Pointing dog/breeder recommendations

[509muley]

I’ve racked my brain researching pointing dogs and can’t seem to find a breed that will offer what I want. I’ve hunted labs my whole life but have gone full bore on chukars the last few years and I think a pointing dog is next on the list. I want a dog with the personality and temperament of lab. All the drive in the field and an off switch when not. Natural retrieval instinct, can handle cold weather and swim. GSP and wire hairs have appealed but I’ve met some crazy ones but there are the outliers. I want a dog I can live with the other 9 months out of the year. Recently I came across wirehaired vizslas and they seem to be a possible match to what I’m looking for. Curious if anyone has hunted one before and their thoughts on them. Also looking for GSP/German Wirehair breeders that have a reputation for an off switch. Thanks in advance.

[cem3434]

How about a pointing lab?

[509muley]

How about a pointing lab?

My current lab is half Tiger Mountian pointing lab. She will point if birds are holding within 2-3’ but I’ve never reinforced her pointing abilities as I used to primarily waterfowl hunt. She’s 6 now and I’m curious if she could be trained to hold point at distance. Her drive is so insane though I doubt it could be accomplished. Mostly what I have seen labs don’t have that rock solid point but I could be convinced.

[bigdub257]

I have a 6 year old female GWP that is very good at both upland and waterfowl.  Very even temperament and great family dog. I got her through "Idawire".  I believe Tom and Becky.  They were originally from Idaho and then moved to Rochester, WA when I got my dog. They are now in Texas but might be helpful in your search for a dog. I think a GWP may be something to consider.

[509muley]

I have a 6 year old female GWP that is very good at both upland and waterfowl.  Very even temperament and great family dog. I got her through "Idawire".  I believe Tom and Becky.  They were originally from Idaho and then moved to Rochester, WA when I got my dog. They are now in Texas but might be helpful in your search for a dog. I think a GWP may be something to consider.

Thanks for the input. I’ll look into that kennel.

[RobinHoodlum]

No experience hunting with vislas, but I believe the breed would be an excellent choice as a chukar focused dog. Can be excellent pointers and won't run too hot in the early part of the season. Plus, that nice short coat won't be an issue when you get into burrs.

We love the heck out of our 4 year old griffon and she does fairly well on chukar. Although harsh coated, she gets burrs and struggles a bit with heat in the early season. But, she flat out finds birds and hunts her heart out for all upland species and waterfowl too. Just prefers cold weather. She's tough as nails too - at least when it comes to cactus and porcupines. And, she definitely has that at home "off switch".

Good luck with your search!   

[Old Dog]

The Columbia Basin pointing Labrador Club will start their training days the first Saturday in Feb.  Exact location hasn't been determined yet, but somewhere around Othello.  It would be a great opportunity for you to see just what these dogs are capable of.  In my opinion a pointing lab is exactly what you are looking for.   

[Old Dog]

How about a pointing lab?

My current lab is half Tiger Mountian pointing lab. She will point if birds are holding within 2-3’ but I’ve never reinforced her pointing abilities as I used to primarily waterfowl hunt. She’s 6 now and I’m curious if she could be trained to hold point at distance. Her drive is so insane though I doubt it could be accomplished. Mostly what I have seen labs don’t have that rock solid point but I could be convinced.

It would take some doing, but it is doable.  I helped with a 5 yr old that didn't point at all.  By the time he was 6 he was a 4 time Grand Master!  Bring her to our training day as my guest.  You still have to pay for the birds. LOL!

[Slow-drifter]

We searched for something very similar.  Living on the west side, having a water dog is a must. But wanting to get into upland we felt like we wanted something more than a lab. So, as I sit and type this, I have a 4 month old wireharied pointing griff pup sleeping on my lap. So far she seems to be checking all of the boxes, although she is starting to disagree with the wife's cat the bigger she gets!

[509muley]

The Columbia Basin pointing Labrador Club will start their training days the first Saturday in Feb.  Exact location hasn't been determined yet, but somewhere around Othello.  It would be a great opportunity for you to see just what these dogs are capable of.  In my opinion a pointing lab is exactly what you are looking for.   

That sounds like a great opportunity to see some pointing labs in action. I would love to attend the training days and bring my dog to see what she could do under guidance of someone experienced with pointing dogs. I just followed their Facebook page and I’ll keep my eyes open for updates. I’m really interested in getting her to consistently point. I took her quail hunting the other day after a big snow, birds were holding super tight in snow pockets under vegetation. She had 10 or so pretty solid points, granted most birds were within a foot from her nose. She was holding point long enough for me to walk up and release her to flush. My dad even shot his first bird in 40 years over my dog on a rock solid point. That was a good feeling. The instinct is definitely there.

[Fishmaker57]

Pudelpointer- Bob Ferris, in Boise. Had Labs for 30 years and switched about 8 years ago, best decision I’ve ever made. Easy to train, so much natural instinct, awesome in the field, and best of all, great dog at home. Definitely have an off switch. If someone comes over to the house, they act like all pointers, super excited and want attention, 5 minutes later they’re asleep at their feet.

[Special T]

Sounds to me like you dont have a real choice. German Wirehaird Pointers are it. Great Upland dogs naturally, good water dogs and can be excellent with experience and training. Awesome noses and great family dogs. One of my hunting partners has always raised/hunted them. If you think they were crazy, id be surprised if it wasnt  due to lack of exercise. OR all the GWP i have encountered were super happy and excited to see new people and cracked out for attention. 

[high_hunter]

I'd put another plug in for Griffons or Cesky Fousek's.  Following those either GWPs or Pudelpointers.  I don't have any experience with the Wirehaired Vizsla's.  Basically looks like an attempt at a Pudelpointer or other versatile breed IMO.

There also some Large Munsterlander for sale on here from @johnnyj91.  I know the owner and stud of this litter; they would check all your boxes and certainly have an off switch.  https://www.extremeupland.com/large-musterlander  Probably would have the same early-season heat issue like Griffs that @robinhoodlum mentioned.

Thanks,
HH

[Dhoey07]

If you can wait a year or so for an off switch, then take a look at Gordon Setters.  If you aren't an experienced trainer or don't have the time, steer clear 

[metlhead]

I am 20 years into running wirehairs. Excellent dog that can do anything great. It'll take a year to teach that off switch. And owning property is an absolute must. Don't get fooled into thinking you can take them places to run. Doing that isn't enough and you'll end up with behavior problems. Great breeder from eastern Oregon who unfortunately has ended his line of dogs.