How much is too much to spend on a Bird Dog?

shwagy357 · Post by **shwagy357** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:23 pm

I have the option of going with a pup whose dad is a 32x NSTRA winner for $1,000 or going with a dog whose great grandfather on both sides is the 32x NSTRA winner for $300. I am having a hard time deciding between the two. This will be my first bird dog and I know it will be a large commitment. So I am thinking about the expensive dog because I want it to be worth my time. I am also thinking about the expensive dog for breeding purposes. I am thinking if I get some good blood to breed with my dads excellent dog I may not have to buy another dog for a while. As well as provide my family with some good dogs. What do you all think?

Don · Post by **Don** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:35 pm

Look at more than just the 32x ch. What that means is the dog's got trialed a lot! Just from what you said, I'd definatelly go with the $300 pup. I can guarentee you that at 7 wks, there is not $700 difference in the two!

Yawallac · Post by **Yawallac** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:44 pm

Sounds to me like you are getting a Brittany!

I have hunted behind dogs from that line and they were all very good. Unless you simply want to spend the extra money, the $300 pup would probably be just fine.

I tried to calculate how many trials that dog had to compete in one time to earn 32 championships! A LOT!!!!!

Theresa · Post by **Theresa** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:33 am

"Just from what you said, I'd definatelly go with the $300 pup. I can guarentee you that at 7 wks, there is not $700 difference in the two!"

I tend to DITTO this!

To split hairs - does each pup have a guarantee? Perhaps the guarantee might help you decide which way to go.

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:41 am

The cheapest part of owning a dog is what you pay for it.
Between shots, food, training supplies ect it all adds up.
Look at the lines, do both parents hunt? Do they come from proven lines?
Does the breeder stand behind his dogs with a health guarantee?
Some times the cheapest route can be more expensive in the end and you do tend to get what you pay for.
Good luck in your search for your new pup. Post a picture of the puppy when you get him or her.

Mav......

Buckeye_V · Post by **Buckeye_V** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 7:50 am

I paid that and more for my little guy. I ponied up and haven't looked back since. We've spent more than that in vet bills since then, but I definitely got what I paid for. Definitely!

bobman · Post by **bobman** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:44 am

Its cheaper to buy dogs from good professional breeders breeding to improve the breed , than it ever is to breed them yourself and a lot less hassle, if your thinking of breeding dogs to save money, you wont.

Silver Sage Kennels · Post by **Silver Sage Kennels** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:00 pm

If your looking to go the cheapest route go find a good started or finished dog and go hunting. If you want to raise and train a pup look for a pup from good parents that excel at what you personally want to do and start pulling your hair out I mean raising a pup.

ccavacini · Post by **ccavacini** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 2:23 pm

I always felt if Momma hunts and Daddy hunts, then puppy's going to hunt.

I've got two great female Brittanys, one for 350, the other 450.

Post by **topher40** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 9:16 pm

Best dog I ever owned wasnt even registered and cost me 40 bucks.
I have 5 now and only spent 150 for all 5, and they are bred well and hunt great. Price isnt a great indicator of greatness!