From the Breed Wardens Desk....by Rich Runge For the past few years, the term DK has been thrown around, this is an acronym for the Deutsch Kurzhaar. I would like to set the record straight defining what is a DK truly consists of.
DKs are dogs which come from Breed Eligible parents, those being registered with the Deutsch Kurzhaar Verband (DKV). An ahnentafel is created by the DKV for each and every puppy which comes from one of these pairings. Breed Eligibility is obtained thru testing, confirmation, hip X-rays, and in the males a HN.
There are many dogs out there that have German bloodlines in their background, and some straight out of DK’s themselves, and are very nice dogs BUT they lack the eligibility, or recognition from DKV. These dogs are being referred to as DK’s, but they lack some or all the requirements that would qualify them to be registered as a true DK. This is confusing for puppy buyers who are looking for the “Real Deal”. The DK is our “Brand” and should not be confused with the European bred dogs, FCI registered dogs from Countries other than Germany. A puppy that does not come with the DKV ahnentafel is not a DK. For the prospective puppy buyer, please reach out to the clubs we have here in the USA, each club has a Breed Warden and knows where the DK puppies are located and are willing to help you get what you are looking for.
I realize this will not be viewed by all as the Gospel, it is however the truth. As for those of you who would dispute this, I am willing to visit with you and help you understand what you can do reach your goals of owning, breeding, and testing your dog thru the DKV system, a system that has been in place for a long, long time breeding the DK for the Foot hunters, the Versatile hunters.