Breeds for upland

[Wetwoodshunter]

Huntwa,
I'm making a move to the dry side of the state. My current lab is not up to the task of hunting (12 years young) and I was thinking about getting another companion when he passes on. What are some good breeds to look at for a family/hunting dog?

I anticipate hunting pheasant, quail, ducks and geese so water affinity would be good. This dog would also be spoiled and be a full member of my family sleeping on my couch, rolling in the mud with his mancub (my son is currently 3), you know that good dog life. My new place is 20 acres with lots of room to run.

Breeds I have been considering are Tollers, golden retrievers, and black labs. I prefer dogs with softer hair, I am fine with excess shedding and maintenence.

[metlhead]

Are you set on the the retriever breeds? 20 acres is plenty of room for versatile breeds such as a wirehair.

[Wetwoodshunter]

Are you set on the the retriever breeds? 20 acres is plenty of room for versatile breeds such as a wirehair.

I am not set at all on a retriever breed. I am so new to upland I don't even know where to start. My only big criteria is the dogs temperament must be family oriented too.

[2MANY]

Get a Chessie and never look back.

[Wetwoodshunter]

Get a Chessie and never look back.

My soon to be upland mentor has a Chessie. I will be able to see one in action in the next few months.

[Dhoey07]

Hard to beat a lab for an all around dog. 

[Shannon]

Look at the Pudelpointer. I have had three and probably will never own a different hunting breed. They have the temperament of labs, love the water, and point upland birds. They are the best of both worlds. I use to be a lab guy but I don't see myself ever owning another one.

[2MANY]

Get a Chessie and never look back.

My soon to be upland mentor has a Chessie. I will be able to see one in action in the next few months.

Loyal, protective, best retriever, upland, waterfowl, and family.
The End.

[greenhead_killer]

We just got a wirehaired pointing griffon this early fall. Def a handful right now but should pay off in the long run. Versatile and family/kid friendly dogs. Just crazy high motor but having 20 acres will help burn that off!

[mcrawfordaf]

I'm new to upland and dog training but I was recommended any breed from the NAVHDA recognized list. https://www.navhda.org/recognized-breeds/

We landed on a GSP having found a good bloodline up in Bonners Ferry.

[rasbo]

We just got a wirehaired pointing griffon this early fall. Def a handful right now but should pay off in the long run. Versatile and family/kid friendly dogs. Just crazy high motor but having 20 acres will help burn that off!

got a griffon pup right now,a rat on acid,lol love this lil guy.

[2MANY]

I'm new to upland and dog training but I was recommended any breed from the NAVHDA recognized list. https://www.navhda.org/recognized-breeds/

We landed on a GSP having found a good bloodline up in Bonners Ferry.

If you want a pointer this is a great idea.

[Smokeploe]

There are so many breeds, and each one is great!  Do your research, think about what you need and want in a dog.  Talk to different breed owners, they will all say their dog is great, which they are.  I had golden retrievers for years,  then the last 10 years I switched to Brittanies.  I loved the G/R, great family dogs, large, beautiful and lovable.  But as time went I wanted something smaller.  Which ever one you get it will be great, I love sporting dogs, they are all great!  Just get one that will fit the bill you want and also fit into your family and lifestyle.

Good luck
Smokeploe

[10mmg]

I live on the dry side and am currently in a similar situation. If you go the lab route look at a yellow as it will fair better in the early season warm days imo. If you think you may land on more upland and less waterfowl look at the Vizla. A touch smaller than the gsp but lots of leg power. Very family oriented. Reasonably easy to train and fun to watch work.

Regardless of breed get em some solid training and bird exposure early and often.

[RobinHoodlum]

Congrats on getting to move to upland country and the opportunity to open the door to new hunting experiences!

Another griffon owner. In our 3rd hunting season and very happy with her field work on both upland and waterfowl. Even as a pup, ours has always had a solid "off switch" in the house. Always friendly and playful with people and dogs.

As others have indicated, there a lot of great breeds to choose from. If you can get out and see some of them hunting, training, or testing you'll learn a lot from both dog and owner.

Feel free to pm me if you want more specifics about our experience with this breed