Bird dog opinions???
01-19-2006, 01:41 PM
#23
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: DeKalb, Illinois
Posts: 35
RE: Bird dog opinions???
Pork,
Thanks for the compliment. My pup is about the same size as a GSP pup at the same age. I dont expect him to grow a whole lot more. Right now he is about 60 pounds. The vet said he would be about 55 - 75 lbs on average. My dad had a female EP when I was young. It got to about 60lbs and stopped growing.
I forgot to earlier answer Sean's question about hunting Chuckars. I have only got him onto pheasants right now. Once he gets a little older and more experienced I plan on taking him to Texas for some quail hunting.
Thanks for the compliment. My pup is about the same size as a GSP pup at the same age. I dont expect him to grow a whole lot more. Right now he is about 60 pounds. The vet said he would be about 55 - 75 lbs on average. My dad had a female EP when I was young. It got to about 60lbs and stopped growing.
I forgot to earlier answer Sean's question about hunting Chuckars. I have only got him onto pheasants right now. Once he gets a little older and more experienced I plan on taking him to Texas for some quail hunting.
02-01-2006, 11:50 AM
#26
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Central MA
Posts: 207
RE: Bird dog opinions???
I have both English Springers and an English Setter. They are all great dogs.
The springers get down into the nitty gritty without thinking about it. They are great for getting that stubborn rooster into the air.
The English Setter is great for those hunts where you want to ease your way along. I like the Setter over any pointing breed because they seem to holda point a lot better when the bird is moving, it may be just the way the dog was trained.
What ever breed you decide to pick, whatever you do, research the blood lines. It's the difference between a mediocre dog and a fantastic dog. You also need to train them right. Dogs with elite bloodlines have the character inside of them, good training brings that out to its full potential.
I forget what lines my springers have but I do remember that they have field champion bloodlines. The English Setter I got is from Top Gun Kennels in Marquette, MI. They train their dogs year 'round on a game preserve, so you know if you buy from them you're dog will be more than introduced to multiple game bird species. Their website is: http://www.topgunkennels.com/
Wish you luck in your hunt for your next companion in the field.
The springers get down into the nitty gritty without thinking about it. They are great for getting that stubborn rooster into the air.
The English Setter is great for those hunts where you want to ease your way along. I like the Setter over any pointing breed because they seem to holda point a lot better when the bird is moving, it may be just the way the dog was trained.
What ever breed you decide to pick, whatever you do, research the blood lines. It's the difference between a mediocre dog and a fantastic dog. You also need to train them right. Dogs with elite bloodlines have the character inside of them, good training brings that out to its full potential.
I forget what lines my springers have but I do remember that they have field champion bloodlines. The English Setter I got is from Top Gun Kennels in Marquette, MI. They train their dogs year 'round on a game preserve, so you know if you buy from them you're dog will be more than introduced to multiple game bird species. Their website is: http://www.topgunkennels.com/
Wish you luck in your hunt for your next companion in the field.
02-11-2006, 10:28 PM
#27
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4
RE: Bird dog opinions???
I had a college professor who always reminded us of the saying “ There may be more difference within a breed than between breeds.” Whatever breed you go with be careful to get a proven field bloodline with no behavior quirks and no genetic health problems, and then give that dog every chance to be successful. There are few things in life more beautiful to watch than a well trained pointing dog and his master at work. Seek professional help when training and enjoy the process. If you do it right your life will be forever changed. I am a Weimaraner owner. I grew up with Weims and have grown to love the dog for many reasons. When I was a youngster I hunted everything from swamp rabbits to wounded deer with the Weims. As an adult I only now hunt quail. Do your homework and pick a breed that fits your game, lifestyle and maintenance schedule.
Have Fun!
Have Fun!