Verband
Kleine Münsterländer International (KlM-I) e.V.
Jacqueline Geißler, Dresdner Str. 19, 01774 Pretzschendorf
Participants:
Bernd-Dieter Jesinghausen, Henrik Raae Andersen, Cor Bottenheft, Jacqueline Geißler, Atle Johannesen, Tom MCDonald, Nanda Adriaansen, Dietrich Berning, Thomas Hinterecker, Peter Hübler, Karl Wichmann, Bernd Westphal, Ernst Krebs, Urs Hoppler, Erwin Wallmann, Hans-Jürgen Heuser, Jiři Kec, Walter Ullrich, Peter Buba
December 7, 2010
Meeting Minutes
For the Annual Meeting 2010 on July 18, 2010
Meeting location:
RAMADA Landhotel Nürnberg, Oelser Str. 2, 90475 Nürnberg
Schedule:
Sunday, July 18, 2010, 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Agenda for the Annual Meeting on July 18, 2010
- Greeting, resolution on the last minutes and the agenda
Mr. Jesinghausen greets those present and introduces each guest by name. He welcomes as a guest Mr. Karl Wichmann, the chairperson of the Große Münsterländer Club, with whom there is a close relationship and who was involved in the development of the International Münsterländer Test. Mr. Jesinghausen excuses the representatives of France and Sweden as well as Dr. Böhm.
The agenda is approved. The minutes from July 26, 2008 are approved.
- Activity reports of the Executive Board with subsequent discussion
→ Mr. Jesinghausen
Through activities of the Executive Board and the members of KlM-I, contacts have been deepened and the flow of information and exchanges of experiences have increased in the last two years. Internationality is growing slowly but steadily. The Landesgruppen of KlM-D have worked more intensively with their neighbors. On the other hand, the Czech Republic and Austria have organized breed shows and IVGPs (international VGP) in which foreign handlers participated. Swiss contact to the Landesgruppe Baden has been deepened. German judges have attended a breed show in France and judged there too. The Landesgruppe Rheinland conducted a training session in Holland and attended the breed show. In Denmark the German test system (VJP and HZP) was introduced, thereby creating future comparability in the area of performance. Dr. Böhm gave a lecture in Stockholm about the German testing system and deepened contacts in Sweden.
In 2009 the Executive Board of KlM-I met twice and in 2010 once, in order to exchange common experiences and initiate and evaluate activities. Here it must be noted that a few initiatives came to nothing, for example, bringing together breed wardens from the KlM-I member countries on the occasion of the conference of KlM-D breed wardens. The offer of training sessions and the development of an international catalog of stud dogs have not yet encountered any great interest. On the other hand, other topics were taken up and progress was made, for example, on the topic of testing.
In the past, the focus of shared activities was on breed shows. Mr. Jesinghausen emphasized at this point, that the breeding of hunting dogs does not consist only of breed shows, but above all in securing dependable qualities of a hunting dog and performance. The national testing conditions are as different as hunting traditions. The current international relationships thus point to a uniform system of breed shows, while the testing systems are different. Mr. Jesinghausen points out that over 50% of KlM puppies abroad per year are bred according to differing performance criteria. Viewed in the long term, the danger thus exists that the breed KlM will drift apart at the performance level. Due to differing hunting traditions, but also because of different legal conditions in the area of animal protection, a few countries view the KlM as a pointing dog, and others see the breed as a complete utility dog before and after the shot. A distinction in the breeding of well-rounded utility dogs and the breeding of pointing dogs should be avoided. In the next 100 years of breeding the KlM should be preserved instead as a full utility dog, although in its hunting activities the breed can specialize according to the differing hunting conditions. In order to reach this goal, international exchange through cross-border breeding with the appropriate transparency is important, for example, in the question of which dogs are being used as stud dogs abroad. Secondly, the development of an international testing system with international performance judges, analogous to the breed judging, is important. This topic has been set in motion, because the club breed test regulations are to be revised in 2012. As the Kleine and Große Münsterländer did not want to wait so long, an International Münsterländer Test with an international Münsterländer performance judging system was developed by a working group of both breeds. Four years ago, a cooperation agreement between KlM-I and the F.C.I. was signed, although since then not much has happened. Letters remain unanswered, and there is no cooperation between the F.C.I. and the international breed clubs in practice.
Nevertheless, it is important to define the key elements of a breed, beyond the physical norm. KlM-I has also developed the KlM-I certificate as a proof of quality.
Pedigrees from SMCNA (Small Musterländer Club of North America) are not recognized in Europe. SMCNA does not wish to join the AKC, as this organization does not conduct any performance breeding. In the meantime, however, these pedigrees are recognized by the F.C.I. on the basis of a cooperation agreement between F.C.I. and the AKC.
With the help of the VDH (German Kennel Club), KlM-D wanted to issue pedigrees for SMCNA in the name of KlM-I. An application along these lines remains unanswered by the F.C.I. to date. In addition, there is still a risk that these pedigrees will not receive a Certification for Foreign Countries in Europe and then these dogs may not be used for breeding or testing in Europe. For this reason KlM-D has offered SMCNA to include SMCNA as a Landesgruppe of KlM-D, whereby SMCNA would retain its independence and could remain a member of KlM-I. As a Landesgruppe of KlM-D, SMCNA must become of member of the JGHV and thereby accept all the rules and test regulations of the JGHV.
Mr. Jesinghausen thanks all for their commitment and for the personal collaboration.
→ Mr. Andersen
Due to the differences in the member countries of KlM-I about which game can be hunted, hunting tradition and the legal framework conditions, partially differing requirements of the Kleine Münsterländer have emerged. For this reason, the tests are also different in each country and in some countries more oriented toward field work. But the Kleine Münsterländer is a versatile hunting dog. Therefore, it is very important that KlM-I is a strong community, with the goal to preserve and promote the Kleine Münsterländer as a versatile hunting dog by means of national and international breeding. This will still take a long time, because of the different conditions as well as the language and geographical problems.
Norwayhas sought admission this year. The Executive Board has already approved the application and the vote of the Annual Meeting will take place today. The representative of NMLK (NORSK MÜNSTERLÄNDER KLUBB) Mr. Atle Johannesen is present today.
The contact with SVK in Swedenshould be improved. The Vice President of SVK has participated in two seminars on the Association Youth Test (VJP) and the Association Fall Breed Test (HZP) in Denmark.
Attempts to contact Finlandhave been unanswered so far.
Mr. Andersen thanks Dr. Böhm, who supported the VJP and HZP seminars in Denmark. Mr. Andersen has been the President of the FJD umbrella association for all pointing dog breeds in Denmark since 2009. All continental pointing dog breeds have given their consent to the introduction of the natural ability tests (VJP, HZP).
→ Mr. Bottenheft
Mr. Bottenheft reports about historical-based, great differences in hunting in Western Europe. For this reason, the areas of activity of hunting dogs also differ in the individual countries. Hunting dogs are trained differently, and there are differences in the tests. Mr. Bottenheft has visited a few clubs in the past two years and can report about it.
In BelgiumMr. Bottenheft was a guest at a hunting dog test. The test is divided into two levels, Basic (with water work, gun sensitivity, retrieving a duck on land, obedience) and Training (search and retrieve of a duck in cover and in the water and marked retrieve). In addition, Belgium organizes F.C.I. Field Trials. The membership numbers in Belgium are growing. Pedigrees are issued by the umbrella association.
In FranceMr. Bottenheft attended a breed show and a TAN test, which is a natural ability test recognized by the French umbrella association. The TAN consists of a field search with great emphasis on pointing ability and retrieval of a duck from the water.
In LuxembourgMr. Bottenheft visited Jean Claude Grangenet, the individual responsible for pointing dogs in the Centrale du Chien de Chasse (CCC = a club for all hunting dog breeds, there are no breed clubs) and representative of the F.C.I. The club has 500 members, of which 75 have Kleine Münsterländer. One to two litters are born each year. Luxembourg’s Kennel Club issues pedigrees. The CCC organizes VJP, HZP and VGP tests. At present, the CCC has no interest in KlM-I, but Mr. Bottenheft maintains contact.
In Spain and Portugalthere are a few Kleine Münsterländer, but from 2001-2008 there was only one Kleine Münsterländer registered with the Kennel Club.
In Great Britainthere is a small KlM club, but in 2007 and 2008 no KlM were registered with the Kennel Club. Mr. Bottenheft maintains contact with a club representative.
In the Netherlandsthe cooperation with the umbrella associations (Kennel Clubs) is good. The exchange of information on puppies born and their owners is taking place. In order to avoid illicit breeding and the illegal import of dogs, Dutch breeders shall be certified in the future. This development is delayed due to a lawsuit at the Dutch cartel office. The result is that now more than one breed club per breed can exist, which can theoretically develop their own breed regulations. A discussion about this has arisen.
In summary, a task of KlM-I is to promote communalities in spite of differences in hunting, traditions and legislation.
- Financial Report
The financial report for 2008/2009 and the beginning of 2010 was handed out to all participants. Mr. Jesinghausen noted that the balance in 2010 would amount to about 34.000 €, if all member countries would have paid their membership dues. There is no more discussion about the financial report.
As per the founding minutes of KlM-I, it was decided that the membership fee, which is determined on the basis of the membership status of the preceding year (1 €/national member), is due at the beginning of the calendar year. Since this decision has proved impractical, Mr. Jesinghausen proposes a change in payment processing. The Business Manager sends a letter at year’s end, in which she requests the membership numbers and the desired payment terms (dues paid once per year or in two installments). In a second step, the Business Manager sends an invoice for the total amount in the first quarter or, in the case of installment payments, in the first and third quarters, each for half of the amount. This approach will be decided unanimously.
- Discharge of the Executive Board
The Executive Board is discharged with the affected parties abstaining from the vote.
- Reports and information from the member countries
Atle Johannsen reports about the NORSK MÜNSTERLÄNDER KLUBB in Norway. The club was founded in 1972. The club has 350 members, Kleine und Große Münsterländer. Mr. Johannsen estimates a population of about 500 KlM and 70 GM. About 50-70 puppies are born per year. The Chairperson is named Harald Bruflot and Mr. Johannsen is the Deputy Chairperson and international contact. Die umbrella association is called Norsk Kennel Klub (NKK). All “Group 7 clubs” are combined in the Fuglehundklubbenes Forbund (FKF) with a special breed, testing and judging system. In a shared magazine each club has its own page. In the course of a year the club offers numerous activities: an annual membership meeting, breed show, training and testing. The KlM in Norway are used for bird hunting (grouse in the mountains), for hunting in the forest and search.
Tom McDonald reports about the USA, and that he completed the training as a breed judge last year. The development of breed judges is making progress. For breedevaluations, five breed judges are available. A major problem is the great distances, so that no central breed show can take place. The evaluation is done by video while the dogs are stationary and in motion.
Nanda Adriaansen reports about Belgium. In the Belgian KlM club there are many members who are non-hunters. Thus, the club organizes family walks in addition to hunting tests and breed shows. Contact to the umbrella association is difficult, because the umbrella association does not pass on any information about numbers of puppies and puppy buyers.
Peter Hübler reports on Austria. The cooperation between ÖKV (Ökologischer Kynologen Verband), ÖJGV (Österreichischer Jagdgebrauchshunde-verein), and ÖVMÜ (Österreichischer Verein für Große und Kleine Münsterländer—Austrian Club for Große and Kleine Münsterländer) is working very well. The ÖVMÜ is the second largest breed club with 900 members, of which 2/3 have Kleine Münsterländer and 1/3 Große Münsterländer. The club is divided into three regions: East, South and West. The natural ability tests were very well attended. In the Fall, performance tests will be conducted in each of the three regions. At the VGP, the search in pairs shall be introduced, without evaluation by points, in order to see if the dogs are able to hunt with other dogs, as at a real hunt. With the field and water tests, in the future there will no longer be a division by age. At the end of the year, the acting Vice President and Managing Director will resign, as well as the regional chairperson East. In 2012 new elections will take place, so that a restructuring can be counted on. A major topic is animal protection and work on a live duck. The club supports the scientific work of the college of veterinary medicine on this topic. Siblings will be familiarized with and without a live duck. This experiment shall demonstrate how important training with a live duck is.
Cor Bottenheft reports on the Netherlands. The member count is dropping. In the Netherlands a hunt test similar to actual hunting was organized together with other breeds. 70 dogs participated. There were no test regulations. Work after the shot, as drags, water work and retrieving.
Urs Hopper reports on Switzerland. The Swiss Club for Kleine Münsterländer – Vorstehhunde is an independent breed club. In Switzerland the other pointing dog breeds are joined together in one pointing dog club. The Kleine Münsterländer want to remain independent. Currently, the Schweizer Club für Kleine Münsterländer has about 230 members and is still growing. The Board consists of seven members. The business office is led jointly by Urs Hopper and Ernst Krebs. There are four get-togethers plus meetings at the tests. In Switzerland there are 12 active breeders and about 20-25 puppies per year. The demand for puppies is very good and the demand cannot be met by domesticate supply, so that each year 6-10 puppies are bought in Germany and Austria. Because the animal protection law in Switzerland forbids work on live game, handlers test in Germany in the bordering Landesgruppen. Mr. Hopper expresses thanks for the good collaboration. Traditionally, Switzerland organizes a blood tracking test and a retrieving test. Obedience tests (heeling on leash, gun sensitivity) are offered.
About 20 members belong to the Schweizer Kynologischen Vereinigung. If a non-hunter buys a hunting dog, they commit themselves to work with the dog in an alternative fashion, for example, as a tracking or rescue dog. With the umbrella association new breeding regulations were worked out. The Swiss want to breed with dogs which have performed. For this purpose, the HZP or the VGP must be passed. Breed dogs must be HD free.
Jiři Kec reports on the Czech Republic. Mr. Walter Ullrich supports him as an interpreter. His club has existed since 1935 and looks after the long-haired pointing dogs in the Czech Republic, the Große und Kleine Münsterländer and the Deutsch-Langhaar. 700 members belong to the club, of which about 250-300 are Kleine Münsterländer (about 150-200 puppies per year). The Club has many years of experience in organizing international tests. Three breed shows are organized per year. For the second time a Youth Test following the Czech and German test regulations was organized and evaluated this year. The findings are integrated into the breeding. In the Czech Republic the requirements for breed dogs are set at a high level. Breeding bitches must have passed at least an HZP or a versatility test similar to the VGP. The Czechs support the international organization, but have objections regarding the IMP test regulations. In their opinion, the work with the fox and the blood tracking does not correspond to practical experience. In the Czech Republic the search is done already after four hours. Peter Buba adds that for him the main thing is mutual understanding and shared activities. It bothers him, that foreign judges can be used only as guest judges. Peter Buba emphasizes that the Czech Republic would like to contribute at KlM-I.
- New Elections
New elections take place every four years. The first four years have passed and have been characterized by the creation of KlM-I, making contacts and gathering information.
President:
Mr. Jesinghausen is suggested for re-election. Mr. Jesinghausen is elected President unanimously.
Two Vice Presidents:
Cor Bottenheft and Henrik Andersen are suppested for re-election. Cor Bottenheft and Henrik Andersen are elected unanimously.
Business Manager:
Dr. Böhm no longer wishes to run as a candidate for Business Manager. Ms. Geißler is suggested as new Business Manager. Ms. Geißler is elected unanimously.
Mr. Jesinghausen thanks the group for being re-elected on behalf of the Executive Committee.
- Admission of new members (Norway)
Mr. Jesinghausen submits the following proposal for criteria, which a country must fulfill to become a member of KlM-I:
- The club must be in a position to establish a breed base.
- About 50 puppies should be born per year in the club.
- The club must be in a position to conduct breed shows and hunting tests.
- Membership in the national hunting dog association.
- The club should have about 100 members.
These criteria must not be fulfilled immediately, but should be reached in the foreseeable future. He thus proposes the introduction of an candidate status for up to 5 years. During the candidate status the national KlM club will be invited and supported. The question remains to be clarified whether the dogs used be used for hunting.
The Annual Meeting decides on the wording „either 50 puppies or 100 members“ and gives consent to the proposal for new member criteria.
The Annual Meeting unanimously decides to admit the NORSK MÜNSTERLÄNDER KLUBB as a new member of KlM-I.
- International Münsterländer Test
Since different conditions exist in the member countries regarding the performance issue, a working group was formed two years ago to develop an International Münsterländer Test which would create internationally comparable test regulations. In the period from November 11, 2008 to February 6, 2010, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and France worked together in the working group. The Große Münsterländer also want to participate in the development of test regulations. The concept and level of the test regulations were discussed for a long time. Because of differing hunting traditions and the legal framework in the member countries, there were different ideas about the extent of the test regulations. France wants test regulations based on an HZP, while the Czech Republic and Austria demand a higher level. Dogs which pass this test, shall fulfill the requirements for entry into the breed book of all member countries. As a requirement for admission to the IMP, the national breeding requirements must be fulfilled.
The draft document is now there for the participants. The test regulations are divided into five areas: forest, water, field and obedience subjects and general qualities; and thereby mirror the versatile utility dog which can be used in a variety of situations. The test regulations shall be tested in the next three years. An interim report will be given at the next Annual Meeting. After conclusion of the test phase and a vote at the Annual Meeting, the test must be accredited by the F.C.I.
The Annual Meeting discusses the idea of developing the test in modular fashion into five modules. Each member country can offer the modules from these five which they want to organize and are legally allowed to organize. Due to the legal conditions, the test regulations are not workable in all of the member countries. In this context, international performance judging could be developed. In order to gain experience with the test, the Annual Meeting unanimously decides to try out the test regulations this year–in the present draft and with all five main subjects. In the test phase there will be no modules set up.
Requirements for the appointment of international performance judges will be sent out to all KlM-I members by the Business Manager.
- Awarding KlM-I certificates by the national member countries
The certificate is an offer of KlM-I to the national clubs, by offering their members a sign of quality in the form of a certificate. In return, KlM-I receives data about the Kleine Münsterländer which are being born in the member countries. For this, the certificate must be sent to the KlM-I business office by the end of the year, so that a data base can be established. For such a certificate the national member country can require an administrative fee. The certificate is only valid together with the pedigree. Every puppy receives the certificate after introduction of the certificate. The certificate is not a breeding approval, but attests that the KlM comes from quality breeding. The Business Manager is tasked with asking the member countries, who is interested in such a certificate.
- Subsidies for support measures (projects, events, training)
The Executive Board of KlM-I has decided upon the following subsidies:
- For participation in international breed shows, a travel expense subsidy up to 150 €/participant
- For participation in KlM-I events or other projects, a travel expense subsidy up to 150 €/participant
- For hosting and organizing international tests, training, speeches, breed warden conferences, etc. up to 1000 €, although this sum will be paid to a single member country only once every two years and in total not more than 5000 €/year
Applications should be directed to the Business Manager. Only the President of a national club can apply for this kind of subsidy. Payment is made by the Treasurer.
- Pedigrees for North America (SMCNA)
This topic was already reported on under topic #2, activity report of the Executive Board.
- Miscellaneous (Homepage, etc.)
There have been no updates to the Homepage for two years. The Business Manager Ms. Geißler will reactivate the Homepage. Ms. Geißler will gladly accept suggestions. The Homepage should become a means of communication for the members.
- Dates
The next Annual Meeting will take place in two years. The date will be announced.
Attachments:
- Activity report by Henrik Raae Andersen (Vice President)
- Activity report by Cor Bottenheft (Vice President)
- Club information by Atle Johannesen (NMLK)
- Club information by Peter Hübler (ÖVMü)
- Club information by Urs Hoppler (SKMV)