That's a loaded question. No one has ever gotten a Field Champion from a shelter but there's been alot of good hunting dogs from the pound. How many times have you heard, "they surrendered her/him because the dog had just too much energy." or "his/her parents are hunting dogs but the original owner didn't hunt and theyjust didn't have room." Too many times a breeder will sell a dog to someone who is a non-hunter who doesn't realize what he just purchased.I've seen too many of those instances.

My suggestion: Don't go to the shelter. There are too many unknown variables in their makeup especially with a grown dog. You won't know how well it likes children unless you actually spend alot of time with it. Even if you get it from a rescue, they maysay, 'I have children...she's greatwith them" but they are not your children as your one year-old might decide pulling on the dogs ear or riding the dog like a horse just mightbe fun one day. Get apuppy then aleast youknowthe dog. Evenifthe dog doesn't like children when older, atleast he'll still see your children aspart of the pack and will usually defend them from strange dogs or strangers.