Here’s another great photo essay by writer, photographer Craig Koshyk. He’s the author of : Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continental, one of the best books around about pointing dogs. If you want to learn more about dogs like the ones you’ll see in his pics, be sure to check it out
Desert Dogs: In Idaho with the WPCGA
Craig Koshyk is the author of one of my favorite dog books: Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continental. He’s also a talented photographer, and, of course, a passionate upland hunter. His photo essay Prairie Dogs: Under the Broomhill Sky takes a look at the people, horses, and dogs that make the Broomhill Field Trials so special. The pictures are beautiful, so click through and give yourself a treat.
At first glance, the Braque Saint Germain looks like the English Pointer’s Gallic cousin. And you get the same impression after your second and third glance at the breed. There’s a good reason for this: Like many European pointing dogs, the modern Braque Saint Germain has a lot of English Pointer in it.
The Braque Saint Germain’s story is similar to the stories behind many of today’s Continental hunting dogs. There are the hazy early years with links French nobility, then the rumors of greatness and a popularity that leads to the breed’s dilution and decline. Then there’s the collapse brought on by the World Wars and the breed’s resurrection and slow climb into today.
Craig Koshyk tells this story well in his book Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals. Thanks to a ton of original research, he’s been able to separate myth from fact, and with his pen and camera, he’s created a wonderful story of these beautiful dogs. I encourage you to buy a copy of his book today. Pic is copyright Craig Koshyk.
Weimaraners– you either love them or hate them. Even though author Craig Koshyk is stands firmly on the love side, he understands why so many hunters are fed up with this breed. In Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals, Koshyk does a great job of telling the Weim’s story and pleading their case.
If you’re interested in these dogs, you should pick up a copy of Koshyk’s book. Just make sure you do it BEFORE you pick a pup.
For more about Weims, check out Craig’s blog here, here, and here.
Pic courtesy of Craig Koshyk.
The English Pointer lays claim to ancestors throughout Europe. Dogs from Spain are said to be the beginning of the breed, and an earlier version of the modern Portugese Pointer probably added a few bricks to the EP’s foundation.
Portugese Pointers can be traced back to the 18th century and today, these hard hunting, short haired dogs are still chasing game. Craig Koshyk tells their story here and in his book Pointing Dog, Volume One : The Continentals.
Pics courtesy Craig Koshyk. All rights reserved.
Over the last 12 years Craig Koshyk has been on a mad pursuit. You should thank him. Koshyk has dedicated thousands of hours and even more $$$$ to create a beautiful new book titled Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals.
You’re probably thinking breed book, great (eyes rolling, fight back a yawn). But please understand this: Pointing Dogs is much, much more than that.
While it is filled with original research on 52+ breeds, Pointing Dogs book is as much about Koshyk’s passion for these dogs as it is about their ancestry, coat colors, and hunting styles. This passion is what makes the book such a great read.
Starting tomorrow, I’m going to feature a bit about each breed in the book: one dog a week, 52 weeks. To get the full story behind these dogs, purchase a copy Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals for yourself.
BTW: I want to ask you for a favor: Spread the word about this book. Email your buddies. Talk it up. Give it as a gift and buy multiple copies for yourself. This will help Koshyk complete his next book — Pointing, Dogs Volume Two: The British Pointing Dogs.
