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So the wife says I can get a new dog!

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#26 ·
This is just like asking "which car should I buy?". There are just too many answers you'll get that have nothing to do with your needs. I suggest you answer some of these questions for yourself first, and they'll lead you to the best type of dog for YOU and not for any of us. BTW, I'm a Brittany man myself, but that doesn't mean a Britt is best for you.

(in no particular order)
- does it need to be a good family pet in addition to hunting partner? Good w/ kids, other dogs, etc.

- is the breed easy or tough to train?

- will you be employing the services of a trainer?

- do you have the land available to give the dog the proper year-round exercise?

- do you want a close-working, slower dog or a big-running snappy dog?

- is the dog's size important (maybe you live in a small apartment, for example)

- pointer or flusher?

- etc., but you get the idea. Some dogs are notoriously difficult to train and they should be handled by a pro who can teach you and your dog at the same time while others are highly biddable (trainable) and are just happy to please. Some dogs are great in the field, but you'll never know their in your home other than that, not so good if you want a family pet. Some dogs are high strung, some not. All of that needs to fit into your own personality and your lifestyle when you choose a breed. Best of luck!!!
 
#29 ·
He asked about Braque francais...
Click to expand...
And everyone said Pointer, Brittany, Lab [hihi]

Since we know it's his first bird dog, I also wanted him to think if the Braque was right for him. I know far too many friends that have purchased family or hunting dogs based on their looks and not on the other far more important criteria only to give them away. I hate seeing that happen to a dog.

Another factor has to be the type of game and cover you'll be hunting it in. If you have a huge running Pointer and can't "reel him in", then forget about grouse hunting, as an example. Want a fast, ground covering machine? The Braque is not your dog, go with the Pointer. I chose a Brittany(s) because I get what I need, a great family pet that hunts medium to close when needed in the grouse and woodcock woods, but which will stretch out for me in big, open fields when I'm after pheasants. My Britts get lots of love from the family and exercise which they need 24/7/365, and I get the hunter I am looking for in a dog I can now train myself. But my first Britt needed a pro (actually, I needed the pro more than the dog did, but only after making all the stupid mistakes I could with my dog). Plan to spend some $$ on that pro if you need his help. Again, lots to consider.
 
#30 ·
Gaberdeen... I'm just curious as to what your asnwers are to Bucksnbows questions. Also, when do you plan to get a dog?
 
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#31 ·
Braque francais are very nice dogs, but due to the importing of records they tend to be a very expensive dog. I guess no more expensive as a GSP who comes from a quality line.

If there is a single reason not to get a BF, it would be. CKC and NAVHDA accept BF as an acceptable breed. But... They can't compete with AKC. I personally like the versatility of playing, hunting, and training with my dog. But I also like to run him against other dogs, in AKC Hunt Tests and Field Trials. If you are never going to participate in an AKC event. Then who cares...BF are great dogs, from which I have personally interacted with.

In my experience, BFs don't have the speed or the stamina as a GSP. But hunting wood(keep it clean) in deep tough woods of Minnesota and Michigan. These dogs will keep up with the hunters just fine.

Here's is a very good article that I read a year ago.

http://www.gundogmag.com/2010/09/23/gundog_breeds_braque_082004/
 
#32 ·
I thing I would HIGHLY suggest!

DON'T TRAIN YOUR DOG BY YOURSELF!!!!

There are so many clubs, organizations, etc. that will be glad to help you and its better to learn from these guys and gals with their experience, then to try to learn on your own.

Now it's time for the advertisements... :)

My family had a hunting dog when I was kid, but I remember ever seeing my dad formally train him for hunting. We just let him run and if he pointed great, if not great too. When I got my dog, I really didn't know where to begin, so one day while out running my dog in Colliers I ran across a man who was training his dogs, and invited me over for a soda and to chat. NAVHDA was there that weekend, and I got to see some amazing dogs in action. All I knew is that I wanted my dog to hunt for me like that one day. So, I joined NAVHDA...awesome people and awesome knowledge. You want a UT dog...they'll work with you. You want an obedient dog...they'll work with you. You want a hunting dog only...they'll work with you. You have troubles at home with the dog...they'll work with you. You want time in the field with real birds and real guns...they got that too.

Also,

My breeder loves when his dogs compete in AKC and get titles for the dogs he breeds. As a result, he is always there to help me with my training to produce a better dog. Now when someone sees my dog in the field or in competition, he is getting a free plug.

Bottomline...there is SO much to know about training for the dog you want, have someone else help YOU become a better trainer.
 
Discussion starter · #33 ·
Thanks for the replies. It is my requirement that it be a good family dog. As far as a top hunting dog I would like one works fairly close as I plan on doing some grouse and woodcock hunting up north. From what I've read the Braque sounds like it will fill my needs but like someone said this will be my first "hunting dog" although I have a golden retriever that is just a very good family dog. Withmygunnar, I do plan on joining the NAVHDA and will have help training the dog. ONce again thank you for your replies.:)
 
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red65
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