Radbach Kennels:
It is clear that Radbach Kennels isn't just a breeding operation; it’s a living piece of canine history. The transition from Bob Holcomb’s immersion in post-war German dog culture to the Klines’ current stewardship in Kingston represents a rare, 45-year continuous thread of quality. Radbach Kennels: A Legacy of Excellence
Founded: Post-WWII | Location: Kingston, WA | Specializatio
n: Pure German Bloodlines. The Heritage: The Radbach name is synonymous with the foundational history of the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) in America.
• The Architect: Bob Holcomb (GSPCA Hall of Fame) established the line after apprenticing under Ernst Bleckmann in Germany.
• The Successors: Bob and Karyn Kline continue this 45-year tradition, maintaining the strict standards of the "Pure German" lines.
• The Record: Over 100 Field Champions and multiple Hall of Fame inductees. The "Gentleman’s Bird Dog":
Radbach dogs are bred for a specific "type" that balances rugged capability with refined instincts.
• Natural Instincts: High prey drive, soft mouth, natural honoring, and a love for water.
• The Philosophy: Utilizing linebreeding to preserve the integrity, size, and conformation of the original German imports.
• Versatility: These dogs are "all-purpose" athletes, bred to excel in upland bird hunting, waterfowl retrieval, and elite field trials. Puppy Buyer Reference:
Because Radbach prioritizes quality over quantity, acquiring a dog from this lineage is a selective process. Best Suited for Serious hunters, field trialers, and active outdoor homes. Health Standards: OFA Hip Dysplasia screening, DVM Eye exams, and EMBARK DNA panels. Availability: Infrequent litters: screening and waiting lists are standard. Note: These are high-drive athletes. They thrive best when given a "job" and significant physical and mental engagement.
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Contact Information
• Owners: Bob & Karyn Kline
• Phone: (360) 638-2726
• Location: Kingston, Washington It is a bloodline and a private kennel name. Originally belonging to Robert Holcomb and passed onto Robert and Karyn Kline. Breeding quality gun dogs for over 45 years. Over 100 Field Champions. Radbach Kennel is a legendary name in the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) world, is a foundational bloodline that shaped the breed in the United States. Based in the Pacific Northwest, the kennel is currently managed by Bob and Karyn Kline, who took over the legacy from the founder, Bob Holcomb. The Radbach Legacy: Founder: Bob Holcomb (GSPCA Hall of Fame) began importing GSPs from Germany after WWII. He studied under Ernst Bleckmann, the owner of the original von dem Radbach kennels in Germany. Bob Holcomb, the founder of Radbach Kennel in USA, started his important contributions to the German Shorthaired Pointer world while he was serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany, at the end of World War II. While serving in the occupation forces, he was exposed to his first German Shorthaired Pointers. The impact these dogs made on Bob guided the rest of his life. In the late 1950's Bob returned to Germany with the U.S. Army and greatly increased his involvement with German Shorthaired Pointers. His primary contact was with Mr. Ernst Bleckmann, owner of the original von dem RADBACH kennels. Bob lived at the kennel and studied under the head trainers/game stewards on the Bleckmann estate. Bob was one of the very few Americans that became respected enough to be asked to judge field trials in Germany. From these experiences, Bob watched and picked many great dogs to be sent to America, several of these have been named into the G.S.P.C. of America "Hall of Fame" and inducted into The National Bird Dog Museum, Field Trial Hall of Fame. Bob Holcomb hadn't developed this true love of German Shorthaired Pointers, while under the tutelage of German masters, the breed surely wouldn't be the same today. The current "Dog of the Year" trophy, awarded by the Northwest Field Trial Council, is given as a memorial to Bob's accomplishments during his life. Donations for the trophy were received from clients and friends from across the country. The gentleman’s true bird dog: natural instincts of soft mouth, pointing, honoring, style, prey drive, personality and loves to swim! We typed our dogs for size, conformation, and natural ability. Philosophy: The kennel focuses on "Pure German" lines, emphasizing hunting drive, field trial performance, and "linebreeding" to maintain the integrity of the original imports. Foundation Sires: Famous dogs like HOF FC Lutz von dem Radbach (a foundation sire for the breed in America) and HOF Radbach’s Bimbo are central to this lineage. Current Operations
While the original kennel was in Auburn, WA, the Klines now operate out of Kingston, WA. They are highly selective, often breeding dogs specifically for hunting homes and serious field trialers. Breeding Philosophy: They focus on maintaining the purity and purpose of the original German imports, emphasizing line breeding and versatility (ducks, upland birds, and field trials). Community Involvement: Contributor to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America (GSPCA), having served as a chairman, and secretary for numerous championships and regional trials. Reputation: Radbach is widely considered a "masterclass" lineage in the GSP world, known for iconic dogs. To clear up any confusion: “Wolfweise Radbach”, is not related to the Radbach bloodline and/or Radbach Kennels. The “Wolfweise Radbach” was created in Idaho (1960’s) It was a kennel name used on many different bloodlines and dogs. The owner of the kennel purchased one female from Radbach Kennels (1960’s) and then bred her to outcrosses.
