Originally Posted by Mickey Finn

WHOA. Everybody has a good point. Dogs were bred for certain purposes. Some have been able to adapt to changing circumstances and some have not. Drahthaar's perhaps the most popular hunting dog in Germany, a nation who gave us many excellent dog breeds. Is not a "pure breed". Most countries have been crossing various breeds to come up with something that is useful for the way they themselves hunt. My own Lurcher is an example of this.

In the States we have been a little behind the ball on this Mainly because of the influence the AKC has.

I think like JW, for most applications a versatile dog is the best option. Some relate to a specific breed that specializes in a specific hunting style. They go to great lengths I believe to manufacture situations where their breed can be useful. This is fine but not for me. Our own hog hunters have been crossing curs and scent hounds for years to come up with useful hog dogs.

Lets not get caught up in our own beliefs and experiences so that we end up criticizing another hunters ways.

ATB