Upland Dog For an Old Fat Dude

Ok I'm not really fat but I am slowing down a bit. I asked for advice on here about a Springer and I got some really good leads, thanks. I really like Springers but I'm not sure if I can still keep up with one. I want to hunt with my dog not chase it all over the woods. I know you can train them to hunt close but it's really tough ( I've owned Springers for over 30 years). So are there any other breeds that work slower and closer? Another fellow I know who is in the same boat is thinking about a Brittany. Being a pointer they would be a lot easier to keep up with ( at least when they find the birds). Any thoughts? TC

Have you looked into a Clumber or Sussex Spaniel?

If you can't keep up with a spainel and haven't been successful with training one to work within gun range. You probably aren't going to fair well with a pointing breed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trkyhntr21

If you can't keep up with a spainel and haven't been successful with training one to work within gun range. You probably aren't going to fair well with a pointing breed.

---

Oh I've trained my Springers to work within gun range but they are still really just high energy dogs even at home as pets. From people I've talked to about Brittany's they aren't quite as strung out as say an English pointer.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CCR

Have you looked into a Clumber or Sussex Spaniel?

---

I haven't found anyone who owns one and I haven't researched them either. I know someone who raises Welsh Springers and they may suit my needs. Nothing personal but every Cocker I've know has been a little hole so I'm not really interested in one of those either.

Guess the breed you might be looking for is a Spinone. Honestly though I think you are looking for a particular dog rather than breed. Within every breed you'll find difference in temperament even between siblings.
I have setters and I like the dog to chase me not the other way around. I've picked a pup with the temperament to hunt with me. Is this what the experts say, no but for me I like to see my dog.
Your best bet would probably be a started dog which will give you the best idea how bidable it will be.

"Your best bet would probably be a started dog which will give you the best idea how bidable it will be. " awesome advice.
Sometimes you can find a retired/ retiring stud dog that the breeder is willing to part with.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Guess the breed you might be looking for is a Spinone. Honestly though I think you are looking for a particular dog rather than breed. Within every breed you'll find difference in temperament even between siblings.
I have setters and I like the dog to chase me not the other way around. I've picked a pup with the temperament to hunt with me. Is this what the experts say, no but for me I like to see my dog.
Your best bet would probably be a started dog which will give you the best idea how bidable it will be.

---

Good advice, that's something I'll have to look at.

Brittany's are more then capable of running off and self hunting as is any other pointing breed.
Structure and training goes a long way as does the right dog.
Yes I have pointers and they aren't suited for everybody.I have to check for a pulse when they are in the house. They also handle in the grouse woods. And turn it on and take huge casts in Texas.
The point being is Training is something that is the highest priority regardless of breed.
Buying a started or trained dog is a great idea but you have to keep them that way.


Sent from my SM-G955W using Tapatalk

I have a Brittany. Not a good choice if you're looking for a slow close working dog. I know people who run Vislas and they are slower closer working dogs. Breeding makes a big difference though. Avoid field trial bloodlines as they tend to be bigger runners.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by terrym

I have a Brittany. Not a good choice if you're looking for a slow close working dog. I know people who run Vislas and they are slower closer working dogs. Breeding makes a big difference though. Avoid field trial bloodlines as they tend to be bigger runners.

---

My 1 yr old vizsla works very close to me in the field. She'll wait for me if she gets too far or I'll call her back to work the area in front of me.

I can't think of any gundogs that don't require lots of exercise for the dog and the handler etc..It's hard hoofin' it in the hills, valleys, rough fields, woods . I'm old too and have a 13 year old setter. When she goes I won't be getting a sporting breed. Just something to think about.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sharon

I can't think of any gundogs that don't require lots of exercise for the dog and the handler etc..It's hard hoofin' it in the hills, valleys, rough fields, woods . I'm old too and have a 13 year old setter. When she goes I won't be getting a sporting breed. Just something to think about.

---

I'm not quite ready for a Bishon Frise just yet:D

Spinone or bracco Italiano?

A spaniel is not the right choice. Even if they stay within range they are very busy and move quick as you probably know since you have experience with them. I would think a good pointing dog that holds steady till you get there is the clear win. I love upland hunting with my cocker and he's very good at being in range but you need to haul some serious behind to stay with him. They're nuts. That's what I like but I'm also in my early thirties so it's not an issue keeping up yet.

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dilly

Spinone or bracco Italiano?

---

Spinone. Its the Clydesdale of the pointing world. If you can't keep up with him time to hang it up.
https://youtu.be/3-2XdkuhK2s

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dilly

Spinone or bracco Italiano?

---

my thoughts ecstatically.

I have hunted with both, the spinone is a jog at best, but will leave no stone un turned.

I have a braque francais, he will work at whatever pace I feel like working that day

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trky chsr

I'm not quite ready for a Bishon Frise just yet:D

---

Me neither. :) It will be some kind of terrier that still takes some training skill , and enjoys a brisk walk in the woods.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dilly

Spinone or bracco Italiano?

---

LOL you have not seen many Spinone or Bracco to make that generalized statement. Any pointing dog worth working with is too much dog for the OP. There is a saying ....Ïf you are gaining too much weight,,, your dog is not getting enough exercise" .

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by trky chsr

I know someone who raises Welsh Springers and they may suit my needs.

---

Well, I may have a certain degree of bias here....

Important to start them right but for sure a nice, close working dog with (in my experience) a good nose for birds. Nothing like a Springer in terms of speed. But also more difficult to train than a Springer.



Sent from my SM-G930W8 using Tapatalk

I got a Britt because I didn't want to chase a flushing dog. I have found that I was certainly wrong. I can keep her close as I want but it is a pain in the butt for both of us and I really like watching her run big. Turns out I just chase after points rather than flushes. Good times and it worked out for both of us. I'm fitter and she's faster.

Have you researched the Wire-haired Pointing Griffon? bigger set dog that typically works at a mild rate. I have a 9 month puppy that weighs 75 pounds that operates at a great walking pace.

I love my britt but she is neither slow nor close working. She'll hold point for as long as it takes for me to get to her. With an ecollar and a beeper she's never out of ear-shot.

Might be worth a look
https://www.kijiji.ca/v-dogs-puppies...ationFlag=true

I have had over 45 years experience with Springers and they are a wonderful breed. However, as with any breed there is tremendous variation between individual dogs nature and training. If you select a calm pup from a breeding of relaxed tempered parents you may do just fine. It sound like I am in the same position as you at 60+ I was not looking for a slower dog but rather a dog I could walk slower with. I got a working cocker and am delighted with him. I have corresponded with Cass before and know mine's temperament is different from his dog. His description is accurate for many of the breed but mine is more relaxed than his. I do spend a fair bit of time training but range has never been an issue that needed work with my boy. He is naturally very busy and active but always well within gun range. Even if I stop and stand still he just busily works cover all round me usually less than 30 yards away. They are not for everyone they can be high energy and mischievous little fellows but I would recommend you take a look at a couple before you make a final decision.

If you really want to just poke along, a Lab (but not from field trial breeding) will walk with you and nose around in the bushes and pick up your birds. They are probably the easiest breed to train just not stylish or flashy in the way they work.

[QUOTE=singlemalt;1072211]I have had over 45 years experience with Springers and they are a wonderful breed. However, as with any breed there is tremendous variation between individual dogs nature and training. If you select a calm pup from a breeding of relaxed tempered parents you may do just fine. It sound like I am in the same position as you at 60+ I was not looking for a slower dog but rather a dog I could walk slower with. I got a working cocker and am delighted with him. I have corresponded with Cass before and know mine's temperament is different from his dog. His description is accurate for many of the breed but mine is more relaxed than his. I do spend a fair bit of time training but range has never been an issue that needed work with my boy. He is naturally very busy and active but always well within gun range. Even if I stop and stand still he just busily works cover all round me usually less than 30 yards away. They are not for everyone they can be high energy and mischievous little fellows but I would recommend you take a look at a couple before you make a final decision.

Good advice certainly about looking at a few dogs prior to making a choice. I have seen too many who made decisions on breed descriptions etc rather than looking at the actual dogs.

I would add however from my experience over similar years that field trial bred labs perform very well for the foot hunter. I have had several field champions who believed they were 'vacuum cleaners' in the field. Worked close with style and with great accuracy/performance in the field.

The biggest issue I see is regardless of the breed, many , many hunters expect a dog to go out and perform at a certain level. What they seem to always forget is the fact that they haven't spent time training their dog to perform the tasks in the manner desired. As for the field trial breeding, I believe you benefit not only from the health perspective but from the grey mass...sheer intelligence.

You want them close then train them to your expectation.

pointing dogs are easier to train
get what you like - hunting style, temperament, looks
make sure the breeder pays attention to breeding healthy dogs
some people like common breed and they are cheaper, some people like rare/exotic ones
I used to have spaniels, I prefer pointing dogs now.

[QUOTE=krakadawn;1072236]

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by singlemalt

I have had over 45 years experience with Springers and they are a wonderful breed. However, as with any breed there is tremendous variation between individual dogs nature and training. If you select a calm pup from a breeding of relaxed tempered parents you may do just fine. It sound like I am in the same position as you at 60+ I was not looking for a slower dog but rather a dog I could walk slower with. I got a working cocker and am delighted with him. I have corresponded with Cass before and know mine's temperament is different from his dog. His description is accurate for many of the breed but mine is more relaxed than his. I do spend a fair bit of time training but range has never been an issue that needed work with my boy. He is naturally very busy and active but always well within gun range. Even if I stop and stand still he just busily works cover all round me usually less than 30 yards away. They are not for everyone they can be high energy and mischievous little fellows but I would recommend you take a look at a couple before you make a final decision.

[COLOR="#FF8C00"]Good advice certainly about looking at a few dogs prior to making a choice. I have seen too many who made decisions on breed descriptions etc rather than looking at the actual dogs.



I would add however from my experience over similar years that field trial bred labs perform very well for the foot hunter. I have had several field champions who believed they were 'vacuum cleaners' in the field. Worked close with style and with great accuracy/performance in the field.

The biggest issue I see is regardless of the breed, many , many hunters expect a dog to go out and perform at a certain level. What they seem to always forget is the fact that they haven't spent time training their dog to perform the tasks in the manner desired. As for the field trial breeding, I believe you benefit not only from the health perspective but from the grey mass...sheer intelligence.

You want them close then train them to your expectation.

---

So true. See the parents , go to an event and see dogs work .

Lot's of good advice. I'm not in a hurry so I'll keep researching and searching. TC