Best hunting dog?

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allaboutourdogs
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Best hunting dog?

Post by allaboutourdogs » Mon Aug 16, 2010 3:33 pm

In your own opinion, what is the best dog breed for bird hunting? I'm thinking of getting one and I want it to be the best. :)
Last edited by allaboutourdogs on Mon Aug 16, 2010 4:39 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I love Alex, the best German Shepherd dog I've ever had... :)

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Brittguy
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Brittguy » Mon Aug 16, 2010 4:21 pm

If one were brave enough to try to answer that, he should at least know what you are hunting. Brittanys are not the best for coon hunting. :D

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ymepointer
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by ymepointer » Mon Aug 16, 2010 5:40 pm

English Pointer for upland birds :mrgreen:

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bean1031
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by bean1031 » Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:28 pm

It depends what your hunting. Labradors are probably the most versitile although GSPs can be just as good at just about everything. At the same time tho they are pretty hyper dogs and you need to be able to provide alot of exercise. If you want style points, i would vote for the setters. Lewellyns, Ryman old hemlocks, english, reds, and red and whites are gorgeous dogs and look great in the feild. You could always go with a small munsterlander if your looking to be the gentlemans bird hunter with a dog rivaling the style of a setter. You also cant go wrong with Brittanies, ive heard they are great but i dont have much experience or knowlege about them but im sure the brit guys on here will set you straight. i might get stoned for my input, but thats just this teenagers two cents. :)
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by ezzy333 » Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:52 pm

There is no best breed but each have their specialty so to speak. Decide first what and where you are going to hunt then choose between the breeds that are popular in that area. They all are good but all have a few poor ones. Just make up your mind what looks best to you and go with it but only after you know the what and where.

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by dugger13 » Tue Aug 17, 2010 7:04 am

Of the course the best hunting dog is mine. :D No others can compare. I thought i told everyone that already.
Seriously though, it depends on what you are hunting. My best dog ever owned is my GWP.

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by gittrdonebritts » Tue Aug 17, 2010 10:36 am

The best bird hunting dog was my first dog a Australian Shepard that would flush and retrieve birds for me when i was 9 got him in 1 st grade had him till i was a senior in high school. along with other bird dogs, but he'll forever be my best bird dog

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by JKP » Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:05 pm

More important than the breed will be the breeder you choose. Find one that has the same expectations as you...then be prepared to do your part.

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by NC Quailhunter » Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:50 pm

The best breed is the one that fits your hunting and life styles and is wanting to hunt for you.
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Ruffshooter » Wed Aug 18, 2010 7:30 am

The one that does not drive you nuts finds birds, retrieves them and is good around the house. Like said find a breed you like and like the history of, find a few breeders that will take you out to watch dogs work and explain to you what is going on and has a love for his or her dogs.

So I guess the only two are French Brittanies and GSP. :wink:
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by SHORTFAT » Wed Aug 18, 2010 8:27 am

Any dog that you put the effort and TIME into... pick one that fits what, and where you are hunting, find a reputable breeder and put the effort into building on what they bred... You can get the best bred dog in the world, but if you don't put in the time and effort, it won't be a good hunting dog, or companion for that matter... you can also take a complete butt ugly mutt and train it to stand on it's hind legs and speak Latin... (I'll get hammered for that... :oops: ) But good breeding is what builds a particular type of hunter, and should avoid health problems... Pick what you like and remember... Breeding, then effort... big on effort. Good luck and have fun!!! :D
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labman21
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by labman21 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 9:13 am

It all boils down to what you are hunting for the most part, where do you live? Do you want it to be a family dog as well? The Labrador is definitely solid in all fields. You wouldn't want to put a GSP in freezing water in the dead of winter if you are duck hunting in Montana. But you may want a pointing dog, like a German Shorthaired Pointer, rather than a flushing dog which most labs are. But, GSP's are alot to handle they need excercise and excercise and more excercise, they also need a 6 to 7 foot fence. I think what you should be thinking about are THE CLIMATE, THE GAME YOU ARE CHASING, THE PREFFERED HUNTING STYLE, AND WHATEVER ONE YOU LIKE THE BEST .You need to pick the best hunting dog for you. There are too many variables for one dog to be the best.
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by TraditionsGSPs2010 » Thu Aug 19, 2010 8:55 pm

I would go with a versatile breed like a Large Labralander, English Shorthaired Spanial or Drahthaardoodle... Just make sure you pick a reputable breeder!!! :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

All seriousness aside, most of these posts are dead on. You need to identify what type of hunting you will be doing the most, in what kind of conditions and how you will house the dog the other 300+ days of the year when you are not in the field. Then I would pick a GSP.
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allaboutourdogs
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by allaboutourdogs » Thu Aug 19, 2010 11:00 pm

Hi all, thank you for your replies. That made me consider Labrador but still would check on the breeder first as suggested. I'm thinking of hunting upland birds.
I love Alex, the best German Shepherd dog I've ever had... :)

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Ruffshooter » Fri Aug 20, 2010 5:21 am

What kind of upland birds?
What type of hunting ground, fields, prarie, ruff woods, Pine plantations?
What kind of tempratures?
How long will you hunt each day?
Do you water fowl hunt?
What type conditions?

I really like labs but you have to think about the above. Big boned, dual coated, dense coated, dogs don't handle heat very well for much length of time. They are willing, can do most types of hunting but just think it though as this is a 12 year commitment as you know.
Rick
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Ryman Gun Dog » Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:59 pm

allaboutourdogs,
At first I thought you were just trying to stir up the board, then I realized you were actually serious when you asked this question. There really is no correct answer to your question. What you might want to consider is what kind of bird hunting you are going to do most, and just what kind of dog fits into your family the best.
Investigate the breeds you like most, see those particular dog breeds in the field, hunt behind them if possible, judge for your self what you most want for both a hunting companion and a home companion, and if you want the added security aspect for protecting your home, make that part of your judgement. There are lots of different bird dogs, you must have an idea of what you desire most. In our home kennel we have several different bird dog breeds, each is differnet and they handle birds in different manners. We own Small Munsterlanders, Ryman English Setters, Sure Thing Gordon Setters, a Bowman Weimar, and our KS GSP just passed away this last fall.
Everyone of these dogs is a Companion Grouse dog, but they all hunt in slightly different manners, I have trained about every different bird dog breed and believe me
picking a personal Gun Dog is an individual personal project. A hunting dog breed that is fantastic for one man or lady and their family, may not be right for another.
Start by looking at several breeds that you like then narrow it down, learn to ask the right questions, some of the questions you want to ask a breeder are very important. (Example) What Genetic physical testing is done (HD, deafness, Ect) to assure the lines generational health, Type of Guarantee, replacement/money back and for what length of time. Exceptional breeders like say Harold Boman (Weimars) have a unconditional Guarantee for 10 years, Companion hunting instincts included, he even chips the pup before you take possesion, not many breeders have this kind of faith in their breeding program. Needless to say with a breeder like this you end up on a waiting list. Dean Rasmussen with his Small Munsterlanders is a similar quality breeder he basis his breed stock on German GVP testing and actual hunting, to say one dog is better than another is strictly personal opinion, based on what is being hunted most and in what locations, and very importantly does the dog fit into your home & family.
RGD/Dave
Last edited by Ryman Gun Dog on Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:42 am, edited 1 time in total.

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allaboutourdogs
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by allaboutourdogs » Sun Aug 22, 2010 9:31 am

Ruffshooter wrote:What kind of upland birds?
What type of hunting ground, fields, prarie, ruff woods, Pine plantations?
What kind of tempratures?
How long will you hunt each day?
Do you water fowl hunt?
What type conditions?

I really like labs but you have to think about the above. Big boned, dual coated, dense coated, dogs don't handle heat very well for much length of time. They are willing, can do most types of hunting but just think it though as this is a 12 year commitment as you know.
Rick

These are very helpful questions, Ruffshooter. I think I'll go for fields, mild temp, half a day hunting(morning). I'm still not sure about the water fowl hunt and type conditions. I only know the basics in hunting (info I got from a dear friend who encouraged me to do hunting).

Thanks again, Ruffshooter. :D
I love Alex, the best German Shepherd dog I've ever had... :)

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allaboutourdogs
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by allaboutourdogs » Sun Aug 22, 2010 10:55 am

Hi Ryman Gun Dog,

You are well informed about hunting dogs. I really admire you for that.

Yes, I am serious. But I still haven't decided what breed to get. Thanks for giving me more thoughts to ponder on. I'll discuss these with my friend once I get back to US. My friend is also into bird hunting with his Aussie.

I'll update you guys once I got my new dog. But a Lab is 90% sure.

Thanks again to all of you! :)
I love Alex, the best German Shepherd dog I've ever had... :)

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Greg Jennings » Tue Aug 24, 2010 6:10 am

You need to get to the area you are going to settle in and hunt with others for a while before settling on what kind of dog to hunt with. Form follows function.

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allaboutourdogs
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by allaboutourdogs » Wed Aug 25, 2010 12:27 am

Greg Jennings wrote:You need to get to the area you are going to settle in and hunt with others for a while before settling on what kind of dog to hunt with. Form follows function.

You got a point Greg. I need to "feel" what it's like to hunt with different dogs. My friend and I have set the hunt by next month. We'll be with other hunters and I'll discuss on joining them and choosing the right hunting dog for me.

Am excited! Let's get it on! :)
I love Alex, the best German Shepherd dog I've ever had... :)

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by TraditionsGSPs2010 » Wed Aug 25, 2010 9:00 pm

I was having a little fun with my first post but I see you seem to be really interested in finding a dog that fits you. there has been lots of excellent advise written in response to your original post but you have yet to define exactly what you'll be hunting and where. These two things alone can really help to narrow down your search. For instance, if you are going to be chasing pheasants in SD and hitting some pot holes, a lab would be great. On the other hand, if you are primarily targeting quail across the midwest, a lab may not be the best choice.

Keep in mind if you pick the wrong dog for the type of hunting you anticipate doing, you are doing the dog as big as injustice as you'll be doing yourself. Someone else said it perfectly, "form follows function".

Good luck
David Hughes
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penrod
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by penrod » Mon Aug 30, 2010 9:54 pm

I have hunted upland game birds behind a few Brittney's, a few GSP's, English Pointer, and a Vizsla.

I would rank them in the order Brittney's have consistently been the best, GSP are great versatile dogs, English Pointers can point like machines, and Vizsla are versatile.

I ended up buying the dog that was last on my list because she can easily live inside, she hardly sheds, she do not have an odor, and she is a sweet dog.

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Ryman Gun Dog
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Ryman Gun Dog » Tue Aug 31, 2010 1:57 pm

Penrod,
Your Avatar picture is fantastic, great stuff.
RGD/Dave

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penrod
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by penrod » Tue Aug 31, 2010 2:46 pm

She looks kinda worried to have a bird in her mouth.

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Ryman Gun Dog
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by Ryman Gun Dog » Wed Sep 01, 2010 1:31 pm

Penrod,
Hay if you picked up a bird and it smelled like worms, you would be worried too.
RGD/Dave

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by jt807 » Sat Oct 09, 2010 10:25 am

All the advice above seems pretty solid, but I didn't see that anyone mentioned training. if you plan on buying a pup and training yourself, then you need to look at the train-ability of that breed. obviously all breeds can be trained, but some breeds might be easier. and different lines within the same breed also train differently. like anything, no amount of research will guarantee anything, but it will greatly improve your chances of getting the dog that is perfect for you.

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by SHORTFAT » Sun Oct 10, 2010 5:35 am

jt807... I did. I said breeding... then time... I think everyone that has dogs should soon realize that you can take a champion bred dog and make a worthless mess out of it or take a mutt and train it to do what you need. But good breeding and then time and effort in training the animal make all the difference. Of course some dogs are easier to train than others but that will start a whole new and volitile thread!!! :wink:
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by BigShooter » Sun Oct 10, 2010 10:53 am

allaboutourdogs wrote:
Greg Jennings wrote:You need to get to the area you are going to settle in and hunt with others for a while before settling on what kind of dog to hunt with. Form follows function.
You got a point Greg. I need to "feel" what it's like to hunt with different dogs. My friend and I have set the hunt by next month. We'll be with other hunters and I'll discuss on joining them and choosing the right hunting dog for me. Am excited! Let's get it on! :)
Aaod, didn't you also say in an earlier post:
allaboutourdogs wrote:I recently returned from a trip to Kansas to hunt in public hunting areas. The trip was great so I'll share you a bit about how to approach that hunt.

First of all you need to see what the state wildlife department is saying about bird numbers and the comparison between each. That’s enough to get you excited. After getting the necessary information on where to go approximately, go and get there.

Kansas WIHA’s allow foot traffic only so no need to take horses. So, we decided to take a total of 9 dogs, most of which were in training. This was going to be a budget trip so we loaded up plenty of left-over food to feed ourselves while on this exciting 5-day trip.

We hunted around one Township and was only finding about 2 birds per CRP tract and one covey of quail. We spoke to a farmer and asked him about that area and he related there was an isolated hail storm about the time the chicks hatched so their numbers were down. I didn’t recall seeing that written anywhere but I believed him. At 5:00 the next a.m. we traveled some 90 miles away to another area with a good report.

Happy Hunting!
I think at some point you also said you were in CA & mentioned dogs & heat. I'm surprised you would consider a Lab because I think you already know they are not a dog well suited for hunting in really warm temperatures. Of the nine dogs you have some recent experience with, were there any that you were impressed with? Were there any you weren't impressed with and want to know if all the dogs of that breed act that way?
Mark

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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by PointerOwner » Mon Oct 25, 2010 1:28 pm

English Pointer all the way!

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OhioVizsla
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Re: Best hunting dog?

Post by OhioVizsla » Tue Oct 26, 2010 1:10 pm

Why don't you just use that coyote that's laying on the rug in your picture? They are good on birds!

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