Bird dogs breeds, anyone have much experience with them?
- Thread starter Rotaxpower
- Start date
- Location
- Saskatchewan
Chesapeakes were bred to be the toughest dog on the water. They were developed around 1900 to work all day long in freezing conditions, retrieving dozens of waterfowl for commercial hunters and then act as a guard dog at night. They are tough, no quit in them, but hard headed and can be irritable around anyone but the master. Definitely not a breed I would recommend for a family with small children!
I have hunted behind a couple of Chessie's. Strong in the water, tough as nails and somewhat stiffer to deal with.
It takes patience to bring the best out of them - they are a different dog all together. There heritage has some protection background with the original use from market hunters way back.
I have seen a few that really are one man dogs - and not trustworthy around kids. Others that are extremely protective of "their" kids.
It takes patience to bring the best out of them - they are a different dog all together. There heritage has some protection background with the original use from market hunters way back.
I have seen a few that really are one man dogs - and not trustworthy around kids. Others that are extremely protective of "their" kids.
[BEST ADVICE EVER]Labrador Retriever.[/ADVICE]
My lab is the best dog I've ever known. I've only known 1 or 2 poorly behaved labs, and they were owned by #######s.
We just got a brand new Duck Toller pup from the breeder on Monday. She has a hell of a retrieving instinct and is fearless at 8 weeks.
She's also stubborn and needy. This pup makes me glad I won't be having children.
My lab is the best dog I've ever known. I've only known 1 or 2 poorly behaved labs, and they were owned by #######s.
We just got a brand new Duck Toller pup from the breeder on Monday. She has a hell of a retrieving instinct and is fearless at 8 weeks.
She's also stubborn and needy. This pup makes me glad I won't be having children.
The only reservation I have about labs is the number that I have seen in recent years with hip displaisia (sp?). It used to be something you mostly associated with German Shepherds but sadly it seems that there are far too many over-bred Labs out there nowadays.
Pet stock breeding has a lot to answer for. Rin Tin Tin (boy am my showing my age now) was a popular show and caused a huge desire for German Shepherds. That show had everybody convinced these dogs could talk. The classic story of Lassie, the end result of which, the dogs were bred for looks until there was not enough room left in their heads for the proper complement of brains. Walt Disney's Big Red, the end result being the Irish Setter bloodline is now compromised. That does not mean there are not good Irish Setters out there, but, you may just get a total bubblehead too. Stick with proven lines that go back and show soundness. If these records are not available, move on. The initial cost is only a very small % of what you will invest in this dog. Know what you want before you look at puppies, this is the best way to avoid an impulse buy. You are on the right track.
Imho Chessies are great dogs, my favorite!
I've owned two. Loyal, tough as nails and smart. Some folks think they are stubborn and hard to to train but I disagree. They are powerful, muscular, very determined dogs however. Very protective of me. My previous Chessie ##### would intimidate my male Rottie even though he outweighed her by at least 20 lbs.
You have to be in charge and make sure the Chessie knows its place (this goes for any dog, but especially with the strong willed Chesapeake Retrievers).
I don't have kids but my experience with my dogs is that both were/are fine with kids they meet. BTW Chessies have a particular 'smile' that looks like a snarl. Scares those not familiar with it.
But OP, you were initially asking about smaller dogs - both my #####es weighed in at 75 and 65 lbs respectively with no fat on them.
Labs are great hunting dog, very versatile, great in the water and good at upland hunting. They are also very good companions and household pets and easy to train. Like others have said, make sure you get a dog that comes from good bloodlines, this will help with to ensure a dog that is trainable and will also help prevent possible breed specific health problems. A lot of your decision comes down to what type of hunting dog you want and need. Lots of other breed also make good hunting dogs but certain breeds are not really recommended for first time dog owners. Good luck with your choice.
Well I talked to a breeded tonight about a dog. Its sounding good, both parents have hunting experience and been tested by VHDF's HAE. I am going up to take a look at the puppies in a week. The gentlemen selling them seems real nice, and will provide training to the puppy. I am pretty pumped!
I have a 9 Month Old Brittany and she has more natural hunting ability then I have ever seen in any dog, even the couple who is helping me train her are amazed and they have 5 Brittany's of their own. I have to work more on her retrieve then her pointing but she's great, and such a great companion. I don't have any children but I did have to puppy sit a newborn 6 week old Lhasa before I shipped it to a friend and she was more gentle with the puppy then my 1 year old Lhasa was and my brittany was 3x the size. She's also pretty much full grown and weighs 35ish pounds.
One dog that came to mind. I was young but remember this dog and type of breed that has gone to the way side.......... Irish Setters..... You hardly see or hear of them any more they are great with family and great for the retrieve. I am not too sure on the retrieval of geese or ducks.......
I have owned many hunting breeds, both flushing and pointers, and pure waterfowl breeds... it sounds to me that the general class that would work best for you are flushing breeds, they are close ranging, not over-sized, have good temperments and trainability... of these the English Springer Spaniel may be your best bet... OP, initially you said "not too big" and later you asked about a Chessie... you need to be more firm on your priorities, eg. Chessies are BIG, STRONG dogs! I have owned a Chessie, I loved her, but she was 90 pounds of attitude and stubbornness... one of my best cold water duckers though... If you compromise what you know your priorities are, you will be disappointed later... from what I have heard from you thus far, a Chessie is NOT your dog... pointers are very energetic and tend to range further than flushing breeds. If you want to hunt... DO NOT buy a pup from a "show dog" line... even if the breeder says "it will make a good hunting dog." Show breeders, don't have a clue what would make a good hunting dog... just because you get the "breed" right doesn't mean that you got the "dog" right. Buy from a proven field line... also if you want to limit size, buy a female, they are not always smaller, but they do tend to be somewhat smaller. A field/hunting bred Labrador retriever is also a good way to go... color doesn't matter, unless you are trying to match a sofa 
... Anyway, there is my best advice on your choices, given the info; #1 - English Springer Spaniel #2 - Labrador Retriever... either from a proven field line and a female if possible. Good Luck.
... Anyway, there is my best advice on your choices, given the info; #1 - English Springer Spaniel #2 - Labrador Retriever... either from a proven field line and a female if possible. Good Luck.
Chessies are great waterfowl dogs. My cousin has had two in 15 years and both were relentless all day long on geese and ducks. Although, Even he would admit he wouldn't have small children around them. I dont know what it was with them, They were also great with me, but ive seen them bear teeth and snap at people before they didnt like.
Own a choc lab now that is my best friend and has great prey drive, but for a all around bird dog I would get a GSP. Just my opinion.
Own a choc lab now that is my best friend and has great prey drive, but for a all around bird dog I would get a GSP. Just my opinion.
cant_rope_the_wind01
CGN Regular
- Location
- West central Alberta
cocker spaniels are really not a kids dogs
they don't have patience , and are known to snap and bite children
labs and chessies are great but tend to knock little toddlers over due to their size and weight, they don't mean to but
toddlers are always in the rt spot to get knocked over . that's being said
I've owned them all
love my cocker for ruffed grouse but she isn't a goose dog
the chessie we had when my daughters were small was an awesome dog
we had a fast flowing creek rt beside our yard actually our lawn faded into the creek when the girls were playing she kept herself between the water and children
when the kids got to close she would take their hand gently and
lead them away from the water
when we went swimming down at the McLeod river (1/2 a mile away) the girls would sit on her in the water and she would swim upstream with them
. when we were gone no one but no one got out of their vehicles
strangers didn't dare go near the kids it didn't matter where we were unless the dog was told it was ok
then
that person had the dog rt beside my girls
I would get another chessie today if I could find one with as good of pedigree
as she had
but rt now I don't have $2500 for a dog
but they are very protective of the home and family
if you get a chessie buy a puppy
raise it with yer children train as a hunting dog , get the whole family on track on discipline
and the training
you wont need an alarm system
and they will baby sit and look after the kids , hopefully you live in the country where
it has room to grow and exercise
I wouldn't think twice to raise one with my children again, problem is I don't live in the country anymore
and I don't intend to have any more kids heck I'm 58 why would I do that
but my grandchildren will learn the joys of owning a Chesapeake bay retriever and hunting over one
they don't have patience , and are known to snap and bite children
labs and chessies are great but tend to knock little toddlers over due to their size and weight, they don't mean to but
toddlers are always in the rt spot to get knocked over . that's being said
I've owned them all
love my cocker for ruffed grouse but she isn't a goose dog
the chessie we had when my daughters were small was an awesome dog
we had a fast flowing creek rt beside our yard actually our lawn faded into the creek when the girls were playing she kept herself between the water and children
when the kids got to close she would take their hand gently and
lead them away from the water
when we went swimming down at the McLeod river (1/2 a mile away) the girls would sit on her in the water and she would swim upstream with them
. when we were gone no one but no one got out of their vehicles
strangers didn't dare go near the kids it didn't matter where we were unless the dog was told it was ok
then
that person had the dog rt beside my girls
I would get another chessie today if I could find one with as good of pedigree
as she had
but rt now I don't have $2500 for a dog
but they are very protective of the home and family
if you get a chessie buy a puppy
raise it with yer children train as a hunting dog , get the whole family on track on discipline
and the training
you wont need an alarm system
and they will baby sit and look after the kids , hopefully you live in the country where
it has room to grow and exercise
I wouldn't think twice to raise one with my children again, problem is I don't live in the country anymore
and I don't intend to have any more kids heck I'm 58 why would I do that
but my grandchildren will learn the joys of owning a Chesapeake bay retriever and hunting over one
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Check with Marty Nibbs in Regina. He used to breed and train English Cockers. He also breeds and trains excellent English springers...I've had two. I now hunt with a GSP. Love it....but very high energy for a 69 year old guy.Keeps me on my game if nothing else.
Marty has a kennel on the north side of the #1 hwy just west of CKCK TV station.
Marty has a kennel on the north side of the #1 hwy just west of CKCK TV station.
Marty closed expressway kennels last year and I believe he moved south, its a shame as he is a great trainer and bred some excellent dogs.
waterwheel
Regular
- Location
- Location Location
We have a yellow lab, about 8-9 years old. Simply dialing the combo on the gun safe and the dog comes running. We take her hunting all the time, she has never retrieved, pointed, or showed any interest in another animal - not even remotely. She follows me so closely when we're hunting that she sometimes trips me (and does trip me if I'm wearing snowshoes, the dog walks right on top of them). The only time ever she's shown an effort to retrieve was when we were throwing clays, she made as if to go after it. I called her back, she's never made an effort since. She's been nose to nose with wildlife, and couldn't care less.
Best hunting dog ever if you ask me.
Best hunting dog ever if you ask me.
