Author Topic: Which breed (Read 2644 times)

magyars4 · « **on:** October 17, 2005, 12:04:40 PM »

Gents,
Well its time for me to consider getting a dog all my own!
we have 3 dogs now, 2 small terrier mixed breeds and a fat ol dalmation...The Wife and Sons keep adopting them, so....
What i'm in the market for is a companion and hunter.
I do some dove, squirrel and rabbit.
Not much of a waterfowl hunter though an occasional canoe trip does bring in a duck or goose every so often. I do some hiking and backpaking.
What type of dog would you all reccomend for a "best fit"?
not knowing how to train a hunting dog, would it be better to lay out the extra cash and get one that is at least partially trained?
any thought or ideas would be most welcome.

myronman3 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 17, 2005, 01:12:52 PM »

for the uses you list, american water spaniel. easy to train, versital, and medium sized.

Mikey · « **Reply #2 on:** October 18, 2005, 03:40:02 AM »

Don't forget the Standard Poodle. They are incredibly versatile, intelligent and loyal. They were originally bred as a guard and hunting dog, have hair instead of fur and are water dogs.

I have had the priviledge of owning 7 of these dogs over the past 25 years and although I love most dogs, these are my favorites. They are excellent hunters and with the training you would impart to other hunting breeds the Standard Poodle will excell. These dogs aren't anyone's pushovers, either. The big ones can get to 90 pounds or so (if they trick you into thinking you are starving them). Mine will regularly chase off coyotes and other 'trespassers'.

Over the past two years I have volunteered some time at a local 'Pet Motel' where my guys get groomed and have encountered many different breeds of dogs - some are just the greatest pups going, but I love my Standards.

I have seen these dogs used as therapy dogs, Good Samaritans and personal protection companions. I have also renamed my two watchdogs to Timex and Rolex (just kidding) but I will give you the same advice about all dogs that I have given before - never buy a watchdog who snores louder than you do (LOLOLOL). HTH and Good Luck. Mikey.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #3 on:** October 18, 2005, 05:03:36 AM »

Ok....I've heard it all now........Not trying to bash or anything but poodles? To hunt with? Maybe in California I guess!

You've set some pretty high standards with what you want your dog to do........I think it'll be hard to find any breed of dog which will do all you ask......Kind of like a a jack of all trades but a master of none..........Tiger Woods is a great golfer........but in all likely hood a very poor football player.

My guess is that unless you get more specific about what you want your dog to do you'll probably be disappointed with the results.

Have raised beagles for over 20 years for rabbit hunting I can tell you some beagles make great rabbit dogs, but most are very poor retrievers......(there is an occasion one that will bring a rabbit to you, but most will eat it)...I've also seen very few pointers that would run a rabbit any distance much less a complete circle. Given the broad spectrum that you want the dog for, I'd probably pick a Labador Retriever.....Or possibly a Jack Russell, Fiest, or Mountain Cur........but I'd have to lower my expectations about being great at anything..........except as a companion........

magyars4 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 18, 2005, 10:01:13 AM »

VC,
I'm not looking for a dog that will excell in all these area's, I just listed what I like to do, and looking for a good fit...more of my time is spent on my hunting property year round, so a dog that tree's squirrells and flushes rabits or upland game birds would be great! maybe retrieve a dove or two as well....water dog is less impotant.

Airedale From NY · « **Reply #5 on:** October 18, 2005, 11:07:24 AM »

There are several versatile breeds, German Shorthair and Wirehair are two good ones especially on birds. A well bred Mountain Cur seems to be a good all arounder for fur. My favorite of course is the Airedale Terrier I have hunted just about everything that walks, crawls or flys with them. Whatever you do choose your breeder wisely and make sure they have working lines.
Al

magyars4 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 18, 2005, 02:46:03 PM »

Airedale,
What can you tell me about the mountain cur? Is thats a mixed breed?

victorcharlie · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2005, 02:55:00 AM »

Here is some info on the Mountain Cur from the UKC. http://www.ukcdogs.com/breeds/scenthounds/mountaincur.std.shtml

Try a yahoo or google search on Mountain Cur.........

The Mountain Cur is becoming very popular around here.

Airedale From NY · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2005, 01:04:04 PM »

Try this link, there are many resources for Mountain Curs here. You should be able to find out just about anything you want to know about Curs.

http://www.sqdog.com/forums/index.php

Qaz · « **Reply #9 on:** October 20, 2005, 07:31:29 AM »

When I was a kid, some neighbors moved and left a German Short haired pointer from their kennel. It attached itself to the kid that moved in. Man that dog would hunt, if it flew, he found it. It was from a purely hunting kennel and was trained by the owner.
I have met very few bird dogs that didn't already know what to do, they just need a little guidance on how you want them to do it. Good luck!

Mikey · « **Reply #10 on:** October 23, 2005, 02:32:38 PM »

why victorcharlie - ya'll know very well that the Standards bred for huntin' in Montana are illegal in Kalifornika due to their taste fer libruls. But, didya also know the AKC has Standards registered as retrievers (they will bring the rabbit back) - 'bout dang time, they were originally bred for hunting and guard work but turned out to be smarter than their breeders and got three hots and a cot, and more. They even get paid to have sex - sounds like they have it pretty good (LOLOLOL).

What you said about Beagles is absolutely true - a friend had 3 and every time he went huntin' bunnies or squirrels those dogs ate very well, and he didn't (more LOLOLOL). Mikey.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #11 on:** October 24, 2005, 01:02:12 PM »

Everyone that knows me knows I like pointing breeds. But I've got some physical problems and am thinking of other things. Gonna be a lab and a duck blind next. Well not next, when I retire. Airdale sit down, next one is gonna be a Jack russell Terrier.

Its for almost the exact same reasons the author mentioned. I drive for a living and really need a smaller dog in the truck. It would also need to be a dog that doesn't run to a horse, what I like. Also not a specialist but rather something I can hunt squirrels and rabbits with; pointers are not good for rabbits and squirrels.

As for retrieving, if you know how, you could teach a goat to retrieve, those begals can be taught. Keeping a begal close might be another story, they are hounds! Like the pointing breeds, they were born to run.

If I ever figure out how to get AOL I'll send you a message airdale.

Airedale From NY · « **Reply #12 on:** October 24, 2005, 09:59:02 PM »

Hey Don,
Good to see you posting. Hey check out my new grouse and woodcock dog. Some of the guys on the Airedale board want to string me up LOL.
AL

Ahab · « **Reply #13 on:** November 21, 2005, 09:52:07 AM »

Magyar4:
I totally agree with Mikey and back him 100%. Being familiar with other breeds thru the years I know the standard Poodle would do all you want and more. Sabrina is our 2nd female standard. She flushes quail, points rabbits and javelina. She will let you know when a mountain lion is near. Does not chase deer, mountain big-horn, or horses. Will chase coyote unless commanded to stay. (but you gotta be quick!) As a companion, she never wanders more than 10 yards from me and returns to my left side when I clap my hands twice. She ignores other dogs unless you are threatened. Her other best friend is a male German Shepard attack trained dog who sometimes is a guest at our place. You should see how they hunt together. Our first Poodle was a great retriever and loved the water. Sabrina has no interest, go figure. Do a Google search for " The Poodle History Project" and be surprised.

chaplain robert · « **Reply #14 on:** December 06, 2005, 04:21:44 PM »

Oh you are in luck. I know I am getting to the thread late. Hope you haven't bought anything yet. You need a Boykin Spaniel. They are bred for heat tolerance and are perfect for doves. I trained one that was the first of her breed to make the North American Hunting Retriever Association All American Team in our region. She placed 5th in the nationals and she was the first dog I ever trained. I have never come across anything more trainable and tolerant and I have had exposure to most of the breeds. Phenomenal little dogs--yeah, little. Mine weighed in at 23 pounds. She was definitely on the small side of the breed, 35ish is the goal. But get this, there wasn't a lab in the country I wouldn't toe the line at a field trial against. Some days she win, some days she lose but she'd never, ever quit. And I couldn't tell you the number of times that little dog was openly laughed at by a pro when I'd show up and turned around to take the top placing. She had her own fan club across the midwest when we would go to hunt tests and field trials. I've spent lots of hours training and working lots of breeds. All of them are nice. My personal gun dog will never be anything other than a Boykin unless I really get dedicated into goose hunting--they just won't have the size to do although they'd sure has heck try. Mine brought back a couple geese but it wouldn't have been fair to her to make that her main job.

chickenlittle · « **Reply #15 on:** December 06, 2005, 05:28:49 PM »

I'm not quite ready for a dog yet but when I am, it will be a versatile dog that can do all the things you described. I first looked at the Curs but they aren't really retrievers.

After studying the breeds that are considered versatile, I settled on two possible breeds for me. I was looking for a larger dog with good, sociable temperment and not too spastic/hyperactive/ultra high energy. The two I'm considering are the Spinone and Large Munsterlander. The Munster are better looking but higher energy and needy, while the homely Spinone would be a better couch potato when not in the field.

Lots of breeds to choose from and no way to know until you research which one might work for you. And see some in real life before choosing. I haven't done that yet but plan to go to some field trials to see these dogs actually work before making a decision.

Spinone Link: www.spinone.com/overview.htm

Large Munsterlander Link: www.geocities.com/munsterlanders/index.htm

magyars4 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 09, 2005, 08:14:56 AM »

Thanks for all the ideas. I'm still looking, this is not something I will rush into.
The Spinone looks promising, but so do some others.
Thanks again

dawei · « **Reply #17 on:** December 09, 2005, 01:47:44 PM »

Quote from: magyars4

VC,
I'm not looking for a dog that will excell in all these area's, I just listed what I like to do, and looking for a good fit...more of my time is spent on my hunting property year round, so a dog that tree's squirrells and flushes rabits or upland game birds would be great! maybe retrieve a dove or two as well....water dog is less impotant.

Beagle!

chickenlittle · « **Reply #18 on:** December 11, 2005, 07:20:46 AM »

Your post got me looking some more and I found the forum over at www.versatiledogs.com.

The posts there were mostly down on the Spinone. Some of that may be that they don't like the style that the Spinone hunts and therefore don't think the Spinone is a good hunting dog. But some concerns did seem valid. The breed has become somewhat fashionable and recognized by the AKC. So pups are expensive and breeders are more likely to focus on selling pets than breeding hunters. If you found someone who bred for hunting, I'm sure you'd have better luck getting a good dog.

Makes me more inclined to go for a Large Munsterlander when I get one. They are bred for hunting instead of looks and US breeders usually only sell to hunting homes, not as pets.

Mattkc · « **Reply #19 on:** December 11, 2005, 09:04:24 PM »

My 11 month old French Britt likes hunting both fur and feather. She is a great little rabbit dog she will both track and air scent them. Scared me the first time she got down on her belly and crawled into a brush pile. Took her out 2 days ago with several inches of snow on the ground and we got a couple of bunnies. She is a good little retriever she even retrieved a squirrel my son shot. I will be glad when she out grows mouse hunting though. After getting the bunnies I had her working a field for quail when her head snapped up and she charged into a snow drift with just her butt sticking out. She rooted around then brought me her latest victim. At least the butterfly and grasshopper hunting season is over.

Don Fischer · « **Reply #20 on:** December 15, 2005, 02:49:11 PM »

Just reread the origional post and say this:

Quote

not knowing how to train a hunting dog, would it be better to lay out the extra cash and get one that is at least partially trained?

Don't lay out the money for what your talking about. Teach the dog basic obedience and expose it to what you want, it'll learn! Find a local obedience class and go watch. If you see what you like, enroll when you get your pup. I also strongly suggest a book called " The Monks of New Skete". Think I spelled that right.

Rereading your post, your looking for a buddy that also hunts, mostly rabbits and squirrels. Think I'll stick with my suggestion of a Jack Russel Terrior or maybe even a Rat Terrier.

Good luck!

curdog · « **Reply #21 on:** March 23, 2006, 03:18:23 PM »

i have had dogs since i was big enough to walk, after listen to all the post try a mountain cur, these dogs will hunt any thing you want, smart and gritty. they can tree and bay. and there great house dogs

Don Fischer · « **Reply #22 on:** March 24, 2006, 01:58:47 PM »

curdog,

Those mt. curs sorta look like they got some pit bull in them? But the colors are all over the board! Does the UKC register them or are these in fact mongrol's being bred by good 'ole boy's? I know that Airdale suggested I look at them. Don't know a thing about them.

curdog · « **Reply #23 on:** April 01, 2006, 01:03:44 PM »

the mountain curs are a registered breed. they date back to the catahoulas when spain landed in la. the mountain curs come from la. and tenn. we have breed these dogs for years. they will hunt or bay or tree what ever you want. we use them for strike dogs to find wild hogs.

prairiedog555 · « **Reply #24 on:** September 04, 2006, 06:39:32 AM »

I live in bird hunting paradise, NE Kansas. Grew up in Nebraska and hunted chuckar for years in Nevada. Had and seen a lot of dogs. Some are best for wide open high desert, some for cropland, some for retrieving ducks over water. for me the best dog that will do all better than average is a Draathar. They are like a wirehair but they cannot be certified if the parents both are not smart and good hunters. Retrieve and point. Breeders must have sire and dam evaluated.
Note: Only get a female, males are too aggressive around other dogs.
They are by and large the smartest most loyal dogs I have ever seen. Very strong desire to hunt and please. Train themselves. Check out websites.
Good Luck