Post by: ghosthunter on August 28, 2024, 07:24:46 PM
A 16 year old rescue dog mixed rat terrier and a 12 year old Ireland Farm Lab. The Terrier has a heart condition which is getting worse.
The Lab is the picture of health except a little slower these days. I expect to get two or three years out of her yet. We have not duck hunted last couple years, but we enjoy grouse season. I am 73 my wife 68.
My wife thinks the Terrier fading fast and wants to get another dog to partner with the lab.
I on the other hand want to be a one dog family and I told her she could pick the next dog.
However I am coaching her to look at small hunting breeds, thinking a dog I could train and casual hunt and a house dog for her too.
We travel some in our small trailer and fish lakes around the state out of our pontoon boats.
The terrier goes with us, rides on the pontoon s with a life jacket because he cannot swim a lick.
The lab stays home half the time with a sitter at our house. The lab has kennel outside very large ,protected by a roof and dog house . She prefers outside to inside.
My goal for the final dog is to live inside, go where we go, hunt grouse, ducks and upland and be a companion for my wife in a smaller package. Female
My wife’s goal a dog well mannered, in the house that can go on walks with her and chum around with in the yard, can fish with her and has an off switch. Male
We are not looking now just research we are committed to the dogs we have. But just doing a little researching.
Soooo. Looking for comments on these breeds only.
French Brittney Spaniels
Boykin Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniels
So anyone have any knowledge advice or experience with these breeds? I am confident I can train any of these to do the job.
Post by: Latakia on August 28, 2024, 07:43:21 PM
Post by: Man Tracker on August 28, 2024, 07:55:54 PM
Post by: metlhead on August 28, 2024, 08:04:09 PM
Post by: follow maggie on August 28, 2024, 08:08:23 PM
Post by: shootem on August 29, 2024, 12:49:10 PM
Post by: HighCountryHunter88 on August 29, 2024, 12:59:21 PM
Post by: jrebel on August 29, 2024, 01:43:43 PM
We have a WHP too. She is our old lady and has been a great dog. We aren’t to far away from looking ourselves as our old lady doesn’t have to many years left in her.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on August 31, 2024, 12:06:41 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 15, 2025, 08:12:48 PM
The lab is 13 this year appears to be going strong. I have been very careful with her managing weight at 60 lbs. On days when we can’t get to the Skagit wetlands we do ball in the yard. Shes doing 30-35 ball retrieves 200 ft one way before she gets winded.
When we go to wetlands we do traditional waterfowl type retrieving and upland quartering.
Not looking for replacement yet as I am committed to my lab. I have revived my research and kinda have settled on looking at Boykin. Mainly because much of or time is on water in pontoon boats fishing. When not hunting.
So interested in hearing any Boykin input. Female simply because much of the time we will be in canvas wall tents and just would rather not have the leg lifting.
Not in market yet, the lab still going strong.
Post by: Bucks2Ducks on February 16, 2025, 09:06:18 AM
Post by: Shooter4 on February 16, 2025, 09:11:51 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 16, 2025, 11:16:48 AM
Have you looked at American water Spaniels at all? Sounds exactly like what you're looking for, very similar to a Boykin. You also have 2 breeders in Skagit county.
I have looked into AWS on the internet. Some state they can bark quite a bit. That wouldn’t suit my style. We travel quite a bit in campgrounds. I taught my labs to be silent. Also size is a factor looking for as small as I can get . Because of traveling in small truck, trailer and fitting on the back of a pontoon boat.
I have given thought to French Brittney too. My hold up there is I would like something durable in cold weather if that makes sense.
I have not ruled out any of these breeds. Just seems the Boykin fits better from what I read.
This is all research at this point my lab at 13 is doing well. And I am 100% committed to her. We e had two dogs for 10 years but at 74 I want to be a one dog house and as small as possible for some duck and upland hunting.
Post by: Shooter4 on February 16, 2025, 11:39:36 AM
Ive had a lab a golden and a french he hunted in cold snowy conditions just fine french Brittanys will always be our go to nowHave you looked at American water Spaniels at all? Sounds exactly like what you're looking for, very similar to a Boykin. You also have 2 breeders in Skagit county.
I have looked into AWS on the internet. Some state they can bark quite a bit. That wouldn’t suit my style. We travel quite a bit in campgrounds. I taught my labs to be silent. Also size is a factor looking for as small as I can get . Because of traveling in small truck, trailer and fitting on the back of a pontoon boat.
I have given thought to French Brittney too. My hold up there is I would like something durable in cold weather if that makes sense.
I have not ruled out any of these breeds. Just seems the Boykin fits better from what I read.
This is all research at this point my lab at 13 is doing well. And I am 100% committed to her. We e had two dogs for 10 years but at 74 I want to be a one dog house and as small as possible for some duck and upland hunting.
Post by: ghosthunter on February 16, 2025, 02:39:23 PM
Ive had a lab a golden and a french he hunted in cold snowy conditions just fine french Brittanys will always be our go to nowHave you looked at American water Spaniels at all? Sounds exactly like what you're looking for, very similar to a Boykin. You also have 2 breeders in Skagit county.
I have looked into AWS on the internet. Some state they can bark quite a bit. That wouldn’t suit my style. We travel quite a bit in campgrounds. I taught my labs to be silent. Also size is a factor looking for as small as I can get . Because of traveling in small truck, trailer and fitting on the back of a pontoon boat.
I have given thought to French Brittney too. My hold up there is I would like something durable in cold weather if that makes sense.
I have not ruled out any of these breeds. Just seems the Boykin fits better from what I read.
This is all research at this point my lab at 13 is doing well. And I am 100% committed to her. We e had two dogs for 10 years but at 74 I want to be a one dog house and as small as possible for some duck and upland hunting.
I do like French Brittney s. Still researching.
Thanks
Post by: ghosthunter on February 23, 2025, 10:57:59 PM
It’s been 13 years since I bought the lab. Anyone got a ballpark idea about the cost of a field bred English cocker from hunting lines . Not doing trial and all that jazz. Just a healthy , hunter as a last dog for an old guy. Pup because I prefer to train my own.
.??
Post by: Henrydog on February 24, 2025, 05:15:12 AM
Post by: Jpmiller on February 24, 2025, 07:06:58 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 24, 2025, 08:55:31 AM
Our Ireland farms lab is small (50 pounds or so) and sounds exactly like what you’re describing you want. Since you already have one of theirs it takes some of the guess work out of it for you.
Thanks, I am a huge fan of Ireland Farms , I have this wonderful gal . She is 60 lbs and a retrieving machine. Not a lick of fat on her. At 13 this years she looks strong ,but slowing a little. But still stronger than most.
She’s too big for the pontoons boats or the yak. She came from Ireland.
I have had two labs both good dogs. But we are at the point in our lives that a smaller package suits our life better after this gal is gone. The English cocker females would be half her size and weight.
All this could be a while off as this gal is still a goer for her age. And I am committed to her.
And now it time for her and I to take a hike and throw some retrieves.
Ps , but if the time comes I hope I can find a breeder like Warren. Easy to work with and wonderful dogs.
Post by: ghosthunter on February 24, 2025, 09:01:18 AM
I have had 2 field bred Springers...Not the same but kissin' cousins to the cocker. My current one was $900
I paid around that for my lab , years ago.
Post by: Henrydog on February 24, 2025, 09:18:36 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on February 24, 2025, 11:34:24 AM
First photo is full grown 52lbs. 2nd photo is older puppy in training about 40lbs
Nice
Post by: Smokeploe on February 24, 2025, 01:03:48 PM
Post by: Tafinder on March 08, 2025, 05:29:14 AM
If you want a smaller pointing dog then I think a French Britt is a great choice!
They can meet your hunting needs and your wife’s home companionship!
If a flushing breed of s what you want then an English Cocker would definitely be a great option!
Post by: huntnfmly on March 08, 2025, 11:20:36 AM
Nugent is right at 33#
Post by: huntnfmly on March 08, 2025, 11:25:26 AM
Post by: ghosthunter on March 08, 2025, 12:03:31 PM
Post by: Colin on March 25, 2025, 10:26:25 AM
Of the breeds mentioned I'd favor a boykin for retrieving ability coupled with upland flushing. Not my cup of tea but be sure to get one from a top tier breeder (Brandywine Creek BS) or you're likely to get a couch potato rather than a hunting dog.
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