Question: I'm looking to buy a bird dog. Can you recommend what kind of dog would be easier for a novice, flusher or pointer?

Jerry W., Ypsilanti.

Answer: What's easiest for a novice is to buy a trained dog. I've always said that breed doesn't matter and it's the individual personality that counts. A high-strung, nervous animal of any breed could spell trouble. If you're strictly an upland hunter, just about any breed listed for bird hunting will do. If you do some duck hunting, look for bloodlines that have the desire to swim and retrieve. The versatile pointing breeds can do both. The flushing or retrieving can do both also. I tell my customers that the breeder is far more important than the breed. Go to a breeder who breeds for hunting purposes. Call the references and ask for several past puppy-buyers' phone numbers. It's also helpful to meet the pup's parents.

Charlie Linblade

Mighigan Wing Shooters Hunt Club

Michigan Pheasant Hunting

Michigan Bird Dog Training