My DD is unfortunately becoming rather elderly so I'm starting to look for a puppy. Thought I'd give up fighting the wirehaired coat and go with shorter hair this time. Any recommendations for a good kennel? I would prefer a Deutch Kurzhaar but would consider a Shorthair from a good hunting bloodline.

How about a slick DD?

A slick DD would be interesting if it was slick enought that it wasn't a burr magnet and I didn't have to hand strip it.

I really like my current dog, just would like to cut down the maintenance a little bit.

Houston, Texas???

Hell, get a Elhew Pointer!!!!

There are some super slick's out there, just got to make a few phone calls off the VDD list.

I had GSP before I switched to GWPs about 20 years ago. Be aware that while fine dogs, the personalities are a bit different. My wires are calm and work closer that the shorthair ever did. They are not quite the vocabulary builders. They generally don't need a shock collar. In other words, just be aware that they aren't just the same dog with a different coat.
As I get older, I am going the other direction. I just yesterday spoke with a breeder of Italian spinones, and will be getting a pup in a few months.

quote:

Originally posted by Norseman:
Houston, Texas???

Hell, get a Elhew Pointer!!!!

There are some super slick's out there, just got to make a few phone calls off the VDD list.

Norseman,
Not to arguementative, but the DUMBEST bird dog i've ever seen came from the elhew kennels, he'd go through a 50 acre field wide open and bust every bird he could find and come back expecting praise, he finally got his praise, a firestone as I remember.
Obviosly inbred, as he didn't have a lick of smarts.
I thanked GOD when he got killed, saved me a 22 shell.
I've owned my share of bird dogs(various breeds} over the years and GPS's are at the top of my list(upland game) water fowl is another deal, not many GSP's are going to dodge ice chunks to geta duck or a goose.
Do your home work on this and it'll come back to you in spades, or aces. or jokers.
JMHO.
Stepchild



0 and i've had a few duds but over all for a complete hunting and family dog are hard to beat.
I presently have, or he has me, a male GSP 1 1'2 yo that money couldn't buy, this dog and I are connected to say the least!
To sum up my opinion, there are super stars in every breed, it's just finding them that's the problem, i'd stay away from field field stock unless you have a reliable horse that will tolerate shotgun fire over his/her head.
Get a trial of the parents in the case they are pups to see what your getting into.
Stepchild

Stepchild2,

there's a dud in every breed and there are also dog owner's that don't know better or better yet know how to train a dog. That elhew dud that busted all the bird's? SOUNDS like to me nobody knew how to steady that dog to whoa or point. Everybody has their own style of bird hunting and that why we have all of those breeds of bird dogs.

Norseman,
The man I bought him from spent considerable money having him professionally trained and I was told he was a finished gun dog, wrong!
I told him I was bringing him back and he told me to take him to the trainer and, I told him I wanted to kill a couple birds over him and for him to retrieve them, he failed the test.
The asking price was $500 which ain't bad if he lived up to the billing, I called the man and told him he was coming back and the price dropped to $100 and I still got screwed.
I've owned bird dogs since the 60's(i'm 71 now) and know how to train them. This dog one day ate over half of a pheasant before I could get to him, he'd roll in any crap he could find.
I'm sure Elhew produces some fine dogs but I rolled snake eyes on this one.
I've owned 5 true brag dogs(GSP) and had a couple duds as well. The pup I have now is sharp as a tack. To each his own but make mine GSP'S.

Stepchild

I have two GSP'S and my brother also has one we purchased all three from warriors mark. not sure where you are located i do suggest that you see any pup that you purchase in person even if you have to fly to see the pup..

http://www.warriorsmark.com/