Building trusted hunting partners.
About Silverback Griffs
At Silverback Griffs, located on the open acreage of Devenney Ranch in Northern Colorado, we are dedicated to developing exceptional hunting dogs built on instinct, intelligence, and trust.
Led by Rich Devenney, whose decades of experience span multiple versatile hunting breeds, our foundation is rooted in real-world performance and time-tested training principles.
Rich had the rare opportunity to personally know and learn from Sigbot ‘Bodo’ Winterhelt, one of the most respected figures in versatile hunting dog training and author of the NAVHDA “Green Book.” That influence still shapes everything we do today.
Our program was further defined by legendary dogs like Axle, a Pudelpointer who hunted into his senior years, and Trooper, a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon whose drive, instinct, and character helped lay the groundwork for our breeding philosophy. Their legacy lives on in every dog we train and produce.
At Silverback Griffs, we focus on quality over quantity, developing reliable, level-headed hunting partners that perform in the field and integrate seamlessly into the home. From foundational obedience to advanced fieldwork, our approach respects the natural instincts of each dog while building a clear line of communication between dog and handler.
We don’t just train dogs.
We build trusted hunting partners.
Training Philosophy
While Rich specializes in developing reliable hunting dogs, his approach applies to all breeds and disciplines. At the core is a simple belief: every dog performs best when expectations are clear, communication is consistent, and trust is earned, not forced.
Rather than relying on shortcuts or one-size-fits-all methods, Rich trains the dog in front of him; building confidence, reinforcing natural ability, and creating structure the dog understands. Whether it’s a driven hunting dog or a family companion, the goal is the same: a calm, responsive, dependable dog that knows its role and can perform in real-world environments.
At Silverback Griffs, training isn’t about control. It’s about developing a dog that chooses to work with you.
Our commitment to this philosophy runs deep. Learn more about the dedication behind it here.
Ready to get started?
If you’re ready for a reliable, confident dog in the field and at home, we’re ready to help.