Office, 101 E. Main Street, Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59715
Send General Correspondence to: Kenneth Bruwelheide,1406 Robin Lane, Bozeman, MT 59715
Page 8
March 2012
Make Plans to Attend the FIELD TRIALS and T.A.N. at
Hyalite Kennel
In your planner, PDA or calendar make sure you block out the dates April 28-29 for the Liberated Field Trials at
Hyalite Kennel, Denton, MT. This is a trial that is a joy to attend and participate in with your dog, no matter what
stage of training. Spectators are always welcome and encouraged. There is something for everyone!
On Saturday, April 28th Open Solo, Open Braces, Gun Dog Solo runs will be held. Also, a TAN will be offered
for dogs three years and under to evaluate natural ability. The Honorable Anne Johnson & Honorable Sherry
Niesar will be judging the events. Start time for Saturday is 8:00 am.
Sunday, April 29th offers up Open Solo and Gun Dog Solo with the Honorable Anne Johnson & Honorable
Sherry Niesar judging the events. Start time for Sunday is 8:00 am.
Meals will be offered on site for all that are there to run, observe and help out. There is a small charge for meals.
The designated game for the both days is Bob White Quail.
Entry fees for the events are T.A.N.: $30.00 Gun Dog: $40.00 Open: $50.00. Entries
are due by April , 2011. All late entries pay a $10 late fee and run last in the order. Mail
your entries to:
Glen Gunderson
P.O. Box 34
Benson, MN 56215
If you have questions about your entry, please contact Glen at 320-815-0663 or email him at:
[email protected]
To get to the Trial Headquarters from Denton, MT: Drive 4 miles E of Denton on Highway 81, turn North onto
Alton Cutoff Road, continue 1 mile North, then turn East onto Bally Dome Road, proceed for 5 miles, turn right
at the top of the hill.
For lodging information contact Karen Paugh or Butch Nelson at 406-567-4200 or email them at
[email protected]
This trial, it’s hosts, grounds, food and hospitality are exceptional. We hope to see you in Denton!
March 2012
Page 9
Luc by Dave Brehm
About 5 years ago, I traveled to Montana with Luc after
purchasing him from Butch Nelson and Karen Paugh.
Luc was out of a litter from Shane and Minnie. I really
wanted a female for a variety of reasons that did not
include breeding but there were only two males left and I
purchased Luc instead. Butch shipped him to me in
Minnesota.
When I arrived at the airport shipping area I inquired
about a young pup in a crate from Montana. They
showed one pup being shipped to Mpls/St.Paul but he
was still in the process of leaving the plane and reaching
the appropriate office.
As the "expectant father" I agreed to wait just so long and
then determined the best course of action was for them to
find my puppy, who was probably scared stiff from the flight and all of the noise in the terminal. They agreed to
look for him asap!
They arrived about ten minutes later with the small crate with the wire access panel on top. I was no doubt acting
like an expectant parent but with "good cause" on my side. I accepted the crate and immediately took him away
from NOISES and outside. I then put the small kennel on the ground and flipped open the access screen. My
"scared puppy" immediately stood up, in the now open roof. He looked around as if to satisfy himself and then
settled back into the crate. The only one that was excited and in the vicinity was ME! Luc was calm, curious and
stood on his hind legs to assess his next step.
Once I was assured he wasn't traumatized by the flight or the loud noises at the terminal, I picked him to hold him
and talk soothingly. Luc was so calm and accepting of being held, I was amazed. Some 4+ years later he remains
just as calm today unless he is in the field hunting/training or for a round of exercise.
When the hunting begins he shifts automatically to finding game. Air scenting, quickly covering larger areas and
ground scenting once he locates a fresh scent. His effortless gait propels him over the field quickly and effectively.
His learning curve was much shallower
than mine and his patience is greater than
mine as well. He is all business once
released and his learning curve has proven
to be relatively shallow. Short whistles to
gain attention and hand signals are all that
is needed. The communication and
understanding between Luc and I is done
without sound for the most and that's not
"how good I am but how intuitive and
birdie this dog is!’
It's said that "birds make a great bird dog",
indicating that the more birds shot over
the dog, the better the dog!
Continued on page 10
Page 10
March 2012
Continued from page 9
I agree with that but would offer that a dog such as Luc has made me a better hunter in a variety of ways. I've
learned when to give them an opportunity to actually find the scent and birds by walking into the wind whenever
possible or at least quartering into the wind. My only desire is to give Luc a chance to use his breeding and talents
and the more birds we can get into .. the better!
Luc and I have bonded like no other dog I've ever owned and refreshed by my education regarding dogs and their
connection to their hunter - owners.
As a retired police officer, early in my career, I can recall a number of times responding to medical emergencies of
one type or another and upon arrival find one or two dogs and an owner that needed emergency care! The owners
for the most part placed the continuing care of their dog above their own care. I can recall stating on more than
one occasion, "don't worry about the dog, we have to take care of you for the time being"! Most would immediately reply " I'm not going anywhere without my dog being taken care of!" I just never understood until I bought
my first French Brittany and my second dog, Luc.... I understand now.
Tired of fried fish - try this recipe.
Fish Jambalaya*
2 cups Onion, chopped
1/2 cup Green pepper, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Butter/margarine
1 can (10 oz.) Diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup Sliced fresh mushrooms
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 can (10 oz) Stewed tomatoes
1 can (10 oz) Tomato sauce
1/2 tsp Salt
1 lb. Fish filets, cubed
Hot cooked rice
Put all items except rice in crock pot or slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Serve over rice.
*Feel free to substitute shrimp, chicken or sausage to suit your needs.
Do you have a favorite recipe you would like to
share in the newsletter? Send it to me at:
[email protected]
so it can be included in an upcoming issue.
Page 11
March 2012
Product Review
by Jared Tanner, Uplanders Warehouse
It’s getting to be that time of year when we have to start thinking about snake protection – even here in Montana.
I’m sure several of you have heard about the snake encounters even out here at the Headwaters State Park training
grounds. I know a lot of guys who go to great lengths to protect their dogs from snakes – snake training,
vaccinations, etc. – but they don’t think twice about their own safety and protection. They should.
With snakes, my motto is “better safe than sorry.” Yes, snake protection can be
uncomfortable to wear, and yes, it can be expensive to buy. But, it does give you a
lot of peace of mind in the field, and the expense is a LOT cheaper than the
medical bills associated with treating a snake bite – assuming you survive to get
medical treatment. So what are your options with snake protection, and exactly
how much will it cost? The options I recommend are chaps and gaiters – worn with
a good quality leather boot (but it doesn’t have to be a “snake proof” boot).
There are a few good manufacturers of snake chaps and gaiters, but there are primarily two
types of construction for the chaps and gaiters. The first is consists of a Cordura-type outer
material with a hard plastic insert that is sewn in panels. Extremely durable and definitely
snake proof – even backed by a $1 million guarantee – but not the most comfortable things
to wear. They also get pretty warm and you’ll lose some sweat – especially on hot days in
the field. But, they are less expensive than the other type of snake protection. Many years
ago, a company called Warwick Mills developed some proprietary fabric for the space
program – specifically for air bags for a Mars lander. The material had to be lightweight and
puncture proof. They succeeded in developing this fabric, and have since found many other
applications for it – including snake protection. They branded their fabric Turtleskin
SnakeAmor and they use it in both chaps and gaiters. It is a fabric – so it is flexible and very
lightweight (only 1.45 lbs for a pair of chaps). It also works really well in brush and briars.
The downside is the Turtleskin products are a bit pricey.
Your options basically boil down to this: less expensive and uncomfortable or expensive
Crackshot Snake
and comfortable.
Chapz
 Crackshot Snake Guardz (gaiters): $71.95
 Crackshot Snake Chapz Full Protection: $95.62
 Turtleskin SnakeArmor Gaiters: $114.95 (in-store only – priced higher online)
 Turtleskin SnakeArmor Total Protection Chaps: $224.95 (in-store only – priced higher
online)
Turtleskin Snake Chaps Benefits:
 Extremely light weight (only 1.45 lbs for the pair of Total Protection chaps)
 Breathable – much cooler than the traditional style snake chap, especially in warmer
southern states
 Flexible – they aren’t bulky or binding, leading to increased comfort as well
 Washable
 3 color options: tan, sage or camo (a ‘briar’ camo pattern – not like your typical Mossy
Oak-type pattern)
 Made in the USA
Crackshot Snake
Guardz
Continued on page 12
Page 12
March 2012
Produce Review Continued from page 11
Turtleskin Snake Chaps Cons:
 Price is higher. There are two styles – total protection chaps and knee-below
protection chaps. $224.95 in our retail store, or $244 online (Turtleskin forces
me to sell at their price online)
 I have had a couple of these returned for repair because the cuff material can
fray with heavy-use. That said, Turtleskin has repaired these chaps in every
instance at no additional cost to the customer. Turtleskin has good dealer
support and they stand by their product.
 The facing material that covers the snake-proof layer is a regular fabric and can
rip/tear or can be cut by sharp objects (like a stiff briar barb). The snake
material doesn’t get penetrated, but the outer fabric has been cut in a couple
cases. Again, Turtleskin has repaired these chaps that have been damaged.
Turtleskin SnakeArmor
Gaiters
Snake Chapz Pros:
 Very heavy-duty and durable – 1000 denier nylon
(Cordura-type material)
 Fairly light-weight (2.9 lbs for a pair of Snake Chapz)
 Lower cost (only $95.62)
 Available in 6 different sizes and 7 different colors
 100% guaranteed snake proof (backed by $1 million insurance)
 Made in the USA
Snake Chapz Cons:
 Due to the nature of the material and construction, they can be bulky and binding
to wear (not terribly comfortable)
 These snake chaps don’t breathe well and they get very warm, humid
environments
Turtleskin SnakeArmor
Total Protection Chaps
JT’s Two Cents:
Of the two types of snake protection, I sell a lot more of the Turtleskin (I personally use
these too). While the Turtleskin snake chaps are more expensive, the comfort is unbeatable. Most people I talk to
that are buying snake chaps are active – either hunting or hiking or working on the ranch, etc. Many times,
comfort becomes a priority over cost when the level of activity is factored in.
I mentioned to Ken that I would let him take a sample of each type of protection to your next field event for any
of you who are interested can check them out. Or, feel free to call us or stop by anytime – our information is
below:
Uplanders Warehouse
32D Shawnee Way
Bozeman, MT 59715
Web Site Has New Look
800-701-2761
Check out the updated Big Sky Epagneul Breton Gun Dog
[email protected]
Club web site at
http://montanabreton.com
It’s got a new look that is consistent with the Whoa Post.
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March 2012