The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America is the official representative of the breed to the American Kennel Club. (i.e., it is the Parent Club). The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA) publishes a monthly magazine entitled Shorthair Journal and it also publishes an annual German Shorthaired Pointer Yearbook. Note that each year the GSPCA also selects the GSPCA Hall of Fame Dogs. Membership is open to those who are in good standing with the American Kennel Club. Although sponsors are not required, those desiring to become members of the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of American are required to endorse a (very reasonable) statement of ethics. Note that in addition to the national club (i.e., GSPCA), there are also affiliated regional clubs referred to as “Member Clubs.”
The German Shorthaired Pointer News is another important monthly publication focusing on Shorthairs. Among the most authoritative books on the German Shorthaired pointer are the following: (1) Deutsch-Kurzhaar: The German Shorthaired Pointer (Facks Publishing, 2005) by Georgina Byrne; (2) Deutsch-Kurzhaar (Deutsch Kurzhaar Verband) by Claus Kiefer; (3) The New Complete German Shorthaired Pointer (New York: Howell Book House, 1998) by Robert H. McKowen; (4) The New German Shorthaired Pointer, New Revised and Updated 4th Edition (New York: Howell Book House, 1982) by C. Bede Maxwell; (5) The Complete German Shorthaired Pointer (Silver Spring: Denlinger’s, 1951) by H.F. Seiger and F. von Dewitz-Cölpin.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever Club is the American Kennel Club’s Parent Club of the Labrador Retriever. Note that membership requires “sponsorship.” The Labrador Retriever Club (LRC) publishes a quarterly entitled Labrador Retriever Club Newsletter and the Labrador Retriever Club Yearbook. Recently, it has also published a volume entitled The Official Book of the Labrador Retriever, a collection of articles from multiple authors focusing on various aspects of the breed and its history. Note that in addition to the national club (i.e., LRC), there are also some affiliated “Regional Clubs.”
Of course, numerous books and monographs have been published on the Labrador Retriever. Among those that merit special recognition are: The New Complete Labrador Retriever, 3rd Edition (New York: Howell Book House, 1986) by Helen Warwick. It should also be noted that Retriever Journal is published six times per year and is one of the most informative publications for those owning field retrievers.
North American Registry Publications
Of course, the major American registries all have flagship publications. For example, among the American Kennel Club’s publications are the Gazette, AKC Events Calendar, Family Dog, and Awards. Those most interested in competing may wish to subscribe to Gazette, Events Calendar, and Awards. Family Dog is a fine publication, focusing on numerous aspects of training and caring for dogs. Among the United Kennel Club’s publications are Bloodlines and Hunting Retriever Magazine. Moreover, among the Field Dog Stud Book’s publications is American Field. The Canadian Kennel Club’s major publications are Dogs in Canada Magazine and the much touted Dogs Annual. Of course, all of these “registry” publications are more general in nature, rather than focusing on specific breeds or groups.