3 Breeds and a Hard Pressed Decision Maker

[yellow dog]

It just means some of these less popular breed owners choose not to do what you do. They may be pets and weekend warrior hunters who have no desire to do what you do. I see many people to be followers of a certain breed because a hunter friend or family member has that particular breed. Look at the field Springer Spaniel breed and how few field Springers are out hunting and competing in Ontario. They are an awesome breed but many that Springville Springers produce go to family pet homes with some as hunting companions. Because very few are competing in Ontario at a high level doesn't mean they are less capable than a Lab its because people have them as family pets.. Not everyone that has a Toller, Chessie or Springer feels the need to compete at a licensed field trial event or have something to prove or promote. Hopefully more people will take up hunting and get involved with these less popular hunting breeds to remove the stigma or ignorance associated with them. Slippery slope I think not.

[krakadawn]

"Hopefully more people will take up hunting and get involved with these less popular hunting breeds to remove the stigma or ignorance associated with them. Slippery slope I think not."

As always you are welcome to your view even though you have had no experience to this point in field trials as a competitor or watcher. It is more than removing the stigma or ignorance it's about getting a good candidate to train and develop and then check your progress with others who love retrievers .

I would love to see some more chessies, tollers and goldens competing....that's certainly positive for their breed and when and if they distinguish themselves then that becomes a matter of fact and record, not just some old wife's tale about how good their parents were. Stepping up to the plate can be very demanding.....

The slope is slippery as many will find the challenge too hard to accept and climb, much easier to avoid all that stuff.

[Sharon]

Well said.:-)

[Wesman41]

Well, I can clear this up by letting you all know, unless the dog shows extreme promise of being a testing dog, the dog I purchase will be working/family dog. I want to have the dog I choose trained ofcourse, but trained to hunt, not compete. Just clarifying for everyone but I do understand the way the conversation had gone and how some breeds are not represented in competitions, I am just looking for that breed tht is well versed out in the bush or on te pond and will be good around the house. I chose the breeds I did cause I though they were very versatile upon my research on the hunt not in regards to trials and competition results.

Happy to see this forum creating conversation though, that's a positive and so has the feedback aside from the initial responses

[yellow dog]

And you as well Krakadawn have not the same experience i have had over the years with other working breeds. I am fully aware of my lack of experience in a field trial setting but have other valuable experiences to draw from. And I will be at a future field trial as a bystander and more than likely to compete in the near future. As always I enjoy your view or opinions even if i don't agree with them and look forward to meeting you in the near future. Its important that new forum members feel welcome especially on topics such as this when they are researching less popular breeds than the one you have or others.

[krakadawn]

No problem Yellow Dog and to be honest there will be always be a helping hand extended if you so desire...especially with training etc.

Regards

[Bigboy]

Well, I can clear this up by letting you all know, unless the dog shows extreme promise of being a testing dog, the dog I purchase will be working/family dog. I want to have the dog I choose trained ofcourse, but trained to hunt, not compete. Just clarifying for everyone but I do understand the way the conversation had gone and how some breeds are not represented in competitions, I am just looking for that breed tht is well versed out in the bush or on te pond and will be good around the house. I chose the breeds I did cause I though they were very versatile upon my research on the hunt not in regards to trials and competition results.

Happy to see this forum creating conversation though, that's a positive and so has the feedback aside from the initial responses

I started out 30 years ago with the same desires and have had a chessie, GSP and Lab. All great family dogs and personal hunting companions. Each very different with pros and cons. Trained them myself, not perfect but always did the job. Never have attended a field trial or test, just not my thing. Do your research, go see the dogs and talk to the breeders, take your time and get the dog that you think best suits your needs..., then enjoy
Do your research

[yellow dog]

Thank you I appreciate that very much krakadawn.

[terrym]

Well, I can clear this up by letting you all know, unless the dog shows extreme promise of being a testing dog, the dog I purchase will be working/family dog. I want to have the dog I choose trained ofcourse, but trained to hunt, not compete. Just clarifying for everyone but I do understand the way the conversation had gone and how some breeds are not represented in competitions, I am just looking for that breed tht is well versed out in the bush or on te pond and will be good around the house. I chose the breeds I did cause I though they were very versatile upon my research on the hunt not in regards to trials and competition results.

Happy to see this forum creating conversation though, that's a positive and so has the feedback aside from the initial responses

Never say never. The thing about trials and hunt tests is that they are great for off season training. Something which you will likely want to do anyway. Might as well take advantage of great training grounds and expert advice that these events provide. I didn't buy my dog to compete with but the few events we have done have been worth the time and money. These events are full of experienced handlers and they aren't there to talk about hockey.

[ebenezer]

I am glad you continue to do your home work. You have picked two very good breeder Sue Kish for tollers and The Pine Ridge Kennel for pudel pointers. Both Joe and Sue are extremely knowledgeable about their breeds and should be able to give you the information you desire on these breeds. The only GSP breeder I have known is now retired but I am sure that you will find a good one. As for labradors you will have a big job sorting out exactly what you are looking for. As the other thread has stated they come in all shapes and sizes just be very specific in what you are looking for and if possible ask to see the sire and dam.
Also getting a registered dog can give other opportunities for your finance to get involved. I know you are looking for this to be a hunting dog but the breeds you have mentioned are also great for performance events that keep them fit during the off season.