subject: All About Selecting A Hunting Dog [print this page] I am what people call a "dog person." My whole family raised dogs when I was growing up, and I have learned so much about America's favorite breeds. While most people do not adopt a dog based upon its original, bred-in working purpose, many dogs are still tremendously useful in a variety of activities.
For example, many farmers and ranchers find a dog from the herding group to be helpful in their daily duties. Families and individuals seeking a living, breathing security system often pick out canines from the working group to protect them and their homes. And finally, furry friends from the sporting group make excellent companions for hunters.
Choosing a "gun dog"--a dog meant to accompany and assist you on hunting excursions--can be challenging, particularly if you have not gone through the process of adopting one before. Let me give you my best advice as someone who has adopted a variety of dogs and putting them to a range of tasks.
If you didn't already know, all dog breeds are organized into groups which tell us a little bit about what they were bred for. When you are searching for a hunting dog, you will want to make your selection from the sporting group. You can search official kennel club websites or find a book that gives you more information on the dogs that come from the sporting group.
Determine what kind of hunting you will need this dog for. A sight hunter like a Scottish deerhound is going to be drastically different from a Gordon setter, so make sure you know what you're after.
You will not want to adopt a mixed breed for the task of hunting. Many dogs have literally thousands of years of instinct bred into them, and you can't risk having that deterred by another bloodline. For example, a sight hound crossed with a scent hound may be ineffective.
To find a dog with absolute optimum health, temperament, and performance, you need to find a reputable breeder. It is not enough to find an ad in a newspaper for Labrador pups. All dogs have the potential to inherit genetic problems, which can sadly cut their lives short.
An effective breeder will only cross her (or his) smartest, healthiest dogs, which means that your dog is less likely to develop problems and will be easier to train. A good breeder will also take the time to answer your questions and address your concerns--not just when you adopt, but over the life of your dog.
Make sure to nurture your dogs instincts in between hunting trips. A retriever of any kind will generally be satisfied with regular games of fetch, but you may have to think of other games for spaniels and hounds. Get creative, and have fun with your dog!
by: Art Gib
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