fuzznut wrote:I don't really understand what the goal is for having a field champion. They are way to powerful for the average weekender
Sorry in advance for taking this a bit off track of the original question... but I really have a tough time understanding the above. Looking at your web site it appears you have been using some pretty successful trial dogs and genetics in your breeding program. Why is it people are willing to use the "high powered dogs" and then knock them in the next breath for being "way too powerful". You use the genetics, then beat the people up that gave you the opportunity to tap into the talent.
What is the difference between all the different venues? Rules, registry, the mentality of the people... but they are all looking for a good bird dog in the end. Some are walking events, some are horseback, some put emphasis on bird work, some on retrieve, etc., etc.
Like Nike says... Just do it! Test, trial, hunt....
Fuzz
I shouldn't waste my time with this because it goes beyond senseless. but here we go. why would anybody be so offended by my statement that I don't really understand the goal of having a field champion.
I don't. That is just a fact not something to argue or get upset about. I also don't get buying a dog and having a pro train and handle it so I can say I have a field Champion. It is simply not my way of doing things. Is it good for the ego to know you payed the bills. It is just not the way I go. If some of you do go that way ,great I'm not offended by that.
To Ultracarry: I would like to say I have 7 AKC MH s and 3 passes on the eight one, all of which I bred or bought as puppies,raised and trained. At least three of which would have easily been Fc. At least I have been told that by several judges. I am fully aware of how to handle a dog with out a e-collar. In fact my last MH was cc at six months and never wore one again. I have also bought many puppies and started and trained them to various levels and sold them because they didn't fit into my plans as a breeder some from conformation but more from attitude I don't claim to be a expert but I will put my dogs down with anybodies.
I also freely admit to using other breeders bloodlines to start my program. how else would one start. You may notice that I thanked them for their help and in no way did I ever beat anybody up or knock their dogs. I like big running dogs as much as anybody and probably more than most. I have dogs that range a mile or more in open country. they keep track of me and are with me when we get to the truck. But ,I am realistic enough to know they are not for everybody. When you breed dogs to run bigger and bigger you eliminate many of your buyers and as we go more toward dogs who don't retrieve we eliminate more buyers. Soon the bunny huggers will not let us use live birds or for sure not shoot them. that will eliminate more retrieving. Some of us will keep breeding natural retrievers that like to hunt in the same zip code as us and we don't need a Garmin to find them when it's time to go home.
The trial dogs of the era mine were from were not close to what they are now. We do breed dogs that would compete in at least walking trials, but they are bred for serious bird hunters, which me and my family are. These dogs are bred on a limited basis.
The OP was about not being able to sell puppies and if hunting was getting less popular as bird numbers rebound in the prairie states hunters will also. Economy hurts but should start rebounding too. People still like bird hunting. More shooters than hunters though.
. If you believe that the average person who wants a family pet and a occasional hunting dog needs or can handle a horseback field trial dog you are living in lala land . Sorry if I ruffle a few feathers. CJ