all around sporting dog (breed debate)

fish_e_o · #1 02-09-2017, 03:32 PM

i used to have a lab that could point. she was never a sporting dog but if she walked up on a bird by accident she would point and wait for a flush command.

so i'd like to get a good all round sporting dog. it doesn't have to be the best at anything but ok at most things and a good companion dog too.

would you go with a retriever so it has the weight to take down a goose and retrieve it but hope it can do some upland or a big pointer like a gsp or something and hope it can goose hunt?

Newf · #2 02-09-2017, 03:43 PM

I'm biased...I have 2 Labs. IMO hard to beat a Lab for an all round hunting dog and companion. Others will chime in soon I'm sure...

thumper · #3 02-09-2017, 03:59 PM

Pudelpointer. Pointer, retriever, tracker, search & rescue and house dog.

fishead · #4 02-09-2017, 04:01 PM

Standard poodle.

duceman · #5 02-09-2017, 04:29 PM

brittainy. < (note the period)

catnthehat · #6 02-09-2017, 04:31 PM

My dearly departed father used to say any dog will do for a gun dog as long as it's a Black Lab!

Cat

elkhunter11 · #7 02-09-2017, 04:49 PM

I may be biased, but I am very happy with my Drahthaar. He is great at finding birds, he points well, he loves to swim, and he is very tolerant of the cold.

Kyle · #8 02-09-2017, 04:50 PM

labrador retriever...end of debate

GSPhunter · #9 02-09-2017, 05:05 PM

Gsp

Diesel_wiesel · #10 02-09-2017, 05:10 PM

if your happy with it
if it does what you want it to
does it matter what breed it is???

gs100bert · #11 02-09-2017, 05:18 PM

i have had a black lab golden retriever and now currently a gsp all good dogs just different . good luck making a choice its hard .

fish_e_o · #12 02-09-2017, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duceman

brittainy. < (note the period)

Too small it might get beat up by a goose

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishead

Standard poodle.

Hahahaha can't do it

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I may be biased, but I am very happy with my Drahthaar. He is great at finding birds, he points well, he loves to swim, and he is very tolerant of the cold.

Too small

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

My dearly departed father used to say any dog will do for a gun dog as long as it's a Black Lab!

Cat

Haha my last lad was my first and I sure love the breed

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel_wiesel

if your happy with it
if it does what you want it to
does it matter what breed it is???

Well I have to pick one

I think maybe gsp would make a good dog but are they wanderers? I have heard that they are.

Norwest Alta · #13 02-09-2017, 06:22 PM

Cheasapeake is what I'd be looking for.

catnthehat · #14 02-09-2017, 06:27 PM

Better stick with the Lab, Fish
Cat

Newf · #15 02-09-2017, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

Better stick with the Lab, Fish
Cat

X2^

But if in doubt, ask yourself what are you REALLY going to do with the dog?

Be honest with yourself, all our AO opinions are fine, but it's your dog. What do you want?

elkhunter11 · #16 02-09-2017, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fish_e_o

Too small it might get beat up by a goose

Hahahaha can't do it

Too small

Haha my last lad was my first and I sure love the breed

Well I have to pick one

I think maybe gsp would make a good dog but are they wanderers? I have heard that they are.

A drahthaar is too small? Mine was 80lbs at 12 months, and I hope that he stops growing soon.

fish_e_o · #17 02-09-2017, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

A drahthaar is too small? Mine was 80lbs at 12 months, and I hope that he stops growing soon.

Wow it must have been really young when I saw it then.

270WIN · #18 02-09-2017, 06:56 PM

There's no "debate" whatsoever. Lab. Black. The end. I'm a pretty open minded guy, as you can see.

BenC68 · #19 02-09-2017, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catnthehat

my dearly departed father used to say any dog will do for a gun dog as long as it's a black lab!:sha_sarcasticlol:
Cat

this

Pheasant buster · #20 02-09-2017, 07:24 PM

GWP. Great in water. Upland, and family dogs

Andrzej · #21 02-09-2017, 07:39 PM

I am on third German Wirehaired Pointer or Drahthaar (if registerred in Germany, my current is) in last 36 years . I love them; Versatile, used for upland birds and waterfowl, and as tracking dogs for large game as well as excellent family companion and protectors.
Two thumbs up for the breed.

Tina at 12 is 40 kg so no problem with retrieving heaviest Goose.

alacringa · #22 02-09-2017, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duceman

Brittainy.

^this. Schaffer is my first Britt, but he's got a fantastic nose, is super smart, and retrieves like nobody's business. He hasn't had to go for a goose yet (admittedly, he's only 35 lbs, so he might have trouble when he's called on to do it), but has managed Mallard an Canvasback just fine. I'm in the middle of shed training, and he's doing great on planted antlers. After not wanting to touch hares last year, he retrieved the only one I shot this fall. He's also a great companion dog, but does require quite a bit of exercise. I've been very happy.

Diesel_wiesel · #23 02-09-2017, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norwest Alta

Cheasapeake is what I'd be looking for.

x 2

Scott h · #24 02-09-2017, 08:32 PM

I just put my name down for a Lagotta Romagnola pup. A very old breed and a little harder to find but I'm hoping for success. Baring that you can't really go wrong with a black lab

fishead · #25 02-09-2017, 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by fishead View Post
Standard poodle.
Hahahaha can't do it
Quote:

You laugh, one of the smartest underrated dogs with great temperment. But I get it they have a stigma
Like all dogs though

Newellknik · #26 02-09-2017, 08:55 PM

I don't have one , I have a Wire Hair Griffon , fantastic upland dog
But a little suspect in other areas ie. Waterfowl .
Coat like a buffalo , very high maintanance.

I'm thinking Standard Poodle ....I bet I could train it to point ...
I have seen standards on waterfowl ....xcellent.

Pic of Griphen dispatching a dinosaur.

^v^Tinda wolf^v^ · #27 02-10-2017, 01:26 AM

I chose the sporting dog that suited my personality and activity level best. A long haired German wirehaired pointer. As the griffon, the coat is high maintenece and needs regular grooming or the dog will look like that Nervana guy

58thecat · #28 02-10-2017, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSPhunter

Gsp

That puppy can hunt...wow

All kidding aside luv my lab but hey if your happy with the breed of dog that makes your smile you are blessed!

Hunter_spec · #29 02-10-2017, 05:14 AM

I have a GSP and he is a little scared of the cold . Beautiful dog, very smart, point at everything that moves in the bush, doesnt bark unless hes very excited,, lots of energy but not meant for the cold.They are very special, its almost like they can talk to you sometimes.They like to do some goofy stuff, like pirate faces and they have a very unique way of sleeping sometimes. I obviously love my dog and wouldnt want another one. Gsp's are great

SASKMUDDER · #30 02-10-2017, 05:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrzej

I am on third German Wirehaired Pointer or Drahthaar (if registerred in Germany, my current is) in last 36 years . I love them; Versatile, used for upland birds and waterfowl, and as tracking dogs for large game as well as excellent family companion and protectors.
Two thumbs up for the breed.

Tina at 12 is 40 kg so no problem with retrieving heaviest Goose.

I will agree with the German Wirehaired Pointer.

First and foremost a great best friend and excellent with the family and friends.
The hunting is just a bonus.
They will do it all from pointing, field retrieving, water retrieving, shed hunting and tracking. Grouse, pheasants, ducks, geese and sandhills are all no problem.