In 2001, AKC created the Versatile Companion Dog (VCD) title to
reward dogs of all breeds who demonstrate their versatility by
earning titles in Obedience, Tracking and Agility events. Obviously,
not many dogs achieve the VCD title since it is the only title that
AKC lists each titleholder on their website. To earn the VCD1 title,
a dog must earn 1) an Obedience (CD) title, 2) the Tracking Dog (TD)
title, 3) Agility Novice (NA or NAP) title and 4) Agility Jumpers
(NAJ or NJP) title.

Ch Blue Banners High Noon (Shooter) hit the grand slam today, earning
his Tracking Dog title and by doing so becomes the first German
Pinscher in history to earn the prestigious AKC VCD title. He is now
Ch Blue Banners High Noon CD TD RE AXP AJP, but abbreviated to Ch
Blue Banners High Noon VCD1 RE AXP AJP. He now holds titles in every
AKC event open to GP's.

Shooter nailed his track on a cold, rainy, muddy day which is very un
German Pinscher like. He completed the 445 yard, 4 turn track in 6
minutes flat. To my knowledge he's also the first male GP to earn
the TD title. I cannot describe my feelings of pride when he
beautifully indicated the glove.

To further highlight Shooter's outstanding working ability, last
weekend he earned two legs in Rally Excellent to finish his Rally
Excellent (RE) title. One weekend Rally, the next weekend Tracking,
I think this nearly 9 year old veteran certainly has proven that he
can multi task.

I know many of you have criticized this magnificent dog over the
years. I've heard the comments and unfair critiques. Is he the
perfect GP structurally? No, there isn't one, but he is pretty darn
good. Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and many failed to
see his heart and soul. You failed to credit the brimming
intelligence, his loyalty, his willingness to work and learn, his
huge heart. You disregarded his calm, steady nature, his desire to
please and his ability to work as a teammate (agility, conformation,
rally & obedience) and independently (tracking). All the attributes
that Shooter possesses in spades are what make a German Pinscher
truly great.

I always believed that Shooter was destined to achieve remarkable
success. His record of two historical firsts with AKC and two
historical firsts with UKC certainly confirm my faith in him. He is
my pride and joy and I love him with all my heart.

Betsy Spilis
Blue Banner German Pinschers