Which breed of gun dog

Our 7-year-old ESS (with Rytex bloodline) has been great for the last few years but we now find, after three ops. that he has a tumour that will see him out within a few weeks.

We hunt mainly quail and duck that we need a dog for. I would buy another ESS except for the hassles we had perpetually with grass seeds. We have had two Brittany’s, both fantastic on quail but neither matched the ESS for retrieving, particularly duck. Both had absolutely lovely temperaments, as does the ESS.

When I bought my first gun dog, I got a GSP that came from good hunting lines but he was one the most headstrong hunting animals I ever met. We then had two Wie’s, the last great on quail but not so good at retrieving duck. We then saw a Brittany hunting quail and had a couple of them. Great on quail, not so well on retrieving difficult duck.

We need a short hair dog because of grass seeds here.

Missus thought wies

Son thinking GSP, but leaning towards the Wie.

Labs have been mentioned. None keen yet on this breed.

We hunt a few times a week and wife and I have had a fair amount of experience now with hunting dogs.

What I am hoping for is constructive comments on the best breeds but also, breeders in VICTORIA, (or close- I don’t want to go to Darwin, for example) who have good HUNTING dogs with good records. Not show dogs.

Thanks

Ross

I know bugger all about gun dogs, but have you looked at the Vizsla.Vizsla

My GSP is also very head strong but a firm hand helps a lot. He is very loyal as well. I ended up with a difficult situation when attempting to train him. He was stubborn so needed firmness. But also timid. A trainer asked if he had been beaten. NO. Then found out my fucking farm manager used to hit him with a shovel. He is gone BTW.

The GSP would be excellent if I was a better trainer.

As I mainly hunt rabbits, hares and foxes at home I wonder if a different breed might be better too?

Nitrox,
I trust you beat the shit head of a farm manager with the same shovel before you got rid of him.

Ross
If you are after Weimaraner's try this guy he is a friend of mine and I have hunted quail and ducks with his dogs. I have limited experience hunting over dogs but they did everything they were asked to do. Stephen is a hunter and his dogs are bred for that purpose, not for show.
His bitch is due December I think and he has not sold all the litter yet.

Graystalkers

quote:

Originally posted by oldun:
Nitrox,
I trust you beat the shit head of a farm manager with the same shovel before you got rid of him.

I was only told about it after he had left. Once reason I wasn't told about it till he left.

GBB,
Dont discard "show dogs", the best breeders are both showing and working their dogs or their progeny to maintain quality control. But unfortunately some breeds have been split into "Show and Field" which is an abomination in my eyes.
My first pick are the Brits ... love them to death but the coat can be an issue ... call Fiona at Tobenlee kennels ... I and many others will vouch for the working qualities of her dogs.
Second are the Vizslas, magnificent looking dogs and great workers too. Personally I dont like the German breeds, many are too protective for my liking and circumstances.
Cheers...
Con

GBB, try either Large Munsterlander, or Deutsch Draathar. Either of these breeds are great in the field, and around the home, without being 'over protective'.
Our Large Munsterlander is great, the only problem being the idiot who trained her (that would be me!), she will not honour another dogs point, she just dives straight in. My fault, not hers!.
With proper training, she would have been great ( mum was NZ champ, Dad was Aust champ!), you could try 'Yargerhund Kennels', or get a copy of 'feathers and fur', they always have breeders ads in the last few pages.
Perhaps another ESS? Shot over one last friday, an excellent dog in all respects.

Cheers, Dave.
Non Illegitium Carborundum

P.S, Nitrox, we must really get you over here for a Deer hunt one day.

Cheers, Dave.
Non Illegitium Carborundum

GBB, sorry, that should have read "Yargenhund Kennels". Ask for Matt.

Cheers Dave
Non Illegitium Carborundum

quote:

Originally posted by GreybeardBushman:
What I am hoping for is constructive comments on the best breeds ...

I'd be happy either with a GSP or a Weimaraner.

My current preference is a GSP. My GSP is a natural pointer. He loves water and will go in and retrieve readily. He hates the heat though. His deficiencies are due to his training (meaning they are my deficiencies). He could be far better than he is.

I am no expert on dogs, just a learner and love them.

quote:

P.S, Nitrox, we must really get you over here for a Deer hunt one day.

Yes, PM sent.

Vizsla or GSP, I've personnally got a GWP but they don't go so well in the heat. One thing I would advise is to get a bitch, in these breeds they tend to settle a lot quicker and aren't as head strong as the dog's. I've got friend's with both breeds and they all hunt everything from rabbit up, and do it well! The main thing is tuning into them when it comes to the training.

Stephen

We have all agreed at home that we get a bitch. The ESS (who is still hanging in there) was a dog and very good but the dogs i have had in the past (A GSP, A Wei and a Brittany) have all been more work than bitches we have had.

Wife and son leaning heavily towards a wei: I agree, but want a bit more time to look around when school shuts up shop for the year.

It will be difficult next Duck and quail season without a trained dog as we've had one for the last twenty years plus now.