Choosing The Right Pup

Choosing The Right Pup Is More Than Looking At Bloodlines

By Frank Register

When one is looking into the breeds of dogs available, the hunter should be guided by the type of hunting he does. In the different breed categories, one breed seems to stand out in organized competition. One of these "star performers" might just fill the bill for the hunter. It can also be a big mistake.

Just because a Labrador Retriever is tops in retriever field trials and hunt tests, does not mean he will make the kind of dog that will please you. A Pointer, a Treeing Walker, and a Beagle also excel in their respective fields of competition; likewise these might not be the dog for you.

Consider These Factors

One must take into consideration the type of terrain hunted; the disposition of the hunter; and the amount of hunting done. What good is a wide-ranging pointer in heavy thickets of West Virginia mountains? If you are on one side of the mountain and pup is hunting the other, a choice of a close hunting setter or spaniel might have been a better choice.

What good is a flat out coonhound that covers a square mile of territory in mountainous country, before you get out of sight of the truck? More than likely you are faced with a week’s search for a lost dog.

A look at the disposition of hunters is in line. Some cannot abide a nervous, high-test type dog which is always on the go. Still others are irritated by a dog that is easy going, with a tendency to stay too close.

I've seen hunters who will have a fit if a dog licks their hand. Some dogs will live in the home, and some in a kennel out back. One should look at pup's parents to see if they are satisfactory. If not, then pup will probably not be suitable. Hunters should be proud of the dog breed he chooses. Still this should not dictate the breed you choose. Once you have looked at your type of hunting, terrain hunted and disposition of the dog you desire, you're ready to look at the various breeds.

Some of the bird dog breeds are more noted as "bench show breeds" and have a reputation of lacking in hunting ability. There are exceptions to everything and these show breeds can produce a good hunting companion.

That being said, the "hunting breeds" will produce a higher percentage of dogs with the hunting instincts you are looking for. It's all a crapshoot, so why not pick the breed with a higher percentage of hunters on the ground.

Consider Terrain, Hunting Time

When picking a pointing dog, the most important thing to consider is the type of terrain you hunt. If you live in an area that offers good quail hunting over big open areas, then the wide-ranging Pointer is your dog. A strong pair of legs or a horse is a must to follow these dogs all day.

Some strains of English setters also are wide ranging dogs; and I've owned one Brittany that would run with any Pointer around.

Hunting the uplands of the Appalachians for Ruff Grouse demands a close working dog. I've tried several breeds, including Brittanys, English Setters, English Springer, English Cockers, German Shorthaired Pointers, Boykin Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers. All worked successfully within their ability. I like a dog that will point on grouse, but have hunted several flushing breeds. It is just a matter of training that flushing dog to hunt within range of the gun.

Another consideration that is important in picking a bird dog is the coat. The heavy coat of some spaniels offers better protection against cold and wet than the very slick coat of the Pointer. The slick pointer will suffer less than the Brittany in hot weather. Thus the time of year and climate are prime considerations. The longhaired dogs will pick up burrs, thorns, and all kinds of debris, where the shorthaired dog will not.

When you have eliminated all others but two breeds, it is time to let your personal

reasons get involved. If you just dam well like one better than the other, by all means choose it. You will be better satisfied.

When Retrievers are discussed, the big three usually come up first. The Labrador Retriever, The Chesapeake, and The Golden Retriever. Today the Versatile Breeds must be included. More and more, hunters are utilizing these "other" breeds. They can be family and hunting companions of the best order.

The most important trait of the retriever is ruggedness and a willingness to endure the toughest hunting conditions, for a long period of time. Waterfowl hunting (even in the south) equals cold weather and cold water.

One usually finds three types of dogs: the dog that cannot stand cold water and refuses to retrieve when conditions are bad; one that will hit the water no matter how cold, but is not physically equipped to stand it; and the hard driver with substantial coat that loves the work and the weather.

Finding that bloodline with the right qualities is worth the time. A retriever must have an excellent nose. I've seen bloodlines that couldn't smell a ham biscuit; still others that could find winged goose in a 600-acre field. The job of a retriever is just that, retrieving game.

Without a good nose pup will be of little use

We will touch here the dog’s willingness to please. Most have this trait built in, but some seem to have a little more than others do. I will rate the top three from my point of view. The Labrador tops the list. I've never trained a lab that didn't just want to be with me. Whatever game I was playing, the lab wanted to be part of it. The Golden comes next, with his great disposition and smile. These big-hearted dogs do not deal with sanctions well and tend to quit if things don't go to suit. The Chesapeake comes next. He is usually a "one man operation." Most are hard drivers and if trained in the right way are the toughest dog going. Their "willingness to please" does not compare with the other two, and they usually have a mind of their own. It usually takes a little more work with

a Chessie, but when the light bulb comes on, it is worth it. They make great dogs.

When considering any of the retrieving breeds, remember that some of the higher priced bloodlines are used for field-trial competition. This sport requires great speed, drive, intelligence and style. The faults of dogs bred solely for this sport seem to be that they are too "high strung."

They tend to be hard to keep calm in the duck blind. Some will jump around when birds are near, whine in anticipation, and be very difficult to steady. They are just too jittery for a pleasant day's hunt. Chesapeakes and Goldens are not as likely to show these traits as the Labrador.

The chance that you will pick the breed and pup that will be equivalent to a Michael Jordan is remote. You can increase your chances of having a family and hunting companion if you consider your expectations with the breeds available. If it's close pick the one you like, then take a kid and pup and go hunting.Best Afield.