Drahthaar without beard?

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:26 am

I spoke with a gentleman who raises Drahthaars at a sporting goods store yesterday. He stated he has two puppies left which will have a very small beard or no beard at all. He also stated they will have a slightly smoother coat than usual. I was able to see the puppy's mother and she had a great temperment and had a very small beard. Is it normal for some to have little to no beard? Is there anything specific I should ask about them or look for in the puppies? The price is pretty cheap from what I've seen and in speaking with him he seemed to be very nice, honest, and gave me his card. He raises Drahthaars and english setters. The puppies are 9 weeks old and I'm interested in one for a grouse / woodcock dog, maybe some duck some day but I'm still not sure about that. Any advice would be appreciated.

gonehuntin' · Post by **gonehuntin'** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:48 am

I love the long beard, but truth is, it's a lot easier to take care of the dog's if they have short birds and hair.

Debf · Post by **Debf** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:57 am

Yes there are DD with no beards, below is a picture of ours who has a coat like you've described also referred to as a 'slick' coat. The length is similar to that of a shorthair only hers is much harsher then any GSPs I've been around. A slick isn't considered to be of breedable quality but, it doesn't sound as though that's important to you. In the field the coat is really low maintenance, in the house she does shed more then our two GWPs (who have normal wirehair coats) - so that may be one consideration but, it isn't too bad.

ACooper · Post by **ACooper** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:18 am

If I were to get a DD that would be the kind I wanted. All the drive and desire with out the coat.

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 7:08 pm

Well, my friend is really interested in buying one of the pups after I spoke with him. He wants a strickly grouse/woodcock dog though and is wondering, as well as me, whether they would be too diverse for just one style? His fear is he's going to constantly be trying to break the dog from running coyotes, rabbit, etc while trying to bird hunt? Is that a valid fear with such a diverse breed, or would training basically erase those fears? Also how good are thier noses and pointing ability compared to gsp's, setters, etc? Would it make a good grouse dog only for him?

JakeDD · Post by **JakeDD** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:04 am

Here's my take on it: if you want a specialist, buy a specialist. If you want a do-it-all dog, find a good versatile like the DD.

A DD certainly will do the job of being just a grouse dog, but it's kind of like buying a Jeep and only driving it to work and back home everyday. It's wasted talent, ability, and function - really a shame IMO to not let them do what they are bred to do. DDs are no different than any other hunting dog in that you need to expose them to different game and let them know what's acceptable to pursue and what's not, ie grouse/woodcock -vs- yotes/skunks, etc. Basic versatile dog training.

If you and/or your buddy is looking for a grouse dog, I would recommend well bred setter, britt, springer, or lab.

Just my $.02

Debf · Post by **Debf** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:18 am

It seems to me that the very best source of information to your questions is the breeder you spoke to -- he raises both DD's and Setter's. Does he grouse hunt? Why does he raise both breeds - are the setters his grouse dogs?

I'd say noses between DDs, GSPs, and setters are not significantly different. On average a GSP and Setter will have more point but, our DD has a very strong point.

Deb

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Wed Sep 24, 2008 9:24 pm

Well, I'm really low on cash but was offered a deal I couldn't refuse on the puppy so I went for it. I had a long conversation with the breeder and the mother has been a great grouse dog and placed in may events according to him. I'm picking the puppy up tomorrow afternoon, I can't wait. On a side note I went hunting yesterday with my cousin and his two labs and we got one woodcock, it was fun even without pointing dogs, we had several flushes and they had a couple misses or we would have had three birds. Still a fun day, I'm looking forward to next year when I'll be able to take my new pup out with them. I'll post pics next week and probably have a ton of questions!

Debf · Post by **Debf** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 7:26 am

Congratulations - I hope you enjoy your new pup!

Deb

Georgia Boy · Post by **Georgia Boy** » Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:02 pm

Congratulations, What kennel are you getting your pup from?

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 4:34 am

Well, he was actually only 8 weeks old and has already become best friends with our other dog. He's really using his nose when out in the yard, I shot a woodcock the other day and just for fun dropped the wing in the yard. He found it immediately but didn't point it, I'm going to try and find some live birds in a couple weeks to start introducing him. I got him from Gamfindin Kennels and Game Birds in Litchfield Michigan.

gonehuntin' · Post by **gonehuntin'** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:16 am

This DD is used for Grouse and Woodcock more than anything else. She also hunts pheasant, sharptail, duck and geese. Don't worry about the coyote or rabbit. They may point the rabbit, but just no them when you flush it. They have a nearly perfect range for grouse and woodcock.

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Mon Sep 29, 2008 2:10 pm

That's an awsome pic!

Georgia Boy · Post by **Georgia Boy** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 5:26 pm

It sounds like the pup is enjoying its self and you should have many happy years together. I am not familiar with that kennel. Is it a VDD registered kennel or one of the other "Drahthaars"?

upnorthbacon · Post by **upnorthbacon** » Tue Sep 30, 2008 6:21 pm

I got his papers which shows his lineage as well as birthdate and stuff (It's hard to read most of it's in German) and his ear is tattooed. The breeder is listed on the VDD-GNA.org website as well, his name is Joel Williams, he's a great guy and I was very happy with the purchase thus far!

Georgia Boy · Post by **Georgia Boy** » Wed Oct 01, 2008 5:32 pm

I must have missed the litter posting. You have my curiosity aroused, what is the breeding?

JakeDD · Post by **JakeDD** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 10:17 am

My guess is:
D vom Wilco - Altima vom Franks x Elk III v. Wachtersbach, whelped 7/28.

Georgia Boy · Post by **Georgia Boy** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 3:24 pm

I kinda figured from the area it was one of Max's pups, he has been used quite a bit up there.

rommel · Post by **rommel** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 4:40 pm

I have a slick that is out of simlar breeding (Elk's sister) and although I wanted a beard...the DRIVE is still there. I think even a slick DD has more under coat than a GSP. On first glance, mine looks like a GSP, but when you feel his coat it is more corse and dense. It will be intresting to see how he does during Dec. duck hunting..I do prefer the "ugly dog" look but I would not change his desire..Sometimes his drive may be more for a first timer to handle, but I do my best...
In regard to grouse, I believe the believe the breeder in questions has ran his DD's in grouse trials against the experts(ie. setters..pointers) and done very well....

anotherred · Post by **anotherred** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 8:09 pm

Kraushund (GWP) wasn't real fuzzy when we brought her home, but is filling out good now (7mo.) She does have a shorter coat on the sides but that may change too.

wems2371 · Post by **wems2371** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:24 am

I had never seen a slick before, until this weekend. I thought this one was a gsp when I took the photo. But the coat was definitely all wire to the touch. I've got a few pictures of a couple beautiful DDs on my NAVHDA thread I posted yesterday in the "chat". Denise

Ditch__Parrot · Post by **Ditch__Parrot** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:33 pm

That is one good looking dog. Nice Pics

Gun Dog Forum

Drahthaar without beard?

Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?

Re: Drahthaar without beard?