Question: My wife and I are looking to buy a gun dog pup. Do you have any suggestions as to what breed, and whether we should get a male or female? I grouse hunt and I also do some duck hunting. The dog will be a house dog since we aren't allowed to kennel a dog outside in our subdivision. We have two sons, six and eight years old, who would like to make the dog a pet. I have heard that a good hunting dog can't be a good pet also. Is this true?
Dan P., Westland.
Answer: Dan, I am asked this question concerning what breed is best quite often. My standard answer is, don't ask a breeder. Go to a Chevy dealer and ask who builds the best truck. Do the same with a Ford dealer. Are you getting my drift? Find a book on hunting dogs and read the description of each breed. Pick one that meets your ideal and that looks pleasing to you. The breed you pick is not nearly as important as the bloodlines. When you start interviewing breeders, insist upon seeing both of the parents and make your decision based on how well you like the parents.
If this is your first hunting dog, don't pick the most aggressive or active dog in the litter. Don't choose a shy or skittish one either. Many of the pointing breeds will do a good job on ducks as well as hunting grouse in the woods. Check to see if the parents have water desire and retrieving instincts for a decent duck dog. Beware of dogs with too much emphasis on ‘champions' in their bloodlines. A champion field trailer is often a big-running, horseback-type race dog that is too much dog for a novice handler. On the other hand, many of the ‘show champions' are lacking the field instincts and desire for game that it takes to make a good field dog.
If you're looking at the flushing or retrieving lines, check to see if the parents were hunted in the uplands. In both cases, try to see the parents work in the field. Remember, this animal will become a member of the family for the next fifteen years or so, so don't rush into buying any old pup. Take your time to research not only breeds, but the breeder. A breeder who doesn't hunt can hardly be considered an expert on what traits a good hunting dog needs to preform in the field.
Keep in mind that a well-bred dog will set you back a few bucks. There is usually a good reason why one breeder is asking $400 or more while the guy around the corner wants just $50 or $100 for a pup. Also keep in mind that the majority of this dog's life will be spent as a family pet. Look for a pup that is outgoing and friendly, one that wants to cuddle up and lick your face. Let your boys come along when checking out pups, but make it clear to them that you won't be buying a dog that day. No impulse buying.
Even the most avid bird hunter will spend no more than fifty or sixty days a year hunting. That leaves another three hundred days a year in a non-hunting situation. As far as that old wives' tale goes that a hunting dog can't be a pet, don't believe it. By all means, allow and encourage your sons to play and bond with the new pup. Hopefully in a few more years, they will be accompanying you to the field to learn the joys of hunting, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Charlie Linblade
Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club
Michigan Pheasant Hunting
Michigan Bird Dog Training
