Banchory Bolo was the first-ever Dual Champion Labrador Retriever.
His is an interesting story. Not just rags to riches, but riches to rags and back to riches. Pull up a chair and learn about the dog who still has an influence on Labradors over one hundred years after his birth.
BOLO’S EARLY YEARS
Bolo was two years old when Mrs. Quintin Dick (later Lorna, Countess Howe) entered his life. She had owned his sire, Scandal of Glynn, who was “a charming and beloved companion and a great game-finder.”
When Scandal died, she wanted to find a dog to replace him. Unfortunately, none of the other dogs she owned could fill the gap his passing caused.
Her husband, Quintin Dick, suggested a son by Scandal. However, during the First World War breeding was restricted and Scandal had only sired one litter. In it, there were 13 puppies of which 12 were females.
The only male – originally named Caerhowell Bully – had been given away by his breeder. When Lorna(1) found him, he was given to her with the advice that if she didn’t want to keep him to have him put to sleep. They told her the dog was “hopeless” and had “an evil temper.”
When she picked him up at the train station, she realized what she’d been told was true. The dog was unkempt, had sores on his ears and he growled at her through the heavy muzzle he wore. Although he had a wonderful pedigree, she debated: Should she keep him or put him to sleep as she’d been advised?
Banchory Bolo
Lorna and Bolo
She must have had a kind heart as she took him home with her. After taking off the muzzle and chain, she turned him loose in a spacious room, but he was distrustful and surly. He wouldn’t come to anyone and it took quite a while to catch him.
Something must have happened to him in his earlier life. Heavy-handed trainer? Malicious kennel help?
He avoided people. When turned out for exercise, he was hard to catch. How could he be trained when he was so distrustful of people? What could soothe the savage beast?
It turns out it wasn’t music, but Lorna’s gentle care. When he became seriously ill, she nursed him back to health. During that time, he realized she was someone he could trust. As he recovered he became devoted to her and was always at her side.
THE STIRRINGS OF GREATNESS
When he started in training, Lorna found he had “a natural love of retrieving, an excellent nose, and a perfect mouth.” However, he also had two failings: he loved chasing rabbits and was terrified of cracking whips. One day when a stable boy happened to crack a whip near him, the fear took over and Bolo blindly sought escape. A tall, spiked gate didn’t stop him from running.
He returned early the next morning, covered in blood. “He had two very deep wounds on his chest, a tear three inches long in his groin and his hind leg and hock torn so badly that the bone was visible.” Because a veterinarian was too far away, Lorna stitched his wounds as he lay still for her.
Her doctoring and subsequent training was well done as the next fall he won a field trial prize. Then he quickly won two field trials and became a field champion. Two years later he also finished his show championship and became the first Dual Champion Labrador.
Lorna said, “He had quite the best nose I have ever seen in a dog and with apparently the greatest ease he would collect runner after runner after several other dogs had failed. I have never had a dog with such great natural ability or one so anxious to please me in every possible way.”
Lorna, Countess Howe and Banchory Bolo
FROM GREATNESS COMES GREATNESS
The genes from several great dogs came together in Banchory Bolo. We have Lord Malmesbury, the Dukes of Buccleuch, and Lord Knutsford (Munden kennels) to thank for their breeding insight and the dogs they produced.
Banchory Bolo’s pedigree:
| Scandal of Glynn | English FTCh Peter of Faskally | Waterdale Gamester |
| Birkhill Juliet | ||
| English FTW Shelagh of Glynn | English FTW Scamp of Glynn | |
| Shelagh of Danesbury | ||
| Caerhowell Nettle | Foxley Kennett | Hirsch’s Ranger |
| Bendysh Bess | ||
| Baker’s Nora | unknown | |
| unknown |
His family
Looking backward in time, Bolo’s sire, Scandal of Glynn, was a son of English FTCh Peter of Faskally. Peter won the International Gundog League’s Championship Stake for retrievers in 1911, but it was his partnership with his handler, Archie Butter, that set him apart from the other retrievers.
Butter realized that if a dog could be guided by his handler, the quicker he would be able to find and retrieve game. To do this, he adapted the methods used by shepherds when handling their dogs using whistles and hand signals. We still use a form of this method today.
Peter of Faskally’s pedigree is filled with dogs from the Munden and Buccleuch kennels. Munden Sixty (born 1897) appears three times in Peter’s pedigree and once more in Scandal of Glynn’s maternal line.
Buccleuch Avon
Sixty’s paternal grandfather, Buccleuch Avon (born 1885), was a gift from the third Earl of Malmesbury to the sixth Duke of Buccleuch.
Avon was sired by Malmesbury Tramp (born 1878) and out of Malmesbury Juno (born 1878). Another male, Buccleuch Ned (born 1882), was also a gift. These dogs were bred to bitches that descended from dogs imported originally by the fifth Duke of Buccleuch.
Another great in Peter of Faskally’s pedigree is Munden Single (born 1899). She was sired by Munden Sixty and descended from Munden, Buccleuch, and Malmesbury dogs. She’s best known for being the first Labrador to win a Challenge Certificate and the first Labrador to run in a field trial.
More Munden, Buccleuch, and Malmesbury
Less is known about Scandal of Glynn’s maternal side. His maternal grandfather, Scamp of Glynn FTW, traces to Buccleuch Ned, the other male gifted by Lord Malmesbury. And his maternal grandmother, Shelagh of Danesbury, is mostly from Munden dogs that trace back to the Buccleuch and Malmesbury kennels.
Even less is known about Banchory Bolo’s mother, Caerhowell Nettle, although her father traces back to Peter of Faskally as well.
BOLO’S LEGACY
With all the good genes passed down from his ancestors, it’s not surprising that he also produced well. He sired both show champions and field trial champions.
Bolo’s show offspring
In 1921, he was bred to Brocklehirst Nell (owned by Mrs. Dinwoodie) and sired English Ch Banchory Bluff, English FTCh Nith of Halleaths, and Brocklehirst Daisy FTW. Bluff was the maternal grandsire of English FTCh Balmuto Hewildo. Bluff was owned by Lorna.
Also in 1921, he was bred to Murrayfield Bett (owned by Mr. Dinwoodie) and sired English Ch Brocklehirst Donner. This dog was also owned by Lorna.
Yet another litter in 1921, produced English Ch Beningbrough Tangle. He finished his show championship, including winning the CC at Crufts in 1930 and he also won a field trial. So close to being another Dual Champion! He was bred by The Earl of Chesterfield and owned by Lorna. His mother was Thyme, a daughter of English Ch Ilderton Ben.
In 1922, Bolo was bred to a granddaughter of English Ch Ilderton Ben. Her name was Malta of Lunn and was owned by the Earl of Clarendon. In this litter was a female named English Ch Banchory Kelpie, owned by Lorna.
Breeding dogs all but stopped during World War I. This sent the Munden kennel to the edge of extinction. However Lorna “gave Lord Knutsford a puppy on the condition that he should eventually breed her with Dual Champion Banchory Bolo.”
He registered this puppy as Munden Scarcity. Her sire was English Ch Banchory Lucky and her dam was Banchory Betty. In Scarcity’s litter by Bolo, she produced both English Ch Banchory Danilo FTW and English Ch Munden Solo FTW. Lord Knutsford also kept Singer, a bitch, and another bitch was given to His Majesty the King.
Banchory Danilo
One of Bolo’s best sons
Danilo won 33 Challenge Certificates in the show ring and won the best exhibit in the Kennel Club Show in 1925. He went on to also win two field trial honors in 1924, handled by Lorna. Danilo sired English Ch Drinkstone Pons of Wingan (sire of American Ch Echo of Arden), English Ch Drinkstone Dan, and Haylers Danilo (sire of English Ch Poppleton Black Lancer).
When Danilo’s grandson, Hiwood Risk, was bred to Peggy of Shipton we see some of the Arden dogs, including American National Field Champion Tar of Arden and her offspring – American FC Firelei of Deer Creek, American NFC Black Magic of Audlon, American Dual Ch CFC Little Pierre of Deer Creek.
Danilo’s brother, Munden Solo, also did well at shows. At Crufts in 1927, he competed in ten classes, won six, and placed in three more. The judge wrote of him, ‘If there had been a little more of him in size, I think he would have been very near perfection.’
Bolo sired another English show champion, Banchory Bolo’s Trust, in 1926. His mother was Beaulieu Nance (daughter of English DUAL Ch Banchory Sunspeck).
English DUAL Ch Bramshaw Bob, double-bred on Bolo, won Best in Show at Crufts twice – 1932 and 1933. Lorna bought him from Sir George Thursby and when she took him to Crufts in 1932, Bob won all the classes he was entered in and won Best in Show on the second day.
Lorna said, “Cruft’s Show was, and still is, a great meeting place for gamekeepers. I shall never forget the overwhelming reception they gave Bob when the award was announced; it was so kind of them. They were pleased that a working gundog should receive this much-coveted award.”
Bolo’s field offspring
Bolo was bred to Kirkmahoe Dinah FTW in 1921. This litter included English National FTCh Kirkmahoe Rover, Banchory Corbie FTW, and Choice Of Kirkmahoe FTW.
Banchory Corbie won one Challenge Certificate (show points) and won the 1923 International Gundog League (IGL) Nomination Stake. Then he “broke his shoulder by galloping into a guard post” thus ending his show and field trial career. Lorna described him, “Corbie was in character and temperament all that a Labrador should be. He was highly intelligent, very faithful, a wonderful watch-dog and guard, yet very gentle with children. He had the great game-finding ability which goes with good nose and the brains to use it.”
Banchory Bolo and his son, Banchory Corbie
Another Bolo son was born in 1923, Banchory Roger FTW. He was linebred on English National Ch Peter of Faskally and on Munden Sentry.
Another male, English FTCh Balmuto Hewildo, was also double-bred on Bolo. Instead of winning in the show ring, he won the IGL Retriever Championship in 1936. This is comparable to the National Retriever Championship in the US.
In short, Bolo was a great producer.
A LEGEND
Author C. Mackay Sanderson wrote, “Bolo’s coming may be said to have breathed a spirit of new life into the breed, the prestige enjoyed by this dog as a competitive and stud force giving lasting impetus to Labrador fortunes and subsequently his name runs like a golden thread through all the vital streams of progress.”
“The Field wrote of Bolo: ‘If ever evidence were needed of the character of a great dog, and of his influence on the generations following him, it was to be found at the Retriever Championship Trial held at Idsworth last week [December 1932]. Out of fourteen dogs that won prizes, eight were descended from Banchory Bolo.'”
But Bolo also had another legacy – he tended to throw white hairs on the feet. These ‘Bolo marks’ or ‘Bolo pads’ are still sometimes seen on the bottom of the front feet and/or the back of the front pasterns.
Bolo died in July 1927. It was ten years before Lorna was able to give her heart to another dog.
English Dual Champion Banchory Bolo
Whelped: December 29, 1915
Died: July 10, 1927
Owner: Lorna, Countess Howe (AKA Mrs. Quintin Dick)
Breeder: Sir John S Harmood-Banner
Original name: Caerhowell Bully
Registration: KC SB 218AA
1. Although she became Lorna, Countess Howe because of her second marriage, she was known as Mrs Quintin Dick during Bolo’s lifetime. However for the sake of ease, I’ve used her first name here as it’s how she’s known by Lab enthusiasts worldwide.
Abbreviations:
Ch – Show champion
CC – Challenge Certificate (show points)
FCh – Field trial champion
NFCh – National field trial champion
FTW – Field trial winner (not a title)
CFC – Canadian field champion
IGL – International Gundog League
Not only one of 37 Labradors in the US to earn both a show and a field championship, but part of a dynasty. Four Dual Champions in four consecutive generations – 3xNFC CFC Dual CH Shed of Arden, father of Dual CH Grangemead Precocious, grandfather of Dual CH Cherokee Buck and great grandfather of Dual CH AFC Alpine Cherokee Rocket.
HIS BACKGROUND
Precocious was bred and owned by Thomas W. Merritt, a man who spent many years supporting the breed and competition he loved.
- Judged over 50 field trials, including the first National Amateur Stake in 1957 and the National Open (4 times).
- One of the original incorporators of the National Club.
- Past President of the Labrador Club.
- Was a Director of the American Kennel Club.
- President and Editor-in-Chief of the Retriever Field Trial News.
That’s in addition to breeding and owning some of the top Labs of the 1940s and 1950s. He reminds me of Lorna, Countess Howe in their efforts for the breed plus the great dogs they each owned.
Merritt mentioned one of his first puppies was Grangemead Angel who was sired by FC Freehaven Jay. Her mother was a granddaughter of Eng CH Banchory Trueman – another link to Lorna. He bred Angel to Am FC Eng FTCh Hiwood Mike who was a grandson of Eng Dual CH Banchory Painter, yet another link.
Grangemead Sharon, mother of Dual CH Cherokee Buck, was a puppy from the Angel x Mike litter.
HIS PEDIGREE
| 3xNFC CFC Dual CH Shed of Arden | CH Raffles of Earlsmoor | Thatch of Whitmore (Eng CCW) |
| Task of Whitmore (Eng CCW) | ||
| FC Decoy of Arden | Odds On (Eng FTW) | |
| Peggy of Shipton (Eng FTW) | ||
| Huron’s Lady | Am Eng CH Banchory Trump of Wingan | Blenheim Scamp (Eng FTW) |
| Lady Daphne | ||
| CH Bancstone Lorna of Wingan | Eng Dual CH Bramshaw Bob | |
| Eng CH Drinkstone Peg |
The Labrador Retriever was still pretty new to our shores at this time and all eight of Precocious’ great grandparents were British. Shed of Arden was sired by a British import and his maternal grandparents were both British imports. Precocious’ maternal grandparents were also British imports.
CH Raffles of Earlsmoor
3xNFC CFC Dual CH Shed of Arden
FC Decoy of Arden (right)
Banchory Trump of Wingan
Bancstone Lorna of Wingan
PRECOCIOUS GETS HIS START
He was born June 21, 1946, along with at least two litter brothers, Jock of Athabaska and Deer Creek Black Ace. Both brothers finished their show championships.
Merritt remembers Precocious as “a bigger dog than Shed. He was a good marking dog, especially in water and especially strong in water triples.” According to Helen Warwick in The Complete Labrador Retriever.
He was trained and handled by Harold Berentsen. He won his first Open stake at 28 months and finished his field championship about a year later.
During the summer of 1950 he became a show dog and often won Best of Breed. He even placed in the Group a couple of times. Admittedly entries were much smaller than they are today. He won his first Best of Breed on May 7, 1950 and finished his show championship on June 18, 1950. Having already finished his field championship, he became a Dual Champion that same day.
He qualified for and ran in four National Championships – 1948, 1949, 1950 and 1951. He was a finalist in 1950 and 1951.
HIS LEGACY
Some people say he was named Precocious because he sired his first litter at the age of six or seven months. Based on birth dates, he was actually a grand old pup of nine months when he did the deed.
But what a deed! In that one litter with Grangemead Sharon he sired:
DUAL CH CHEROKEE BUCK
– sire of Dual CH AFC Alpine Cherokee Buck
— grandsire of NAFC FC Andy’s Partner Pete
– sire of Ironwood Cherokee Chica
— grandsire of NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief (Hall of Fame), FC AFC Carr-Lab Penrod, FC Chief Black Feather, FC AFC Paha Sapa Warpaint, FC AFC Paha’s Pow-Wow, Spring Farms Lucky QAA
– sire of Luscious Licorice Lass
— grandsire of FC AFC CFC Triple Echo
FC CHEROKEE MEDICINE MAN
FC FREEHAVEN MUSCLES
– sire of FC AFC Paha Sapa Chief II (Hall of Fame)
— grandsire of NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief (Hall of Fame), FC AFC Carr-Lab Penrod, FC Chief Black Feather, FC AFC Paha Sapa Warpaint, FC AFC Paha’s Pow-Wow, Spring Farms Lucky QAA
— grandsire of NAFC FC Rebel Chief of Heber (Hall of Fame) and AFC Jilly Girl
– sire of FC Nelgard’s Counter Point
— grandsire of Dual CH CFC Ridgewood’s Playboy and FC AFC Sand Gold Kim
You can see these boys in the header image – left to right – Grangemead Precocious, Freehaven Muscles, Cherokee Medicine Man and Cherokee Buck.
Unfortunately Grangemead Sharon was given away before her sons were able to prove themselves. Who knows if a second litter of Precocious x Sharon would have equaled or bested the first litter.
Other offspring:
– sire of CFC Highlander’s Buccaneer and CAN CH Highlander’s Diana
— grandsire of Can Dual CH Blyth’s Knave of Spades
– sire of Beautywood’s Creole Jane
— grandsire of Don’s Ginny Soo
— great grandsire of 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky (Hall of Fame)
— grandsire of FC Roy’s Rowdy
And, yes, we have a bit of Precocious in our dogs. Our pretty Dee and all her offspring, including Arwen, Tory and Cotti, trace back to Precocious several times.
1 – Through 2xNAFC FC River Oaks Rascal to Beautywood’s Creole Jane to Precocious
2 – Through 2xNAFC FC River Oaks Rascal to Dual CH AFC Alpine Cherokee Rocket to Precocious
3 – Through Shamrock Acres Juego De Azar to FC Freehaven Muscles AND Dual CH Cherokee Buck to Precocious
4 – FC AFC Raider’s Piper Cub to FC AFC Paha Sapa Chief II to Precocious
5 – Timberlane Cinnamon to 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky to Precocious
6 – Timberlane Cinnamon to Black Beauty of Random Lake to FC Freehaven Muscles to Precocious
7 – Timberland Cinnamon to Muscle Man of Random Lake to Rise and Shine at Duckwind to Precocious
8 – Timberland Cinnamon to Cherokee King Bojo to Precocious
9 – Timberland Cinnamon to Luscious Licorice Lass to Precocious
10 – FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead to FC AFC Paha Sapa Chief II to Precocious
11 – FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead to Ironwood Cherokee Chica to Precocious
12 – FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead to AFC Jilly Girl to Precocious
13 – Dale’s Double Hope to Dual CH CFC Ridgewood Playboy to Precocious
14 – Dale’s Double Hope to FC AFC Serrana Sootana of Genesee to Precocious
15 – Dale’s Double Hope to FC AFC Toni’s Tar to Precocious
16 – Dale’s Double Hope to Ebony Sally of Widgeon Bay to Precocious
17 – Hard Driving Abigail to Cherokee King Bojo to Precocious (twice)
18 – Hard Driving Abigail to Luscious Licorice Lass to Precocious
And Chip too goes back to Precocious. Through Jilly Girl (twice), Beautywood’s Creole Jane (9x), Super Chief (twice), Gunfield’s Super Charger, Paha Sapa Chief II (separate from Super Chief) and Howmor’s Dark Gypsy.
DUAL CH Grangemeade Precocious
Whelped: June 21, 1946
Breeder: Thomas W. Merritt
Registration: S-127563
Mouse. What a name for a Labrador.
It’s memorable. Probably a good thing for a Hall of Fame dog.
I love the story of how Charlie and Yvonne Hays acquired him. They saw him in South Carolina when he was a young dog chasing fun bumpers. He beat his kennel mates to the bumpers and Charlie was so impressed he offered to buy him. The owner told him that he thought he was sold and the check should be in the mail.
So Charlie asked, “Mind if I check the mailbox?”
HIS HISTORY
Born on Christmas day in 1973, Candlewoods Mad Mouse qualified for and ran in his first National Open as a TWO year old. He was not yet titled, but made it to the seventh series handled by his owner. He finished both FC and AFC titles the following year.
He won a double header – winning both the Open and Amateur stake in the same trial.
He qualified for eight National Amateur trials and was a finalist in four. He also qualified for six National Open trials and competed in five. At the time of his death, he was the all-time high point yellow Labrador.
Mouse also ran field trials in Canada where he earned his CFC and CAFC as well.
In 1994 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Mouse died in October 1984. He “… was known for his intelligence and his wagging tail. He was both a great field trial dog and a wonderful house pet.”
HIS PEDIGREE
| 2xNAFC FC River Oaks Rascal (Hall of Fame) | 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky (Hall of Fame) | FC Martens Mister Nifty |
| Don’s Ginny Soo | ||
| Random Rapscallion | FC CFC Duxbak Scooter (Hall of Fame) | |
| Random Shot | ||
| Shamrock Acres Duck Soup | NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief (Hall of Fame) | FC AFC Paha Sapa Chief II (Hall of Fame) |
| Ironwood Cherokee Chica | ||
| Shamrock Acres Smoke Screen | NFC FC Marten’s Little Smoky | |
| Shamrock Acres Starlight |
Mouse was inducted into the Hall of Fame, as were his father, both grandfathers and two of his great grandfathers. Also four of the dogs in his three-generation pedigree were National Champions, some winning multiple times.
His Father
2xNAFC FC River Oaks Rascal
Hall of Fame
His Paternal Grandfather
2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky
Hall of Fame
His Maternal Grandfather
NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief
Hall of Fame
By the way, for those of you who know I’m fascinated with the DUAL CHAMPIONS, here’s who shows up just a bit farther back in Mouse’s pedigree.
- Martens Mister Nifty was a great grandson (and great great grandson) of Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek.
- Don’s Ginny Soo was a granddaughter of DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious (by 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden).
- Random Shot was sired by DUAL CH AFC Alpine Cherokee Rocket (by DUAL CH Cherokee Buck by DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious by 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden).
- Paha-Sapa Chief was a grandson of DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious (by 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden).
- Ironwood Cherokee Chica was sired by DUAL CH Cherokee Buck (by DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious by 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden). And she was out of a granddaughter of Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek.
- Marten’s Little Smoky was a great grandson of DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious.
- Shamrock Acres Starlight was a grand daughter of DUAL CH Dela-Winn’s Tar of Craignook (a little known DC).
Although not a DUAL CH, Duxbak Scooter’s grandmother was Eng Can CH Sandylands Jilly who is also an ancestor of Ebonstar Lean Mac (among others).
HIS OFFSPRING
- FC AFC Hellda Dolly (ex Ishtar’s Raider)
- AFC Kizzie of Southern Comfort (ex Agassiz Shores Coli-Ann CD)
- AFC CAFC Minnie Mouse (ex Belmars Black Castle) When Minnie was bred to AFC Westwinds Pedro, they produced CNFC CNAFC FC AFC The Marathon Man (Hall of Fame).
Mouse’s line continues through yet another daughter, BJ’s Crystal Light Brigade (out of BJ’s Dawn of Early Morning, a show-bred bitch of mostly Shamrock Acres breeding). And their daughter, Floodbay’s Caramel Crystal WCX (by FC AFC CNAFC CFC Gunstock’s Caramel Crunch) and their daughter, Clubmead’s Dark Crystal JH (by FC AFC CFC CAFC DB’s Cracker of Club Mead). Dark Crystal, better known as “Raven,” was a dog I owned. When bred to BISS Am Mex CH GMHR Cook’s Midnight Bandit MH, she produced Justamere Canis Major JH and Justamere Catalyst RA CGC CC. Many more dogs descend from these two littermates.
Another link to Mouse is through his 3/4 brother, FC AFC Canis Major’s River Bear. Bear was also sired by Rascal and out of a daughter of Super Chief. In turn, he was the sire of FC AFC River Oaks Way-Da-Go Rocky who figured prominently in our early dogs, including Arwen, Tory and Cotti, through his daughter Dee.
FC AFC CFC CAFC Candlewoods Mad Mouse
Yellow Labrador male
Breeder: Mary Howley (Candlewood)
Owner: Charlie and Yvonne Hays
Born: Dec 25, 1973
Died: Oct 1984
Registration: SB538973
What makes a great dog? Is it genetics? Is it the way he’s raised? Is it due to training? Is it due to handling? Or is it all of the above? NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief would probably say all of the above.
SUPER CHIEF’S FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Born in 1962, Soupy was given to August “Augie” Belmont IV by his breeder because a previous dog from the breeder had turned out unsound. The Belmonts raised Soupy on Long Island until he was six months old.
Training Greatness
At that time, Soupy was old enough to begin serious training, so Augie flew him to Rex Carr in California. Carr is called “the father of modern retriever training.”
To be trained by a legend would definitely help a dog achieve greatness.
Handling Expertise
Rex Carr often trained the owners to handle their own dogs – a task that’s probably more difficult than training the dogs. It must have worked though as Augie and his wife, Louise, handled Soupy to many field trial wins. Starting with five Derby wins by 19 months, Soupy won 40 Derby points, 112 Amateur points and 242 Open points. He also won the 1967 and 1968 National Amateur Retriever championship plus the 1968 National Retriever championship.
Soupy had a good trainer and good handlers.
Superb Genetics
What about genetics? His parents were both grandchildren of DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious. Precocious was sired by 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden out of Huron’s Lady – a mixture of show, field and dual champions.
Add in two crosses each to:
- Am Eng FC Hiwood Mike
- DUAL CH CFC Little Pierre of Deer Creek
- NFC AFC Marvadel Black Gum
- Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek
Plus NFC AFC CFC Cork of Oakwood Lane and NFC Tar of Arden.
Plus more Dual Champions – DUAL CH Cherokee Buck and DUAL CH NFC CFC Bracken’s Sweep.
Plus a line that includes dogs from the Sandylands show kennel through FC The Spider of Kingswere.
| FC AFC Paha-Sapa Chief II | FC Freehaven Muscles | DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious |
| Grangemead Sharon | ||
| Treasure State Bewise *** | FC The Spider of Kingswere | |
| FC Deer Creek’s Bewise | ||
| Ironwood Cherokee Chica | DUAL CH Cherokee Buck | DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious |
| Grangemead Sharon | ||
| Glen-Water Fantom | NFC AFC CFC Cork of Oakwood Lane | |
| Little Peggy Black Gum |
Click to see his 5-generation pedigree.
DESCENDANTS
Soupy was bred to a variety of bitches, some with field breeding, but also to some with show breeding. Between his pedigree and his offspring, I’d say he also had good genetics.
Some of his offspring include:
* DUAL CH Shamrock Acres Super Drive
Sire of Am Mex CH Gunfield’s Super Charger CD WC who did much to improve chocolates
* DUAL CH Royal Oaks Jill of Burgundy 2005 Hall of Fame
* NFC NAFC 2xCNFC Wanapum Darts Dandy 1992 Hall of Fame
* FC AFC Air Express
Sire of many field champions, including FC AFC Itchin’ To Go, CNFC FC Overland Express, FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead, FC AFC CFC CAFC Wanapum Super Sioux, NAFC FC Winsom Cargo and DUAL CH AFC Trumarc’s Triple Threat
* FC AFC Candlewood’s Nellie B Good
Granddam of FC AFC Wilderness Harley To Go 2003 Hall of Fame and FC AFC Candlewoods M D Houston 1996 Hall of Fame
* NFC FC AFC Euroclydon (pronounced u-roc-li-don)
1993 Hall of Fame and dam of NFC FC AFC Orion’s Sky 1994 Hall of Fame
* FC Candlewood’s Super Deal
Grandsire of 3xNFC FC AFC Candlewood’s Tanks A Lot
* Super Powder QAA
Sire of NFC AFC FTCH Risky Business Ruby 1993 Hall of Fame and FC AFC Volwood’s Ruff And Reddy 2000 Hall of Fame plus grandsire of FC AFC Code Blue 2000 Hall of Fame and FC AFC CNFC CAFC Chena River No Surprise 2004 Hall of Fame
* Shamrock Acres Juego de Azar
Granddam of FC AFC River Oaks Way-Da-Go Rocky who was the sire of our Knight’s Tail Dehlia.
* Shamrock Acres Super Sioux
Dam of FC AFC Raider’s Piper Cub
* Sirion’s Super Snooper
Dam of CFC Rascal’s Super Spud who sired CNFC CNAFC Waldorf’s High Tech who sired 2xNAFC 2xCNAFC FC CFC Ebonstar Lean Mac
* Paha Sapa Greta
Dam of FC AFC Ironwood Tarnation 1995 Hall of Fame
* Cup A Soup
Dam of NFC AFC CFC CAFC Yankee Independence
* FC Shamrock Acres Super Value 1998 Hall of Fame
* Shamrock Acres Duck Soup
Dam of FC AFC CFC CAFC Candlewoods Mad Mouse 1994 Hall of Fame
* FC Wanapum Sheba
Dam of NAFC FC Kannonball Kate 1992 Hall of Fame
And several more titled offspring.
Is Soupy in our pedigrees? Yes, many times.
- Chip and all of his descendants trace to him through DUAL CH Shamrock Acres Super Drive (12 times!) and CH Gunfields Super Charger CD, DUAL CH Trumarc’s Triple Threat, FC AFC Air Express, FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead, FC AFC Candlewood’s Nellie Be Good, CH K’s Jetta of Someday, AFC Shamrock Acres Whiskey Jake
- Dee and her descendants trace to him through FC AFC Canis Major’s River Bear
- Cat and her descendants trace to him through 2xNAFC 2xCNAFC FC CFC Ebonstar Lean Mac, CNFC CNAFC FC AFC The Marathon Man, FC AFC CFC CAFC Candlewoods Mad Mouse (twice) and NFC FC AFC Westwind Supernova Chief
By the way, if you follow horse racing you’ll recognize the family name. Although Augie also owned race horses, he was not as active as his grandfather, August Belmont II, or great grandfather, August Belmont, who founded Belmont Park and for whom the Triple Crown race was named.
Out of curiosity, I looked into the pedigree of 2xNAFC 2xCNAFC FC CFC Ebonstar Lean Mac who was probably the most influential field Labrador Retriever in recent history.
Why was he so influential?
He earned a Field Championship (FC) and an Amateur Field Championship (AFC) in BOTH the US and Canada.
He also won the National Amateur Field Championship (NAFC) twice and he won the Canadian National Amateur Field Championship (CNAFC) twice. (Learn more about title abbreviations here.)
And he produced many dogs who earned hunt test titles, field championships and won more national championships.
But today we’re going to look at some of his ancestors. So who does he descend from?
Here’s his 3-generation pedigree:
| CNFC CNAFC Waldorf’s High Tech | CFC Rascal’s Super Spud | NAFC FC Ray’s Rascal |
| Sirion’s Super Snooper | ||
| Itch’s Flying Tiger | FC AFC Itchin’ To Go | |
| Thor’s Tiger Lillie | ||
| Ebonaceae Princess WCX QAA | Trieven El Conquistador | FC AFC CFC Trieven Thunderhead |
| Trieven High Speed | ||
| Skookum’s Sky Raider | CFC CAFC Virdon’s Tuktoyaktuk | |
| Wilkie’s Cinderella Liberty |
It’s when you go back further that you find ancestors some people might find surprising –
3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden (19)
DUAL CH Matchmaker for Deer Creek (4) – and his sire and grandsire:
DUAL CH CFC Little Pierre of Deer Creek (15)
Am Eng CH Banchory Trump of Wingan (4)
DUAL CH Cherokee Buck (6) – and his sire:
DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious (12)
Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek (16) (another son of Little Pierre)
NFC DUAL CH CFC Bracken Sweep (8)
CH Whygin Poppitt (3)
Can DUAL CH Dart of Netley Creek (3)
FTCH CAN DUAL CH Treveilyr Swift (1)
Eng Can CH Sandylands Jilly (1)
DUAL CH CFC Ridgewood Playboy (1)
DUAL CH AFC Hello Joe of Rocheltree (1)
CNFC CAN DUAL CH AFC Stormy Of Spirit Lake Gal (1)
ENG DUAL CH Staindrop Saighdear (1)
CAN DUAL CH CAFC Netley Creek’s Black Drake (1)
(The numbers following the names are the number of times that dog shows up in his 10 generation pedigree.)
Maxx is very well known in the field trial and hunt test communities, but many people don’t realize how many SHOW DOGS are in his pedigree.
To be fair, many of these dogs lived during a time when Labs competed in both field trials and dog shows and could earn championships in both. There hasn’t been a DUAL CHAMPION Labrador since the 1980s though.
There are also numerous FC, AFC, NFC and NAFC dogs, such as NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief, NAFC FC CFC Guy’s Bitterroot Lucky, NFC AFC Massie’s Sassy Boots, Eng IGL CH FTCH Glenhead Zuider, NFC AFC CFC Cork of Oakwood Lane, NAFC FC Ray’s Rascal, NFC AFC Marvadel Black Gum.
I had two of Maxx’s granddaughters, including Clubmead’s Dark Crystal, and many of my current dogs descend from her. While her pedigree has several American and Canadian FC and AFCs, plus a healthy dose of National Field Champions, if you follow her maternal line you’ll find some show dogs in her pedigree too. One top dog – AM CAN CH Shamrock Acres Light Brigade – shows up three times. By the way, CH Whygin Poppitt, who shows up in Maxx’s pedigree, is also the grandsire of Light Brigade.
It wasn’t that long ago Labradors came from one gene pool. There weren’t “American” Labs or “English” Labs, they were all just Labrador Retrievers.
Does that make you stop and think about recent breeding choices?
British field trials
The first documented field trial was held in England in 1899 and consisted mostly of Flat-Coated and Curly Coated retrievers.
Four years later Munden Single became the first Labrador to win a Challenge Certificate (like ‘winning the points’ in an AKC dog show).
Then the following year she became the first Labrador to run in a field trial.
Dual purpose Labradors have been around for a long time!
“It is improbable that Labradors will be as popular as the Flat-coated Retrievers; they are essentially a working breed and do not lend themselves to popularity. However, if one can take the numbers registered at the Kennel Club as some sort of a guide, the breed is becoming more widely known and appreciated, but it is hoped that they will never be kept for the purpose of showing only.”
The Labrador Retriever – A complete Anthology of the Dog
Quoting Maurice Portal, circa 1912
Courtesy: Google Books
MAURICE PORTAL AND FTCH FLAPPER
A few years later, three Labradors ran in another field trail against a field of mostly Flat-Coated retrievers. All three Labs were related.
Munden Single had three Buccleuch grandparents and the fourth descended from Buccleuch dogs.
Flapper’s pedigree included Buccleuch Avon, Buccleuch Ned, Malmesbury’s Tramp, Malmesbury’s Juno – dogs that also appear in Munden Single’s pedigree.
The third Lab was Dungavel Juno, a granddaughter of Munden Sentry who was a full brother to Munden Single.
Note: Flapper is also shown laying down at the top of the page.
More on this early field trial:
“The next item of importance that took place in 1907, was the 2nd All-Aged Stake held by the [English] Kennel Club on November 26th & 27th.
“In a field of 20 runners there were fifteen Flat Coats, three Labradors, and two others.
“The Labradors were Mr. Portal’s Flapper, The Duchess of Hamilton’s Dungavel Juno, and Holland-Hibbert’s Munden Single.
“So foul was the weather on the morning of the first day that a vote was taken of handlers and guns whether to continue after lunch – a situation known to many hardened field triallers. Fortunately, they voted to continue, which gave an historic result.
“Flapper was first, Juno was second and M. Single gained the fourth prize. The Labrador had arrived on the field trial scene with a vengeance.
“Flapper, who became a FT Champion, was handled by Maurice Portal, a man who, as Vice Chairman, was to play a major role in the direction of the Labrador Club in its formative years.
“This was the first time a Labrador had won a major stake. Flapper was 5 years old when he won this trial and was to continue to win further honours. He was to become a powerful stud force siring many litters.
“It was Flapper more than any dog to date, whose brilliant accomplishments made an enormous impression on the shooting public. More than any other dog he convinced the public of the superiority of the Labrador over the previously ubiquitous Flat Coats.”
Field Trials – Past Achievements (Part I to 1914) – George Jenken on
http://www.thelabradorretrieverclub.com/news-articles
FTCH PETER OF FASKALLY
In 1911, FTCH Peter of Faskally won the International Gundog League’s Championship Stake for retrievers. His handler, Archibold Butter, adapted whistle and hand signals from working sheepdogs to guide Peter to unseen birds. This was the beginning of ‘handling’ that we see today in field trials and hunt tests.
Peter descended multiple times from the Buccleuch and Malmesbury dogs. He also had a good dose of Munden dogs in his pedigree. His paternal grandfather, Sherfield Spratt, was a full brother of Munden Single. And Sherfield Spratt was bred to Waterdale Twinkle, his niece by Munden Sentry. Peter’s maternal great grandmother was Munden Single.
Many great dogs descend from Peter through FTCH Patron of Faskally, FTCH Peter of Whitmore and Dual CH Banchory Bolo.
AMERICAN FIELD TRIALS
It’s interesting to note that Labradors weren’t accepted for registration with the American Kennel Club until 1917. And even ten years later, there were only 23 new registrations.
In the early years in America, field trials were the sport of wealthy families and they were a closed group. Sometimes trials were held on Mondays so few working people could attend.
Often the dogs were trained by British experts who had been enticed to America to manage the kennels. And because the kennel men who trained Arden Labs were so good, there was a rule change in 1936.
The new Amateur Open class required the owner, Averell Harriman, to handle his own dogs or admit defeat. Although he had never been to a trail nor had he ever handled his own dogs, he had to try.
The first two of his dogs didn’t do well, but Blind of Arden became one of three finalists. He was the last to run after the other dogs failed to find the bird. Harriman sent Blind well downwind of where he thought the bird had landed for the best chance of scenting it. But Blind continued past the spot and Harriman watched helplessly because he couldn’t whistle him back.
Good thing! The bird was probably a runner, but Blind followed his trail and brought him back.
He won the field trail and even graced the cover of Life magazine.
It’s interesting to note the depth of quality that came from Harriman’s Arden kennel.
His breeding program started with importing Peggy of Shipton and breeding her to another import FC Odds On. They produced Blind and his sister, Decoy of Arden who became the first AKC field champions.
Decoy was bred to CH Raffles of Earlsmoor and produced the top show dog CH Earlsmoor Moor of Arden.
A repeat breeding produced 3x NFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden.
Descendants
And, yes, these dogs do appear in the pedigrees of Justamere Ranch Labs.
In Dee‘s pedigree, Munden Single shows up at least twice through NAFC FC River Oaks Rascal.
Many others show up several times, including:
- FTCH Flapper, Dungavel Juno and FTCH Peter of Faskally through Eng DUAL CH Banchory Painter and his grandson, FC Eng FTCH Hiwood Mike
- FTCH Peter of Faskally through Eng CH Banchory Danilo and Eng CH Jerry of Sandylands
- NFC Blind of Arden through FC AFC Trumarc’s Raider and 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky
- Peggy of Shipton through NFC AFC CFC Cork of Oakwood Lane, DUAL CH CFC Little Pierre of Deer Creek, 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden, NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief, DUAL CH CFC Ridgewood Playboy, Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek
- FC Decoy of Arden through 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden and CH Earlsmoor Moor of Arden
- Eng CH Raffles of Earlsmoor through his son, 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden
- CH Earlsmoor Moor of Arden through 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky
- 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden through FC Martens Mister Nifty and all of the dogs listed under his ancestors Raffles, Decoy of Arden and Peggy of Shipton
So all of Arwen’s and Cotti’s descendants trace back to these dogs.
In Chip‘s pedigree, FTCH Flapper, Dungavel Juno and FTCH Peter of Faskally show up through FC Eng FTCH Hiwood Mike.
Many others show up several times, including:
- NFC Blind of Arden through FC AFC Trumarc’s Raider and 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky.
- Peggy of Shipton through NFC AFC CFC Cork of Oakwood Lane, DUAL CH CFC Little Pierre of Deer Creek, 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden, NFC 2xNAFC Super Chief, DUAL CH CFC Ridgewood Playboy, Can DUAL CH Coastal Charger of Deer Creek.
- FC Decoy of Arden through 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden and CH Earlsmoor Moor of Arden.
- Eng CH Raffles of Earlsmoor through his son 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden.
- CH Earlsmoor Moor of Arden through 2xNAFC 3xCNFC FC River Oaks Corky.
- 3xNFC CFC DUAL CH Shed of Arden through 2xCNFC FC AFC Tar Baby’s Little Sweet Stuff, NAFC FC Ray’s Rascal, DUAL CH Grangemead Precocious, NAFC-FC River Oaks Corky and all of the dogs listed under his ancestors Eng CH Raffles of Earlsmoor, FC Decoy of Arden and Peggy of Shipton.
These are mostly American titles (AKC and UKC/HRC), but there are also some we see from Canada and England.
In the pedigrees I share I try to differentiate between titles earned in the US versus other countries.
For example, CH = AKC show champion, U-CH = UKC show champion, Can CH = Canadian show champion, Mex CH = Mexican show champion, Eng CH = English full show champion, and English Sh CH = English show champion.
Also included are some that are not technically titles because they’re not bestowed by the country’s governing body.
For example, WC and CC are certificates given by The Labrador Retriever Club rather than by AKC.
There are many organizations awarding titles, but these are the main titles we see for the retriever breeds.
FIELD TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| DC or DUAL CH | A Show Champion AND Field Champion – Note: We haven’t had one of these in Labradors since the early 1980s |
| FC | Field Champion |
| AFC | Amateur Field Champion |
| “C” in front of FC or AFC | Canadian Field Champion – sometimes seen as FTCH |
| “N” in front of FC, AFC, CFC OR CAFC | National Field Champion titles |
| Eng FTW | English Field Trial Winner (part of the Eng FTCH, but not actually a title) |
| QAA | Qualified All-Age – means the dog has won enough in the Qualifying stake to compete in the Open or Amateur stakes at field trials, not actually a title (sometimes seen as *** following the name) |
| QA2 | Qualified All-Age 2, recent AKC title for dogs that have twice met the requirements to compete in the Open or Amateur stakes at field trials |
| JH | Junior Hunter |
| SH | Senior Hunter |
| MH | Master Hunter |
| MNH | Master National Hunter – listed as MNH4 or MNH5, etc when the dog has passed the Master National more than 3 times |
| SHR | Started Hunting Retriever (HRC/UKC title) |
| HR | Hunting Retriever (HRC/UKC title) |
| HRCH | Hunting Retriever Champion (HRC/UKC title) |
| GRHRCH | Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (HRC/UKC title) |
| UH | Upland Hunter (HRC/UKC title) |
| CPR | Certified Pointing Retriever (APLA title) |
| APR | Advanced Pointing Retriever (APLA title) |
| MPR | Master Pointing Retriever (APLA title) |
| GMPR | Grand Master Pointing Retriever (APLA title) |
| WC | Working Certificate (LRC certificate) |
| WCX | Working Certificate Excellent (sometimes awarded by local breed clubs) |
SHOW TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| DC or DUAL CH | A Show Champion AND Field Champion – Note: We haven’t had one of these in Labradors since the early 1980s |
| CH | Conformation Show Champion |
| Pointed or Major pointed | The dog has won in the show ring, but is not yet a champion – not actually a title |
| GCH | Grand Champion – also GCHB Bronze, GCHS Silver, GCHG Gold, GCHP Platinum |
| U-CH | UKC Conformation Show Champion |
| U-GRCH | UKC Conformation Show Grand Champion |
| Eng CH | English Show Champion w/field qualification certificate or Eng Sh CH if the dog qualified in the show ring, but has not qualified in the field (approximately WC equivalent) |
| Eng CCW | English Challenge Certificate Winner (part of the Eng CH, but not actually a title) |
| BIS | Best in Show (achievement, not a title) |
| BISS | Best in Specialty Show (achievement, not a title) |
| BPIS | Best Puppy in Show (achievement, not a title) |
OBEDIENCE TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| CGC | Canine Good Citizen |
| CGCA | Advanced Canine Good Citizen |
| BN | Beginner Novice |
| CD | Companion Dog |
| GN | Graduate Novice | CDX | Companion Dog Excellent |
| GO | Graduate Open |
| UD | Utility Dog |
| UDX | Utility Dog Excellent |
| OM | Obedience Master |
| OGM | Obedience Grand Master |
| OTCH | Obedience Trial Champion |
| NOC | National Obedience Champion |
RALLY TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| RN | Rally Novice |
| RI | Rally Intermediate |
| RA | Rally Advanced |
| RE | Rally Excellent |
| RM | Rally Master |
| RAE | Rally Advanced Excellent |
| RACH | Rally Champion |
| RNC | Rally National Champion |
TRACKING TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| TD | Tracking Dog |
| TDU | Tracking Dog Urban |
| TDX | Tracking Dog Excellent |
| VST | Variable Surface Tracking |
| CT | Champion Tracker |
AGILITY TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| ACT1 | Agility Course Test – Introduction to Agility |
| ACT2 | Agility Course Test – in between Introduction and Novice levels |
| NA | Novice Agility |
| NAP | Novice Agility Preferred |
| NAJ | Novice Agility Jumper |
| NJP | Novice Agility Jumper Preferred |
| OA | Open Agility |
| OAP | Open Agility Preferred |
| OAJ | Open Agility Jumper |
| OJP | Open Agility Jumper Preferred |
| AX | Agility Excellent |
| AXP | Agility Excellent Preferred |
| AXJ | Excellent Agility Jumper |
| AJP | Excellent Agility Jumper Preferred |
| MX | Master Agility Excellent |
| MXP | Master Agility Excellent Preferred |
| MXJ | Master Excellent Jumper |
| MXP | Master Agility Jumper Preferred |
| MACH | Master Agility Champion |
| PACH | Preferred Agility Champion |
| AGCH | Agility Grand Champion |
| NAC | National Agility Champion |
| U-AGI | Agility I (UKC title) |
| U-AGII | Agility II (UKC title) |
| U-ACH | Agility Champion (UKC title) |
| U-ACHX | Agility Champion Excellent (UKC title) |
VERSATILE COMPANION TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| VCD | Versatile Companion Dog |
| VCCH | Versatile Companion Dog Champion |
TRICK DOG TITLES |
|
|---|---|
| TKN | Trick Dog Novice |
| TKI | Trick Dog Intermediate |
| TKA | Trick Dog Advanced |
| TNP | Trick Dog Performer |
People have relied on their dogs for help retrieving game for many years. Probably many, many, many years.
As often happens when people get together, they’re compelled to see which dog is better. Thus the birth of competitive field trials.
But not everyone has the time, money, or desire to compete in field trials. However they sure do like to show off what their huntin’ dawgs can do! And so began the Hunting Retriever Club.
The birth of the Hunting Retriever Club
“Conceived by Hunters for Hunters” became the motto of the HRC. Judges strive to set up realistic hunting scenarios with duck calls and camo, real birds and handlers shooting shotguns (albeit with blanks).
Omar Driskill, Richard Walters and Bill Tarrant are some of the men instrumental in the founding of retriever hunting tests and the HRC.
I was lucky to be able to run my first HRC test under Omar and still have the ribbon he awarded my dog!
Watch the video to learn some history of retriever sports in general and the beginning of the Hunting Retriever Club in particular. I especially like the comment someone made about misnaming the Started stake. See if you can catch what he thought Started should have been called!
(Header image and video courtesy of the Hunting Retriever Club Inc.)
I’m trying to work with Breaker a little each day though it’s tough to do all this with just the knowledge I’ve gotten from Joe, Brian and yourself. I’m trying as best I can! I hope to see you again soon!!
Sarah
Hi Sarah –
For Breaker, just keep working on the basics. Work on obedience – heel, sit, come and down. You can do this at home.
Throw marks in different areas and different lengths (watch out for snakes). If he has any trouble with longer marks, see if you can get someone to help by throwing.
Pick out a nice place with fairly short cover and at least 100-150 yards of open area. Have your thrower stay at the same place while you move back with each throw. Start at a distance a little shorter than his best comfort zone – maybe 30 yards – have him sit while the thrower tosses the bumper.
As Breaker picks it up, you back up about 5-10 yards while encouraging him to come to you. Throw the same mark again and run him from this longer position. If he’s doing well, back up another 5-10 yards as he’s coming to you.
Do 3-4 of these at every opportunity and gradually increase the distance. When he’s comfortable out to 150 yards or so on short cover, go back to the shorter distance (30 yards +/-) but this time in higher cover and start increasing the distance again. Probably best to increase by a shorter amount each time because finding bumpers in cover is much more challenging.
Also work on his steadiness. Hold his collar, but require him to sit still and quiet until you release him.
When he’s doing really well and you think he won’t break, slip a short (~ 2′) length of cord like clothesline through his collar and hold both ends with slack in it so he doesn’t feel you holding him. If he breaks, stop him with the cord and have the thrower pick up the bumper. Try again. Only release him for the retrieve if he stays steady. Also vary the amount of time he has to sit after the bumper lands (1 or 2 seconds up to 6 or 7 seconds on occasion).
Also vary the type of ground and cover you work him on. For example, use a ballfield for increasing distance with short cover. Then try to find some place with plenty of cover.
Look for a small ditch – but make sure it’s very visible to him. Look for a creek or pond. Look for a hillside and throw marks up, down and across (not in the same session tho).
Try throwing downwind and crosswind marks (not into the wind because he will smell the bumper early and could start quartering). Basically give him experience picking up bumpers and birds in as many situations as you can find.
When he’s doing well and has all his teeth in – he should by now – you can start on force fetch. Some dogs will need to stop picking up marks until force fetch is completed just because they get pissy over HAVING to pick up something. Other dogs don’t care.
Just make sure once you start force fetch you see it through to the end, otherwise the dogs wind up learning they don’t have to fetch and won’t fetch unless they feel like it. Tough to correct!
Hope to see you soon!
