A new dog

[Big Slick]

IF...You were to get a dog that was well mannered, easy to train, good with kids, doesn't shed all over the house, and could hunt both upland and waterfowl, what breed would it be.

[Big Slick]

And why.

[Spinach]

Either a Weimaraner or a GSP. I allready have a female Weim, she is great with children and adults, she has very short hair, so she doesnt shed much and hunts both upland and Waterfowl. My next dog will be another Weim or possibly a smaller white/tick GSP.

Neither GSP's or Weim are cold weather dogs, there hair is so short.

[Big Slick]

Is a GSP any relation to a GPS?
I have no idea what a GSP is. (Until you spell it out then I'll say...Ohhhh yeah).

[schwinger]

If you take the "doesn't shed all over the house" out of the equation you open up many more possibilties. Along with the GSP and the Weim I am required to note the Vizsla, my dog made me, but again not a cold weather dog. Although I know people that duck hunt with them so it can be done.  I would love to have a Drahthaar, similar to the GSP but a little better in the cold and absolute hunting machines from what I am told. I have also looked at and would like to get a pudelpointer, can handle the cold and also hunting machines.

[schwinger]

GSP = German Shorthaired Pointer

[Big Slick]

GSP = German Shorthaired Pointer

Ohhh Yeahhh.
Are you just making all the names of these breeds up?
 Vissla? Drahthaar? Pudelpointer?
Never heard of them.

Sounds like a little motor-scooter, a Dungeon Master and a dog that points out very small pools of water.

[schwinger]

http://www.drahthaar.com/

http://www.cedarwoodgundogs.com/

No, they are amazing dogs but some what uncommon. Look at my picture for a Vizsla. I don't like to be like everyone else, its annoying I know.

[Big Slick]

OK.
Barring the dogs that cost more than the amount of food they will eat in a lifetime, whats a good dog?

Like the GSP idea but will have to be more of an outside dog.

[Mayfly]

How about a Lab?

Fits the description.

[labs4me]

When you say waterfowl, are you talking about hunting past the first 2 weekends?  If so, you can pretty much scratch the majority of pointers off your list.  I had a shorthair and he duck hunted... he was big for a shorthair and he could make it 2 weeks tops... then the water was too cold for him.  

Supposedly wirehairs can take the cold water a little better, I only hunted behind one, and they didn't really duck hunt per se'... I'd say you could hunt him on par with a springer as far as cold water ability, he also shed a fair amount in the house.

Most every sporting breed I know will shed.  Some have smaller hair, so it's less noticeable.   Brushing makes a huge difference.  There are shedding inhibitors you can have a groomer do... one of my employees does this to his lab.  Says it works pretty good.  

You may want to look into a Lab or a Springer.   The Lab's traits are well known... good temperment, good in the house, good all around hunting dogs.   The springer can have his coat cut to minimize the amount of hair in the house.  They are smaller than a Lab... just watch what 'stock' you get them out of.  This goes for any breed... If they are a stacked field trial pedigree, they tend to be high strung animals.  Springers do fairly well on ducks... can usually handle the water into November,  and are good upland dogs.  

Good Luck!

Ken

[Big Slick]

Labs and Springers good outside dogs?
Wifey doesn't want a house dog.

[Grute Man]

A buddy of mine had a yellow lab and she lived outside year round.  Just be sure you have a good enough dog house for the winter and a way to get out of the rain like the garage and they're good to go.  I have a chocolate lab who is spoiled (inside) and she's great with all people so was my buddie's dog.

Grute Man

[Big Slick]

OK, a Lab sounds good.

Thanks all.

[guythathunts]

I have a Choc. Lab Springer cross. Best of all worlds! My brother has a Black lab. Both are great dogs. Sound like you are looking for a lab to me. My only advice is to get a dog from hunting blood lines and not from "house dog" blood lines. Pure breads are a dime by the dozen, but a good hunting pure bread is priceless. I can help you find a good dog if you want (just pm me). Otherwise asking in the dog forum you will get a more expert opinion. Labs are my fav. though. Good luck! (Dogs are 10% who they are and 90% who you teach them to be!).
~ Greg

[Grouseman]

There really is no perfect dog! Period! The next thing is, do I want a pointing breed, or flushing breed. Remember this you're buy this pup as a hunting companion and will have an investment in the dog for the next 10-12+ yrs. So get the right type of dog then, choose a particular breed. Versatile pointing dogs like the German shorthair, Ger Wirehair, Vizsla, Wiem, Griffon, Puddleppointer, etc. Are dogs that do well at most things, but all. There is one reason the Lab is such a popular breed is because it really is a versatile dog able to hunt both upland and waterfowl. Good family dogs, etc. I've trained them all, choose a pup from a breeder who raises quality dogs, hips, eyes etc. You cannot teach a dog to hunt, or to have the natural desire for game, that is God given at birth. There are so many other great breeds of dogs, that for those of you who are pondering the same questions it would serve you well to see the different breeds of dogs in action. It will give you a far better understanding. There are breeds that are versatile, and breeds that really specialize, especially in the pointing breeds,  In 99%+ of households I train for, this is the following scenario. If you hunt 20 days, that's 10 weekends, most dogs will not hunt that much so the rest of the year it's a family dog. When you buy a "family/hunting dog" the family becomes attached so if the dog has no natural hunting instincts or no bird desire now you're stuck w/a dog for a pet only, because if you get rid of the dog you might as well pack your bags too. Whether or not you have a great dog or a non hunter it will still cost hundreds of $$ each year for food, vet bills etc. So buy a pup from a breeder who raises hunting dog, or field trialers. These people are still breeding for specific traits in dogs. Pups, no matter where you buy one is a roll of the dice. It helps putting the odds in your favor. One more thing to keep in mind is this is your dog! Not your hunting buddies, or ???? So if your dog makes YOU happy that's all that matters. He/she could be a trial champion, or a dog that only hunt 3-4 days a year doesn't matter. If your happy and the dog gives you fun days in the field then it's been worth it.  No one else is feeding, paying or caring for the dog. You're question could be debated all day long, with  most people  giving a personal preference of INDIVIDUAL dogs that they have or have had. Not all dogs from every breed are the same, they all have a different personality. It's the early socialization and upbringing that makes the difference. The average person my have 3-5 dogs in their life and in dealing with a small number of dogs do not have the opportunity to see as many different breeds, personalities etc as a dog trainer. If you do have questions go to a local trainer and get the answers to your questions before the problem becomes too far gone.

[Big Slick]

 Get a dog from a hunting heritage.
 Dogs cost money.
 Don't "borrow" your dog out.

Ok

[Grute Man]

Also don't play cards with dogs.  They cheat and I can proove it.

[Big Slick]

Also don't play cards with dogs.  They cheat and I can proove it.

DUDE!!
For Real?
I knew Spike was a liein' dog. ::)

[Grute Man]

Documented proof right here:



Ya cant be too careful!!   :ROTFLMAO:

[Big Slick]

Son-of-a-bic-lighter.
Thats all the proof I need.
DIRTY DOG!

[UncleDave]

My pooch is nearly 16...she is older than dirt.  I no longer trust dirt or dust.

[Grute Man]

Kinda like a conspiracy theory huh?