About Claddagh Kennel

William and Courtney Bastian are a sucessful husband and wife team. They continually produce

German Wirehaired Pointers at a higher standard of excellence. Their main goal is ALWAYS for the betterment of the breed. They breed only to produce the best specimens, which to them includes: health, temperament, conformation, and hunting abilities. At Claddagh, only dogs with a hunt and show title, as well as sound temperament, and CHIC health tested are bred from. Titles are simply a means to prove the dog's credibility, they are no substitute for real hunting experiences. We personally hunt our dogs over pheasant and ducks on the Horicon Marsh and surrounding areas, as well as grouse in the northern woods of Wisconsin.

William and Courtney are active members of the German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America (GWPCA) as well as numerous other GWP Clubs in the Midwest. Courtney is the hospitality and entertainment chairperson and William is the grounds chairperson for the National GWPCA events. Each year they volunteer as GWP breed reps at the Midwest Dog Fair, educating the public about the dual purpose dog, as well as promoting and raising money for GWP Rescue, Inc. They also put on seminars and demonstrations for hunter's safety, Cabela's Dog Dogs, and organize youth hunt events. Aside from AKC events, Courtney and William are also active in their local Kettle Moraine NAVHDA Chapter, where they are both constant volunteers for training days and running tests. Courtney also serves as a board member for NAVHDA. They are also members of the VDD-GNA.

William takes pride in training and hunting the dogs at Claddagh. He believes a wirehair should be the ideal hunting companion; a versatile dog, that'll hunt on both land and water for fur and feather. The dogs at Claddagh are trained using their natural instinct and positive reinforcement to achieve the highest level of hunting performance. William has trained and handled GWP's through all levels of AKC hunt tests: Junior, Senior, and Master Hunters. He has also trained and handled through all levels of NAVHDA: earning prize 1's in Natural Ability and Utility. William is also a very sought out AKC Hunt Test judge. He judges locally and all over the midwest, and has had the honor to judge the German Wirehaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, and English Setter Nationals.

Courtney's interests reside deeply in the health and performance of their

animals. She was a veterinary technician for 10 years specializing in canine reproduction and canine rehab and sports conditioning. Courtney has earned her Bachelor's degree in Biology and Animal Science with special interest in Canine Nutrition. She handles the dogs in conformation, agility, obedience, rally, along with some hunt and NAVHDA tests. Courtney is the heart behind Claddagh's breeding program, studying performance and pedigrees of dogs all over the world. She has an eye for structure and movement, as she believes a structurally sound dog with a correct dense, harsh coat, will be able perform in the field to it's best ability. Courtney has completed her Canine Sports Medicine certification at the Canine Rehabilitation Institute.

After studying, owning, training, and loving the breed, as well as 10 years experience and knowledge in canine reproductive medicine; in June of 2007, William and Courtney whelped their first litter and look forward to continue to produce beautiful wirehairs with exceptional hunting skills. After all...... "Life's Too Short to Hunt Over An Ugly Dog"

To date William and Courtney have owned, trained, handled or bred 9 show ch's, 1 multi Best In Show, 16 NAVHDA NA's, 3 SH's, 2 MH's, and 3 NAVHDA Utility. As well as the following GWPCA National winning GWP's:.
2005 - Best of Opposite Sex, Best In Sweepstakes
2006 - Winner's Bitch, Best in Sweeps, Best of Opp Futurity, Winner's Dog, Best of Breed & Group 1
2007 - Award of Merit
2008 - Award of Merit, Winner's Bitch, Winner's Dog/Best of Winner's
2009 - Reserve Winner's Dog
2010 - Winner's Bitch/Best of Winner's, Best in Sweeps, Best in Futurity, Award of Merit, All Star Invitational Winner
2011 - Winner's Bitch/Best of Winner's, Best in Futurity, Best of Opp in Futurity, Best in Maturity *With only breeding 3 litters to date, 2 litters contained GWPCA Futurity Winners (aka Breeder's Cup)*

Courtney and William are amongst an elite group awarded as an
AKC Breeder Of Merit

I have been breeding, raising and showing dogs for over 35 years. My husband and I were looking for a versatile hunting breed to add to our dog family that he could hunt with and that I could show in conformation. We met Courtney and Bill and their Wirehair clan at the Wisconsin Dog Fair and soon feel in love with the German Wirehaired Pointer. We acquired a female puppy from Claddagh Kennel last summer. Not only do we have an outstanding hunting dog, she is a beautiful conformationally sound dog as well. We are new to hunt tests and NAVHDA and Courtney and Bill have provided excellent guidance and support in all aspects of training. Their extensive pedigree knowledge of their dogs, hunting expertise and veterinary science training broadens their base for selection of breed type and genetic stability and predictability. It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to get to know them over the recent years and I would highly recommend them as breeders.
Kristin & Paul Wehking

I've been into German wirehaired pointers for over 30 years. I participate in confirmation, hunt tests, field trials, and various pheasant and chucker challenges. I think the female puppy I purchased from Claddagh Kennels is potentially one of the best dogs I've seen in my 30 years of experience. Her coat, confirmation, and disposition are right at the top of the breed. I am extremely excited about her potential. She is a Timo puppy, and I believe she has inherited all of his excellent traits. .
Tom Weber

After getting to know William & Courtney & their GWPs over the last couple years, I have to say that they're a class act with excellent dogs. I can honestly say that they have a truly balanced approach to developing dogs that hunt well, are well-built & have great dispositions. In particular, they have done a great job with Timo in getting his NAVHDA Utility Prize I & in setting a great foundation for Camus for the future. I'm really looking forward to seeing how Timo & Camus continue to develop over time. For GWP breeders who are dedicated to doing things right, I'd definitely recommend Claddagh!
John Voight, Bonansa Flats Kennels

I am a novice gun dog owner. Bill and Courtney have helped tremendously. They have given my family a dog that is great around the house and is a definite hunter in the field. They have answered all of my questions along the way. I believe that they truly care that we are happy with the dog, for both our's and the dog's sake. I would highly recommend them.
Jeff Salzman

I purchased a puppy from Courtney and Bill about a year ago. In addition to getting a wonderful, happy, heathy puppy, I gained a breeder who has been extremely responsive to all of my questions. This is despite the fact that we live in different states. I am extemely happy with my puppy and would highly recommend them!
Francine Ruth