The Second Greatest GSP Hunting Dog Pedigree; We’ll Soon Have the First!

The Enduring Legacy of Rawhide’s Clown: A German Shorthaired Pointer Icon

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Rawhide’s Clown stands as a monumental figure in the annals of German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) history, distinguished by an unparalleled competitive career and a profound, lasting influence as a sire. Whelped on March 7, 1988, this liver and white male GSP was bred by Martin K. Wyant II of Omaha, Nebraska. His journey to legendary status was guided by his owner, Dierk Davis of Terre Haute, Indiana, and significantly shaped by the expert handling of Don Paltani of Belleville, Nebraska. Rawhide’s Clown’s career, which concluded with his passing in 2003 , marked a pivotal era for the breed, demonstrating how the synergy of exceptional canine talent and dedicated human partnership can lead to sustained elite performance in competitive dog sports. His achievements set new benchmarks, solidifying his place as a breed-defining animal whose impact continues to resonate decades later.

The Ascent of a Champion: Early Career and Derby Dominance

Rawhide’s Clown’s competitive prowess was evident from a young age, as he quickly distinguished himself as an early winner in Shorthair field trial competition. His exceptional talent was formally recognized when he was ranked as the number one puppy-derby dog in 1990, following numerous placements in both puppy and derby events. This early national recognition foreshadowed his future dominance.

A key highlight of his juvenile career was his victory in the 1989 German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (AKC) National Futurity. The National Field Futurity is a specialized competition designed to promote the breed’s progress through thoughtful breeding, showcasing the breeders’ best efforts in planning high-quality litters. Rawhide’s Clown’s triumph in this event served as a powerful validation of his breeders’ strategic mating choices, affirming the inherent quality of his genetic heritage. This early national-level success, combined with his overall top ranking among puppy-derby dogs, clearly indicated a strong genetic foundation and predicted his trajectory toward unparalleled achievements in the sport. Further demonstrating his early promise, he secured a second-place finish in the 1990 National German Shorthaired Pointer Club (American Field) National Futurity and was runner-up in the 1990 National German Pointing Dog (American Field) Derby.

Unprecedented Field Trial Success: The All-Age Era

Rawhide’s Clown seamlessly transitioned into the highly demanding “All-Age” category of field trial competition, winning his first broke dog stake at the remarkably young age of 25 months. This rapid progression underscored his exceptional maturity and readiness for the rigorous challenges of advanced trials.

Throughout his illustrious career, he amassed an impressive record in AKC field trial competition, consistently demonstrating his competitive drive and reliability. His placements included nine first-place finishes, seven second-place finishes, three third-place finishes, and five fourth-place finishes. This consistent ability to place at the highest levels speaks volumes about his sustained performance and mental fortitude.

The cornerstone of Rawhide’s Clown’s legendary status is his unparalleled achievement in the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) All-Age National Championship. He uniquely secured this prestigious title three consecutive times: in 1992, 1993, and 1994. This feat is explicitly noted as a singular record, as he remains the “only Shorthair to have ever won this event three times”. Winning a national championship even once is a monumental accomplishment, but to achieve this three times consecutively demonstrates an extraordinary level of sustained peak performance, resilience, and unwavering focus over multiple years. The “All-Age” designation itself implies a comprehensive set of elite traits, including tremendous bird sense, perfect work on both coveys and singles, the ability to distinguish scent, alacrity, range, courage, stamina, and consistently good manners. Rawhide’s Clown’s repeated victories confirm that he embodied these characteristics at an extreme and consistent level, thereby setting a new benchmark for excellence within the breed. His dominance in this premier event solidified his position not just as a champion, but as a historical anomaly and the standard against which future GSPs would be measured. This remarkable consistency reflects not only his individual brilliance but also the effectiveness of his training and handling.

Beyond his AKC successes, Rawhide’s Clown also excelled in National German Shorthaired Pointer Competition (NGSPA). He won the NGSPA Region 17 and was runner-up in the highly competitive 1993 NGSPA National Championship. Additionally, he secured runner-up positions in NGSPA Region 5, Region 8, and Region 17 All-Age Stakes.

A Legacy Forged: Rawhide’s Clown as a Prolific Sire

Rawhide’s Clown’s influence extended far beyond his own competitive career, profoundly shaping the German Shorthaired Pointer breed through his progeny. His genetic contribution was widely recognized through numerous “Sire of the Year” accolades. He was honored as the GSPCA Sire of the Year on six occasions and the NGSPA Sire of the Year on two occasions. These awards are a direct testament to the consistent competitive success of his offspring, highlighting his ability to pass on his elite traits.

His impact as a breeding animal is further underscored by his standing as the number two all-time leading sire of AKC Field Champions. An astonishing 54 of his progeny successfully obtained their AKC Field Championship title , a powerful indicator of the consistency of his genetic quality. The American Field, Field Dog Stud Book, further reflects that Rawhide’s Clown sired 54 winners who collectively amassed 403 wins and placements. This demonstrates the widespread competitive success across his lineage. Beyond field champions, he also sired several dogs that achieved other AKC titles and numerous Shorthairs that earned titles in National Shoot-to-Retrieve competition, showcasing the versatility inherent in his genetic line.

He is unequivocally described as a “very prepotent sire whose influence is still impacting field German Shorthaired Pointers”. A prepotent sire consistently passes on desirable traits to a high percentage of offspring, ensuring the continuation of excellence. His bloodline remains highly valued even decades after his birth; for instance, “Gracie (Dam), one of the last decedents from the Rawhide Clown bloodline,” whelped in 2018, was considered a “premier match” due to her athleticism, height, intelligence, excellent nose, focus, and swimming ability. This illustrates the enduring quality of his genetic legacy. His bloodline was specifically sought after and integrated by successful handlers for traits such as “range and stamina” , indicating a recognized and targeted genetic contribution to the breed’s functional qualities. The repeated “Sire of the Year” awards and his ranking as the #2 all-time leading sire of AKC Field Champions are not merely statistics; they are profound indicators of his genetic dominance. This implies a powerful causal relationship: the superior genetic makeup that enabled his own unprecedented competitive success was also highly heritable. This consistent passing of elite traits actively contributed to the genetic improvement of the German Shorthaired Pointer breed, elevating the overall quality and performance potential of future generations. He effectively became a genetic architect for the breed’s continued excellence in the field.

Induction into the Hall of Fame: Acknowledging Greatness

The ultimate recognition of Rawhide’s Clown’s profound contributions came with his induction into the breed’s most prestigious halls of fame. He was formally inducted into the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) Hall of Fame in 2004. This is a premier honor within the GSP community, signifying a dog’s lasting impact. He is also recognized as an inductee by the National German Shorthaired Pointer Association (NGSPA) , further solidifying his widespread recognition across the breed’s competitive landscape.

The criteria for induction into the GSPCA Hall of Fame for Dogs are stringent, based on a dog’s “lasting contributions to the German Shorthaired Pointer breed”. Inductees must exemplify the breed’s character, conformation, and purpose as a Versatile Hunter, and must have achieved national recognition during their lifetime. Crucially, they must have “left an enduring impression on the breed through their offspring, produced from multiple sires or dams, who have excelled in various AKC venues”. Rawhide’s Clown’s induction into both the GSPCA and NGSPA Halls of Fame is a direct consequence of his unparalleled competitive dominance, exemplified by his three GSPCA All-Age National Championships , and his extraordinary genetic legacy as a “prepotent sire” with 54 AKC Field Champion progeny. His career perfectly aligns with the explicit criteria for induction, particularly the emphasis on national recognition and enduring influence through offspring. This dual induction confirms his status as a breed-defining figure, whose excellence in both performance and progeny has been formally recognized as foundational to the German Shorthaired Pointer. Hall of Fame induction represents the highest form of acknowledgment for a dog’s impact, signifying that their contributions transcend mere competitive wins to leave a permanent mark on the breed’s history and genetic future.

Demystifying the Titles: A Comprehensive Glossary

To fully appreciate the magnitude of Rawhide’s Clown’s accomplishments, it is essential to understand the significance of the competitive titles and awards he earned or influenced. These titles are formal recognitions awarded by organizations like the AKC and NGSPA, signifying a dog’s mastery of specific skills, adherence to breed standards, and successful performance in rigorous trials or tests. They reflect a combination of natural ability, extensive training, and handler expertise.

• FC (Field Champion): This is a highly prestigious AKC competitive title for hunting dogs, indicating superior performance in field trials. To earn this title, a dog needs a total of 10 points, including at least one win, acquired in Open All-Age, Limited All-Age, Special All-Age, or Restricted All-Age Stakes. Points are awarded for placements: 5 for 1st, 3 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd, and 0.5 for 4th. Handlers can be professionals or amateurs. Rawhide’s Clown’s connection to this title is profound, as he sired 54 progeny who achieved this distinction, making him the number two all-time leading sire of AKC Field Champions.
• AFC (Amateur Field Champion): Similar to the FC title, the AFC is specifically for dogs handled by an amateur (non-professional). It requires a total of 15 points plus a win. While not explicitly stated for Rawhide’s Clown himself, his progeny could also earn this title, further contributing to his “Sire of the Year” awards.
• NFC (National Field Champion): This is the absolute highest competitive AKC field trial title. It is awarded to only one dog per year , representing the winner of the National Field Championship, akin to a “Super Bowl playoff” for the top dogs of the year. Rawhide’s Clown held this esteemed title (NFC FC Rawhides Clown) , underscoring his position as the premier field dog of his era. Understanding that an NFC is a “Super Bowl playoff” awarded to “only 1 dog per year” profoundly increases the appreciation of Rawhide’s Clown’s NFC title.
• NAFC (National Amateur Field Champion): This is the highest competitive AKC field trial title for dogs handled by an amateur. Similar to NFC, only one dog earns this title per year.
• National Futurity: This is a non-regular competition where breeders nominate litters within 56 days of whelping. The purpose is to promote the breed’s progress through thoughtful breeding, with the entered puppies competing at the National Field Trial. Dogs are judged for consistency and future potential as All-Age or Gun Dogs. Rawhide’s Clown won the 1989 German Shorthaired National Pointer Club’s (AKC) National Futurity , validating the quality of his breeding from a young age.
• All-Age National Championship: This is a premier field trial stake open to dogs of all ages , but defined by the characteristics of a “finished dog”. These dogs exhibit tremendous bird sense, perfect work on coveys and singles, the ability to distinguish foot and body scent, alacrity, range, courage, stamina, and consistently good manners. They demonstrate independence, running to major objectives at great ranges with a forward sweeping pattern, and checking in less frequently while remaining tractable. Rawhide’s Clown holds the unique distinction of winning the GSPCA All-Age National Championship three consecutive times (1992, 1993, 1994). The nuanced description of an “All-Age” dog reveals the depth of skill, intelligence, and athleticism required for his repeated victories.
• Sire of the Year / Outstanding Sire (OS): This award recognizes a male dog whose offspring have achieved significant competitive success in various venues, demonstrating the sire’s profound genetic contribution to the breed’s quality. Points are accumulated based on the titles earned by progeny. Rawhide’s Clown was GSPCA Sire of the Year on six occasions and NGSPA Sire of the Year on two occasions , a testament to the consistent excellence of his progeny.

The following table summarizes Rawhide’s Clown’s major titles and their significance, providing a quick reference to his remarkable achievements.

Conclusion: The Enduring Imprint of a German Shorthaired Pointer Icon

Rawhide’s Clown’s legacy is defined by an extraordinary dual achievement: his unparalleled individual competitive performance and his profound genetic contribution as a sire. His historic three consecutive GSPCA All-Age National Championships stand as a singular testament to his individual brilliance, consistency, and mastery of the field. This level of sustained excellence set a new standard for the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.

Equally significant is his role as a “prepotent sire”. This is evidenced by his multiple “Sire of the Year” awards from both the GSPCA and NGSPA , and his ranking as the number two all-time leading sire of AKC Field Champions, with 54 titled progeny. This unique combination of being a dominant competitor and a prolific sire is what truly makes him a breed-defining animal. His own titles demonstrated the pinnacle of GSP traits, and his siring record proved that these traits were highly heritable and consistently passed down.

His bloodline continues to influence the breed, passing on highly desirable traits such as athleticism, intelligence, exceptional range, and stamina. This enduring genetic impact has elevated the overall quality and performance potential of German Shorthaired Pointers for generations. He didn’t just win; he improved the breed, leaving an imprint that continues to resonate in the field and in pedigrees decades later. His induction into both the GSPCA and NGSPA Halls of Fame is the ultimate recognition of his lasting contributions, solidifying his place as a true breed icon whose excellence in both performance and progeny has been formally recognized as foundational to the German Shorthaired Pointer. This holistic impact is the ultimate measure of his greatness and secures his place as a permanent benchmark for the breed.

Works cited

1. RAWHIDE’S CLOWN | National German Shorthaired Pointer …, https://ngspa.org/inducteesdogs/rawhides-clown/ 2. FC Redbuds Rodeo Clown SH – Hi-Tailyn Shorthairs, http://www.hi-tailyn.com/fc-redbuds-rodeo-clown-sh.html 3. AKC German Shorthair Puppies with champion bloodlines. 5 males and 6 females whelped 01/22/2018. Liver with roan and liver with white and ticked available. – West Country Kennels, http://www.westcountrykennels.com/GSP%20Final%20Draft%20Flyer.pdf 4. www.gspca.org, https://www.gspca.org/events/futurity-field/#:~:text=The%20National%20Field%20Futurity%20is,at%20the%20National%20Field%20Trial. 5. Futurity Field | GSPCA German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, https://www.gspca.org/events/futurity-field/ 6. The “All Age” Gun Dog – National Purebred Dog Day, https://nationalpurebreddogday.com/the-all-age-gun-dog/ 7. our females – Krecklau German Shorthairs, https://www.krecklaugermanshorthairs.com/our-females.html 8. NGSPA NEWS, https://ngspa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Dec2021_NGSPA_Newsletter_v2.pdf 9. GSPCA Hall Of Fame for Dogs | GSPCA German Shorthaired …, https://www.gspca.org/programs/hof/dogs/ 10. Inductees Dogs | National German Shorthaired Pointer Association – NGSPA, https://ngspa.org/inductees-dogs/ 11. Field Trials – Red Diamond English Fox Red Labradors, https://redpointinglabradors.com/training-advice/akc-field-trial-titles-explained/ 12. grca.org, https://grca.org/events/field-events-field-training/titles-field-titles-for-golden-retrievers/grca-akc-field-trial-titles-awards-jim-pickering/#:~:text=FC%20Field%20Champion,a%20Restricted%20All%2DAge%20Stake. 13. Field Championships | GSPCA German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America, https://www.gspca.org/events/nft/ 14. Outstanding Sire and Dam Awards – Golden Retriever Club of America, https://grca.org/about-grca/grca-events-titles-and-awards-for-dogs/grca-awards/outstanding-sire-and-dam-awards/ 15. Sire / Dam of Merit | DPCC, https://dpcc.ca/sire-dam-of-merit/