Expert help with picking a breed

[Redfishkilla]

My buddy is just coming into the market for his first dog. He doesn't hunt upland game enough to warrant a big running pointer but he does have a deer hunting ranch where he bow hunts a lot. He also hunts deer sheds and doves. So, I think he needs a breed that is smaller(will be house dog), 60lbs at most, will retrieve naturally, is naturally close working, wants to please and will track and hunt sheds. I think pretty much any dog with a desire to fine something could be trained to hunt sheds, so we need at least a little natural tracking "blood" for lack of a better word. I have and love brittanys so my first thought for him was field bred english springer spaniel but I thought I'd write this post to get the expert's opinions. Are there any small hound dogs that aren’t as vocal as a beagle? There are so many breeds out there I couldn't possibly have thought of them all. He's not interested in a GSP or a Lab which I'm sure would be high on people's list. Any other ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[mcbosco]

A Harrier?

[Gordon Guy]

English Cocker? A Field bred English Cocker!

[northern cajun]

Boykin Spaniel!!

[northern cajun]

Best tracking dogs are the wirehair datschunds. But I dont think they will retrieve your doves.

[displaced_texan]

Is the dog going to make him become an upland hunter?

Only asking because that is what drives me to chase birds:D

[Redfishkilla]

I think he could get into upland hunting a lot more with the right dog, I'd like to get him at least a flusher the more I think about it. A hound type dog wouldn't give him the desire to seek out more upland opportunities. But you're right, it's hard to own a bird hunting dog and not want to go bird hunting. Funny how that happens.

Thanks for the ideas, keep em coming.

[Ryman Gun Dog]

RFK,
Your buddy might want to think about a Small Munsterlander, it should do about everything he wants and then some things that might surprise him.
The dogs are about the size he requires, track any thing and point & flush birds also.
RGD/Dave

Great family dogs also
L.C. one of our Small Munsterlanders, looking at her young master as he holds the birds she pointed for his gunning

[Birddogz]

With what you list as important, a female DD would be perfect. They will track, retrieve, point, etc.

[AzDoggin]

Best tracking dogs are the wirehair datschunds. But I dont think they will retrieve your doves.

Yep. They also use Jagdterriers for that - they are tough little SOB's. They chase fur, not birds though.

[mcbosco]

An Airedale?

[Cajun Casey]

Best tracking dogs are the wirehair datschunds. But I dont think they will retrieve your doves.

Yep. They also use Jagdterriers for that - they are tough little SOB's. They chase fur, not birds though.

Jagds, working JRT's (if they call it a "Parson," run; it's a show dog), rat terriers, Jackrats (designer trash dogs, but good little utility hunters), or mountain feists, would all suit his needs. Most shed hunters use Labs or versatiles and he already doesn't care for those breeds. Maybe he'd like to get into squirrel or rabbit hunting and all those little terrors are fine at that game.

[crackerd]

Cajun, teckels would be the ticket, only they're more likely to retrieve doves *and* eat them.

What kind of spaniel was that you were recommending again? - maybe help us out here, Ezzy.















Of course, best thing 'bout a Boykin is, you could feed 2 1/2 of them on that 60-lb. limit.

MG

[GUNDOGS]

Crackerd, I was waiting to see your dog carrying a deer!! Love the pics (brian)

[JKP]

I would say a DD .. a female would be in the 50-60 lb range but if your friend has ruled out a GSP, that may not be an option. I have seen quite a few Small Muensterlaender and have been very impressed. They are a well kept secret...great dogs in a smaller package that can do it all with a bit of exposure and patience. Those I have seen are calm in the house but have some "giddy-yup" when it comes time to work. I'd give the SM some consideration. Very few breeders and they are serious.

[ezzy333]

The only real expert in picking a breed is the person getting it after researching as much as he can. I think this a good resource for him but he has to decide what he likes.

Ezzy

[Dirtysailor]

I would think a working spaniel type would be the right type of dog for him. I can tell you without a doubt to stay away from the JAGD as a first dog.

[AzDoggin]

I can tell you without a doubt to stay away from the JAGD as a first dog.

Yeah - or maybe even 2nd or 3rd for one of those little Tasmanian Devils.

[Birddogz]

If they were 50 pounds, they could kill a cougar, and then a pit bull. Unreal toughness.

[AzDoggin]

If they were 50 pounds, they could kill a cougar, and then a pit bull. Unreal toughness.

I wouldn't be surprised if three experienced Jagd's could kill a moutain lion or a pit bull, working together, eventually (as long as the lion stayed out of the trees).