Request for information about certain breeds

[kselkhunter]

Both my current dogs were started dogs from breeder/trainers.  One was a year old, the other was actually a stud dog that I convinced the breeder/trainer to sell me.   Both have turned out to be the best family dogs I've ever owned, because we got to spend time with them as developed dogs to match up their personalities with us.  And frankly their trainers were phenomenal.  But, I went across multiple states and met many dogs and trainers, so it takes more effort up front.   And the trainers trained me on how to handle the dogs and knew their quirks and personalities well, which was well worth the additional cost of the started dog over a puppy.   

I'm already in discussions with their trainer/breeders to plan for their replacements in the next year or so.  I'd like to have the two new ones here while I still have my current dogs.   

[2MANY]

If you want a bird dog kill a ton of birds over the puppy.
Have the ability to acquire training birds at will.

I always raised my own by the hundred.
My dogs liked birds.
My friends dogs were good at fetching tennis balls.

[tlbradford]

If you are going to be hunting south of Spokane and want to kill birds, you will be hunting very thick cover.  I would go with a longer legged breed with some power.  I read a lot of folks talking about range.  The terrain should determine the speed and distance a dog works when selecting a pointing breed, and then you bring them closer if needed.  A flushing dog is the same time after time.  Your dog won't live at the trainer's, they will live at your house so choose a breed that fits your lifestyle and home.  A pointer is by far more difficult to train correctly, but is 4x the dog to hunt behind when you get them dialed in.  Speaking strictly for upland birds.

[pens fan]

Why not pick a breed that is 100% hunting dog and 100% family dog?

[shootem]

Gotta love a Boykin! Great looking dog. Mine is a hunting fool.

[jagermiester]

Out of your list I gotta say the Brit is my favorite. Especially if you can find a small one. I've never hunted behind a good springer. Ive hunted behind some good English pointers but they were nightmare dogs at home. Can't imagine dealing with the hair of the setters.


I know its not on your list but my brother just put money down on a Braque Francias because the breed is supposed to be an awesome dog at home.
I've always been a lab guy but now I have a GWP I think he may be the best house pet I've ever had. But that may be an anomaly.

[Fishnfowler]

I've got an English Pointer and he is completely different at home.  The dude is a lover.  Gentle, calm, almost sedated.  Outside he is a quivering mess of running and sniffing. YMMV.  I've got a Chesapeake also that points, runs well, is great with family/friends, and totally gets the game.  The dog learns every lesson with 1-2 attempts at teaching it.  I swear she knows the birds I'm going to hunt by which gun and vest I grab.  This dog starts following me around in August giving me the eyeball. She'll sit by the gun safe, look at it, look at me, then go point at the tote with hunting gear and look at me again. 

To the OP, why no love for the short hairs and wire hairs?  I've had some long hair dogs and find the weeds of the west to be devastating on their coats.  I would get a short-hair just to avoid spending time with the coat after an outing.  If I spend time with my dog, I want it to be hunting or training, not endlessly grooming. 

I agree with 2Many.  I would start with a puppy, have it be a family dog, but give it tons of bird time as a puppy. 

Of the dogs listed, I'd get the brit. 

[TheSennett]

I've got an English Pointer and he is completely different at home.  The dude is a lover.  Gentle, calm, almost sedated.  Outside he is a quivering mess of running and sniffing. YMMV.  I've got a Chesapeake also that points, runs well, is great with family/friends, and totally gets the game.  The dog learns every lesson with 1-2 attempts at teaching it.  I swear she knows the birds I'm going to hunt by which gun and vest I grab.  This dog starts following me around in August giving me the eyeball. She'll sit by the gun safe, look at it, look at me, then go point at the tote with hunting gear and look at me again. 

To the OP, why no love for the short hairs and wire hairs?  I've had some long hair dogs and find the weeds of the west to be devastating on their coats.  I would get a short-hair just to avoid spending time with the coat after an outing.  If I spend time with my dog, I want it to be hunting or training, not endlessly grooming. 

I agree with 2Many.  I would start with a puppy, have it be a family dog, but give it tons of bird time as a puppy. 

Of the dogs listed, I'd get the brit.

I'm shying away from GWP and GSP due to what I've heard about their prey drive & the wife's cat (that she may like more than me).  Viszla sounded like a potential at first, but I'm reading that the cold isn't their friend. 

Chesapeake was on my original list, but I haven't chatted with anyone who owns retrievers --- Golden, Labrador, or Chesapeake --- and primarily hunts upland.  I guess this would be a good place to start.  Any downsides of retrievers for a new bird hunter that would make it a poor choice as a first gun dog?

Also, is the breeder for your Chesapeake local?

[kselkhunter]

It's hard to stifle a laugh when sitting on the couch next to your wife and your very proud GSP walks up wagging and holding a very pissed off wife's cat. Yeah. Been there. Thankfully he never hurt the cat over the years. But I never trusted him alone with the cat. Baby gated a section of the house for the cat and GSP never tried jumping the little gate.

I run both a lab and a GSP for upland and waterfowl.  Both love hunting both, but each have their strengths. Both very good breeds as house dogs and with kids. I didn't get my GSP as a puppy so don't know if exposing him to cat as a pup would have helped.

Good luck with your search.

[Forks]

I've got an English Pointer and he is completely different at home.  The dude is a lover.  Gentle, calm, almost sedated.  Outside he is a quivering mess of running and sniffing. YMMV.  I've got a Chesapeake also that points, runs well, is great with family/friends, and totally gets the game.  The dog learns every lesson with 1-2 attempts at teaching it.  I swear she knows the birds I'm going to hunt by which gun and vest I grab.  This dog starts following me around in August giving me the eyeball. She'll sit by the gun safe, look at it, look at me, then go point at the tote with hunting gear and look at me again. 

To the OP, why no love for the short hairs and wire hairs?  I've had some long hair dogs and find the weeds of the west to be devastating on their coats.  I would get a short-hair just to avoid spending time with the coat after an outing.  If I spend time with my dog, I want it to be hunting or training, not endlessly grooming. 

I agree with 2Many.  I would start with a puppy, have it be a family dog, but give it tons of bird time as a puppy. 

Of the dogs listed, I'd get the brit.

I'm shying away from GWP and GSP due to what I've heard about their prey drive & the wife's cat (that she may like more than me).  Viszla sounded like a potential at first, but I'm reading that the cold isn't their friend. 

Chesapeake was on my original list, but I haven't chatted with anyone who owns retrievers --- Golden, Labrador, or Chesapeake --- and primarily hunts upland.  I guess this would be a good place to start.  Any downsides of retrievers for a new bird hunter that would make it a poor choice as a first gun dog?

Also, is the breeder for your Chesapeake local?

I don't know Fishnfowler but know that he harvests many more than most with his Chessie and you be wise to chat with 2Many about Chessies if they are a consideration. These two members have a lifetime of info if you ask the right questions. Good luck with your search.

[jagermiester]

If the dog grows up with the cat it will be fine.
Truth is most of the time if the cat is worth owning the dog is the one you gotta worry about.

I have hunted behind more great labs than any other breed. Its like a super reliable car that you love to own. If you are new to bird hunting this is probably the dog you want to get. Train him or her to mind and you will have an awesome companion in the field.

Now if you want to drive a Ferrari get yourself a pointer just understand there is a lot more you need to do to train and to own a dog like that.
Now that I've owned a Ferrari (GWP) Ill never go back.

[tlbradford]

I purchased a golden retriever in college because I needed a dog that was easily trained, mild mannered, and could live in an apartment.  I hunted 95% upland game.  He had a great nose, worked close and thoroughly, and was awesome.  A flushing dog is great for edge cover, and you can kill a lot of birds.  But speaking as someone that has owned and trained both for upland game, there is no comparison to hunting behind a good pointer.  They are faster, more elegant, and make the hunting so much more enjoyable.  A pointer is watching the pinnacle of upland game hunting.  Every point becomes memorable.  A flushing dog is a means to an end, but much, much easier to train.  So it is clear what my opinion is when you compare a good pointer to a good flusher.  However, you can get a pointer that dislikes water, dislikes cold, dislikes penetrating super heavy cover, and shuts down when they get cut or encounter a little pain.  Your chances are higher of that happening with a pointer than most of the flushing breeds.  You need to carefully select your dog from a reputable kennel, and you need to expose your dog to many situations that are difficult while making it enjoyable.

[jagermiester]

Most important thing is have fun with the process of picking the dog and then training the dog and then hunting the dog. It is so rewarding when done right and it sounds like you are not going to make any rash decisions.
Good job for being a good dog owner before you even own a dog

[pens fan]

You can be one of the many....
Or be outstanding.

[SpringerFan]

My first hunting buddy was a field bred ESS. Lots of drive. Lots of love. Very loyal. Smart.

Second is a female field bred ESS. Lots of drive. Lots of love. Very loyal. Smart.

So, if you want a dog that is a great family dog as well I vote ESS. But do your research. That was the fun part. And I trained with some great teachers on Fort Lewis. WWESSC. The club dynamics have changed since I was part of them. But I learned a lot!

Have fun with the process!