Gun Dog Forum

I don't quail hunt anymore. 58 and bad knees. I dove hunt mostly and occasionally get to go pheasant hunting. I live in Texas so heat is a problem usually during dove season. I'm trying to figure out whether to go with a light colored cocker, springer spaniel or maybe even a small GSP. My wife wants a house dog and I want a retriever. I have only had English pointers since I was 14 so I know nothing about any of the others. I think I want a 30-40 lb. dog. Wife wants a female.

Any suggestions?

A well bred Springer might be just the ticket for you. Right size, right temperament and fits your hunting and pet needs.

Just my 2 centavos.

sb

Springer or cocker. Well bred spaniels love to retrieve. But any of these breeds can overheat so lots of water. And hunt doves over a pond if possible.

Boykin.

A Springer will certainly meet your needs. (not a black one) Enthusiastic hunter; eager to please; and sweet natured house dog

What you describe says Boykin to me.

Ezzy

i would cross a GSP off the list if your wife is looking for a sweet natured house dog. Their high energy level can be a little overwhelming at times.

luvthemud wrote: Their high energy level can be a little overwhelming at times.

X 1000

Bobcat1 wrote: I think I want a 30-40 lb. dog. Wife wants a female.

Any suggestions?

A small one that's over weight would do it. As for the wife and her preference ,you have to sort that one out yourself buddy

polmaise wrote:

Bobcat1 wrote: I think I want a 30-40 lb. dog. Wife wants a female.

Any suggestions?

A small one that's over weight would do it. As for the wife and her preference ,you have to sort that one out yourself buddy

I misread the post and thought it said "As for the wife and her performance, you have to sort that out yourself", I just grinned and thought that was sage advice. .

I live in southeast Arizona, I hunt mostly doves & quail. I use a chocolate Lab. He does fine, even in the triple digit temperatures of early September. A smaller Lab 50-60 pound range should be findable. Boykins are great retrievers and fit your size range. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Dogs are also in your size range. I saw a couple of the run in an AMC Master Hunt Test for retrievers in 2014. Nice working dogs.

Boykin or Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Dog. Both breeds are under 50 pounds and retrieve very well.

Nice! Thanks. Now to find the right litter. I like a dark orange eye. Boykins always seem to have yellow eyes and they are solid brown. I'm thinking a liver and white Springer or tan colored cocker.

polmaise wrote:

Bobcat1 wrote: I think I want a 30-40 lb. dog. Wife wants a female.

Any suggestions?

A small one that's over weight would do it. As for the wife and her preference ,you have to sort that one out yourself buddy

MNTonester wrote:A Springer will certainly meet your needs. (not a black one) Enthusiastic hunter; eager to please; and sweet natured house dog

Why not black?? Heat???

French Britt female would be right in that size range. Good companion & family dog & intense little hunters.
You would prefer a lighter colored one.
Just an idea.

fourtrax wrote:French Britt female would be right in that size range. Good companion & family dog & intense little hunters.
You would prefer a lighter colored one.
Just an idea.

I've thought about that. I have a friend that was going to have a litter at the first of the year but she didn't take.

I'm thinking Springer female just because my wife wants a female dog. The problem I am running into is everyone wants to sell with a limited registration. I'm not trying to set up a breeding facility but later on if I want to breed my dog I would like the option to do so. The way they want to sell a dog, male or female, is like a neutered dog. Some say run 19 medical tests on them and prove to me the dog is good later on and I will consider giving you a full registration. So if I go thru all the tests after 26 months and the breeder dies or is unwilling to give full registration I am just screwed.

When I buy a dog I want the whole dog with all rights. Who has a litter that does not limit registrations?