No dog should show aggression to family members or those it is familiar with, end of story. Temperament is key to any good working partnership; a vicious dog is a liability, not a joy. How can owning an aggressive animal be a 'rewarding relationship'? Costly, yes, in terms of medical bills. Like the majority of your arguments, I can see no common sense in tolerating aggression from an animal that will be a family member for 10yrs+.

The dog in question was found as a young puppy, and grew up in a small town pound until his time was almost up. Unlike those who would turn their nose up at a dog that didn't cost hundreds of dollars, I chose to take him in and give him a chance. Who was his previous owner? Most likely a hunter. Who bred him? Probably someone selling bird dogs. It disgusts me that some who claim to be 'dog people' lose allcompassion if a dog does not have papers.

To claim that rescue dogs can never make goodbird dogs is an ignorant, sweeping judgement. Nine times out of ten, the owner is the reasonthe dog has ended up in that predicament, the dog has done nothing wrong. Rather than discarding a dog before even giving it a chance, I prefer to look at its potential. If you expect little from any animal, that is what you will get. Equally, buying a registereddog is no guarantee that it will be talented. A dog will only be as good as its handler. He is not ahunting dog because he has not been trained to be. Instead he is in training for Search and Rescue, and doing very well, particularly in the recovery of human remains.My two working dogs were also found in the pound. There is nothing more special than an animal that can save human life.

In his time off he is an excellent pet, which you seem to consider a disparaging term. Just consider how much time you spend hunting versus the amount of down time relaxing with the dog as a family pet.Temperament is key to a long-lasting, enjoyable relationship. Aggressive behaviour is no more acceptable than a lack of drive to work.To breed such dogs is to do the breed adisservice. Where is the sense in spending hours training a dog that will end up being euthanized for biting?

All hunting breeds were bred fortemperament as well as ability. To be an excellent working partner, a dog mustbe agood companion. Without companionship and mutual affection, there is no foundation for a working relationship or a desire to please. It is also the most rewarding part of owning any dog.