Question: I'm thinking about getting a family dog that I can also hunt grouse and woodcock with. I have no dogs now, and I have questions about breeds and breeders. I'm looking for advice before I buy anything. My family likes the idea of a Golden Retriever, and I had a Lab when I was growing up, but I'm assuming that a retriever wouldn't be suitable for grouse hunting. I'm thinking a Brittany Spaniel, but I'm concerned about energy levels and how much of my time will be needed to keep it happy. My friends tell me that I'll need to run the dog three to four times a week for forty-five minutes to an hour, which could be difficult. What is your take on this?
Mark D., Novi.
Answer: There are many people who do quite well hunting grouse and woodcock with flushing or retrieving dogs. I like the idea that you're looking for a dog first as a family pet and second to hunt with. This is the right frame of mind to take, considering that the dog will be a family pet for the better then three hundred days out of the year, and will only be hunting twenty days or so per year. A wonderful pet is much more important to you and your family than a world-class hunter who may not even like kids.
As far as maintenance running for the dog, they'll all need it early-on, to maintain control both physically and mentally. The early stages of the dog's life, from six months to three years, will require more of your time than later, since young dogs, like young people, tend to have more energy. I do believe the pointing dogs need more running than the other breeds to maintain proper control. Sounds to me the Golden or Lab may be a good choice. About seven years ago, I was judging a walking field trail for a Ruffed Grouse Society chapter. Of course, most of the entrants were pointing dogs. Using the judging standards given to me by the chapter, I awarded first place to a Golden Retriever who was wonderfully trained and who handled his birds smartly. There was some grumbling going on with the pointer people, and I was never called back to judge again, but I'm very sure I awarded first place to the right dog.
Charlie Linblade
Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club
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