The Right Dog

[joe_dumy]

After reading so many articles about people choosing the wrong dog and am asking for your help. I dont want to pick the wrong dog for my situation and end up with both of us unhappy.  So please offer your opinion as this is something I am seriously researching before jumping in with a crazy bird dog.

About me. I am a business owner that has to work a lot of hours a week around 80+. So my time off is limited and very valuable to me. I am getting married to a great gal this summer and we got a lot of things to get taken care of before then. I always try and get out at least once a week to hunt or fish. My favorite hunts are chukar along the Columbia and grouse along the coast. I have three house dogs right now. They enjoy getting out but are not much help in fact they just clutter up the bottom of my boat but I like their smiles in the front of the boat when  we are going to the next crab pot. I wont have a lot of time to train a hunting dog. But my son and my fiance do and hopefully they will help some.

So far I have looked at three breeds Britney, GPS, and Setters. They fit the bill as far as what I what to hunt. I am not looking for the best dog that I can take to competition and such. Just a good hunting buddy that will make me feel smart by doing what I ask. I think I need a started dog as I have no experience with training dogs and not enough time to spend in training. I would like to adopt a dog as well but it is such a crap shoot. I loved my adopted springer when I was a kid. But he was trained for pheasants and I only hunted chukar in Nevada so I would end up caring him off the mountain because he did these 100 yards zig zags on the mountain and would not stop until he fell over. Caring a dog out of chukar country is not fun and I couldnt ever break him of this just like he wouldnt stop chasing rocks to the bottom of the hill and bringing them back. But to be honest I loved that dog even with all his crazy ideas like pointing birds at the bottom of the mountain and I am at the top. RIP Zac. Anyways maybe I would like a adopted dog. It would have to be from someone that really knew what they were giving away and could tell if it is a good fit.

 The other thing I need is a good temperament. I have family and company over constantly and little kids running all over the place so I need dog that can handle some excitement and  3 year girls trying to braid  his ears and tail.

I got a 1/3 of an acre but want to get out of the city. I want a dog that likes to come in at night and curl up on the couch with us and take it easy.

Oh ya I dont have a million bucks so my ideal range would be under 2k but as high as 5k if someone were to convince me that is what I need. Nothing worse than going hunting with a buddy you dont like because your wife or Mom makes you. I feel them same about dogs. They either love you and want to do everything they can to please you or they dont. I dont want a dog that hates going hunting with me cause I walk to slow or not fast enough or he like water and I only like it some times.

I hunt for Chukar, Grouse, Huns, Quail, Pheasant, Rabbits and mushrooms. I fish for Steehead, Salmon, Catfish, Shad, Sturgen and Crabs. I go all over the state and every month of the year has something I am excited about doing.  So I am looking for a dog that would enjoy all of that.

Anyways ask any questions you want. I need you help in choosing the right breed for my lifestyle.

Geeze after rereading this maybe I should try eharmony.

[et1702]

Based on your post, you should consider a Vizsla!  One of the best hunting and family dogs in the world!

ET

[jetjockey]

Either of the three breeds you mentioned would work well.  IMO however, you have to be a little more careful if you want a house pet as well.  I have heard too many stories of GSP's that were snappy or aggressive.  With that said though, Ive seen many more that were wonderful as well.  IMO, of the three you mentioned, I would lean towards a Brit or Setter.  If I were you I would call around to some of the pro trainers in the area, and talk to them.  A lot of field trial trainers will have started dogs that don't make the cut as field trial dogs.  Usually its because the dogs don't have enough run in them to compete, but they are great bird dogs.  For a hunter, thats perfect!  The bad thing is that their aren't a ton of Field Trial Pro's in the Northwest, so you might have to look at dogs from other areas.    The trainer I use sells several dogs per year that are started dogs and usally broke to wing, back, flush, and collar trained, but they didn't run big enough to compete as horse back dogs.  Those dogs make wonderful hunting dogs and family pets usually.

[Curly]

You should consider a Boykin Spaniel or maybe an English Springercocker spaniel.  (also, it sounds like you'd be best to get a started dog.)

http://www.absolutegundogs.com/gun-dogs-for-sale/
The above link has some started dogs and prices, FYI.

[Curly]

Here is an ad for a started boykin for $3,500.  Sounds like the Tacoma area..........

http://www.gundogsonline.com/hunting-dogs-for-sale/started-dogs/66538.html

[Stilly bay]

I am assuming your gal will be taking care of all your dogs while your working 80+ hours a week? if not thats a lot to ask of a bird dog thats wired to go all the time.

pick a breed, then pick the parents. the dam and sire will tell you more about the temperament and energy level of your future dog than anything else.

my suggestion would be a Ryman or "duel type" setter for the pointy breeds. they are bred to have an on in the field switch, and an off at home switch. they don't typically don't range very far which would be an asset while doing other outdoor activities and they are drop dead gorgeous dogs.
 
or a boykin or cocker or springer, or even a field bred lab for the flushers... a Lab might be a pain when it comes time to go fishing however.

[pens fan]

I raise boykins
i dont usually try to talk people our of boykins but after reading your situation i wwould tell you to shy away from them
they require alot of activity and attention and without that they become
lets say
fun
Fun if you like things chewed up or new irrigation in your yardi have a page on my website
tanwaxcreekboykins dot com that explains about the breed more and if they are right for you
sorry i cant use punctuation on my phone or it freezes up

Also
that boykin in the ad is not worth that amount of money
i have seen that dog and i know its father
which is my dog
Unless its name is Earl Chief Charlie or Mule or it has over 200 points under its collar

NO boykin is worth that much money that young

[hunter105]

From what I have seen pointing breeds seem to be more "active" than non pointing  breeds.  I have a Wired Haired Griffon, he is great on chukar, huns, pheasant, so so on grouse.  He loves going in my boat crabbing and fishing.  He loves to just be with people, doesn't like being alone so much.  He is great with kids, just a little excitable around people, he does eventually settle down.  He is almost 3 and is smart and a natural hunter.  I recomend you look into this breed, do lots of research on the internet the go with the breed you feel owrks the best for you.

[ducklab]

Of the three I vote Brittany. I think that they are great all around dogs. Having been around a few GSP they need a lot of care and have very high energy levels. As with any hunting breed they have high energy levels but I think that GSP's are up there a little more. I definatly agree a started or completed dog is the way to go. One other thing to consider is to FIND A BREEDER YOU REALLY TRUST. They are the people who really know the parents (temperment trainability etc).

[high country]

I have had labs, gsp, pudlepointer and drahthaar. My father in law has had many setters and an English pointer. Every setter has had some health issue. They have all hunted well. My draht from lee root here on this site has been a hunting machine since birth. She is a bit standoffish in the house, just curls up on her bed and does not make a sound unless there is a odd noise. I have 5 acres so they get to run a lot....but a third would let them wiggle. My pudlepointer is very friendly and forgets she weighs 50lbs when constantly trying to be a lap cat. If you want the toughest huntingest dog you can find....have a look at the drahthaars. You will pay less than a grand and there is nothing they won't hunt....mine killed a coyote right in front of me at about 9 months old. I liked my gsp, bit if it got cold....I would have to carry her back to the truck and in chukar country, the cactus would shut her down....they bounce off my dog now.

[Curly]

Pens Fan, don't you think any hunting dog is going to need daily exercise?  Hopefully that is where Joe's wife and kid will come in and help out with the dog while Joe is away bring home the bacon.

Sounds like he is set on pointing breeds, but just in my opinion I think English Cockers or Boykins would be great for Chukar and grouse and be good pets as well.  I've never had a Boykin though, they just have been on the top of my list for a while for a dog think about getting someday.

[Happy Gilmore]

I raise boykins
i dont usually try to talk people our of boykins but after reading your situation i wwould tell you to shy away from them
they require alot of activity and attention and without that they become
lets say
fun
Fun if you like things chewed up or new irrigation in your yardi have a page on my website
tanwaxcreekboykins dot com that explains about the breed more and if they are right for you
sorry i cant use punctuation on my phone or it freezes up

Also
that boykin in the ad is not worth that amount of money
i have seen that dog and i know its father
which is my dog
Unless its name is Earl Chief Charlie or Mule or it has over 200 points under its collar

NO boykin is worth that much money that young

I've spent a few days sharing a cabin with Earl. Awesome dog.

[joe_dumy]

Stilly I cant find a price on a Ryman but the legacy is pretty huge. I would really have to do some research and find a good breader. They sound like cool dogs. Something to be proud up but the fact I cant find a price means they are probably out of my price range. Hopefully the hunting dogs will feel pitty and drop one of these dogs on my lap.

High Country the Drot Har sounds like a great dog that would do anything I needed it to do. I am doing more research and haven't even gotten a ah out of the girlfriend so I think it might be a long shot for something soon.  But I am for sure interested in started or complete dogs that dont make the upper crust. So any breeders looking for a good home are welcome to talk about cost to me.

The boykin look interesting but the long curly hair and the short legs seem like a draw back on the dogs for the country I hunt and my situation. Thanks Pen Fans for the honest review the last thing I want to do is make my hunting partner unhappy.

I am check into all of the other breeds you guys are suggesting. I think this may be the best way to find the right breed. all of you know what I am talking about as far as getting the right dog for my situation. Anyways if any of you have a started or complete dog you need to find a good home let me know as I would be happy to travel and see if it would be a good fit. I really want to focus on a good fit rather than the best for what I do most of.

[Happy Gilmore]

Your outline for a good dog is difficult because it sounds like you are the primary person who will be with the dog. You work long hours and it sounds unavoidable. Maybe getting a dog that fits your family's lifestyle first and "might" be a decent hunting dog second will be you best bet.

Pointer breeds typically don't fit your description. Something like a well bred, sound Lab might be the best bet because of the need for the dog to be able to just "hang with the family" most of the time, might be the ticket.

Honestly, you can't have a kick ass hunting dog that doesn't get a lot of field time. I don't care what the breed.

[joe_dumy]

Your right Happy I dont want the absolute best gun dog. I need a happy medium like the rest of my life. Work is out of balance but it allows me to do things that only hard working and rich can enjoy. Like I said I make time every weekend to do something outdoors that helps with my mental balance. I recognize that dogs have the same type of wiring so I am asking for everyone's help in picking the right dog. Is it what a gun dog likes every weekend no but it is something a hunter or fisher would like. So I am looking for that dog that is good at everything and great at nothing. I would be totally satisfied with that. I am not the best at anything. I dont think my dog should be ether. 

I always loved Labs and I think the right lab would be a good fit but then I see the crazy hunter labs and the serious hunter labs and then think twice about labs. I am also not sure they would like an all day chukar hunt after 3 months of Summer run steelhead and crabbing like I do. Not sure they would sit still and let me stalk the summer run and be satisfied when it hits the bank.

Keep the suggestions coming as I have heard a datsun makes a good grouse dog on the west side because they go right under the thickest bushes. So tell my about your favorite breeds and what makes them special.