Small breed hunting dog?

[Go Big Red!]

Here's the latest topic of discussion regarding a dog @ my house.

I want one that can hunt upland birds to waterfowl. A proven breed or proven blood lines. Yet, minimal hair loss and not super hyper. I have already said no to a golden retriever.

My wife wants a small dog.  Not ankle biter size but no bigger than a short hair pointer.  Yet, she says no to a short hair pointer.

Ideas or options?

[MTCOMMER]

Our family has had ESSs for a very long time.  They have the minimal hair loss, but they can be quite hyper.  Or Brittany Spaniels.  
But I am bias for those types of dogs.  Our newest has the most energy of all the others we have had.  The last 2 were quite mild around the house, but when it came to getting into the field, they didnt lack any energy.  I think they are perfect if they arent always going nuts around the house.

[Cody Gruchow]

labs can vary in size. mine is quite big about 85lbs but theres a few at work that are about 40-50lb mark but they shed like crazy. but the best all round dog thats small in size and minimal shedding is ESP, but they tend to be quite hyper, but thats a 50-50 shot if they going to be hyper or not.

[thunderpout]

I kinow a couple guys that had/have german wirehair pointers and they were both smaller dogs, 40-50lbs, point, and are retrievers from hell, & love water!  Look kinda like mutts, but great dogs!  I dont think they shed either....

[Bobby Bass]

English Springers Spaniel. I had two and both did well hunting and the wife loved them, matter of fact I gave her the 2nd one as a present and she took care of it, I just Borrowed it during bird season

[Go Big Red!]

Wife really wants a cocker spaniel.... And then I laughed at her.... she didn't think that was funny...

[Tyler Rother]

A Boinker Spaniel is a good dog, out of Missouri I think. Will try to look up the breeder for ya this week sometime.

[thunderpout]

You mean Boykin Spaniel... yeah, I ve heard good things about them, supposed to be a better water dog than springers.....

[Go Big Red!]

Boykin Spaniel went over well with the misses.  Now we need to figure out between the ESP or the BS.

What are we looking at $$$ for a quality dog such as one of these?

[thunderpout]

Red... look up Gun Dog magazine online... I think there was an article on Boykin Spaniels in the recent past, their dog breed features are pretty in depth usually.... I may still have that issue at home, I'll look and let ya know if I have it.... I thought there is a local breeder in MN or WI.... If I remember correctly, the breed came from water spaniels/springer spaniels and they have the somewhat curly coat of the water spaniel and are supposed to have good temperments....

[Tyler Rother]

Yeah, that's the dog I'm persuading my other half to let me get, she got her cat, time for my dog.

Very pretty, smart, and a great hunting dog from what I have heard.

[eyeguy]

I will throw another breed out there for you.  I have a French Brittany and they are great dogs.  Very low upkeep and great dog overall.  I have had mine out pheasant hunting and he has a great nose and drive for it.  Also a great house dog.  Very willing to please and always wants to be a very loving dog.  All this and they weigh 40 lbs.  Your wife and you would be very happy with this breed.

[mahmoodmahi]

there aren't too many hunting breeds that aren't hyper when their young. Since hunting requires a good prey drive and lots of energy, hunting dogs usually are a bit crazy for the first few years. Cocker Spaniel will hunt upland game well (they are called cocker, because they were breed to hunt wood cock in england), so if that is your only option, you could make it work (find a breeder who specialies in hunting cockers). The other thing you can do is pick a breed you like, and then trick her, by showing her a puppy that is going to  be "homeless" if you don't take it. she may not be the type, but if she's easily suckered by cute little animals in need, you can get any dog you want. 

[thunderpout]

Yeah, french brittany's are great dog's, if I wasnt an english setter guy, that would be a breed I'd look at, but how are they for waterfowling?  I think Red is 50/50 upland & waterfowling... I know the setters Ive had and friends ESS's that Ive hunted with wouldnt make good waterfowling dogs......

[Go Big Red!]

I am more 75 waterfowl and 25 upland bird to be honest. 

[FCSpringer]

You mean Boykin Spaniel... yeah, I ve heard good things about them, supposed to be a better water dog than springers.....

Not...   LOL

[FCSpringer]

Nuff said. Go to hunt tests if you want to see the difference.

[corny13]

Big Red... you probably have gotten the puppy by now...so I shouldnt be telling you that you made a BIG MISTAKE laughing at your wife when she said a Cocker Spaniel.  Here in Central ND Lots of guys use Hunting English Cockers both as waterfowl and upland dogs.  I have seen them retrieve off water as well as any Black lab.. honest.  There is a Trainer/breeder named Tom Ness of Oahe kennels, Menoken ND if you are interested...all hunting stock dogs. Yep they are smaller than springers and look funny retrieving a goose but can do it.

[Go Big Red!]

I have not gotten a dog yet, the family still wants a small dog so this, as funny as it may look, could work.  Thanks for the heads up and I'll keep it in mind.

[FCSpringer]

Big Red... you probably have gotten the puppy by now...so I shouldnt be telling you that you made a BIG MISTAKE laughing at your wife when she said a Cocker Spaniel.  Here in Central ND Lots of guys use Hunting English Cockers both as waterfowl and upland dogs.  I have seen them retrieve off water as well as any Black lab.. honest.  There is a Trainer/breeder named Tom Ness of Oahe kennels, Menoken ND if you are interested...all hunting stock dogs. Yep they are smaller than springers and look funny retrieving a goose but can do it.

I know Tom, he judged me once and I have been going to their trial. I would also agree with a cocker. I prefer a springer but OH well. They are actualy breeding some pretty big cockers now too. If you go that way do definately get a field Cocker. I also know of some real nice ones in the North Metro that in fact train with Tom every year.

[Go Big Red!]

FCS-

Can you post the info from the breeder/trainer from the metro area?  Thanks.

[FireRanger]

Have you looked at Griffon's (sp)? My buddy up north has two and they are amazing!! Look at Vizla's and/or Chessapeake Bay retriever's.....both are also good hunting breeds of smaller sizes. Your Welcome!

[thunderpout]

FCS..... not dissing Springers.... when I said the Boykin was a better water dog, I was refering to their coat, and how they are supposedly better in cold wet enviroments because of it.... kinda like a Chessies coat if you will.... I have quite a few friends that hunt springers... My dad & his brother grew up with them, I know the breed very well, even though Im a setter guy...   Ranger... Got a buddy that has a Griffon... she's a great dog, kind of a different take on a wirehair, which are also great versitile hunting dogs....

[FCSpringer]

Well the cold water thing may be true a little. But it is now Nov. and I am still using mine in the water with no issues what so ever. When your talking breaking ice and sub zero temps most arent duck hunting any more. Fact is most of the year there fine dogs for waterfowl.

 I will PM you with the contact info on the cockers.

[FCSpringer]

Let me know if you got the PM, I don't know if I did it right.