Beagle or GSP???
 

My son and I started out looking for a beagle. Started doing some research and there are a lot of warnings about beagles. We started to look at other breeds and we're liking the GSP. The dog is going to be mostly a pet but will see his share of the woods. Mostly tracking down game, some she'd hunting, possible dove hunting

Your thoughts and anyone know any good GSP breeders around

Thanks

Why a pointing breed for what you are going to do with the dog ?
GSPs need a LOT of exercise every day.

You'd be a lot better off with a more laid back retriever - maybe a Lab.

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like? .

I personally own a beagle and he's been a great companion as well as a hard worker out in the woods. They do have the best noses in the dog world ya know. I don't have any personal experience with the GSP's, but I don't know they might be good as well, after all it is a hunting breed as well. I don't know if there are any particular problems with beagles as so far mine has been healthy.

There's actually a great video about them which explains how healthy they are here :
beagles 101 and And although this is not exactly an article about hunting, it has lots of info about beagles here

The smaller breeds don't have problems with any of their legs as well as they do not require extra calcium, so if you're not much of a breeder or dog lover, the Beagles are wonderful hard working dogs, that can easily go for 30-40 miles a day without a problem, with the proper conditioning of course.

I actually watched a show about trappers in the North and one of them had 3 beagles all of which were great. Oh and by the way, the Beagles have a distinct howl which separates them from the other breeds and they always make the sound when they're chasing game.

Beagles are for rabbits. GSPs are for versatile foot hunters. For what you want to do, most any type of companion dog should suffice. Difficult blood trails do require a very good nose. But, a collie, or a shepherd among many other breeds can fill the bill.

Another thought on hunting dogs is that they like has been said require a lot of exercise for a lot of years. So, keep that in mind when you make your choice.

Good hunting.