Bird dog choices
#12
#14
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PA.
Posts: 5,195
#15

I grew up with whatever $50 dog we could get from the newspaper and dogs that had some great training that neighbors have been trying to get rid of. In that time I have hunted with weimaraner, Vizsla, Labs, English pointer, German Short Hair (Several), Labradoodle, Pudelpointer, Irish Setter, English Setter, Brittany and Springer Spaniel and many mixes of all these. I loved all of these dogs and each one had it's benefit and downfall. My Dad and me have recently been introduced to the Drahthaar (about 4 year ago.) I do have to admit for an all around dog I love them. This is the first dog my kids are not scared around, they can be quite calm, but they also have the energy and drive to get out in the field all day. They truly are versatile as you can see by watching http://www.drahthaar-trulyversatile.com/video/.
Although they have been an ideal dog for me in many ways they are not for everyone. They have the get the neighbors cat instinct (which has been quite awkward at times) and tend to want to dominate other dogs. For my family and me it happens to be a pet the family can enjoy but also a great and talented hunting partner.
Good Luck!
Although they have been an ideal dog for me in many ways they are not for everyone. They have the get the neighbors cat instinct (which has been quite awkward at times) and tend to want to dominate other dogs. For my family and me it happens to be a pet the family can enjoy but also a great and talented hunting partner.
Good Luck!
#16
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019

My DD is not dominant at all around other dogs. In fact, he is a big wussy and won't hurt a flea when he's around kids or adults. However, mine is like yours in that when he goes into the hunting mode his breeding takes over and he'll kill every friggin cat or anything else with fur that he can catch. He's killed at least 6 or 7 woodchucks over at the fairgrounds where I run him every night and it ain't purty when he grabs one! It's really like a Jekyll and Hyde type of personality.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 07-05-2012 at 04:51 PM.
#18
Spike
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Norway
Posts: 3

Hi here in Norway we use a lott of different breeds , like english setter , Gordon Setter , Irish Setter , Pointer ,Kleiner Munsterlander , Vorsteher but i would recomend the Gordon Setter or the Vorsteher , they are the most used in combined hunting not just grouse , and they are good family dogs to.You may also take a look at my blog where i wil be updating with new posts of hunting and tips http://myhuntingtips.blogspot.no
#20

I have to agree with sproulman on this one.. Those German Shorthairs are excellent hunting dogs. They have been known to hunt coyotes with them as well. I was debating on getting one when I ended up deciding on the Irish Setters..
My Irish has caught 4 birds and I really do not like it at all. I have tried to break him as I only want him pointing. I am not 100% sure if he is broken of it or not, but, he has not caught any more in a while.
He's killed at least 6 or 7 woodchucks over at the fairgrounds where I run him every night and it ain't purty when he grabs one!
Last edited by Phil from Maine; 10-13-2012 at 02:05 AM.