When starting in 1976 with her first GWP, Helen Witt had no idea what was coming for her and how far she would go in the breed. Without the knowledge and constant work of hers, the kennel name itself wouldn’t be where it is today. She truly started from the bottom of the ranks as a newbie in the sport of conformation, and came out with just her second GWP ever having 9 Best in Shows. Duff was the first leg of our breeding program. Through the years many greats have come from the Ripsnorter name and been produced, resulting in the GWPCA top three sires of all time being under the Ripsnorter prefix (2019 stats)

 

Over the course of Covid-19, we decided to see exactly how much of an impact Helen had made on the breed. After three generations and almost 45 years in the breed, Ripnsnorter Kennels is proud to announce that Helen Witt has the honor of being the first PLATINUM level Breeder of Merit for German Wirehaired Pointers. With the requirements of at least 100 titled dogs and 60 being prefix titles, Helen had 140 total titled dogs, 136 with prefix titles and 86 with suffix titles.

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As breeders, we are proud to know people in the sport such as Helen who have this dedication and to know how much they have done for our breed. Personally, I could not be prouder to have been guided to where I am today by the knowledge and talent from her many years. It is truly an honor for her to have this ranking in the breed