Looking for a pointer

jethunter

jethunter

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Super GunNutz
Rating - 100%
357   0   0
Location
Central AB
I'm looking for a bird dog, a pointer. I'm open to suggestions but basically need a smaller breed that can survive captivity in a house and fenced back yard in town. I like German Shorthairs but don't have the yard space required for them, i'm looking for something smaller.

What breed? And better yet, do you or someone you know have puppies from hunting stock for sale any time in the future? Thanks, Terry.
 
Hmmm, pointers all need a lot of exercise and activity to keep from going loopy, but that is true of almost all breeds (except lapsa-#######s and the like). As long as you are dedicated to make DAILY trips to an area where your pup can be off-leash for the first year or two, and then at least every second or third day after that, living in town is not a big deal for your dog. Most will fit in to your schedule as long as you exercise them well and often. My pup is 2+ now and can handle the odd day locked up, or three if he gets out for a walk on-leash. But after a few days he starts to go stir crazy and becomes a pain in the butt, ripping blankets, chewing stuff he should not be chewing, etc.

As for breeds, if you are set on a pointer of some variety, small munsterlanders or brittany spaniels are nice small dogs, same for vislas. But again, they will all need copious amounts of attention and exercise.

Enjoy,

Ian
 
beretta boy said:
Brittany ?
Click to expand...

The brittany might be just the answer. I had a chance to pick up a pup locally but it was from non-hunting parents and non-hunting owners, so I passed on it.

I have a 7 year old cocker spaniel cross that is a reasonably good at finding and flushing birds. It's too bad there aren't more hunting cocker spaniels around.

Have you hunted with Brittanys?
 
Pudelpointer said:
Hmmm, pointers all need a lot of exercise and activity to keep from going loopy, but that is true of almost all breeds (except lapsa-a**holes and the like). As long as you are dedicated to make DAILY trips to an area where your pup can be off-leash for the first year or two, and then at least every second or third day after that, living in town is not a big deal for your dog. Most will fit in to your schedule as long as you exercise them well and often. My pup is 2+ now and can handle the odd day locked up, or three if he gets out for a walk on-leash. But after a few days he starts to go stir crazy and becomes a pain in the butt, ripping blankets, chewing stuff he should not be chewing, etc.

As for breeds, if you are set on a pointer of some variety, small munsterlanders or brittany spaniels are nice small dogs, same for vislas. But again, they will all need copious amounts of attention and exercise.

Enjoy,

Ian
Click to expand...


I have a dog and have had for 20+ years. My experience is that the larger breeds don't do as well as the smaller breeds in a backyard even with daily exercise.

I was hoping to find some people that had specific experience with one or more of the smaller pointing breeds so I could pick their brains for a while.
 
I have had a springer, a GSP and presently have a ..... you guessed it, a pudelpointer. Brittanies are neat little dogs, I almost got one instead of my present dog, but I was looking for an "all in one" since I too have limited room for dogs. The only "negative" thing I have heard about Brit's are that on average they can be quite sensitive to correction. My grandfather used to have one, but the poor thing spent most of its life on a chain. The ones I have seen in the field have been little spitfires. They just have such a goofy little face, how could you not want one?
 
I did all my research and for hunting upland, especially pheasant I chose a German Shorthair Pointer. They can pretty much do it all and are great family pets. All dogs should be excersised as well as lazy hunters;)
I pick up my pup on the long week-end.

Cheers!!
 
Pudelpointer said:
BTW, there is a breeder of hunting cockers south of Lethbridge, near the border I think.
Click to expand...

Any chance you remember the breeders name? I would like to talk to them!

I had 2 GSPs, i really like the breed. They are VERY active, at least my 2 were. That was no problem at the time 'cause i was on a farm, but i don't like keeping the larger dogs in town. Not fair to the dog, not fair to the neighbors in some cases. By the way my last GSP was a great hound - chased coyoyes like a a black and tan. He really was a multi-talented. The reference material I have on the GSP says they have bloodhound in their lineage, and possibly the Visla as well.
 
Any sporting dog can be a good house pet with proper exercise and discipline. We have 6 adult Weimaraners (10, 5, 5, 2, 16 months and 14 months) living in the house with us. The 10 yr old and 2 5 yr olds are females and don't require daily exercise. The 3 younger ones are males do. They are run off least for at least 1 hour everyday and they know the house rules. People are the boss, dogs are not. If you can get everyone to buy into that philosphy (people and dogs) anything is possible.

We also have 8 3 1/2 week old puppies if anyone is looking for one.:)

Dave
 
Jet,

Sorry, but I met the fellow once and his wife once, and as often happens the conversation went around to dogs. I know they were south of Leth. towards Milk River, but can not recall exactly where. If you are serious about getting a cocker, there are a bunch (okay, a few) hunting breeders in "Gun Dog" magazine, which you should be able to find at Save-on-foods, that is where I find it here. There are also a lot of brittany breeders in there as well.

Good luck and let us know if you find a pup.

Ian
 
Pudelpointer said:
Jet,

Sorry, but I met the fellow once and his wife once, and as often happens the conversation went around to dogs. I know they were south of Leth. towards Milk River, but can not recall exactly where. If you are serious about getting a cocker, there are a bunch (okay, a few) hunting breeders in "Gun Dog" magazine, which you should be able to find at Save-on-foods, that is where I find it here. There are also a lot of brittany breeders in there as well.

Good luck and let us know if you find a pup.

Ian
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll check that out. The hunting cocker spaniel has me interested, and it would be nice to talk to a breeder or hunter that has experience with them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom