Pennstar, born at the start of the 21st century, has died. “Rock”, a dog for the new century , pushed speed, athleticism, smooth snappy gait, drive and bird handling ability for cover dog standards forward. Just as importantly, “Rock” infused these important traits into his pups who have gone on to succeed at the top of the cover dog world.
Rock’s career was overshadowed in the early months by his female littermates who won early and won big. Rock was not mature enough to challenge his sister, First Option when she won the Grand National Grouse Puppy Classic against 54 other pups. However, it was only a few weeks later that Rock went west and won the Michigan Open Puppy Classic and from there the wins just kept on flowing–highlighted by eleven derby placements. In transitioning from derby to all-age competition, Rock, benefiting from the work and handling of professionals Dave Hughes and Ryan Frame, moved seamlessly into winning at this next level.
Over the next five years, Rock rang up wins across the country in every region of cover dog competition. In some of these wins he was handled by co-owner Dick Brenneman. In a number of them he was handled by Dave Hughes. Rock scored 5 Championships and 1 RU Championship on wild birds, generally in fields of 60-80+ dogs. Few male setters in history have attained this distinction.
Rock became known for his especially fluid gait, quick feet and speed. One veteran judge remarked that “he enjoyed watching Rock hunt more than any other dog he had ever seen”. Our philosophy in owning, campaigning and breeding cover dogs is that in a field of 60-80 dogs, it’s the dog that hunts fast, hard and with eye appeal that will separate himself from the other good dogs. Rock taught us that.
As a producer, Rock lived up to the expectations we had formed based on his performances. His offspring have won virtually all the top cover dog stakes. The Grand National Grouse Championship, The Grand National Grouse and Woodcock Invitational and the Grouse Futurity (three times) are all accomplishments of his progeny. Additionally, his pups have won the Foster Award and the Flanagan Award (top cover dog derby) a record three times. Many of his offspring have won at high levels in other stakes and registered more than thirty-five wins in cover dog classics. All totaled, his pups have won over 400 placements. That translates into a lot of enjoyment for many owners.
In saying good-bye to Rock, I remember traveling with Dick to a trial in 2002 when Dick came out with, “After doing this together for twenty years, Rock’s the best dog we have had and he’s the best dog we will ever have”. Since 2002 we have had a good number of well-known and important winners, but so far, Dick is right!