Post by: joe_dumy on February 26, 2012, 08:11:24 AM
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.
Post by: et1702 on February 26, 2012, 08:31:13 AM
ET
Post by: jetjockey on February 26, 2012, 08:43:10 AM
Post by: Curly on February 26, 2012, 08:49:47 AM
http://www.absolutegundogs.com/gun-dogs-for-sale/
The above link has some started dogs and prices, FYI.
Post by: Curly on February 26, 2012, 09:50:52 AM
http://www.gundogsonline.com/hunting-dogs-for-sale/started-dogs/66538.html
Post by: Stilly bay on February 26, 2012, 12:41:58 PM
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.
Post by: pens fan on February 26, 2012, 08:21:24 PM
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
Post by: hunter105 on February 26, 2012, 08:30:13 PM
Post by: ducklab on February 26, 2012, 10:00:08 PM
Post by: high country on February 26, 2012, 10:28:10 PM
Post by: Curly on February 27, 2012, 09:00:11 AM
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.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 27, 2012, 10:38:13 AM
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.
Post by: joe_dumy on February 27, 2012, 09:59:53 PM
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.
Post by: Happy Gilmore on February 28, 2012, 12:57:49 AM
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.
Post by: joe_dumy on February 28, 2012, 07:38:48 PM
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.
Post by: gasman on February 29, 2012, 05:09:43 PM
IMO a lab will do all you want. Be a good family dog and a good hunting dog, I got one :IBCOOL:
He will sit in the boat with me, play with the family and take long rides to any where I decide I want to go.
He Is My Buddy......
A lab will do all it can to please its owner, and all you have to do provide it with the training and tools to it. The more time i spend with him, the better of a friend he becomes, but when it comes to hunting, HE IS THERE......
Like I said, its my :twocents:
Post by: 10Key on February 29, 2012, 07:13:33 PM
As for hunting, he is as good as I let him be. We train when we can, which started fairly young (never trained a dog before). We do not do it enough, especially with birds. He has made me look like a pro at times and a fool most often. He will run until he drops, which for the type of hunting you do will be important and he RANGES, again, another trait that is great for the type of hunting you do.
He also loves to hike, it doesn't matter whether it's in the dessert or in the woods, he loves it. Water, he LOVES that even more than food it seems. Dude swims like it is second nature...And the temperature doesn't matter (been through the ice at potholes, intentionally). As for fishing, that is another story, Dude goes NUTS when I pull out the fishing gear...Doesn't do well around the gear or fish and I'll leave it at that :)
He has made me such a believer in the Brittany breed that I went from reluctant purchaser (didn't really want a dog to begin with), to wanting to get another, sooner rather than later.
My two-cents
Post by: rosscrazyelk on February 29, 2012, 08:21:17 PM
I raise boykinsI could not agree more. I love Boykins but they definately bu most I know are not a low matience dog.. My boykin, however was never a chewer and is the greatest dog in the world by my standards.
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
And pens fan I think considering where you say you are located I think two of my friends bought some boykins from you...
Post by: pens fan on February 29, 2012, 08:42:18 PM
joe mentions his hours and it sounds like hes not home much so the wife and kids will be with the dog all day
bad combination as the dog will usually only listen to one person and that is typically whoever trains it
on my website i describe this as the
youre not my mom
syndrome
its a reality that a couple of clients have found out and are having issues with
in all honesty in Joes situation i think a lab is best
my brother in law raises those red labs
little guys about 50 pounds and fast as a rocket
i dont know about thier temperment
Post by: pens fan on February 29, 2012, 08:47:31 PM
Earl is a gentlemens dog for sure
ive bred my bitch to him and kept a pup and wow what a dog
Ross
probably so as ive had something like 46 pups sold in 5 years
i wont be having anymore as i dont have a bitch to breed with anymore and its real hard to find someone to give up a solid Boykin standard and the breeding rights as well
Post by: rosscrazyelk on February 29, 2012, 09:27:47 PM
Post by: wildweeds on March 01, 2012, 05:00:35 PM
Post by: Stilly bay on March 01, 2012, 06:12:07 PM
I really don't know what this ryman rage lately is all about,I've got setter pups and have had 5 inquires as to if they were Rymans.I had one lady call asking about stud service to her ryman because "Ruby is such a nice dog".Nice is only part of the equation,desire,bidibility,health,confirmation for covering ground,a set of smarts really helps(nothing worse than one as dumb as a post) and olofactory senses that are better than average.
the rage is more with dual type setters rather than just Rymans which are being out crossed frequently and a lot harder to find. the dual comes from them being good in the field and in show. the former in later years has evolved more into just being good house mates and family members rather than focusing on the show ring.
I think people -average hunters - are trying to hedge their bets against ending up with a bug-eyed, scrawny, half EP , field trial bred shag that has more energy than they know what to do with.
also many people who graduate from flushers or retrievers can't wrap their mind around the working range of an the average setter - which is not for everyone. hunting areas especially in western Wa are getting smaller and smaller and barely suitable for medium/long ranging pointing breeds.
after hunting over several Ryman or DUAL type setters and talking with their breeders I think they would be the perfect pointing dog for a western washington hunter that spends most of his time hunting release sites, with the occasional trip east or for local grouse.
the few dedicated breeders out there are concentrating on all the points you brought up as well as body type/structure.
they typically don't range as far and are known for checking in with their masters frequently, their range will open up if they can keep an eye on you. then again there are dual types that will hit the horizon as well as any trial setter, and many breedings have occurred with this in mind. my limited experience hunting with them was very enjoyable.
Post by: Hornseeker on March 08, 2012, 02:42:30 PM
Like Gasman said, you can have a fantastic family/yard dog that will sleep most the day on the deck...and still hunt the CHIT outta all the birds you mentioned... Lab.