Small breed Bird Dog's

[wildweeds]

I had one elhew lined pointer and would never own another,riddled with inherited genetic defects,not a good birdfinder and not easy to work with.I'll stick with my grouse bloodX shooting dog blood  setters that weigh in at under 40 pounds.

Honestly, if you're looking for a bird vacuum in the uplands I would take a serious look at Pointers. Not all lines run to the next horizon (get a dog of elhew lineage) and I've talked with plenty of shorthair, Brittany, and setter owners who told me they'll never go back to those breeds after owning a Pointer. At 45-55 lbs generally, I'm not sure they qualify as small and they do need a fair amount of exercise to be good house dogs, but they're really second to none. If fur and ducks are part of your game plan they are not a good option however.

Shameless plug for my favorite breed over.

[AspenBud]

I had one elhew lined pointer and would never own another,riddled with inherited genetic defects,not a good birdfinder and not easy to work with.I'll stick with my grouse bloodX shooting dog blood  setters that weigh in at under 40 pounds.

Honestly, if you're looking for a bird vacuum in the uplands I would take a serious look at Pointers. Not all lines run to the next horizon (get a dog of elhew lineage) and I've talked with plenty of shorthair, Brittany, and setter owners who told me they'll never go back to those breeds after owning a Pointer. At 45-55 lbs generally, I'm not sure they qualify as small and they do need a fair amount of exercise to be good house dogs, but they're really second to none. If fur and ducks are part of your game plan they are not a good option however.

Shameless plug for my favorite breed over.

What kennel did it come out of? Wehle's? That's not the norm from what I've seen. Especially if we're talking about places like Nitro Kennel's out in Missouri, Superior Pointers in Wisconsin, or any number of kennels dedicated to Coverdog trials.

[wildweeds]

Can't fling mud Bud,Joint is still in operation and selling hundreds of pups per year

[jetjockey]

Like any dogs, there are good dogs, great dogs, and junk dogs among any breeds.  I've seen one or two Elhew bred dogs that were very nice.  You don't win at Ames without being pretty darn good.  I've also seen Pointers, Setters, Brits, and GSP's that sucked.  With that said, there is no one "best" breed.  Pointers dominate at Ames, the winningest NSTRA dog is a Brit, and the Setters smoke in the grouse woods in the NE.     I live in the heart of Pointer and Setter land. And I've seen Brits and GSP's that will go head to head with the best pointers and Setters all day long!!

[AspenBud]

Can't fling mud Bud,Joint is still in operation and selling hundreds of pups per year

If they're selling hundreds of pups a year that's most likely the problem. All I need to know.

[Blackjaw]

For what it's worth, here's my take on things.

I have field bred cockers because they excel at the type of cover I like to hunt (a FB Springer would as well).

Would I have cockers if I wanted to hunt geese 90% of the time? Nope.
Would I have cockers if I wanted to sit in a blind most of the time? Nope
Would I have cockers if I wanted to chase chukar most of the time? Nope
Would I have cockers if I wanted to hunt big/open fields most of the time? Nope

That is not to say they can't do all of the above (except most of them can't drag a big goose back), but they are not best suited for that kind of work.

OK, maybe I would still have one because I like their personality, but it wouldn't be my go to dog if I primarily hunted in the ways described above.

[wiremonkey]

The more I hear, the more I like the Brittany. That Opie is a great looking dog. Like I said I am at least a year out but I think this has helped a lot. Thanks for all the advice 

[huntingfool7]

Netcoyote, as long as we're talking about good looking pups, I'd like to say 

[Stilly bay]

Netcoyote, as long as we're talking about good looking pups, I'd like to say 

X2

[netcoyote]

Netcoyote, as long as we're talking about good looking pups, I'd like to say 

X2

Thanks guys. Appreciate the compliment. Unfortunately this year I will have to hunt grouse without my buddy of 9 years. Boomer tore a cruciate ligament in his leg while we were out on a scouting trip in April. Broke my heart. He's now in rehab trying to get back in shape from a LSS surgery. He won't be in shape to hunt this fall but I might be able to get him in the field next year and strong enough to hunt.

Here's a pic of him a few weeks ago with his bandage still on. He really looks bummed out. He's got the bandage off now and stitches out but he's only able to walk a short distance. Gotta be real careful to exercise him gradually to get back into shape.

[smg id=12078]

[pens fan]

My two boys, Pappy and Mace, both at 40#.

[johng]

Poor Boomer!   I can tell he does look bummed.  It's amazing what dogs can convey to us.... hope he heals up well NetCoyote and you guys can chase grouse together next season.   

Hey Pen Fan, what kind of breed are those dogs?  I like the looks of 'em!   

[johng]

American Water Spaniel?   

[3dvapor]

I like my drahthaar, she's likes the water as much as a lab and will chase chukars for multiple days in the winter.  Also bloodtrails

[pens fan]

Boykins!