Sutherland Shorthairs was officially started in 2021, but my love of dogs goes back since I was child. My name is Nichole Sutherland (Dorvinen) and I grew up in Green Bay Wisconsin. I was raised with German Shepherds and was fortunate enough to spend time around horses from the age of 11 until adulthood. I learned to love all animals and appreciate the care and dedication needed to train and care for them. I did not have my own dog while in high school and college, but dreamed of the day I could.
Once I graduated from Marquette University, where I went for Athletic Training, I began my search for a canine companion. I was not searching for any particular breed, but a dog to keep up my active lifestyle of being outdoors, working at local horse stables and trail running.
A picture of an adorable brown and white puppy crossed my computer screen by chance. A family in Illinois had bought her on looks alone, not realizing the exercise commitment required for such a breed. She came with the disclaimer in the ad: She LOVES to run. A few days later I was driving down to Illinois to pick up the dog, Zola that would change my life direction with dogs.
Zola was renamed Sadie and 8 years later (in 2023) is now our Ol’Reliable, been there done that dog. She started me on several paths of Therapy Dog work, Canicross, Mushing, Upland and Duck Hunting. She has instilled in me a deep love of the GSP breed and their versatility, work ethic and rich heritage. But most importantly, she has connected me to several friends I would have never met otherwise.
After Sadie, several dogs have joined our pack. As well as a couple notable humans, my husband, Thomas Sutherland, and my beautiful daughter, Claire. Attending dog handling clinics and Training Days with local hunting clubs is one of my favorite activities with the dogs. Our dogs share many adventures with us in several dog “sports” and jobs. We enjoy canicross (running with your dog), bikejor (biking with your dog) and sprint dog sled racing. I learned that GSPs are often used in sprint races by attending them as a spectator years ago. When I acquired our second GSP, Jazz (or affectionately known as Momma Jazz), I started competing in 2 dog events and fell in love with the sport. We have since graduated up to 6 dog events and compete annually with races in Wisconsin and Michigan.
Most of the year are dogs participate in the true original intent of the breed; hunting. We participate in AKC Hunt Tests, but most enjoy being in the north woods hunting grouse in the fall. I have also been an active member with NAVHDA and enjoy training on the grounds in Lomira, WI when I can. As our GSPs have shown a keen love of water we have done early duck season hunting as well. We hope to take some trips out west for pheasant hunting, but also enjoy hunting the local public land during the fall season.
Given the love we have for our dogs and the extreme work ethic and versatility they have shown, we started breeding a limited number of litters in 2021. I only believe in breeding if there is a true contribution to the breed, and firmly believe our dogs can positively impact the modern GSP. Our dogs are health tested, performance tested and registered. But most importantly they are our family members.
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German Shorthaired Pointer Breeder, Musher and Enthusiast in Wisconsin