Teesie B., February 2013 (Owner of Murphy, Bessy x Fred 2013)
“When we walk Murphy people are always stopping their car to ask about him. He is such a joy! We love him so much. He has the funniest personality. Also, I don’t know if you remember, but my brother Michael, who has Down syndrome, lives with us. Michael and Murphy love each other and are the best of friends. Also, my three adult children are crazy about Murphy and all say that when they are able to have a dog they will definitely get a Braque Francais! Can’t thank you enough for the gift of Murphy!”
Garvin L., February 2014 (Owner of Juno, Eve x Casius 2014)
“The folks at Great Lakes Gun Dogs made us feel like family. After losing my first bird dog early to cancer, I started the search for a new hunting companion and family member. With a young family, I needed a dog that could perform in the field and be in a home with a toddler. I set my sights on the Braque Francais, and began the search to find the right breeder. I spoke to a few Braque breeders (and they all were great) – but I felt a strong connection with the brother breeding team of Seth and Keith of Great Lakes Gun Dogs … truth be known, wives Tammie and Bridgette were equally a part of the decision to select GLGD as my BF breeder of choice – a fantastic family who also have young children and understood what I was looking for in a dog.
I had a lot of questions for them. After a number of conversations on the phone and building a comfortable rapport with them, I decided it was time for a visit to see these dogs in person. The trip took some planning as we were making the trek from South Western Ontario, across the border to Western Michigan. The GLGD family was overly-accommodating and planned a wonderful day for us. My family was able to spend a few hours getting to know breeders, the breed, and their dogs better. On the long journey back there was no debate on the breed or breeders – we loved them both.
Fast forward about 10 months and we have a healthy seven month old pup that is a great family dog and by all indications, will be a first class gun dog. My first dog will never be forgotten – he was great, but my Braque is making is easier to move on. What enhances the experience with my Braque is the great relationship I have with my breeder. They were there to answer my many questions in the beginning via e-mail and phone. They opened their home to my family to get to know the breed and their dogs better. They used social media effectively to keep us informed during the pregnancy, the selection process, and for general updates on their dogs and extended Braque family. Seth and I have regular dialogue on training techniques and all things NAVHDA. Importing my dog into Canada required some paperwork from their vet – Seth had it organized and ready when I picked up my dog. The folks at GLDG run a great business. If I could sum them up with one word, it would be integrity. If you are considering a Braque Francais, I would encourage you to contact Great Lakes Gun Dogs and have a chat – you’ll be glad you did … I am.”
Kerry B., August 2014 (Owner of Sophia, Bessy x Fred 2013)
“Great Lakes Gun Dogs is the best!! We were new to Braque Francais as a breed but not new to bird dogs. After researching this breed online, BFs seemed to meet our needs for a new family pet & hunting companion for my husband. The team at GLGD was SO helpful, answering all our questions. We were lucky to put in the last deposit on the litter they had just whelped. Throughout the next 8 weeks, the Leyendeckers posted photos & videos on Facebook with updates. They comment back, are quick to answer emails & questions. We never felt far away from what was happening, how they were developing or who was doing what in the welping box. Bridgette was a master at coordinating transportation for the pups & pick ups. We felt that we were in good hands all the way. Fast forward a year and a half, our BF Sophia is a delight. She is everything we anticipated. She is easy to have in our Brooklyn apartment, quiet & cuddly. Outside she is raring to go, eager & attentive. We are constantly stopped on the sidewalk by folks asking questions about her & telling us how beautiful she is. She is mistaken for a GSP all the time. Easy to do. And when we tell them she’s a French Pointer, everyone is amazed. They’ve never seen anyone like her. We hand out GLGD info all the time 🙂 The Leyendeckers have been available to answer any questions along the way. We are so lucky to have found them & Sophia! Great Lakes Gun Dogs are a wonderful family who truly knows what they are doing & the dogs they are breeding. What’s more, they are diligent about proper breeding practices & keeping bloodlines separate. They take great care of their dogs & pups. I would highly recommend them!!”
Katie M., February 2014 (Owner of Rio, Bessy x Fred 2013)
“We’ve moved to Kampala, Uganda. We’re pretty sure she’s the only one in the country (and she’s the best ambassador for Braques you could ask for!) She’d chase birds and critters in the yard all day if she could. And I have to tell you– every puppy should be so lucky as to get to grow up with a house full of kids. Children here _love_ her but they typically haven’t been exposed to dogs much, so they tend to be much more shy and nervous (and less aware that pulling a dog’s tail maybe isn’t the best thing to do!) but Rio is _so_ good with them. She’s so chill and patient– I just can’t imagine a better-natured dog. Take care!”
Brad C., Aug. 2014 (Owner of Oban, Cartouche x Casius 2014)
“We couldn’t be happier with our Braque from Great Lakes Gun Dogs. The first thing we noticed about him was how well socialized he was. He is comfortable with everyone and absolutely loves children. He is a quick learner and crate training/house training was very fast and easy. In terms of a family pet he is ideal; good with people and a fast learner. Before i got a Braque I had heard that they were “big in the field and small in plenty of hiking in California and Colorado. On the trips he runs all day and loves the water. At home he has his activity periods in the morning and afternoon but spends most of the day sleeping. I’ve started to train him using the Delmar Smith/Huntsmith style and it is working really well. He has a strong prey drive and a good natural retrieve. I would highly recommend Braques Francais as a breed and Great Lakes Gun Dogs as a breeder.”
Dawn O., July 2015 (Owner of Miki, Cartouche x Blu 2014)
“I can’t believe that Miki is almost a year old. To say the least, we adore having her in the family. She is such a sweet heart and so much fun. What a personality. We get compliments from everyone who sees her. She has boundless energy outdoors, yet is calm inside. She is so social — has not met a dog or person that she doesn’t want to be best friends with. Her trainers have all commented on how smart she is. Of course this all goes back to your breeding ethics and all the work you did in her first months of puppyhood. I can’t thank you enough for your responsibility and love given to this breed.”
Gregg B., November 2015 (Owner of Lulu, Cartouche x Casius 2015)
“Lulu is in fact remarkable. While wife, who adores Lulu, is getting tired of hearing the same stories over and over again, she will none the less listen and feign amazement. Now it is your turn….She holds grouse like no six year old pointer…incredible nose, tremendous stealth, a beautiful point and she is rock steady to the shot. Oh, did I tell you she finds dead in the deepest thicket? And her point…oh my Lord. Stealthy…absolutely stealthy…absolutely…and today ..what a retrieve! A live pheasant at 100 yards right to me. I could have died and gone to heaven. She is sleeping now, with Ellie. She loves Ellie. Ellie will eat any thing or anyone that dares to come near her baby. Teddy passed last week. Greatest dog ever…but Lulu is helping all of us get over the loss. Thank you. We adore Lulu. I can’t wait until the morning, at 5:30, when like clock work she jumps up and into our bed (I help her). By the way, no dig her age has ever pointed and help a dozen woodcock, a half dozen grouse, a dozen pheasant, a hundred quail or twice that at her age. She is amazing and the sweetest little dog (42 pounds) in the world. Again, thanks.”
Robbie & Jennifer – January 2019 (Piper x Jet 2017) Owner of Opal, Pearl (Leonie x Flacon 2019)