Dog breeds
- Thread starter Galipo
- Start date
southwest maddog
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- Narrow Ranch
My present dog is a four year old Australian Shepherd. It is a breed created from various collies and spaniels. She is the most obedient dog that I have ever owned and will pretty much do anything I ask of her. She has a fairly strong prey drive and stalks squirrels and birds.
She loves to hike and could go all day plus. She will also retrieve anything I throw. I have not hunted with her but if I wanted to I am sure she would pick it up fast. I have never had a dog that was so good off leash and constantly checks on my location and comes immediately and fast when called.
The only caution I would give anyone interested in them is that they have to be exercised or they will pester you or be destructive. I go hiking or biking every day so this has not been an issue but this is not a breed for couch potatoes or to be left alone a lot.
She loves to hike and could go all day plus. She will also retrieve anything I throw. I have not hunted with her but if I wanted to I am sure she would pick it up fast. I have never had a dog that was so good off leash and constantly checks on my location and comes immediately and fast when called.
The only caution I would give anyone interested in them is that they have to be exercised or they will pester you or be destructive. I go hiking or biking every day so this has not been an issue but this is not a breed for couch potatoes or to be left alone a lot.
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My Pudelpointer Lola is totally slick. Short hair coat like a Viszla. As long as you're hunting bunnies or grouse I'll pack it in from cold long before she does. Had her out even as a puppy at -20 all day no issue.
She wouldn't do well in a cold wet duck blind though. And she needs a warm spot with blankets when she stops moving.
IMO, the bigger worry with a grouse dog is overheating. Even with her short coat and frequent dips in whatever water she finds, early season I only hunt her 3 hours before a long cool down, and carrying a few l of water is mandatory for both of you. Once it hits about 7c she can run all day with no panting. Above 15 and I keep a close eye on her.
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I like pointing breeds and have had Brittanies myself for about 35 years. They suit my hunting style and are great pets in the off season. I wouldn't hunt upland without a dog as seeing a good dog work birds is why I hunt upland. Here are my current crew, Chip who is 10(on the left) and Bug (on the right) who is 3.
Not to quibble, but Brittanies are a versatile breed, not a pointing breed.
Lovely dogs!
https://www.navhda.org/registry/versatile-hunting-dog-breeds
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Versatile_Hunting_Dog_Association
"The organization defines versatile dogs as "the dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.""
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Versatile_Hunting_Dog_Association
"The organization defines versatile dogs as "the dog that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.""
Hahah, I can quote for that. Best friend ever for me.
Mount Sweetness
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Ontario
Vizsla are my choice but they are not a winter dog.
KMG Canada
CGN Regular
- Location
- Alfred, Ontario
Somebody mentioned it above but a small munsterlander would fit the bill. Great companion, good hunting dog and does well in the cold. I had one for 15 years and can't say enough good things about them!
fishslinger
CGN Regular
- Location
- southern ontario
I have had and hunted behind my German shorthaired pointer for the last 8 years, very versatile. She lives to hunt and I could not imagine hunting without a dog now that I have experienced hunting with her. Are season starts with Doves her in southern Ontario, I use her for retiving downed birds here and I have seen her track down and bring back winged doves that have sailed off over a uncut corn field, at over 100 yrds. I also use her for waterfowl hunting, again retrieving downed birds. One thing that amazes me is her ability to fined crippled birds that sail off and dive into thick vegetation, land or water. On upland birds she shows her pointer skills, pining down all manner of birds and almost seems like she screws the bird into the ground until the shooter arrives. The upland birds we hunt are Grouse, woodcock and pheasant. There's been many times where I have thought I have missed a bird only to have my GSP go in the direction and come back with the bird. She also finds coons up trees and barks at the base to let me know, I also use her for rabbit hunting in the winter where again she will find and point them. My suggestion to you would be get one of the versatile breeds. They can do it all, including tracking down wounded big game if trained for it. Check out some of the versatile breeds in action at your local NAVHDA events or youtube videos. Good luck with your search and have a great hunting season.
I have a yellow lab and she is great indoors and out. But, really everything starts with good breeding. Find a breed you like, then go find a reputable breeder. If your going to spend the time and money, make your life easier and start with good genetics.
I have never had my own hunting dog but my father has had two German short haired pointers. Absolutely fantastic companion and hunting dog. As soon as we got our last pup home we knew she was going to be a fantastic bird dog. We couldn't even play out in the yard or even take her for a walk when she was a pup without her stopping dead in her tracks to point on a bird in a tree or a squirrel or chipmunk. As long as we kept her moving outside in the cold she was fine. If you plan to sit for extended periods in the cold I don't think I would suggest any of the short haired breeds. From what I have read separation anxiety is somewhat common in GSP as well. At one point we could not let her roam free while we were away. She would flip out and eat sofas, chairs and scratch through doors. Just my two pennies..
I have a rescue, 85 lb multi mix and as best as we can tell part Australian shepherd part Burmese Mountain dog - has a coat like a snow leopard. An awesome companion. Extremely brave and on a hike this past summer in Kananaskis scared off a grizzly and almost certainly saved my wife and i from what would have been a nasty attack.
My wife has a crazy, and i mean crazy, fox red field lab. She is just over a year old and still extremely hyper but should make a good hunting companion once she ages a bit and calms down. Loves birds, as in wants to eat them.
My wife has a crazy, and i mean crazy, fox red field lab. She is just over a year old and still extremely hyper but should make a good hunting companion once she ages a bit and calms down. Loves birds, as in wants to eat them.
