Hunting Dog For Allergy Sufferer?
02-17-2016, 02:16 PM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Canada
Posts: 1
Hunting Dog For Allergy Sufferer?
Hello ladies and gents. I'm hoping to get some advice from experienced hunters. 
I am new to hunting - extremely new. It's a pastime my friends have started to get involved in and I've caught the bug myself! However, we're currently differing on approaches. My friends prefer to hunt without the help of a dog, and that's something I'm interested in. Additionally, they also prefer to hunt big game, and my interests are moving more into rabbits and fowl like ducks.
Normally, this would be pretty straightforward, however I have a mild allergy to dog fur, so can't go with a traditional lab or spaniel. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had to deal with something similar to my situation, or if there are any recommendations anyone may have.
My current interest is in a Bedlington Terrier, but a cursory glance at Google hasn't turned up anyone seriously hunting them on rabbit, or really working them at all. Are they unsuitable for rabbit/fowl work? They seem pretty racy to me (they remind me of a whippet) so I thought it might be good for rabbit. I was also told some folks use poodles, but can't find many good examples of this - mostly just pictures of frou-frou dogs.
Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, if anyone knows of a guide for beginners to hunting I would also be very interested.
I am new to hunting - extremely new. It's a pastime my friends have started to get involved in and I've caught the bug myself! However, we're currently differing on approaches. My friends prefer to hunt without the help of a dog, and that's something I'm interested in. Additionally, they also prefer to hunt big game, and my interests are moving more into rabbits and fowl like ducks.
Normally, this would be pretty straightforward, however I have a mild allergy to dog fur, so can't go with a traditional lab or spaniel. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had to deal with something similar to my situation, or if there are any recommendations anyone may have.
My current interest is in a Bedlington Terrier, but a cursory glance at Google hasn't turned up anyone seriously hunting them on rabbit, or really working them at all. Are they unsuitable for rabbit/fowl work? They seem pretty racy to me (they remind me of a whippet) so I thought it might be good for rabbit. I was also told some folks use poodles, but can't find many good examples of this - mostly just pictures of frou-frou dogs.
Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, if anyone knows of a guide for beginners to hunting I would also be very interested.
02-17-2016, 02:55 PM
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: south eastern PA
Posts: 15,436
I would suggest you look towards what is known as a versatile dog. A pointing Griffon or wire haired German short haired pointer may serve your bill. In fact, you do not want a real fast dog to chase rabbits like a whippet because the dog will be too close to shoot at the rabbit, that is why beagles are used for rabbits, they have good noses and are slow and steady, however tey are not water dogs.
Last edited by Oldtimr; 02-17-2016 at 02:57 PM.
02-18-2016, 05:08 AM
#3
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Germany/Calif.
Posts: 2,664
If it is the fur and not the skin flakes you are allergic to, an Airdale may work out for you. They don't shed much if at all. Have them combed out every couple of months by a groomer and you should be OK.
http://www.airedaleterrier.ca/about-...g-working.html
You rarely see anybody hunting an Airdale anymore, but they were seen often in my youth. IMO one of those dogs that just got forgotten.
They have double fur so they can take the weather some. Supposed to be outstanding watch dogs.
The down side is if they get into Cockelburs there fur they can be a real mess. Almost impossible to get them out of there again.
In my limited experience (I've only known a few) there is a large difference in temperament between the males and females. Maybe it was just the few I've known and not universal. Females were much better dogs IMO listened better and less prone to pick a fight with another dog.
I have a mild Dog allergy, mostly from the skin flakes and stuff they pick up in their fur (dust and pollen). I wash them regularly.
http://www.airedaleterrier.ca/about-...g-working.html
You rarely see anybody hunting an Airdale anymore, but they were seen often in my youth. IMO one of those dogs that just got forgotten.
They have double fur so they can take the weather some. Supposed to be outstanding watch dogs.
The down side is if they get into Cockelburs there fur they can be a real mess. Almost impossible to get them out of there again.
In my limited experience (I've only known a few) there is a large difference in temperament between the males and females. Maybe it was just the few I've known and not universal. Females were much better dogs IMO listened better and less prone to pick a fight with another dog.
I have a mild Dog allergy, mostly from the skin flakes and stuff they pick up in their fur (dust and pollen). I wash them regularly.
02-19-2016, 07:39 PM
#4
Spike
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Wernersville, PA
Posts: 77
Dog Allergies
I have a ton of allergies including SOME dogs. I was just at the allergy specialist two days ago and he said in most cases it's either the dander of the dog or mold the dog picks up on it's fur. I know it's not a hunting dog but my ex-wife and I had a Sheltie and I could play with that dog all day and not have issues. My son has 2 dogs we hunt over, a beagle/lab mix and a GSP. The mutt is not a problem but within a half hour of being in the house with the GSP my allergy symptoms kick in. Best thing is to check with an allergist and get a recommendation. Hope this helps.
02-22-2016, 01:39 PM
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,952
Hello ladies and gents. I'm hoping to get some advice from experienced hunters.
I am new to hunting - extremely new. It's a pastime my friends have started to get involved in and I've caught the bug myself! However, we're currently differing on approaches. My friends prefer to hunt without the help of a dog, and that's something I'm interested in. Additionally, they also prefer to hunt big game, and my interests are moving more into rabbits and fowl like ducks.
Normally, this would be pretty straightforward, however I have a mild allergy to dog fur, so can't go with a traditional lab or spaniel. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had to deal with something similar to my situation, or if there are any recommendations anyone may have.
My current interest is in a Bedlington Terrier, but a cursory glance at Google hasn't turned up anyone seriously hunting them on rabbit, or really working them at all. Are they unsuitable for rabbit/fowl work? They seem pretty racy to me (they remind me of a whippet) so I thought it might be good for rabbit. I was also told some folks use poodles, but can't find many good examples of this - mostly just pictures of frou-frou dogs.
Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, if anyone knows of a guide for beginners to hunting I would also be very interested.
I am new to hunting - extremely new. It's a pastime my friends have started to get involved in and I've caught the bug myself! However, we're currently differing on approaches. My friends prefer to hunt without the help of a dog, and that's something I'm interested in. Additionally, they also prefer to hunt big game, and my interests are moving more into rabbits and fowl like ducks.
Normally, this would be pretty straightforward, however I have a mild allergy to dog fur, so can't go with a traditional lab or spaniel. I was wondering if anyone here has ever had to deal with something similar to my situation, or if there are any recommendations anyone may have.
My current interest is in a Bedlington Terrier, but a cursory glance at Google hasn't turned up anyone seriously hunting them on rabbit, or really working them at all. Are they unsuitable for rabbit/fowl work? They seem pretty racy to me (they remind me of a whippet) so I thought it might be good for rabbit. I was also told some folks use poodles, but can't find many good examples of this - mostly just pictures of frou-frou dogs.
Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated! Additionally, if anyone knows of a guide for beginners to hunting I would also be very interested.
http://www.navhda.org/ Ask the handlers if you can approach their dogs and check them out. If your allergies kick in that's not the breed for you. A training day where the dogs are out in the field and getting dirty will be a better test than say a dog show where they are all cleaned up and besides as you watch them work and ask questions you'll get a better idea what you are looking for.
Good luck!
