I want a hunting dog...

[Huckleberry]

Size of the dog doesn't matter, it is the quality of the training.

A Brittany or Springer could jump up or knock Granny down just as easily as a Lab, Golden or other Retriever when they get excited. Brittanies and Springes do get very excited with all their energy level and love of play.

Lots of big hunting dogs are very calm, laid back and make excellent candidates for field and home.

May want to consider looking at some of the Setters and Pointers too in addition to Retrievers.

 

[joppaj]

If you like beagels, but not their energy, look at a Basset Hound. Not great retrievers, but wonderful trackers.

 

[Marshmallow]

Brittany's, springers, and I have an American shep/beagle mix and she can track ALL day. Shes not much of a retriever but she finds what i need her to. I have a yellow lab that I'm training and she isn't going to be small but she absolutely loves to hunt and retrieve. You can find small British labs. The lady that I got mine from breeds both British and American. She had one that she breeds where the puppies never get over 50lbs. Just a small mother and father.

 

[rol716]

I have heard great things about Boykin Spaniels as great all around hunting dogs that would fit your size requirement. They don't appear to be very popular in this area though. I've always waterfowl hunted with lab or Chesapeake bay retrievers and upland hunted with Brittneys.

 

[MikeTF]

What are you planning on hunting?

Spaniels are great dogs for upland birds, but would really struggle to bring in a wounded duck or goose from the water. Once wet, their ability to stay in a blind on a cold day would be compromised...

If you are going after waterfowl you will likely have to double your size to 70-80 lbs. Though not typical for the breeds, some breeders are breeding down Chesapeakes and Labs to this range.

My preference is a Chesapeake, robust and smart, I have hunted upland with them and spent many a cold day in a blind with them...they will break ice all day long and not complain.

Love my Chessie!

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2 using Tapatalk

 

[sixfivesavage]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned a blue tick yet. I love mine, nothing sweeter than hearing a pack of ticks go off at night. I have one right now that's a little bigger than he should be, but he is a walker/blue tick cross. He's no good for hunting though, he's possibly the dumbest dog I have ever had, but easily top 3 of my best dogs ever.

 

[Antarctica]

Will second Drakos' comments on Chessies - I owned a cousin to one of his dogs. As a word of caution, my chessie was also very aggressive - and I've seen that trait exhibited in several others I've met/known, the point where I would not put my hand down to an unknown one without asking the owner the dogs disposition (probably a good idea with any dog). That said, Chessies are tremendous animals - their passion to hunt and swim is unparalleled.

If you really want a small dog, take a look at Boykin Spaniels. Not well known, but the few that I have seen were really intelligent, although I have not ever hunted with one. Nice size, apparently OK on the water also. Hard to find breeders.

Brent

 

[Skins_Brew]

If you like beagels, but not their energy, look at a Basset Hound. Not great retrievers, but wonderful trackers.

What is this energy you speak of? My beagle is one of the most lazy dogs I have ever seen.

 

[matt]

Love my Chessie!

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I'm curious where you got your CBR from. The good woman and I are considering a pair of puppies and are looking for recommendations.

 

[iobidder]

American Pitbull Terrier.

 

[joppaj]

What is this energy you speak of? My beagle is one of the most lazy dogs I have ever seen.

Sure... Leave a pot roast in the middle of your dining room table when you leave for work. Remove all the chairs from the room. Tell me if that lazy nose on legs is asleep with meat scented breath when you get home today.

 

[Skins_Brew]

Sure... Leave a pot roast in the middle of your dining room table when you leave for work. Remove all the chairs from the room. Tell me if that lazy nose on legs is asleep with meat scented breath when you get home today.

Truer words have never been spoken. You are correct sir. My beagle has been caught on the kitchen table a number of times.

 

[MikeTF]

I'm curious where you got your CBR from. The good woman and I are considering a pair of puppies and are looking for recommendations.

Matt,

Sorrry for the delay. This is where I got my purebread CBR: http://www.geocities.com/chesaloosa/index.html

Mike

 

[matt]

Matt,

Sorrry for the delay. This is where I got my purebread CBR: http://www.geocities.com/chesaloosa/index.html

Mike

Thank you sir- email sent!

 

[itsslow98]

Let me know how much they are ^^^^^

 

[FFMike]

but I'm not sure what to get. We have plenty of land, but I don't want a large breed. Something in the 20-40lb range, smart, would be good for tracking, retrieving, etc. Ideally I'd like to get it as a puppy and train/get training with it as it grows up.

So:
What breed suggestions do you have?
If you know somebody who may/will have some in the next few months mention that and I'll pm for contact info if I end up needing it.

Get them soon... They will be illegal soo too!

 

[matt]

Let me know how much they are ^^^^^

They *might* be breeding in the spring - however can not figure out how to take down their website.

-Matt

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

While chessies are indeed wonderful creatures, I'm not sure they fall into the medium (20-40 lb) classification.

Now, a beagle/basset mix on the other hand is the perfect combination. He loves to be outside and explore, but he also doesn't mind spending his day looking for a place to nap. I mean, it's not actually good for anything, but he's fun to have around.

 

[TNTBMXer]

I think you would find that a German Short Haired pointer would meet/exceed all of your needs. They are beautiful dogs with wonderful temperaments and amazing versatility in hunting. They are by no means an inexpensive dog, but I wouldn't own anything else.

 

[Mooseman]

I say beagle or basset hound.