With out a doubt....the american blackmouth cur. They are now a ukc breed, and is the smartest and easiest dogs to train in my opinion, and i currently also have a beagle/basset, walker coon hound and a feist. In the past ive owned sheps and labs. My dog will hunt close to bust pheasants and rabbits, tree squirrel in the day, coon at night as well or better that my hound, and hunt, catch, and bay hogs. They love kids and women, and are very protective of them and your house.

Depends on the age of your kids. Personally, prefer beagles for any age kid.

pit bulls r good dogs i have one... i have a black lab also.....

Labs are good dog so with saying this I would do a black lab that is what I have and she is a good dog,good with kids and all .

I would listen to Utahhunter. I as well have a Drat along with a brittany. There is no such thing as an easy dog/breed to train IMO. Some dogs are just more biddable than others when it comes to training time. Check out vdd-gna.org these dogs are not for everyone but they have the most natural ability that I have seen out of a hunting dog.
Huntermag

ummmmmmmmmm labs are great, but cheaper thatn drahtar's, those are alot of moooluah!

I think most any dog would have the ability to follow a blood trail. I have had dogs in the family all our lives but last year got my first sporting dog....an Englsih Springer Spaniel. He's 2+ yrs old and is the friendliest, loving, most dedicated dog I have had. He loves to please his trainer (s), in this case my wife and I. I never had this breed before and I would not hesitate to advise most folks to look at this breed. They may not be for every one but I highly suggest looking into a Springer, so you don't deny yourself the opportunity to see what these friendly dogs bring to the family....Good Luck.

My uncle had springer spaniels for the longest time and he loved to take those dogs bird hunting. They loved it too. They were great dogs around the house too. They were fun to hang out with.

well i have to agree with benellibirdman. Go weim or stay home. I love mine she is a four-legged hunting machine. she just loves time in the feild strives to please and is almost human sometimes. I am baised as this is the only dog I have owned as an adult and am open to other ideas. If you don't have a lot of time to work with a dog this may not be your best option. they need exercise and attention. If you do you will be rewarded well for you effort. you can always do some research on the akc page akc.org or .com

Turkeyfan,
The price you pay for your pup is the least amount of money you will spend on the dog throughout its lifetime. With labs, pointers, setters, etc. Your best bet is to spend the most amont of money you can afford toward a good blood line and proven parents in the HUNTING FIELD. When you go to purchase a true Drat (VDD Registered pup) you will not have to look at all the pups and evaluate. The breeder will give you the sex you want and that is it. Every dog in the litter will be a hunter. Some will be stronger at pointing, others maybe little better at rabbit tracking or water work. My point is if I am going to purchase a hunting dog/companion that will be living with me for the next 10-15 years spending the money up front for the pup is the first step into a good investment. Besides the price of your average drat is usually less than the your big time lab kennels.