3 Breeds and a Hard Pressed Decision Maker

[thunderbelly]

I would lean more toward a PP of the three choices you have narrowed it down to. A nice sized dog, a thicker coat than the GSP.

[Sharon]

A german wire-haired pointer(DD), and a wirehaired pointing griffon , I would personally also consider if I wanted a pointing breed that I could use for late season waterfowl hunting.

[yellow dog]

I would lean more toward a PP of the three choices you have narrowed it down to. A nice sized dog, a thicker coat than the GSP.

Good choice.

[KennyT]

I did not read through all of the posts, so I apologize if it is already suggested or if those are your only 3 breeds you will entertain. Otherwise I would suggest a Drathaar. It meets all of your requirements and are bred for non-aggression toward people and other dogs. We just got one and I am not saying that it is superior to other breeds, but you wanted feedback from owners. Also, if you wanted to meet ours, I would be happy to do so. She sheds moderately, has incredible drive, fetches waterfowl in the coldest weather and is also good on some bonus animals like rabbits etc. So just another 2 cents. Good luck.

[thunderbelly]

Lol. Ya Kenny I would suggest a DD as well, but it wasnt on his list. When I was doing my search, I wanted a do everything cold water, small game hunting buddy. I searched munsterlanders, Deutsch Drahthaars, Pudle Pointers, wirehaired Griffons, I even did a week looking at labs. I am now priveledged to spend my hunting time with a DD,
The choice is going to be hard, there are some amazing people out there breeding awesome dogs.

[yellow dog]

Lol. Ya Kenny I would suggest a DD as well, but it wasnt on his list. When I was doing my search, I wanted a do everything cold water, small game hunting buddy. I searched munsterlanders, Deutsch Drahthaars, Pudle Pointers, wirehaired Griffons, I even did a week looking at labs. I am now priveledged to spend my hunting time with a DD,
The choice is going to be hard, there are some amazing people out there breeding awesome dogs.

It's amazing to see what breeds are up an coming and new kennels being established with these dogs. I never considered the DD when I was researching a versatile breed mainly because i was looking for a small dog. Hopefully some young people get involved with these breeds and start competing at field trials. I would love to see these animals work at a high level.

[cdnvizsla]

Of the 3 breeds you selected the GSP is likely the best. PP do carry wire coats but they are also inconsistent within litters.
Some have denser coats and others are almost open.
A GSP does not carry a heavy coat but they are tight and can be wiped dry while the softer undercoats on PP and NSDTR will hold water.
In the end none of the 3 are ideal for your stated purpose.
You also need to expand your search breeder wise, no knock on any breeder listed but once you decide on a breed look around and see what's available, they are not all created equal.

[yellow dog]

Of the 3 breeds you selected the GSP is likely the best. PP do carry wire coats but they are also inconsistent within litters.
Some have denser coats and others are almost open.
A GSP does not carry a heavy coat but they are tight and can be wiped dry while the softer undercoats on PP and NSDTR will hold water.
In the end none of the 3 are ideal for your stated purpose.
You also need to expand your search breeder wise, no knock on any breeder listed but once you decide on a breed look around and see what's available, they are not all created equal.

Many other working breeds have a tight coat doesn't mean they are the right animal for extreme conditions like the GSP you recommended.

[thunderbelly]

It's amazing to see what breeds are up an coming and new kennels being established with these dogs. I never considered the DD when I was researching a versatile breed mainly because i was looking for a small dog. Hopefully some young people get involved with these breeds and start competing at field trials. I would love to see these animals work at a high level.

Mine does work at a high level. Any flaws he shows are my fault, but i am networking and learning. Most of the breeds are better off being less popular. I found a woman who puts spinone italianos in beauty contests!!! There goes another good breed lost to the beauty contests.
I would say having a more diverse range at field trials is a positive, and that may be what you were trying to say

[cdnvizsla]

I said of those 3 the GSP was best suited, however I also said none of them were really suited for what he wants.
A tight smooth coat is not right for extreme conditions.[
I hunt my dogs on waterfowl in Saskatchewan in September and October but they are not the best dog for the purpose, nor would I or do I recommend anyone get a European dog for primarily watrerfowling
QUOTE=yellow dog;747449]Many other working breeds have a tight coat doesn't mean they are the right animal for extreme conditions like the GSP you recommended.[/QUOTE]