Post by: MHWASH on November 27, 2013, 07:58:18 PM
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
Post by: bobcat on November 27, 2013, 08:07:24 PM
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.
Post by: Bullkllr on November 27, 2013, 08:09:41 PM
Post by: RainingSteel on November 27, 2013, 08:14:48 PM
Post by: Sportfury on November 27, 2013, 08:15:26 PM
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.
Post by: wildweeds on November 27, 2013, 08:17:04 PM
Post by: j_h_nimrod on November 27, 2013, 08:29:57 PM
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.
Post by: Bullkllr on November 27, 2013, 08:36:34 PM
Post by: trophyhunt on November 27, 2013, 08:41:39 PM
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.:yeah: labs are awesome.
Post by: PolarSea88 on November 27, 2013, 08:44:01 PM
Post by: hollymaster on November 27, 2013, 09:03:32 PM
I would definitely advise researching whatever breed you choose. Most hunting dogs are high energy and need daily exercise.
Post by: coyotestalker22250 on November 27, 2013, 09:17:28 PM
Post by: snowshoes22 on November 27, 2013, 09:19:29 PM
Post by: AspenBud on November 27, 2013, 10:39:53 PM
Post by: KFhunter on November 27, 2013, 11:08:30 PM
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 :tup:
Post by: WRL on November 28, 2013, 06:28:47 AM
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
Post by: MHWASH on November 28, 2013, 07:44:56 AM
Post by: runamuk on November 28, 2013, 08:18:22 AM
good luck have fun and take your time so you make the best choice for your family.
Post by: Curly on November 28, 2013, 09:25:06 AM
Link (http://www.coveyflushkennels.com/AboutUs.html) about the breed.
Post by: Birdguy on November 28, 2013, 11:46:16 AM
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 :tup:.
Post by: jeepster on November 28, 2013, 12:12:00 PM
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............ :twocents:
Post by: sanderson on November 28, 2013, 03:25:13 PM
Post by: jetjockey on November 29, 2013, 04:21:57 AM
Post by: rasbo on November 29, 2013, 04:52:31 AM
Post by: AspenBud on November 29, 2013, 09:20:14 AM
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.
Post by: coachcw on November 29, 2013, 09:29:44 AM
Post by: jetjockey on November 29, 2013, 10:05:40 AM
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.
Post by: Ridgerunner on November 29, 2013, 10:22:37 AM
Post by: Heredoggydoggy on November 29, 2013, 10:47:34 AM
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!) :chuckle:
Post by: steen on November 29, 2013, 02:21:26 PM
Post by: pens fan on November 29, 2013, 08:47:38 PM
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
Post by: pens fan on November 29, 2013, 08:56:47 PM
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.
Post by: Don Fischer on November 30, 2013, 10:34:49 AM
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!
Post by: Bullkllr on November 30, 2013, 10:56:36 AM
I just hunted with three springers,had brits and english setters..I would choose a small lab over them breeds. :tup: 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.
Post by: MHWASH on December 01, 2013, 07:07:29 AM
Post by: yakimarcher on December 01, 2013, 07:23:40 AM
Post by: Birdguy on December 01, 2013, 10:54:14 AM
Thanks for all of the responses, but it didn't help me narrow it down. :chuckle: I can tellI have alot of homework before I can actually start looking at specific pups.
:yeah: I think we did our job then :chuckle: :chuckle: 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 :IBCOOL:.
Post by: KFhunter on December 01, 2013, 11:17:06 AM
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 :yike:
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 :rolleyes:
Post by: Sportfury on December 01, 2013, 11:48:00 AM
Post by: Don Fischer on December 01, 2013, 03:38:44 PM