Need help picking a breed.

[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.
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[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.