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C. Bede Maxwell and Dr. Charles Thornton collection of German Shorthaired Pointer research materials, 1923-1985

 Series
Identifier: AKF 100.5

Dates

  • 1923-1985

Access Restrictions

This material is open to research without restrictions.

Biographical note

Sporting breeds judge and author Catherine Bede “Maxie” Maxwell (1901-1994) is credited with a prolific legacy of canine scholarship and wisdom to multiple generations of judges, breeders, and handlers. A world traveler and tireless researcher, she is often credited as a pivotal figure in the formalization of judges education as a discipline.

Maxwell moved to the United States from her native Australia in 1944, where as a girl she had bred, raised, and shown numerous Sporting breeds. She received AKC approval to judge Sporting and Hound groups shortly after she arrived in America. She gave impassioned breed lectures and slide shows, spreading the importance of understanding each breed’s form-following-function standard. Maxwell was equally known for speaking her mind and for taking novices under her wing with firm but gentle instruction.

Ten years of research in 14 different countries culminated in her book The Truth About Sporting Dogs (1972), while her The New German Shorthaired Pointer (1963) is still considered by many to be the bible of the breed. Maxwell also published articles and books relating to her other hobbies and scholarly pursuits, including surfing, the British royal family, the history of Australian ships, and German composers.

Adapted from the AKC Gazette obituary published August 1995

Physical Description

From the Record Group: 26.2 Linear feet (in 24 boxes (21 flat boxes and 3 half-doc boxes))

From the Record Group: 30 Linear Feet (in 28 boxes and mixed collections storage)

Language of Materials

English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the American Kennel Club Library & Archives Repository

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