Grouse dogs, anyone with experience

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Moose02

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Well i'm think of getting a dog for grousing, I don't have the first clue of what breed or where to start. Any suggestions
 
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English Setters are winning the same battle in my mind. They have been bred for ages specifically as upland bird dogs. My uncle who is a serious upland guy loves em and has always had one, with a mix of others, including Brittanies, and Springer Spaniels, but always an English Setter.

That said I have been looking into German Shorthaired Pointers, as they seem to be a good retriever for waterfowl hunting as well.
 
Well, English Setters are the classic grouse dog.

While many breeds can be functional grouse dogs, having a rock solid pointer of some flavor will certainly help with putting birds in the bag. A pointer allows the hunter to get into a good position and get ready for the flushing bird.

A springer or lab can work if they will work very close, but frankly, a grouse that is flushed 20 yards from the gun is likely a safe bird. Within 2 seconds a ruffed grouse is moving at 70 km/h and given the density of most ruffey habitat, you likely won't even catch a glimpse of the bird.

Personally I am a fan of versatile dogs, but can definitely appreciate the style of an English or Gordon setter.
 
Here is Parker (a Pudelpointer) with a ruffed grouse from a recent trip to northern BC. I likely wouldn't have got any birds with a flushing dog in that thick rainforest.

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I have had 4 llewellyns. All great hunters. Any bad habits were clearly my (or my ex wife's) fault.

I used to go on an annual sharpie and hun hunt in southwestern Sask. Setters (not just mine), labs, GSP, were generally in the mix. If you wanted to find the birds and be close enough to shoot them, it was the setters.
 
Any trained pointing dog with good hunting lines will do well. I've always had "bush pigs" (Brits) and enjoyed them, but I've had great fun hunting over GSPs, Setters, pointing labs and even a Griffon. Go to a reputable breeder and if possible see the parents work.
 
Sounds like there quite a few of you out there doing this, ive never seen any body while out and about pushing with dogs or know anyone. I live and hunt in the Apsley (north kawarthas) area and grouse are plenty full but its just finding them, our usual method is jump in a truck or quad and drive till you see one. Here are some of my concerns with getting a hunting dog and may determine which breed I would get.

1. Size - we have a springer mix now roughly 50lbs and thats max for size i would like to go, I would prefer a smaller breed of dog

2. Training- what kinda of time do you have to put in and how did you guys learn what to do with the dogs?

3. Price - Can this be done on a budget? im not the kinda guy to go drop huge $$$ on a dog.
 
Where I hunt a dog wouldn't be to useful, but you never know. Ruffies always seem to run in the thick stuff then fly-off.
 
Moose02 said:
Sounds like there quite a few of you out there doing this, ive never seen any body while out and about pushing with dogs or know anyone. I live and hunt in the Apsley (north kawarthas) area and grouse are plenty full but its just finding them, our usual method is jump in a truck or quad and drive till you see one. Here are some of my concerns with getting a hunting dog and may determine which breed I would get.

1. Size - we have a springer mix now roughly 50lbs and thats max for size i would like to go, I would prefer a smaller breed of dog

2. Training- what kinda of time do you have to put in and how did you guys learn what to do with the dogs?

3. Price - Can this be done on a budget? im not the kinda guy to go drop huge $$$ on a dog.
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1. A Britt is about the smallest pointing dog you can get weighing in at about 35-50lb

2. There are pro trainers but if you get a book/video you can learn to do a credible job if you patient ,or better yet find a pointing dog club in your area. I learned from working with the trainer who trained 2 of my dogs , it takes patience and a good area to train in.

3. The cheapest part of owning a dog is the initial price, having said that the price and vary from $400 to whatever you want to spend ( my buddies pointing lab cost $2500). I've spent more on the price of a dog on a single emergency vet bill. :eek:
 
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My wife has had Vizslas for the past 15 years or so and is very happy with them.

Ours right now is about 36 pounds, although im given to understand a large male can be in the 50 lbs range. They are ultra friendly with very short fur which doesnt shed or stink. They do need tons of exercise but otherwise are very good dogs both as a hunting dog and a family pet.

Traditionally used as an upland and rabbit dog, they can be used early season waterfowl but due to the very short fur cant handle the cold water temps of late season.

They are a well mannered, versatile hunting breed. If your interested she can likely get you in touch with some very good breeders in Central/Southern ON. PM me for more info. She used to hunt in the Fenelon Falls area with good success.

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Great photos. Just by doing so quick reading and looking at the breeds, I think i would lean towards the French Brittany. I did a quick search and there dont seem to be any Canadian breeders, lots state side.
 
Moose02 said:
Great photos. Just by doing so quick reading and looking at the breeds, I think i would lean towards the French Brittany. I did a quick search and there dont seem to be any Canadian breeders, lots state side.
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Lots of good breeders don't feel the need to advertise.

Also, there are many options when it comes to grouse dogs - both pointers and flushers. I would encourage you to spend some time defining your hunting style, terrain/flora being hunted, climate, housing and several other aspects that may become apparent during your investigation.
 
Coincidence - I just received my copy of Craig Koshyk's Pointing Dogs, Volume 1: The Continentals.
 
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