Looking for a Hunting Dog

My husband and I are looking to get a hunting dog this Spring and we’re trying to narrow down what we want. We mostly grouse and pheasant hunt (not much goose or duck hunting) so we’re leaning away from getting a Lab and thinking about either a German Shorthair or a Brittany. We know a couple of each bread and they’re both really great dogs to hunt with. The Brittanys we’ve hunted with are also very sweet and would make nice family dogs for us some day. Any suggestions on breads or reputable locations on where to adopt? We are in the east Twin Cities area, but we’d be willing to make a drive to adopt from a nice place even if it’s not nearby. Thanks in advance!

If you go the German Shorthair route, be sure to check out the MN Horse & Hunt Club’s line of Shorthairs. My family has purchased all our shorthairs from these bloodlines and all dogs have been nothing short of spectacular. Great hunting dogs with a ton of natural instincts, which meant little training needed to get the dogs ready for chasing birds. Most importantly however, these dogs are bred to be family dogs, and are great in the household, with kids, etc.

As a pointing dog fan, I would tell you to do as much research as you can on breed standards. Learn what each breed has for characteristics and energy levels. Some people have problems with the energy of some of the hunting and pointing breeds so know what you are getting into.

Also look at the levels of genetic problems with each breed (hip dysplasia, eye problems, etc.) This is where good breeding and great breeders stand out. A guarantee is great, but they require you to get a dog, trai

As a pointing dog fan, I would tell you to do as much research as you can on breed standards. Learn what each breed has for characteristics and energy levels. Some people have problems with the energy of some of the hunting and pointing breeds so know what you are getting into.

Also look at the levels of genetic problems with each breed (hip dysplasia, eye problems, etc.) This is where good breeding and great breeders stand out. A guarantee is great, but they require you to get a dog, train a dog, and then find out it has problems and start all over. IMHO it is much better to not have the problem to begin with.

Other things to think of: Long hair vs short hair. Pointing vs flushing. inside vs outside dog, size.

Talk to a bunch of people. Be forewarned that every person you talk to has the best breed of hunting dog and all others are junk .

I hunt viszlas. I love them and will probably never own another breed in this lifetime. Low genetic problems, short hair (think not a lot a hair on furniture and easy to keep clean), very smart and easy to train, but certainly not for everyone.

I even know some people who hunt flushing dogs and God forbid even labs , but you cannot help that some people don’t know any better

In my experience there are as many social differences between dogs of the same breed as not. My newest pointer is almost too instinctual and driven which is great for hunting but not so much the other 99.999% time of the year. I always admire those dogs that are almost human at home then flick a switch in the field. I have seen lovey dovey springers, britts, labs and retrievers but I don’t recall any cuddly pointers though I have not doubt they exist.

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In my experience there are as many social differences between dogs of the same breed as not. My newest pointer is almost too instinctual and driven which is great for hunting but not so much the other 99.999% time of the year. I always admire those dogs that are almost human at home then flick a switch in the field. I have seen lovey dovey springers, britts, labs and retrievers but I don’t recall any cuddly pointers though I have not doubt they exist.

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Cuddley German Shorthairs do exist. I happen to have one. He is one of the dogs you talk about. He’s a perfect family dog but put him in the field and he is all business and is drive is phenominal. However, I have a friend who has a dog from the same litter and the two could not be any more different. Max is a machine in the field also but is not the family dog that mine is.

How do you pick a pup and get the personality you want? Beats me. I have to admit for me it was luck of the draw. I do think how they are socialized as a pup has a lot to do with it but each dog has it’s own personality.

As others have said, research, research research. Just remember that you’re playing the odds. Typically, labs are great swimmers but I’ve met a few that won’t go near the water.

Whatever breed you decide on, I wish you the best of luck, just concentrate on the factors you can control which is socializing and training and you will do fine.

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…but each dog has it’s own personality.

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Ain’t that the truth!

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How do you pick a pup and get the personality you want?

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Find a solid breeder, tell him/her what you want in a dog, and let him/her pick your pup. Easier said that done if you happen to fall in love with a specific dog, but the breeder spends the time with them and will know the dogs best.

Look at a vizsla!

best bird dog ive ever hunted with! IMHO

great pointer and a slow hunter! Ideal for a relaxing walk. they track slow and lock up and point like no other! all the other dogs mentioned can be traced back to the Vizsla

not a good dog to be left alone in a kennel they need a lot of attention..

look into the needs of this dog before you buy one .. if your a good match for the dog they cant be beat!

any of the above mentioned would be a good choice as well again match yourself with the dog.. think about the energy level of a dog your looking for and go from there!

Corey

I am a fan of brittanies, I have a 5 yr old female and she is a hard charging machine, yet an absolute cuddler on the couch. No doubt she is high energy…….lots different than the lab she replaced. One plus is her size……she fits on the vehicle seat without crowding….

Ask for references. Ask the references about medical issues. Some breeders will downplay genetic defects. Do your research.

Honestly if its your first bird dog, think twice about a pointer. My first dog is a pointer. He is very high energy. Hes only 14 months old and i’m hoping he will mellow but he is a handfull. I will admit he is a cuddly guy though.

Thanks everyone for your advice! My husband and I were leaning towards getting a Brittany, but a lovely 8 month old German Shorthair named Fritz came into our lives on Sunday. It all happened so fast! Here is a link to my post if you want to see pictures!

Our New Hunting Buddy!

Looking at dogs is a slippery slope, indeed! Something about those puppy dog eyes melts your heart.