Need help picking a breed.

[MHWASH]

I'm not a serious bird hunter, but like to get out a few times a year after big game seasons are over. We'll mostly be hunting pheasants in the wheat fields. The dog will mainly be a family dog. I know the easy answer is a lab, but we have a couple of concerns with labs. Our last dog, Nikki, was a lab cross and she shed terribly. Our other concern is size. Most of the labs I see are just too big. Nikki was 55lbs, and that was about perfect.

Here's just a few criteria

Medium size
Short hair
Limited shedding
Mostly an inside dog
Not looking to spend a bunch of money, so I will be the trainer

[bobcat]

I would say a Brittany would be a good choice. Not really short hair, but not long either. They will shed some. I don't know that there's a breed out there that doesn't shed at all. Except maybe poodles.

I had a German Shorthair and he shed way more than my Brittany. Yes it was short hair, but that didn't make it any easier to vacuum up.

Brittanys are half the size of the average lab and are awesome family dogs.

[Bullkllr]

Pretty hard to argue against a brittany.

[RainingSteel]

imho labs are easier to train  for  the  average  individual and  more  content as an inside dog that may not get as much  hunting  time (satisfied  by a lot of different  types of  exercises  like  fetch).  A breeder  can set you  up with a smaller lab.  I  do not  have much  problem  with  mine  shedding.  great  family  dog as they are known  for.

[Sportfury]

How active will you be with the pup outside of hunting?

I would suggest German Wirehaired Pointer or Drathaar even though they are long haired. My GWP shedding is minimal and she is an inside dog. I love the attitude of my GWP and she is probably right around 45-50 lbs. For short hair then you might think GSP, Weimeriner, or Vizsla. I have only experience with the GSP. My male was right at 60 lbs and a pretty tall dog. We just bought a GSP for my son and his dad was 75 lbs. He is almost six months old and he is passing up my 6 year old GWP. He is super active and we have to run him at least twice a day.

The reason that I ask the first question is that most of these dogs need to run. They are true athletes and need to be exercised every day. If not they can be doctor destructo in the house.

[wildweeds]

Would you be interested in a setter?

[j_h_nimrod]

There are a few other considerations you don't mention that I feel are important in considering a dog.

Do you have kids? Babies, elementary, etc.

Level of normal family activity?  Very active, weekend active, etc.

House with a yard, apartment, etc.?

Just something else to think about when choosing breeds. Personally I am not a lab fan, or any long haired shedding dog for that matter. I wanted a standard Poodle for its breed attributes. The wife wanted a Weimaraner because it was pretty.  We got the Weim. The hair sheds but has never been a problem, it is almost invisible. Lots of good breed attributes but plenty of shortcomings as well.

[Bullkllr]

Labritdoodle?

[trophyhunt]

imho labs are easier to train  for  the  average  individual and  more  content as an inside dog that may not get as much  hunting  time (satisfied  by a lot of different  types of  exercises  like  fetch).  A breeder  can set you  up with a smaller lab.  I  do not  have much  problem  with  mine  shedding.  great  family  dog as they are known  for.

labs are awesome.

[PolarSea88]

VIzsla all the way!

[hollymaster]

Can't go wrong with a Brittany! But then again I do have three. 
I would definitely advise researching whatever breed you choose. Most hunting dogs are high energy and need daily exercise.

[coyotestalker22250]

Check out a boykin spaniel. They are a fairly new breed with great attributes. Small dogs with upland and water abilities. They are also very good family dogs. I have had Brittanys and labs, which are great dogs but I'd go for the boykin.

[snowshoes22]

I think springers are overlooked a lot in WA for some reason? Best pheasant dog out there and travel size. Also great with kids

[AspenBud]

Find someone who breeds smaller labs. If shedding is a concern, find someone who breeds Poodles for bird hunting. Most pointing dogs aren't going to be a good choice if you don't plan to hunt them much.

[KFhunter]

I wouldn't suggest a Brittany/Setter/GSP/Pointer if you aren't going to go full bore with training.  Ya they are fantastic dogs but any pointing type dog is going to take a ton of training to hunt properly for you.   A dab of training on a Brittany just means it's going to run all over the place and scare birds 300 yards out and you'll be screaming at it to come back while zapping the hell out of it. ~ Don't do that.

Instead get you a close working flusher - you can get away with a lot less training on a flusher if they only get out 20 yards away.

A Springer family dog sounds about perfect 

[WRL]

What color was your lab?

I get LOTS of people that have a black or chocolate then go to a yellow and say they shed more. Nope they don't. BUT it is more noticeable.

All the sporting dogs shed. Some less than others but I think its less of a breed thing and more of an individual dog thing.

Whatever you go with, I am here to tell you that going with a DARK dog will make it seem like they shed less.

Everyone thinks "their" breed is the best. I'd call some trainers that have trained a great deal of the "other" breeds....boykins, springers etc......AND really, like the other poster said, I would not get a pointer if you are mainly looking for a family dog and only hunt a handful of times a year. I love the pointing breeds, but a lot of them are going to drive you bugnuts if they are not exercised a bunch.

WRL

[MHWASH]

We are very active family, but most of it is not dog friendly. Sports with the boys 3-4 times a week. Boys are 11 & 7. I expect to bird hunt 5-6 times  year. We live in a house with a fenced yard. We spend a lot of time camping in the summer.

[runamuk]

I live with a GWP and the bugnuts is a correct assertion if he does not get run daily he is a nutball....love him to pieces he is a great dog but he has energy to burn.  I had friends who had a springer and a brittany and they seemed a little less wired.  I have had a standard poodle that hunted, they can be great bird dogs good family dogs something many dont know is they are also very protective of their home, they dont really shed and you can keep them shaved down for a very no fuss coat.  I like most dogs but am only willing to live with certain types after years of taking in and fostering many purebreds.  Many people here may be very anti AKC dog show but if you could go to a show you could see and meet lots of breeds in one spot, and with a family pet in mind that can hunt this might be better than choosing a high drive hunting focused bloodline.

good luck have fun and take your time so you make the best choice for your family.

[Curly]

Don't forget to add english cocker to the list.

Link about the breed.

[Birdguy]

A smaller lab would be my choice, we put a deposit on one yesterday that should be 45-50# all grown.
Outside of that I would look at Boykins (Pens Fan on here has 3 I think should be a good resource for questions) or the springer, and I am certain once you narrow it down you can find specific folks on here to ask more breed specific questions. I applaud you for giving this topic good honest thought before you buy  .

[jeepster]

I have a vizsla.....

Same headache as a GSP....just a different color. Great dogs, protective and loyal, killer nose.... Needs to be trained by somebody who knows what they are doing..... not a good starter dog, awesome family dog tho.....

Needs to run a few miles a day or they will drive you nucking futts........

I'd go with a lab............

[sanderson]

For a flushing breed Springer. For me great family and hunting partner.

[jetjockey]

Springer or a brittany would be my choice.  Maybe we've been lucky, but I don't see the need for all the exercise people keep talking about.  My brittany sleeps in bed with us, and when it gets too warm to run her down here in GA, she doesn't get exercised.   She's a great house dog , but doesn't need to be run every day like people suggest.  Once a week is plenty for her.  My parents are in their early 70's.  They have a brittany a ho has heavy trial breeding. The dog is a log in the house, and at their age, about the only exercise she gets is hunting during the fall, and the occasional walk. She's a great house dog as well.  We also have a lab, and I'm sorry to say, we probably won't have another.  Great dog, but I get sick of the shedding.   I have yet to see a flushing dog or retriever who can keep up with a pouting dog in the field for hours on end.  IMO the pointing dogs are much better athletes because thy breed for it.  IMO, a close working pointing dog would be your best bet.  A Brit is a great choice.

[rasbo]

I just hunted with three springers,had brits and english setters..I would choose a small lab over them breeds. good luck what ever you choose....

[AspenBud]

Springer or a brittany would be my choice.  Maybe we've been lucky, but I don't see the need for all the exercise people keep talking about.  My brittany sleeps in bed with us, and when it gets too warm to run her down here in GA, she doesn't get exercised.   She's a great house dog , but doesn't need to be run every day like people suggest.  Once a week is plenty for her. 

How big a yard do you have? I could get away with not running my Pointers for weeks at a time when we lived on a little more than an acre, half of which was fenced for them. But on a smaller lot I have to get them out at least a couple of times a week. Otherwise they become a pain in the butt and can get destructive.

[coachcw]

boygin spaniel

[jetjockey]

Springer or a brittany would be my choice.  Maybe we've been lucky, but I don't see the need for all the exercise people keep talking about.  My brittany sleeps in bed with us, and when it gets too warm to run her down here in GA, she doesn't get exercised.   She's a great house dog , but doesn't need to be run every day like people suggest.  Once a week is plenty for her. 

How big a yard do you have? I could get away with not running my Pointers for weeks at a time when we lived on a little more than an acre, half of which was fenced for them. But on a smaller lot I have to get them out at least a couple of times a week. Otherwise they become a pain in the butt and can get destructive.

Not big.  Maybe 3000 sq/ft.  Same with my parents.  Mine is fenced and they have an electric fence.  My parents dog is a house dog when they are home, and crated when they aren't.  We leave ours out during the day to play with our lab, but all they do is lay around and sleep in the sun.

[Ridgerunner]

Golden retriever, look at the field line of the breed, most are under 60 pounds, great family and inside pets, we just put a deposit down on one that will be due in late December.  My plan is to hunt with her 5-6 times a year, and mainly have her as a family pet.  This will be our second one, the field line is generally very birdy and easy to train.  Pm if you want more details.

[Heredoggydoggy]

The common thinking is that short hair is easier to clean up.  IT'S NOT!  Long hair lays on the surface and vacuums up easily.  Short hair woks its way into fabric and places, stands straight up, and doesn't vacuum up for anything!

Get a dog that you like.  You will get a lot of "my favorite breed" responses here, and that's not a bad thing.  Choose a dog like you would choose a wife.  (You'll probably have the dog longer!) 

[steen]

A female Red Setter.  Very sweet dogs and hunting machines. Our Ruby is a great family dog also and now we have a granddaughter from one of her puppies.  Two of our kids have them and a few friends.  We don't lock them up, they have free run and stay close to home.  Good luck picking your dog!

[pens fan]

If your yard is as small as you say it is, you may not want a Boykin.
This is from my web page:

 
Is A Boykin Spaniel Right for YOU?
                                                                                                     Boykins are a special breed. 
   They are one of the few hunting breeds left that have not been what I call "infected" with the showdog circuit until recently. I mean no disrespect to the people who show dogs, and I have some in my family, but one thought about the Cocker Spaniel and any "old time" hunter will understand. Cockers were (and in some few instances still are) wonderful hunting dogs. Durable, friendly and determined for such a small dog, they were a favorite in the spaniel breed as flushing dogs. For the most part today, Cockers are the idol of many homes as a house pet, never seeing the woods and using instincts as bird dogs. They are prancing around a ring instead of a wheatfield flushing pheasants.They are also one of the most reported dogs for biting instances. One must look hard to find a hunting Cocker.

   One does not have to look far to find a hunting Boykin. It is in their blood to hunt.Their instincts exude hunting drive. At the same time, they are wonderful family dogs. BUT, they are not to be house ridden. They are very active (not "hyper") dogs and must be able to run about. Taking a walk or two everyday does not replace the energy they have. Having another dog to keep their activity level up can be detrimental to any ideas you have about training if it is a puppy. They often take on an older dog as "mom" and will not listen to the owner. They will take on bad habits and even be undesireable as the pet you thought you were getting. We often have people who want these pups as replacements for older dogs. This is a wise transition but the new owners must realize how the pup will respond to other dogs and owners. There is more training than one might think.
   Boykins are extremely intelligent and are very manipulative. They are a one person dog. If a couple is getting a pup, they must determine who is going to be the "mom". The pup will usually only listen to "mom" unless "mom" is not around. So, if one person is going to hunt the dog, that person should be the "mom". This often leaves the primary housetaker in charge most of the time, but the pup won't listen to this person alot of the times. It's the child version of, "you're not my mom" syndrome. Something to keep in mind.
   Boykins are not Labs. They are in the spaniel breed. They do not take regimental training like labs will. They do not take well to repetitive training either. They are typically soft hearted and hard headed. Smack a Boykin on its head and it will cower everytime a hand is raised with any animosity. Training is usually done in what we call "introducing". We introduce the pup to sitting by showing once or twice and maybe twice a day. They catch on quickly. We have noticed they give us an " I've got it" look after a few times and we move on to something else. They remember.
 
   So, if you are looking for a great dynamic hunting breed that is very willing to please and smaller, along with a dog that will sleep on the bed with you, and you are willing to put in the time required to keep it working, then the Boykin breed may be right for you. If you are looking for a cute dog to have as a house companion, you may want to look at other breeds. We recommend a large fenced in yard with a couple of soccer balls for them to play with and to be kept outdoors alot. This does not mean in an outside kennel; they really need to run. If you have a pond, it will swim in it. If you have a puddle, it will stand in it.
   As far as training books, all we recommend is that you find one you like and stick with it. Do not get ahead of yourself or the pup. STAY WITH THE TIMELINES.
Version: Mobile | Web

[pens fan]

Also, someone mentioned talking to trainers about other breeds. This is a factual statement.
However, comma, very few trainers have any experience with Boykins ( because they are not common in the Northwest) and toss them into the standard springer category in their training methods.
In my last post, i stated that they learn differently. If they shut down, a trainer may think the dog is difficult to train, where in fact they find it difficult to understand the personality of the breed.

[Don Fischer]

I think any of the dogs mentioned would do. But as for shedding, my labs used to shed in the spring and great gob's of hair came off them, looked like a horse shedding. Other than that they were great. Boykins I know very little about. They are a fairly new breed. As I understand it they were developed in the south east and called the dog that doesn't rock the boat. My Setter's are great in the house, they never have lived outside since I brought them home. But this year for some reason I don't understand they are shedding a lot. Used to be there a bit but wasn't noticeable.

The best way for you to pick a breed is to find all the adult dog's you can of the breeds in your area. See what you like about them. Find some breeds you like, look at puppy's in that breed. Picking the puppy is the hard part, your gonna love it no matter the breed. Sit on the floor with the pup's and let one pick you. You'll know when that happens!

Your question got predictable result's, everyone suggesting the breed they find their favorite. That's pretty good indication that the best breed is gonna be what ever you decide on!

[Bullkllr]

I just hunted with three springers,had brits and english setters..I would choose a small lab over them breeds. good luck what ever you choose....

As I think more about this situation I tend to agree with the lab idea. Ours isn't a shedding problem except in the spring- and it's real easy to get hair off with one of those shed combs (like a metal strap). Easy to train (basically expose them to birds). Close ranging. Awesome family dogs. And I agree with comments that labs can get exercise in more ways- like playing fetch in the yard. I remember taking my Brit to run 200 yard laps until she was gassed a few times a week. And if you don't forsee time to work with a dog much, most of the pointing breeds (Brit included) may run a bit wild.

[MHWASH]

Thanks for all of the responses, but it didn't help me narrow it down. I can tellI have alot of homework before I can actually start looking at specific pups.

[yakimarcher]

I have a Brittany, he's 4 and still bouncing off the walls like a puppy.

[Birdguy]

Thanks for all of the responses, but it didn't help me narrow it down. I can tellI have alot of homework before I can actually start looking at specific pups.

   I think we did our job then  As it should be YOU need to decide what is best for YOU  . Good luck and we look forward to seeing the pup you decide on  .

[KFhunter]

Pens Fan had a great write up on differences in training from one breed to another and perhaps this is why so many people have breed loyalty.  You learn a breed and stick with it because if you switched breeds you'd almost have to start all over in your training knowledge.


My personal example is I grew up with labs as a kid, and labs where all I knew so I took my lab knowledge and applied that to a Brittany   

Well it didn't go over so well and we had a rough start. The Britt would shut down when I applied pressure and regimental training like I would with the labs. 
I never read anything that specifically said "don't train a Brittany like you would a lab"   

I read Brittany training books and got advice to "work through" the shutdown - mistake, you can't "work through" a shutdown they only shut down more until they're on their back or running off to hide.  You can't always end on a positive note having just gone through a shutdown like that.  It only takes one bad training session for the dog to realize "hey training really sucks!" then it's all uphill from there - trust me.

So ya I almost ruined the dog, but now I understand.  I now get tons of complements on having an awesome dog and it seems everyone that's around my britt all the sudden wants a britt too, as if they get the same breed they'd have the same kind of dog 

[Sportfury]

Well said KFhunter. I too grew up with labs and my first dog was a lab/springer mix and I knew nothing of his springer side. We had a rough go. When I got my GSP I read a ton of books and haunted several versatile dog forums to glean any information that I could.

[Don Fischer]

Been thinking about it and I met a guy several years ago with a Pointing Griffon. Mostly it was a family pet and was laid back as could be. Few weeks ago a couple came out were we were  working dog's. They had about an 8 wk old Pointing Griffon pup. Cutest little ugly dog I ever saw. There's a guy on another site that has them. If your interested I'll pm you how to get a hold of him. He's gonna be a lot better at telling you about them than I can. He lives near Portland, Ore somewhere.