2026 International Armbruster Celebrates Excellence in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
September 16–19, 2026 | Brimley, Michigan
The 24th International Armbruster Zuchtprüfung brought Deutsch-Drahthaar enthusiasts together in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for four days of testing, competition, and camaraderie.
The Great Lakes Chapter was proud to host this event. We welcomed handlers and judges from across North America and abroad. Testing took place on private grounds near Stalwart, Michigan, where fields, wooded cover, and water provided an excellent setting to evaluate the versatility of the Deutsch-Drahthaar.
Named in honor of Leonard F. Armbruster, a pioneer in the development of the breed and its testing traditions in North America, the Armbruster combines the HZP (Fall Breed Test) and Breed Show into one of VDD-GNA's premier annual events.
Event Leadership & Judges
Special recognition goes to the individuals who helped organize and officiate this year's event:
-
Test Director: Blaine Eickelschulte
-
Test Coordinators: Scott and Marina Lover
-
Judges: 20 performance judges and six breed judges, including international representatives Otto Tiemann, Sarah Walter, Claudia Wigger-Pieper, and Axel Karlstedt.
The complete list of judges, along with event information, entries, and historical highlights, is available in the 2026 International Armbruster Event Program.
Congratulations to Our Winners
This year's event featured 38 entries, with 28 dogs passing. Congratulations to our top 10 dogs and handlers:
-
Hepburn vom Kürbis Haken — Erik Dowden (200.5 points)
-
Dottir vom Wet Stone — Garrett Lover (198.0 points)
-
Athena vom Aufblühen — Joseph Aumann (197.5 points)
-
Clover vom großen Jagdmesser — Jim Halleran (196.5 points)
-
Helena vom Kürbis Haken — John Richards (196.0 points)
-
Foxy v.d. Südgable — Justin Harris (196.0 points)
-
Aspen vom Wilder Jager — Vanessa Centers (195.5 points)
-
Jimmy vom Whittingfield — Lee Wilcoxon (194.0 points)
-
Vitus vom Cohansey — Darwin Paddock (192.5 points)
-
Elba vom Mitten — Luke Streeter (192.5 points)
Armbruster winner Erik Dowden holding the Armbruster Trophy with Test Director Blaine Eickelschulte (L) and VDD-GNA Breed Warden Mike Fortner (R)
Erik with Hepburn vom Kürbis Haken
Top 10 Handlers and Dogs
View Complete 2026 Armbruster Rankings
More Than a Test
Beyond the competition, participants enjoyed the hospitality and hunting traditions of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Highlights included a traditional Great Lakes fish fry and euchre gathering at the Stalwart Fairgrounds, the Parade of Dogs, and the closing awards banquet at Bay Mills Resort & Casino overlooking Lake Superior.
The event also provided opportunities for international fellowship, continuing education, and celebrating our shared commitment to preserving the Deutsch-Drahthaar's working heritage.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
A special thank-you to our three major sponsors: Purina Pro Plan, onX Hunt, and Mitten Outdoor Goods.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the many breeders, chapters, businesses, and individuals who supported the event.
The Great Lakes Chapter, International Armbruster Committee, Test Director Blaine Eickelschulte, Test Coordinators Scott and Marina Lover, and the many judges, landowners, field marshals, and volunteers deserve special recognition for their dedication and countless hours of preparation.
Congratulations to all participating dogs and handlers, and thank you to everyone who made the 2026 International Armbruster a memorable celebration of our breed and community.
Waidmannsheil!