good family/rabbit dog?

hurley0816 · 12-13-2007, 01:24 PM

i have time to train but not alot of it and i have a 2 year old and 4 yr old so family friendly is a must. i am open to any suggestions, thank you.

bigangrychicken · 12-13-2007, 01:45 PM

Beagles---they are great rabbit dogs and most make really good pets.

colbea · 12-14-2007, 11:30 PM

I agree with bigangrychicken,a beagle would be a great choice. Just one thing make sure you have a well fenced yard or the beagle will be off hunting without you.

idunno · 12-15-2007, 08:20 PM

Can't go wrong with a beagle. Although I have never heard of anyone hunting with just one dog I am sure it might be possible. They also make great family pets

coolbrze0 · 12-16-2007, 06:29 AM

Beagles are your # bet! They're great companions, phenomenal rabbit hunters, and make for good household pets. Do some research on pedigrees and running styles before you buy one. If you have any questions, just hollar!

hurley0816 · 12-16-2007, 08:09 PM

coolbrze0, is it possible to use only one dog?

coolbrze0 · 12-17-2007, 05:45 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: hurley0816

coolbrze0, is it possible to use only one dog?

Definitely, every one of my dogs (not counting puppies) can solo a rabbit back to the gun. I prefer to run 4-5 at a time and keep 2 packs (10-12 dogs) so I can do this, but one good broke dog can easily circle many a rabbit back to you. Make sure you see it run 1st. Bloodlines are VERY important if you're looking to breed/register your beagles. Some dogs are med. some are fast, some are slow, etc. You don't want to run dogs of different speeds together as it will cause headache after headache!

hurley0816 · 12-17-2007, 06:47 AM

i dont have the room or a wife that would want more than one. not to mention it would be like having a third child running around. so what should i look for in a puppy if i plan on running one dog? thanks.

coolbrze0 · 12-17-2007, 05:04 PM

In a puppy, I would want to see the parents run, that way you can be "sure" it's coming from good hunting stock. If you have any buddies that have rabbit dogs, ask what speed their dogs run. Speed is relative, but if you run w/ some buddies who have dogs, you will want your dog running the same speed. Faster isn't always better, I run 2 packs, on a scale of 1-10, my A pack runs speed 8.5 and my B pack runs a speed 7. It's enough of a difference that I don't run them together.

You will also want to check the puppy AND PARENTS for deformities and conformation (good looks). Some things to look for are crooked backs, offset tails, knobby kneed front legs, straight stance, over/under bites, etc. etc. you get the point. I'd recommend getting the pup around 8 weeks old, give or take a week. 8 weeks is a good age, it's given the pup time to socialize some w/ it's mother and siblings, yet it's still real young and will take to you and your family like a kid in a candy shop after a day or so when it realizes it's new home.

Honestly, if you find a dog out of good hunting stock, you will probably be all right. I usually overdo it, as you can see

hurley0816 · 12-17-2007, 11:16 PM

thank you for the advice. what speed would you recommend if im just running one dog?