Anton is named for the composer, Anton Bruckner, and his work, Te Deum.

Anton's nicknames: Happy-go-lucky, The Runt

Anton's song: Te Deum

Anton's pedigree
Antons's littermates

Co-owned and loved by Kelly Chambliss and David Kunkle, Anton is a handsome and happy-go-lucky chap who wags his way through all of life’s great adventures, especially those involving his  big ‘bro’ Gustav (Ardenwood’s Gustav as a Wayfarer JH WC). The stars aligned when evaluating Anton’s litter as my field pick and a conformation favorite were one in the same, and David and Kelly were hoping to do both. They managed to survive the wild ride of Anton’s puppy-hood and thanks to their dedicated training, Anton is showing great promise as he embarks on his hunt test and show career this year. As David and Kelly live locally and train and hunt on the same grounds that I do, I’ve been fortunate to watch him grow-up and always enjoy his farm visits. Aside from his good looks and field ability, I’m especially pleased with his temperament – confident, unflappable, and socially easy-going, Anton gets along with everyone he meets and is an easy dog to fall in love with. 

In the field, Anton is a stylish retriever with excellent marking abilities, earning his first JH leg just before his first birthday. He takes pressure well, learns quickly, and is a pliable and willing worker. Anton confidently holds lines on very long marks and through obstacles, is fearless in water and cover, and quite steady at the line in spite of his enthusiasm. He shows excellent memory and is quickly progressing in his handling drills.

Anton is a moderate and racey dog with substantial bone and coat. He has a level topline and excellent angulation that is well complemented by his length of loin, all translating into clean, ground-covering movement. His ‘man-chest’ is slowly dropping in to reveal a lovely front. Anton’s head is especially typey and refined, yet masculine, and complemented by super dark eyes, free-floating brows, and a soft expression. His coat is a little wavy, but is straightening out as it grows.