Need help choosing a dog breed

[KFhunter]

[pens fan]

I can't find anywhere where this guy said he wanted it for coons.
Anyways, labs are great, labs are big. Labs shed big time. I had a lab and could have made a beautiful carpet out of the hair he left behind in 7 years.
If you have a big yard and can let the dog run, then the Boykin can be the dog you are looking for. They are flushers. They will not point. They don't shed much at all, and two people took my pups that are typically allergic to dogs.
They are rare out this way. They are great with kids, swim like crazy, will hunt any bird you put in front of them. They may.not do you much good on chukars, since they are flushers. Some say their shorter legs won't allow them to make it up the rocky crevasses for long. I would only argue that they would probably die during a hunt like that because they will not stop. And snakes. They are pig headed. There are many spaniel breeds out there. Research them. I have one of my pups up in Snohomish. I'm sure the owners would not mind chatting with you about their little brown dog.

[Atroxus]

I am not even sure what the difference is between a pointer and a flusher.

OH BOY!!
in that case go on hunt with a flushing dog and go on a hunt with a pointer to see what you like best.

Should I take that as an offer? 

be my guest. we could turn my labs (flushers) loose in the morning, and my setters (pointers) loose in the afternoon and get you past bird dog kindergarten in one day.

Oh wow, thanks! I'll shoot you a PM and see what we can work out. 

[Kola16]

What about weimaraners?  I've had several.  Still have a couple and have a litter on the way.  Great dogs. Great with kids. Females are around 45 lbs and great hunting dogs.  Plus their beautiful.      but good luck getting a weim to go into the water in the middle of winter,   

I let my friend take his Weimaraner on a duck hunt one time  45-50 degrees, and it was shivering like a leaf the whole time, and it was dry 

Luckily I have a lab, who swims in water when it is 15 degrees out 

My lab does not shed nearly as much as other labs. On top of that, she has black fur so you can't see it. And did I mention that she can point or flush 

[Tman]

german wirehaired pointer/ griffon / gsp would meet most of your demands.

[Atroxus]

Thanks for all the input everyone. I updated the list of possibles. Any of these have issues with jumping in cold water after ducks? I may just see if I can talk my wife into getting an ankle biter for her and my son, and a lab for me but I am not gonna hold my breath for that.

English Cocker Spaniel - 26-34Lbs
Springer Spaniel - 40-50Lbs
Boykin Spaniel - 30-40Lbs
German Wirehaired Pointer - 45-75Lbs
Brittany - 30-40Lbs
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - 50-60Lbs
German Shorthaired Pointer - 55-70 Lbs

[Holg3107]

If your primarily looking for a duck dog then you already know your answer, and that is convincing your wife to get a lab. The other dogs that are listed can all be great dogs and you find people who own those breeds that wouldnt trade their dog for the world. It just sounds to me like a lab fits your bill asside from the size. I dont think you will find the shedding that much different from a lab to the rest of them in your list. Your son would love having a lab around over an "ankle biter," he will actually be able to play with a lab.  Just out of curiousity why the 50# max?

[Atroxus]

If your primarily looking for a duck dog then you already know your answer, and that is convincing your wife to get a lab. The other dogs that are listed can all be great dogs and you find people who own those breeds that wouldnt trade their dog for the world. It just sounds to me like a lab fits your bill asside from the size. I dont think you will find the shedding that much different from a lab to the rest of them in your list. Your son would love having a lab around over an "ankle biter," he will actually be able to play with a lab.  Just out of curiousity why the 50# max?

I am thinking primarily Duck dog, but would like the option of upland birds as well if possible. The weight limit was imposed by my wife. She's the one that likes the little ankle biters, and I suppose my son does too cause they have one at his day care that he loves. 

[runamuk]

poodles are awesome water dogs they dont shed and they will protect your family.....everyone knocks them until they get their ass kicked by one in the field    our standard poodle would hunt anything with feathers was murder on rats and small furry vermin, he would retrieve anything you asked him to in or out of the water, and trespassers would get eaten first questions asked later.... the dog could have been a phenomenal trial dog along with everyday hunting dog if the men had actually put some effort into it.  Poodles are in the background of many many breeds that are used for hunting today and if you look around you can find them working in the field.  Nice thing with their hair you can strip it off for your convenience and to suit the weather.  that ridiculous hairdo everyone makes fun of originated for protecting joints and vitals in cold winter water conditions.
they are not the breed for everyone but they are one of the few breeds that still can do it all and then some.

[C-Money]

I own Chesapeakes. Great family dogs, great animals. They may be a Little out of your size requirements.

[Stilly bay]

If your primarily looking for a duck dog then you already know your answer, and that is convincing your wife to get a lab. The other dogs that are listed can all be great dogs and you find people who own those breeds that wouldnt trade their dog for the world. It just sounds to me like a lab fits your bill asside from the size. I dont think you will find the shedding that much different from a lab to the rest of them in your list. Your son would love having a lab around over an "ankle biter," he will actually be able to play with a lab.  Just out of curiousity why the 50# max?

I am thinking primarily Duck dog, but would like the option of upland birds as well if possible. The weight limit was imposed by my wife. She's the one that likes the little ankle biters, and I suppose my son does too cause they have one at his day care that he loves. 

if weight is the biggest criteria...
you can find labs under 50lbs pretty easily. some breeders advertise " upland" or "performance" labs that are under 50lbs and amazing to watch in the field and still very capable of withstanding extreme cold and sitting still. since they are smaller they can run harder and longer and probably suffer the heat better.

 

[Heredoggydoggy]

I've seen one of the new phase of Labs called "Pointing Labradors".  They'll do both, and the one I saw wasn't very big.  Only the biggest breeds will go over 50 Lbs.  (Besides, puppies aren't that big, are they?  )

[Curly]

You are going to have a hard time finding most on your list as a rescue dog or at a cheap price.  

Boykins and English Cockers are on the top of my list for my next dogs, but I never see any around here and if you can find some they are very high priced.

A Chesapeake won't shed as much as a lab, but they will also be over your weight limit and are not likely to find in a shelter.

A poodle is a great idea, but might be hard to find one that is good in the field......I don't know.

I've crossed thru some breeds on your list.  See below:

English Cocker Spaniel - 26-34Lbs Too hard to find at a cheap price.
Springer Spaniel - 40-50Lbs
Boykin Spaniel - 30-40Lbs  Too hard to find at a cheap price.
German Wirehaired Pointer - 45-75Lbs Too hard to find at a cheap price.
Brittany - 30-40Lbs Not good for duck retreiving.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon - 50-60Lbs    Too hard to find at a cheap price.
German Shorthaired Pointer - 55-70 Lb  Not good for duck retreiving (But should be able to find one 50lbs or less).

Looks like a Springer would be your best choice with maybe a small lab being a possibly.   (But a springer does have longer hair and sheds.)

[Sportfury]

Atroxus I would suggest the GWP. Of course I am partial to that breed as that is what I own (x2). We have had labs and a GSP also, but I like the GWP the best. There temperament, their will to please, their will drive to hunt (anything and bad for cats, raccoons, and such). They can do water, they dive in the deepest brush, and are an all around great dog. They do need to be run everyday, so make sure they get their exercise.

 If money is an issue then try the GWP rescue http://www.gwprescue.com/. Right now they have a couple of dogs and they put you through the ringer "somewhat" to make sure that the dog is going to a good home.

[bobcat]

You can take the Brittany and GSP's off your list, if ducks are a priority.