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HOW MUCH FOR A PUPPY?

The below is a copy and paste. I am not the original author. I would like to add to the below for golden retriever breeders by saying ALL (NO EXCEPTIONS) PARENTS HAVE THEIR EYE, HIP, HEART, ELBOW, PRCD, PRA1, PRA2, ICH and NCL CLEARANCES PRIOR TO BREEDING. These clearances help to ensure that the puppies produced are as healthy as they can be.

Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who writes an email to simply ask the price. The person who calls and after hearing a price surprisedly states: “I can buy a cheaper pup elsewhere”. I also address you; the person who doesn’t care about papers because I want “just a pet”.

No dog is “just a pet”.

Behind every pure bred puppy/dog is a BREEDER. I’m using capital letters to differentiate a breeder from a pet factory or mill. A reputable breeder does not breed dogs without papers, that does not protect the integrity of the breed. Registration (papers) are records of lineage that document bloodline and allow one to research any possible health issues present in the lineage. When you tell a Breeder you don’t care about papers what you’re really telling them is you couldn’t care less about the health of the puppy you just want the cheapest thing you can find! When you select to buy a puppy from a reputable and quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for the health of every pup ; both dogs owned and every pup they’ve sold for its lifetime. This breeder will skip holidays, miss sleeping, and most of their personal house space has been turned into space for their dogs . The truly passionate breeder who loves what they breed, puts their whole heart and soul into it. Not only in puppies that are sold, but also in each client who owns a piece of their heart and now is a member of their extended family. This does not take into account any puppy/dog who might get sick or need extra help to thrive. Breeders worry about their babies after they leave and will take one back without question.

A breeder will get their hands dirty, often covered in everything accompanied with birthing. Because that’s what life is about...In the middle of birth and death is life. The wheel that keeps turning. A breeder will do tests, echos, xrays, analysis, emergency c sections, vaccinations, register litters, research pedigrees, deworm, as well as microchip their puppies and get them evaluated by specialists.

Last but by no means least, a breeder CHOOSES the family lucky enough to have one of their puppies. Yes, you read that right. A true breeder chooses who they sell to because they are not making money off the sale. There is no compensation that can offset the investment a Breeder has made so they need to be confident its the right fit. Many times saying more no’s then yes...A good Breeder will have different criteria for those wanting to carry on their bloodline, why? Because breeding is not a responsibility to ever be taken lightly, it’s a lifestyle choice set aside for ONLY the few devoted people willing to sacrifice.

Because a dog is never “just a pet” it’s the Breeder’s legacy, a little boy’s best friend, a little girls protector, an elderly persons therapy, a member of the family, someone’s whole world!!!

Written in part by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Muller
Translated into English by: Angel Sophia Nogga
Modified for dogs by: Amber French


NRA Life Member, ILL Rifle Assoc Life Member, Navy
 
Posts: 2295 | Location: Monee, Ill. USA | Registered: 11 April 2001Reply With Quote
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A breeder is producing a commodity.

I had a German breeder tell me he didn't want to sell me a puppy because he didn't sell dogs to Americans (this is when I lived in German a year ago).

Had another German breeder tell me he wouldn't sell me a dog because that dog would be used to blood trail wildboar and not red deer.

Really wanted a Large Musterlander, Alpine Drachsbracke, Bavarian Mountain Hound or WHP that was a working dog.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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They, Breeders, certainly have a higher opinion of themselves than I do.

Best dogs I had were the mutts, the Heinz 57's, and the strays. The Breeders pups were just so so.

But I do appreciate their effort in maintaining bloodlines and salesmanshp.
 
Posts: 3059 | Location: NW Arkansas | Registered: 19 December 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by marley7x57:
They, Breeders, certainly have a higher opinion of themselves than I do.

Best dogs I had were the mutts, the Heinz 57's, and the strays. The Breeders pups were just so so.

But I do appreciate their effort in maintaining bloodlines and salesmanshp.



Yes this!
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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A dog is worth what folks will pay. Some spend $2500 for a Labradoodle....others buy a top shelf started Pointer for $750. Few buyers put in the time to really get out of a well bred dog what has been bred into it. I have been around breeding for 50 years. The biggest disappointment has been the buyers...for the most part they will tell you anything..mosttalk a good game and do little. Ask me how I really feel Wink
 
Posts: 1312 | Location: MN and ND | Registered: 11 June 2008Reply With Quote
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I don't have the time to put into building a proper dog (via training).

We don't own pets, I'd like to have a dog but my wife is home all day and doesn't care for another child that doesn't listen so there is no reason for her to put up with that.

I imagine when I retire or she goes back to work in a couple of years when the kids are older it will change.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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Raamw, there is value in the words you shared.
When my Brittany died of thoracic cancer, I let my breeder know and she asked immediately for permission to speak with the attending vet.
I appreciated that. Good breeders care about their lines.
I was turned down by a Pudelpointer breeder who apparently didn't like that I would mostly keep the dog for a best pal. He wanted someone who would hunt it.


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
 
Posts: 16306 | Location: Sweetwater, TX | Registered: 03 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Let me start by saying that my wife told me I could not have a bird dog until I fully retired. Fair enough - the life of a career Naval Officer was not exactly conducive to putting the time in required for a good bird dog. So, I befriended folks with dogs, and for years I hunted with guys whose dogs ranged out too far, busted birds continuously, and competed so fiercely for a retrieve that they sometimes tore birds in half. I never said a word, because I was hunting after all, so I thought I had to put up with things I would never tolerate. I also knew that criticizing a friends dog is akin to do the same about his wife or children - and you just don't do that! So, after 30 years in the Navy and 11 years in industry, I bought my first puppy. I did a lot of research on breeders and breeds, and I ultimately settled on a female French Brittany Spaniel as the best combination of field dog and house dog. My breeder was VERY opinionated about how I should train her (and he still is!), but I took away a lot of invaluable tips that I did use, all of which worked out very well. I thought $1800 was a lot to pay for a pup, but her bloodlines were very strong (lots of awards etc from father), so I thought this was the best way to go. I was right - the FORCE is strong in this dog, and after 3 years of working with her EVERY DAY, I have a pointing and retrieving machine. I honestly don't know how folks who are not in my situation find the time for dog training. It really takes a lot of time, effort and love. She has also turned into a great pet and loves to cuddle with my wife while watching TV at night. So, now that I have my own bird dog, I don't let her bust birds, range out too far, or compete with other dogs she is with. I also tell fellow hunters to NOT talk to her in the field - this is hard, and I have to remind even my best friends often. But, in the end, it makes for a better performing dog. So, what is the value of a pup? I would not take a million bucks for mine!
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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quote:
my wife told me I could not have a bird dog until I fully retired.

I guess we know who commands that ship! :-)
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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very true - on my first Submarine, USS Parche (SSN 683), the Captain had a plaque in his stateroom that said in all capital letters " I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THIS SHIP" - and below it in small print it said "and I have my wife's permission to say so"
I think this situation is more true than not!
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Subsailor:

Your post about your dog was very interesting and it sounds like you chose a good route. I find it odd as to the odd questions some breeders ask. In fact, there was a local breeder who had the breed I was after. However, after reading the ridiculous questions that he had on his website, I chose to pass. I would rather travel to Montana!

I have owned Mutts and Registered dogs. Some have been good and others have been great. I chose to
go with a good reputable breeder in that I believe it increases, but does not guarantee, that I will
get a good dog. Being as it is likely that the dog will be with us for around 15 years, paying a
"high" price is worth it in my opinion.

I am going to pick my dog (pup) up in June. I am looking forward to it.
 
Posts: 2638 | Location: Utah | Registered: 23 February 2011Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by subsailor74:
very true - on my first Submarine, USS Parche (SSN 683), the Captain had a plaque in his stateroom that said in all capital letters " I AM THE CAPTAIN OF THIS SHIP" - and below it in small print it said "and I have my wife's permission to say so"
I think this situation is more true than not!


I need a parche hat - only admiral grade Big Grin

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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I would only buy a dog from a breeder that

(1) is on ar and serious into what they breed - I have seen some nice hunting dogs advertised here.

I have little interest in hunting dogs - I only like German shepherds even though I am allergic to them (sense of smell and taste is overrated any way)

(2) I would buy only from a breeder who is hesitant and very careful in choosing buyers.

I imported a dog from Europe with pink papers and all and got a lemon of a dog. Dog has numerous health issues including dysplasia of both hip and elbow (turned out to be the smallest issues - dog is perfectly mobile and strong as a bull). His main issue is allergy to environment - mainly Florida grass which is everywhere. I spend many a African safari or more on vet bills. I have him placed in the international rescue basket as he would have been put down in Europe. He is a great dog otherwise.

The breeder and importer went radio silent.

If I get another dog I would go over to Europe and meet the breeder or find a good breeder in us.

Commercial for profit or livelihood breeding makes me highly suspect. I want a breeder who is not in it for money - why they can be choosey on clients.

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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I need a parche hat - only admiral grade Big Grin

Mike[/QUOTE]

Here is where you get one Mike - $31.45 plus shipping!
https://militarybest.com/ussparssofmi.html
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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[QUOTE]I need a parche hat - only admiral grade Big Grin

Mike
Stolen Valor, Stolen Valor!!!!! :-)
 
Posts: 20076 | Location: Very NW NJ up in the Mountains | Registered: 14 June 2009Reply With Quote
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I am kind of two minds regarding this.

I don't really have the time to work my dog like I should. He has a lot of bad habits. Subsailor would NOT want to hunt with my pup though- pretty much everything he complained of, he does. His manners are pretty good, but he does have a tendency to need correction frequently.

That being said, his number one job is being my buddy. He is lying on my feet most evenings.

I paid a fair amount for him. His training cost even more. His dog food and treats actually over time cost more yet.

But- I find some of the stipulations from breeders a bit much given the money they charge. Either they are doing this out of love of the dogs, or its money to them. My current dog the biggest stipulation the breeder had was he would have to live in the house with me. Fine, that was the plan anyhow.

The papers don't guarantee that the dog is actually up to snuff- it may be an indication of higher likelihood, but hardly is a guarantee.

The more important money is in the training- unless you have the effectively unlimited time to do it yourself.
 
Posts: 10479 | Location: Minnesota USA | Registered: 15 June 2007Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Biebs:
[QUOTE]I need a parche hat - only admiral grade Big Grin

Mike
Stolen Valor, Stolen Valor!!!!! :-)


Funny

My cousin from India was visiting. He is rotund to say the least and very naive Big Grin. The also has Indian version of Boris Johnson hair - black not blond but all over the place Big Grin

The admiral had given me a bunch of ship caps and I gave them to him cause he liked them so much.

He wore them every day to the theme parks and got very used to everyone thanking him for his service with him have no any idea why. I hope no one thought he was an admiral Big Grin

He also wore a big ass fanny pack up front. The only ones who regularly do that are law enforcement guys carrying off duty. He also got used to few folks thinking he was a cop with no idea why.

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by crbutler:
I am kind of two minds regarding this.

I don't really have the time to work my dog like I should. He has a lot of bad habits. Subsailor would NOT want to hunt with my pup though- pretty much everything he complained of, he does. His manners are pretty good, but he does have a tendency to need correction frequently.

That being said, his number one job is being my buddy. He is lying on my feet most evenings.

I paid a fair amount for him. His training cost even more. His dog food and treats actually over time cost more yet.

But- I find some of the stipulations from breeders a bit much given the money they charge. Either they are doing this out of love of the dogs, or its money to them. My current dog the biggest stipulation the breeder had was he would have to live in the house with me. Fine, that was the plan anyhow.

The papers don't guarantee that the dog is actually up to snuff- it may be an indication of higher likelihood, but hardly is a guarantee.

The more important money is in the training- unless you have the effectively unlimited time to do it yourself.


Not for a hunting dog but for a pet. They should know only one thing to come to it’s master when called. Everything else is gimmicks. Who are if the dogs sits or does stupid tricks but when it gets off leash it does not come back to its master.

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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Mike,

That he does for me. Family members its a different story- "if he feels like it"- I can get him to do obedience easily enough. Even if its something he hates, like taking his pills or getting his ears cleaned.

He does hunt, and pretty well (not great), just does occasional things that bug me (and at times has done everything the Admiral complained of...), but not enough for me to take time off to spend correcting him, and he always flushes the first bird wild due to a "need" to run. He does not do that well with other dogs while hunting- not mean, but wants to be the one handling birds.
 
Posts: 10479 | Location: Minnesota USA | Registered: 15 June 2007Reply With Quote
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It's very hard to put a definitive value on a good dog. Sometimes only one dog in a lifetime comes along that is the perfect dog. I had a chocolate lab that was a once in a lifetime pup and hunting/family dog for me. Great memories. tu2
 
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I have a blue heeler named Princess that takes care of ranch security. I had another one years ago that met her death by running under my wheels at the last moment. I will always relive that moment in my mind, with the kids crying + me holding her + watching the light fade from her eyes + NOTHING I could do about it.


Never mistake motion for action.
 
Posts: 17357 | Location: Austin, Texas | Registered: 11 March 2013Reply With Quote
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Blue heelers are wonderful.

We had a ton when I was a kid on the ranch. They have a hell of a bark, and do well at security until someone realizes they are just biting ankles.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
I would only buy a dog from a breeder that

(1) is on ar and serious into what they breed - I have seen some nice hunting dogs advertised here.

I have little interest in hunting dogs - I only like German shepherds even though I am allergic to them (sense of smell and taste is overrated any way)

(2) I would buy only from a breeder who is hesitant and very careful in choosing buyers.

I imported a dog from Europe with pink papers and all and got a lemon of a dog. Dog has numerous health issues including dysplasia of both hip and elbow (turned out to be the smallest issues - dog is perfectly mobile and strong as a bull). His main issue is allergy to environment - mainly Florida grass which is everywhere. I spend many a African safari or more on vet bills. I have him placed in the international rescue basket as he would have been put down in Europe. He is a great dog otherwise.

The breeder and importer went radio silent.

If I get another dog I would go over to Europe and meet the breeder or find a good breeder in us.

Commercial for profit or livelihood breeding makes me highly suspect. I want a breeder who is not in it for money - why they can be choosey on clients.

Mike



Odds are very low you would get a quality dog from a breeder in Europe.

They are tired of Americans taking all the best dogs. Was a common source of contention every time I lived there.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Big Wonderful Wyoming:
quote:
Originally posted by Beretta682E:
I would only buy a dog from a breeder that

(1) is on ar and serious into what they breed - I have seen some nice hunting dogs advertised here.

I have little interest in hunting dogs - I only like German shepherds even though I am allergic to them (sense of smell and taste is overrated any way)

(2) I would buy only from a breeder who is hesitant and very careful in choosing buyers.

I imported a dog from Europe with pink papers and all and got a lemon of a dog. Dog has numerous health issues including dysplasia of both hip and elbow (turned out to be the smallest issues - dog is perfectly mobile and strong as a bull). His main issue is allergy to environment - mainly Florida grass which is everywhere. I spend many a African safari or more on vet bills. I have him placed in the international rescue basket as he would have been put down in Europe. He is a great dog otherwise.

The breeder and importer went radio silent.

If I get another dog I would go over to Europe and meet the breeder or find a good breeder in us.

Commercial for profit or livelihood breeding makes me highly suspect. I want a breeder who is not in it for money - why they can be choosey on clients.

Mike



Odds are very low you would get a quality dog from a breeder in Europe.

They are tired of Americans taking all the best dogs. Was a common source of contention every time I lived there.


True I just want my dog without the health issues. He is the perfect pet. He is friendly, playful, likes everybody and other dogs. He looks very scary and is the perfect deterrent.

Mike
 
Posts: 13145 | Location: Cocoa Beach, Florida | Registered: 22 July 2010Reply With Quote
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Multiple breeders wouldn't even talk to me. Looked at Large Musterlanders, Jagdterriers, and several others.

Was a pain in the ass. Thought about trying to figure out a Flemish Belgian breeder, but lost interest.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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BWW, I just love the Blue Heeler breed. They do what they are supposed to. They look after THEIR place + let you know when someone is there that doesn't live there. They are not viciously aggressive unless they want a tummy rub but they do protect their given area. I have cats that live here + they're fine. Some stray comes up + it's catgut stew. When the kids were young + would try to ride their bikes down to the road she would try to herd them back to the house. Veery protective + not inclined to roam.


Never mistake motion for action.
 
Posts: 17357 | Location: Austin, Texas | Registered: 11 March 2013Reply With Quote
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Funny story. In 1972 I went visiting with a friend of mine in Houston who raised Borzois (Russian Wolfhounds) Any way Howard says, let's go to lunch + he drives to Corpus Christi. Well, that's a long way to drive for lunch but he's buying. Then after we are seated + he knows he has a captive (literally) audience says, "So how do you like Christ Jesus?" What the hell are you gonna do? He started to laugh because he had me. He had a Borzoi pup named C.J.(guess why) + wanted to give it to me but couldn't resist the joke. Believe me, that dog was a chick magnet. I would walk him down South Lamar + the girls would just flock. He was a joy to watch when they were doing their mating rituals. The 2 would run, run, + run some more. They were bred to use the wolves tactics + run down the wolf packs + they had a lot more stamina than the wolves. A tiny waist + a HUGE lung capacity. I miss that big guy after all these years. Someone came on the property when I was gone + he was on a chain + gutshot him with a 22. He didn't die quick. There has to be a warm spot for an SOB like that.


Never mistake motion for action.
 
Posts: 17357 | Location: Austin, Texas | Registered: 11 March 2013Reply With Quote
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Borzois are cool. They look like a cheetah had baby with a Lassie.

My sister had a Shar Pei puppy, I used to take it to town when it was fat and looked like an orphaned hippo pup. It slaughtered the chicks.
 
Posts: 7763 | Location: Das heimat! | Registered: 10 October 2012Reply With Quote
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Subsailor, I have a deposit on a French Brittany from a sound breeder in the Phoenix area. His momma just whelped six pups -- four males and two females. I will likely end up with a male. Really looking forward to this, my last dog. I just hope I can be half the human he believes me to be. I hear and see Gambel's quail every day at work. Big, vocal, active birds making a living among the mesquite, cholla, prickly pear and creosote bush. Our NM quail season runs Nov. 15-Feb. 15. I need to start working with the little Yildiz .410 double so as not to shame myself in my pup's eyes.


There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.
– John Green, author
 
Posts: 16306 | Location: Sweetwater, TX | Registered: 03 June 2000Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by Bill/Oregon:
Subsailor, I have a deposit on a French Brittany from a sound breeder in the Phoenix area. His momma just whelped six pups -- four males and two females. I will likely end up with a male. Really looking forward to this, my last dog. I just hope I can be half the human he believes me to be. I hear and see Gambel's quail every day at work. Big, vocal, active birds making a living among the mesquite, cholla, prickly pear and creosote bush. Our NM quail season runs Nov. 15-Feb. 15. I need to start working with the little Yildiz .410 double so as not to shame myself in my pup's eyes.


Great choice - they are super dogs. They can be really feisty as puppies, but they really mellow out when they are about a year and half old. Really sweet dogs. At the local preserve she has earned the nickname "Hoover" for her love of retrieving. A wounded bird makes her blood boil - I have yet to lose one with her.
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Truth in advertising - I lost my first wounded bird with my French Brittany Spaniel last year. Here is the story:
As a non resident hunter, and I have hunted private land near Gettysburg, SD for the past two seasons. I hunt there because of the the superb habitat and the large numbers of pheasants, sharptail grouse and Hungarian Partridge. While I have shot my limit of roosters every day I hunted in SD, my best story is about a bird I did not end up retrieving - yes, it happens on occasion, but it never before happened like this to me.

I was walking counter clockwise around the edge of a cattail slough with Brie, my French Brittany Spaniel. Our guide was walking in the clockwise direction around the slough with his 2 labs and the other hunters in my group. I was instructed by the guide to not try to retrieve a rooster that went down in the cattails - rather I was to mark the spot with flagging tape, and he would take his labs in to find the downed bird later. I had not walked 100 yards when a rooster flushed from about 20 yards into the cattails. I shouldered by Browning Superposed Superlight, and dumped the bird. I was sure the bird was dead in the air. I called Brie off the retrieve and marked the spot with flag tape as instructed. Reloading and walking about 10 yards further, a second rooster flushed from the cattails and headed out into the wheat stubble. A shot from my Superlight folded the bird just as it crested the hill. Brie was after it in a flash for what I thought would be an easy retrieve. About 5 minuted later, Brie had not come back with my bird, so I trecked up the hill. She met me at the top, but my rooster was nowhere to be found. We looked for that bird for an honest 20 minutes, but we never found it. Walking back down the hill, I showed my guide the flag and where I thought the dead bird was in the cattails. He took his labs into the thick stuff and immediately coilected my dead rooster. He then said, “so you already got the other bird up the hill.” I said “No, Brie did not come back with it.” The guide told me he watched the whole thing from the other side of the slough. He saw the bird flush, the bird folding at the shot, and my French Brit running to make the retrieve. He said he was certain he saw Brie with the rooster in her mouth coming back to me. As she was coming back, she bumped a bedded whitetail buck right in front of her. Both dog and deer jumped back from each other, startled. The buck ran one way, Brie ran the other, and in the process she dropped the pheasant which took off running in another direction. The guide said it was on of the funniest things he had ever seen pheasant hunting. We looked for another 20 minutes for that wounded rooster, but we never found it - that was the only sad part of the story, but hunt wild pheasants enough, and losing a bird once in a while happens to all of us.
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Originally posted by subsailor74:
Truth in advertising - I lost my first wounded bird with my French Brittany Spaniel last year. Here is the story:

As a non resident hunter, I have hunted private land near Gettysburg, SD for the past two seasons. I hunt there because of the the superb habitat and the large numbers of pheasants, sharptail grouse and Hungarian Partridge. While I have shot my limit of roosters every day I hunted in SD, my best story is about a bird I did not end up retrieving - yes, it happens on occasion, but it never before happened like this to me.

I was walking counter clockwise around the edge of a cattail slough with Brie, my French Brittany Spaniel. Our guide was walking in the clockwise direction around the slough with his 2 labs and the other hunters in my group. I was instructed by the guide to not try to retrieve a rooster that went down in the cattails - rather I was to mark the spot with flagging tape, and he would take his labs in to find the downed bird later. I had not walked 100 yards when a rooster flushed from about 20 yards into the cattails. I shouldered by Browning Superposed Superlight, and dumped the bird. I was sure the bird was dead in the air. I called Brie off the retrieve and marked the spot with flag tape as instructed. Reloading and walking about 10 yards further, a second rooster flushed from the cattails and headed out into the wheat stubble. A shot from my Superlight folded the bird just as it crested the hill. Brie was after it in a flash for what I thought would be an easy retrieve. About 5 minuted later, Brie had not come back with my bird, so I trecked up the hill. She met me at the top, but my rooster was nowhere to be found. We looked for that bird for an honest 20 minutes, but we never found it. Walking back down the hill, I showed my guide the flag and where I thought the dead bird was in the cattails. He took his labs into the thick stuff and immediately coilected my dead rooster. He then said, “so you already got the other bird up the hill.” I said “No, Brie did not come back with it.” The guide told me he watched the whole thing from the other side of the slough. He saw the bird flush, the bird folding at the shot, and my French Brit running to make the retrieve. He said he was certain he saw Brie with the rooster in her mouth coming back to me. As she was coming back, she bumped a bedded whitetail buck right in front of her. Both dog and deer jumped back from each other, startled. The buck ran one way, Brie ran the other, and in the process she dropped the pheasant which took off running in another direction. The guide said it was on of the funniest things he had ever seen pheasant hunting. We looked for another 20 minutes for that wounded rooster, but we never found it - that was the only sad part of the story, but hunt wild pheasants enough, and losing a bird once in a while happens to all of us.
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Truth in advertising - I lost my first wounded bird with my French Brittany Spaniel last year. Here is the story:

As a non resident hunter, I have hunted private land near Gettysburg, SD for the past two seasons. I hunt there because of the the superb habitat and the large numbers of pheasants, sharptail grouse and Hungarian Partridge. While I have shot my limit of roosters every day I hunted in SD, my best story is about a bird I did not end up retrieving - yes, it happens on occasion, but it never before happened like this to me.

I was walking counter clockwise around the edge of a cattail slough with Brie, my French Brittany Spaniel. Our guide was walking in the clockwise direction around the slough with his 2 labs and the other hunters in my group. I was instructed by the guide to not try to retrieve a rooster that went down in the cattails - rather I was to mark the spot with flagging tape, and he would take his labs in to find the downed bird later. I had not walked 100 yards when a rooster flushed from about 20 yards into the cattails. I shouldered by Browning Superposed Superlight, and dumped the bird. I was sure the bird was dead in the air. I called Brie off the retrieve and marked the spot with flag tape as instructed. Reloading and walking about 10 yards further, a second rooster flushed from the cattails and headed out into the wheat stubble. A shot from my Superlight folded the bird just as it crested the hill. Brie was after it in a flash for what I thought would be an easy retrieve. About 5 minuted later, Brie had not come back with my bird, so I trecked up the hill. She met me at the top, but my rooster was nowhere to be found. We looked for that bird for an honest 20 minutes, but we never found it. Walking back down the hill, I showed my guide the flag and where I thought the dead bird was in the cattails. He took his labs into the thick stuff and immediately coilected my dead rooster. He then said, “so you already got the other bird up the hill.” I said “No, Brie did not come back with it.” The guide told me he watched the whole thing from the other side of the slough. He saw the bird flush, the bird folding at the shot, and my French Brit running to make the retrieve. He said he was certain he saw Brie with the rooster in her mouth coming back to me. As she was coming back, she bumped a bedded whitetail buck right in front of her. Both dog and deer jumped back from each other, startled. The buck ran one way, Brie ran the other, and in the process she dropped the pheasant which took off running in another direction. The guide said it was on of the funniest things he had ever seen pheasant hunting. We looked for another 20 minutes for that wounded rooster, but we never found it - that was the only sad part of the story, but hunt wild pheasants enough, and losing a bird once in a while happens to all of us.


As for my French Brittany Spaniel, I still would not take a million bucks for her!
 
Posts: 1594 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 29 September 2011Reply With Quote
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Half my dogs were given to me the half I never paid more then $75.00 dollars for the others.

That was to cover the shots he just had.

Some were pure breeds some were mutts.

I made good working dogs out of them.

Spending time training has big dividends.
 
Posts: 19314 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001Reply With Quote
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I had the wonderful opportunity in the mid eighties while going to school & finishing up my tour with the Army, to work for a trainer near Berthoud Co. Running field trials & hunt tests with her retrievers. She would dread the day when the owners of the dogs she worked with would come to pick up their dogs because , as she would say, now the real work begins.
 
Posts: 241 | Location: Lake Linden Mi | Registered: 18 January 2010Reply With Quote
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She would dread the day when the owners of the dogs she worked with would come to pick up their dogs because , as she would say, now the real work begins


A lot of people think dogs should train themselves.
 
Posts: 19314 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001Reply With Quote
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I too have dogs given to me that turned out great, I'm a bird hunter I once talked to a field trial handler and ask what a good pup should cost, he said 100.00 pup could turn out ok, but he had never seen a difference between a 300.00 pup and a 1000.00 . agree with the above that the training is difference . and on the breeders that turn you down I have not been turned down but have left a lot of breeders empty handed as they didn't have anything that interested me , papers only show the past ,good to know ,but no guarantee.


No matter where you go or what you do there you are! Yes tis true and tis pity but pity tis, tis true.
 
Posts: 566 | Registered: 09 November 2008Reply With Quote
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I had the wonderful opportunity in the mid eighties while going to school & finishing up my tour with the Army, to work for a trainer near Berthoud Co. Running field trials & hunt tests with her retrievers. She would dread the day when the owners of the dogs she worked with would come to pick up their dogs because , as she would say, now the real work begins.


Was her name Cherylon, perhaps? That sure sounds like someone I know. That part of Colorado had a bunch of great field trial trainers in the 80s. Theres still a few, but most have moved up to the Wellington area.


Chuck
 
Posts: 359 | Location: NW Montana | Registered: 18 February 2007Reply With Quote
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Chuck~ Erica Christensen is the breeders name, owns Rocky Mountain Training Kennels. At the time, she had around 80 acres with ponds. Those Quarter Moon Retrievers could hunt.
 
Posts: 241 | Location: Lake Linden Mi | Registered: 18 January 2010Reply With Quote
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I know Erica still breeds her dogs but I don’t believe she still participates in the hunt tests. Her website shows she spends a lot of time hunting over her dogs now. I really need to take a drive out there again and say hello
 
Posts: 241 | Location: Lake Linden Mi | Registered: 18 January 2010Reply With Quote
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