smaller sized gun dog

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Question if they work close in timber why would it matter in the open? If they are running large they aren't being handled well.

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I have to disagree with that.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

For a setter you really would be looking at Lwelyn (think I spelt that right) lines. Most hunting dogs will shed a lot other wise their coat will be to thin to give them much protection.

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I would avoid Llewelin setters they make great pets but not so great hunting dogs. I know a few breeders and have seen more than my share of Llewelin's and I would not want one for hunting.

You can find regular English setters in the 35-45 pound range fairly easily, my wife's setter is 38 lbs and an excellent grouse dog. My father has a Brittany from Ruffwood that is under 40 lbs and a very nice dog.

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Originally Posted by gboa

. a closer working gun dog as most days i walk in fields close to the house and don't need a big ranging dog to get on the streets. ?

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As I read it he is not looking for a sidewalk dog. Historically English Pointers and Setters are the big ranging dogs often hunted by horse back. The Brittany was bread for the walking hunter. Brittany is at home either in big fields or close quarters its up to the handler to work the dog and set the range.

jakezilla thats what i thought about some britts being under 40lbs, didnt think setters could be that small. now i have more hope and need to look at closer working lines. i know pointing dogs should range but i prefer closer to moderate working dogs. havent been hunting in a few years since i had my boys but the last time i went out with a friends gsp he loved the way my vizsla kept in contact with me and ranged while i loved his gsp's work rate. i guess its a comfort thing

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Originally Posted by Jakezilla

I would avoid Llewelin setters they make great pets but not so great hunting dogs. I know a few breeders and have seen more than my share of Llewelin's and I would not want one for hunting.

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He has his Vizsla for hunting. He is looking for a small dog that will work close to the handler. Llewelin's tend to be smaller than other setters and in this case hunting standards may not be that important. Remember He is asking for advice for his needs not yours.

i must admit my vizsla is older now-will be 11 in april 2015, and hunting is not always my main priority. i am always out running my dogs in the local fields and other than my mother in laws papillon i have grown up with gundogs. i do like a busy close working dog the best for my needs-i guess i just feel more comfortable that way. most late fall and winter nights by the time i get home its dark out and i have a decent size field at the end of my street that i can handle a close working dog comfortably and safely. but i do appreciate and listen to all the opinions expressed as its been awhile since ive looked for a puppy and im sure there are much more knowledgeable people here in this forum.

You really should take up Vom's offer to get to know his SM. It sounds like you would like how his dogs handle.

your right, i will. always thought SM looked cool, kinda like a setter with gsp markings. pm sent

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

He has his Vizsla for hunting. He is looking for a small dog that will work close to the handler. Llewelin's tend to be smaller than other setters and in this case hunting standards may not be that important. Remember He is asking for advice for his needs not yours.

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I am talking about anyone's hunting needs, and they are not smaller than other setters, unless you are using Ryman's as your size standards.

My female Britt is 35 lbs. I like to keep her within a couple hundred yards. Every late August, I get her clipped short to make burr removal easier. I wouldn't trade her for the world. She's the most affectionate dog we've ever had, smart, eager to please and easy to train (though still so very much a spaniel...lol).

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Originally Posted by gboa

i recently lost my little papillon after almost 13 years and was thinking about addding a new addition in the spring to help keep company with my vizsla. i have a hard task convincing the mother in law (who we live with:madman:) shes too upset to want to go through that again but at least the wife is ok with it. here is the crirteria i have handed to me...1. small in size 2. not too much of a shedder 3. a closer working gun dog as most days i walk in fields close to the house and don't need a big ranging dog to get on the streets. so far im thinking brittany as the obvious choice but have been curious about field bred cockers after seeing some work on tv. i prefer pointers but am open minded to all breeds. 30lbs range is a good and exludes most other breeds but maybe im missing certain lines that are smaller. any other breeds out there running smaller that i might be missing?

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My field bred Springer is 38 lbs of muscle and a close working dog. Sheds a couple times of year.