A few years ago my wife brought home a Yorkshire Terrier home, against my pleads (orders!) not to, as I always thought that the sun rose and set on the Black Labrador.
So, right away I made sure the dog was well disciplined and did most of its training. Didn't want a yappy little spoiled brat around. Since we shoot a lot, I gun trained it from day one.
I noticed right away that this dog had a VERY good nose, and loved being outside and in the woods. To make a long story shorter, I started training the dog for birds, and he has turned into one of, if not the best dogs I've ever seen on grouse. He's too small for upland birds, can't really negotiate tall grass well, but with his small size he can get into brush that a bigger dog can't, and can move around great in the woods.
He never gives up or stops working, as I've seen plenty of "real", and expensive bird dogs do. He's WAY more intelligent than many of the pointer breeds. This dog really has heart, and really works, all day long. When you knock the bird down, he's right on it and holds it down until you take it. When he gets on a "hot" trail, you'll see his little stubby tail go into "hyper-wag", and you know you'll have a bird up soon.
I've never heard of such a thing, so I thought I'd "share" that. If your wife ever threatens to bring home a little dog, make sure it's a Yorkie and you'll have a good grouse dog. Easy to feed, keep, and transport too.
