4X-GMPR GRHRCH Cooperstowns Splendid Splinter MH

Write-up: and Photo by: Justin VanDeHey

Describing Teddy in one word is nearly impossible, but I think he epitomizes the term “versatile hunting companion.” Very few pointing labs have had the hunt test career and accomplishments that Teddy has achieved. As one of the first pointing labs to earn the vaunted title of Grand Hunting Retriever Champion (GRHRCH), he was one of the dogs that helped raise the bar when it comes to retriever work in pointing labs. As a handler, when running multiple dogs at the same test, I would always run Teddy first so I could see how the test would go because I knew if I did something wrong he would bail me out. Honestly, he helped many other dogs earn titles as a result of this. He has also demonstrated his consistency and versatility in the competition world by earning his 4x Grand Master Pointing Retriever title with the APLA, his Master Hunter with the AKC, and joining the Honorable 1,000 Point Club with the HRC.

Hunt tests are only one part of Teddy’s journey. Teddy has hunted waterfowl (ducks and geese) and upland birds including pheasants, prairie grouse, ruffed grouse, and woodcock, all over the United States. He is a true gentleman’s gundog as he is steady and quiet in the duck blind, but then a bird finding, pointing, and retrieving machine in the upland field. Everyone who hunts with Teddy comes away impressed.

His performance in the field is equally matched by his temperament at home. Teddy truly has that on-off switch we all desire in our dogs. Since he was a young pup my daughters could walk him at heel, and he sleeps in bed with our girls. He is our puppy socializer and even tolerates the house cats playing with him. Given his amazing temperament and calm-demeanor we decided to get Teddy certified as a Therapy Dog. This has been incredibly rewarding for both Teddy and I as we have spent hours visiting students at the local university, area nursing homes; and, our favorite place, our local elementary school’s special needs department. Teddy is a celebrity at the elementary school. He has earned multiple volunteer awards there, and he even has his own wall of fame! While we are extremely proud of this, again this is only part of what makes Teddy so special.

Teddy is also a proven producer and has helped advance the pointing lab breed. He has consistently produced pups with staunch and stylish natural point, excellent marking abilities, good looks, and even better temperaments. When I think of what a Hall of Fame Pointing Labrador is, I believe they have to demonstrate a special level of versatility, talent, and accomplishments. Teddy certainly has done this and more, all while being my family’s consummate companion and friend. He truly is a once in two-lifetimes dog!

4X-GMPR HR Tiger Mtn's Midnight Reign SH

Write-up: Jennifer Keane, Photo: Dale and Brenda Merritt

When Reigny started her official training she was 5 months old. Within a week I received a phone call and said you need to come see your dog and we need to talk. All I could think was, Oh crap, what did she do wrong. I went to see her and saw the most intense drive, desire, and natural ability that I had ever seen and was shocked. Her trainer said to me, look, I know you just wanted a hunting dog, but she is 100% GMPR material. I laughed and said, you’re blowing smoke. Again, very seriously I told “she is 100% GMPR material”. I agreed at that point to start her career, with the very strict orders that as long as she is having FUN and loving what she does, she can compete, the very minute I see her unhappy in any way, she comes home. And so it began.

Reigny ran her CP test at 9 months old and ran it easily at master level. When she ran her Advanced and first Master pass, she ran both events in one day. We lived in Washington State at the time and didn’t have access to a lot of tests at that time. She then moved onto Colorado under new trainers, traveled the country went 9 consecutive passes for her 4XGMPR in one year. I was told at the time by the higher ups in the APLA at that time, she was the first female to accomplish this and at such a young age.

She also ran AKC, UKC hunt tests and NAGDA earning her AKC SH title, UKC HR title. NAGDA 2008 Nationals Open Pointing, 3^rd place. 2008 Nationals Armature Pointing 4^th place and ran Doubles as well.

Reigny consistently produced strong pointing and retriever pups. One specific litter (Reigny x Finn (Seafield Finnegan of Bearpoint)) for example, had 6 of the 8 go to 4XGMPR. This cross was by far the strongest. Number 7 was pulled early for personal reasons only, number 8 didn’t go to a competition home. She has multiple heavy titled and TC titled Grandchildren, and that doesn’t add to the points count.

Bottom line, Reigny made a difference in the PL world. Reigny is responsible for consistently producing what the APLA wants, strong pointers, and strong retrievers, trainable, highly social, and successful in all the other testing venues including field trials. (Zia, specifically, won a Qualifying in field trialing)

Reigny throws the most intuitive, natural, hard driven upland dogs consistently onto her children and grandchildren. They learn and love to hunt wild birds and not drive them off. They do this by going further out and driving the birds back toward the hunters. A natural God-given talent and desire.

On the personal side. She loved to “go”, it didn’t matter if she was hunting, training, or out doing ranch chores. But she was also a calm, good natured family dog. She was and threw, extremely devoted dogs as well. I have pages worth of stories I could share about her adventures.

I genuinely loved to watch her work, she’d give me goose bumps and was all business and then she could walk into the house and be a family dog like someone flipped a switch. She always received compliments in the fields (competing, training, and hunting) and always on her impeccable manners.

I was beyond blessed to have owned her. I dearly love seeing her live on through her children and grandchildren add watching their excellent additions to the PL world. 

4X-GMPR, TC OGF Clara Allen MH QA2

Write-up: Doug Dodge Photo: Doug Dodge

4X GMPR TC OGF Clara Allen MH QA2 was born May 2014 from our second Burke (Ty x Roux) X Abbie mating. Her other two notable littermates were FC AFC Hex and GRHRCH Boot QA2. Other siblings include 4X GMPR OGF Woodrow MH QA2, HRCH OGF Augustus MH QA2, 4XGMPR TC HRCH OGF Bandit Queen MH QA2 and many other QAA, GMPR, GRHRCH, and MH dogs.

Clara was trained as a field trial prospect. She earned derby points, gained her MH title, passed Master Amateur Invitational (MAI), and won a qualifying field trial the day after passing the MAI. She was very versatile. Whatever game was being played; she was up for the challenge.

Clara had always shown a strong natural propensity to point. (She pointed cats in our yard!) On her first upland bird encounter, she held point like she’d been doing it all her life. She went on to get her 4X and was one of seven who completed the triple crown in 2022. Her sister Belle was also one of those seven.

Clara was a very friendly, happy, and trainable dog. There was never a person or dog she didn’t like. If a person happened to be near her, she’d nuzzle their hand for attention. She was very playful with other dogs and tried to mother everyone’s pups.

She has produced many pointing labs including 4X GMPR TC HRCH Preacher MH QA2, GMPR Betsy, and 3.5GMPR Axl MH, as well as many AKC MH’s, UKC HRCH’s, and field trial qualified all age dogs.

Her last competition was TC in Colorado. She passed away Nov. 2023 from cancer complications.

4X-GMPR HR Bearpoint's Commander-In-Chief MH

Write-up and Photo: Dale and Brenda Merritt

Chief has been a blessing in our lives. He lived in the house with us till the day he passed. He would never get on the furniture at home but go to a hotel room where he wanted his own bed. He has achieved his 4X-GMPR and MH levels in the retriever world. Chief and I traveled to many different States hunting Birds. He retrieved 23 different species of wild birds. From small Quail to 20 Plus Pound Swans and everything in between. Chief is Also the first dog to make it into the APLA Hall of Fame, that both his Sire (Bear) and His Dam (Roxy) are also in the APLA HOF. Chief has brought joy to many Families with his puppies. Chief put such a great personality and natural talent, strong point and good marking in his offspring. To this day everyone requests Chief puppies. Chief has 41 of his offspring with APLA titles, at which 15 of them are GMPR or higher in their titling journey. Chief lived a long life of 14 ½ years, he passed February 2024, RIP in the endless hunting fields above.

4xGMPR TGK’s The Mountain’s Are Bleu, SH

Write-up: Aaron Stover, Photo: Aaron Stover

It was Christmas Eve 2010, and we were all hustling to get ready for Christmas Eve services all while hosting family for dinner. Just as everyone was about to walk out the door to church, I decided to check on Nala who was due with her litter at any time. As anyone knows who raises dogs, they never have a litter at a convenient time and sure enough Nala had just started delivering pups. I stayed home while everyone else went to church and I monitored Nala delivering pups early into Christmas morning. Our family had decided to keep a puppy from this litter and since we had several deposits for yellow females, we decided to keep the last available of the five born and named her TGK’s The Mountains are Bleu. Our good friend Justin Poore took the second to last female: Winne who also earned a 4xGMPR title. When our customers are concerned about their order of pick, I share the story of these two successful “last picked” champions. 

Everything Bleu did for us seemed to make for a good story, including being born on Christmas! Bleu was our flagship dog for many years and our first 4xGMPR laying the foundation for so many of her offspring. Bleu was a relentless hunting dog, pinpoint marker, staunch pointer, a fantastic mother to her pups and above all else a loyal family pet loved by all who met her. It always made me smile and still does when people would visit our home or pick up a pup and ask to meet Bleu. Bleu loved to go on out of town road trips and loved the trailer rides to get to the happy hunting grounds. It broke my heart late in her years to watch her bark and prance in her kennel when she got too old to take on hunting trips; until her last day she still wanted to go. Bleu’s legacy will live on as she produced 15 dogs with titles in the APLA: nine dogs with CPR titles, one titled as a 3.5xGMPR and AKC Master National Retriever, four dogs with 4xGMPR titles, and one Triple Crown Winner to date. She is most certainly the mom of countless more amazing hunting dogs and family friends with her pedigree including our own Coors and Kobe who are proudly carrying on the fine tradition of excellent pointing labs from TGK’s Nebraska Pointing Labs.

Thank you APLA for this one final honor of admitting Bleu into the Hall of Fame; she certainly deserves it!

4X-GMPR Bearpoint's Buckin Brandi

Write-up and Photo: Dale and Brenda Merritt

Brandi was one of the most Loving and enjoyable dogs that one could ever want to be around. She was a incredible hunter, we hunted wild birds throughout the Dakotas and Montana. She had a heart of Gold; she produced that same personality in her pups. Brandi was a Might Max Daughter. Her will to please was just unbelievable. Brandi lived her whole life in the house, so she was a big part of our family. Everyone that visited wanted her to go home with them. Our Granddaughter would come over and play vet and Brandi would just lay there and let her bandage her leg, listen to her heart. As one of our best producers, she gave joy to so many people with her offspring. She will be missed by many. She is slowing down now 15 years old, but still enjoys her walks every day.

4X-GMPR CVK Gettin It Done "Bravo"

Write-up and Photo: Bryan Spmbke

Bravo is one of those dogs that you will wait a lifetime to come along. I was very fortunate to have him come into my life at the start of my career as a professional dog trainer and at the time I didn’t realize how lucky I was. He has been one of the most honest dogs that I have ever had the pleasure to work with and the best part was Bravo was whelped right here at our facility. He is everything that we are trying to produce here. 

I knew at a young age that Bravo was going to be something special. It was not known to me what “special” would look like in the future, but I was excited to find out. I would never have dreamed Bravo would have turned into the dog he is today. His accomplishments have surpassed any expectation and then some.

Seeing Bravo transform into one of the top pointing labrador studs in the country is only surpassed by watching all his offspring competing at a high level in several different venues. It makes me so proud to know that Bravo is bringing his desirable traits into the labrador gene pool and that is what it is all about.  

4X-GMPR TC Wyatt The Swindler of HPK's

Write-up and Photo: Julie Bates and John Swindle

Wyatt, a chocolate pointing Labrador, exemplifies the spirit and dedication that the APLA organization honors in its Hall of Fame. Hailing from a breeder in Iowa, Wyatt's journey began when John’s wife found him online, looking for a special gift for her husband. At just six months old, Wyatt was sent to Julie Bates to unlock his potential. From the start, Wyatt was a delightful enigma. His trainer quickly discovered that Wyatt was a pure goofball, bursting with intelligence but more interested in fun than formal training. He approached every task with the enthusiasm of a kid who preferred parties over the classroom. Despite his playful nature, Wyatt showed promise and advanced through the basics of training. However, Wyatt’s trainer realized that to truly bring out his best, Wyatt needed real-world experience so it was decided that he should hunt for a season to understand the demands of training and discover his purpose in life. This unconventional approach proved transformative. Wyatt returned to training with a newfound sense of focus and drive, ready to tackle more advanced training. Wyatt’s owner, though inexperienced in running hunting tests, shared a unique bond with him. Together, they navigated the challenges and setbacks that came with higher-level training. Wyatt’s tenacity and their mutual dedication led to remarkable achievements.

Wyatt earned his Certified Pointing Retriever (CPR) title, showcasing his natural talent and hard work. He then progressed to achieve his Advanced Pointing Retriever (APR) title, solidifying his status as an exceptional hunting dog. The pinnacle of his accomplishments in the APLA was earning the prestigious 4X Grand Master Pointing Retriever (4XGMPR) title, a testament to his extraordinary abilities and the unwavering partnership he shared with his owner and trainer. Wyatt's owner wanted to continue his legacy with a pup. On the west coast, Julie found a brown girl who lined blinds, pointed everything, and was smart, easy, and gorgeous. The breeding produced one of the only TC2 dogs, along with multiple 4X GMPRs, MHs, HRCHs, and TC dogs. These pups were talented, pointy, easy to train, and excellent family dogs like their parents. Wyatt also passed on the clown gene, making them goofy until they worked. These dogs set lofty standards in the pointing Lab world, and Wyatt created the Dog-Snob moniker and its products.

In one of Wyatt’s last days, he attended an upland training session. Though weak, he rode in the back seat and sat on his fancy bed. His owner put a chukar in a cover patch, lifted Wyatt out, and set him down. Wyatt ran out to the best of his ability, pointed the bird, his owner flushed and shot the bird. Wyatt rushed 40 feet to the downed bird, picked it up, and laid down. He had done his last job perfectly, as always. There was not a dry eye in the crowd; everyone knew a great dog had done his last point and retrieve. Wyatt had been a remarkable life partner and continued to do so through his offspring. Wyatt's journey from a playful puppy to a celebrated hunting dog is a story of perseverance, love, and mutual respect. His entry into the APLA Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to a dog who not only excelled in his field but also touched the hearts of everyone he met. Wyatt’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of pointing Labradors and their 

GRHRCH(5), 4XGMPR NCK’s Rock Chalk Jayhawk of TGK HOF, MH, MNH

Write-up and Photo: Justin Poore

Coming Soon

4XGMPR TC2 HRCH Blackjack's MS Mighty Tub O Bliss MH

Write-up and Photo: Lily Lo

Trusting a vague hunch, I bought Joy sight unseen in 2019 as the last pick from Blackjack Kennels. My gut told me we were destined to be together but I could never have imagined the heights this girl has attained! Joy started competing in hunt tests during the COVID-shortened 2020 season, earning her Master Pointing Retriever title at 13 months of age. By the time the season ended three months later, she had earned her 3xGMPR and 3 legs towards her AKC Senior Hunter title.   She is the rare dog who successfully competed in multiple venues simultaneously, earning her APLA 4xGMPR, AKC Senior Hunter, and HRC Seasoned titles by age 2, followed by her AKC Master Hunter and HRC Hunting Retriever Champion titles the week she turned 3.  The following year, she passed the APLA Triple Crown in Idaho to earn her TC1 title.  She then went to Georgia a few weeks later and passed the AKC Master National. She took a break from competition in 2024 to have a  litter of 8 beautiful puppies and just 10 weeks later, passed the APLA Triple Crown a second time, earning her APLA Hall of Fame status. She is the first and youngest female pointing Lab west of the Rockies to have earned her APLA 4xGMPR, AKC Master Hunter, and HRC Hunting Retriever Champion titles, all by 3 years of age.

She is a 55 lb agile and athletic girl whose call name "Joy" suits her perfectly. She's bouncy and fun, always with her trademark “Joy Jump” in the final holding blind, but when she's working, she's all business. Her intelligence and natural cautiousness make her a quick learner who rarely makes mistakes. She is extremely biddable, an accurate marker, yet perseveres to dig out difficult birds, and she handles blind retrieves nearly flawlessly. 

She has pointed naturally since 11 weeks of age and is my go-to upland dog because she rarely misses a bird, hunting quickly but methodically. In the duck blind, she is a quiet observer whom everyone loves to hunt with because you forget she's there until she's sent for the retrieve. Besides the talent that makes her a phenomenal hunt test competitor, a quiet but tenacious water fowling companion, and an energetic bird-finding upland dog, her good looks, playful personality, and easy temperament make her a natural family pet and hiking buddy as well.  Joy is the epitome of all that I ever wished a pointing Lab could be and we are honored to be invited to the APLA Hall of Fame.

4X-GMPR-TC1 Frosty Breeze of Lockdown Labs MH

Write-up and Photo By: Don Banducci

In our lives, God presents us with special gifts and Breeze is one of those gifts.  She has always been a fierce competitor and loves the game. Breeze’s work ethic goes beyond reproach and it has shown through her accomplishments. In the AKC world, Breeze passed over sixteen Master Hunt Tests without a fail and earned a qualifying score at the 2022 AKC Master National. 

In her APLA test for her 4xGMPR title, Breeze made one of the most spectacular retrieves in the upland field that still stands today. A shot bird sailed out of the field, across a huge pond, and landed out of sight, 300 yards away. I thought the judges were going to simulate a retrieve but they told me to release her because they believed she had marked it solidly. I sent her and she zeroed in precisely on that bird and returned it to hand a minute later. It just shows the talent she was gifted with.

Professional trainer Julie Bates commented once: “Breeze is one of the best pointing Labs I have ever worked with and I might add the best chocolate I have ever trained.” Breeze has passed on many of those qualities to her pups, having produced multiple 4xGMPR’s and three Triple Crown finishers. 

In closing it takes a team effort to succeed and she and I have always worked well together and she has covered many of my mistakes without fail. Breeze truly has been so remarkable and she is such a part of me. We have an unbreakable bond and I thank our Lord every day that she came into our lives.