Which dog would you pick.

[topscaff1 13]

Hi I'm pretty new to this game so I was wondering which would be the best dog for all round shooting but mainly wild fowling, something that could manage a Mallard to Goose, I would be looking to get this dog around Febuary and have ago at training it myself thanks in advance, mike.

[patdahat 41]

a lab would prob your best dog or a big spaniel.

[ftm 3,357]

i had a cocker bitch that was a great worker but did struggle with larger birds so if your doing a lot of wild fowling it would be a lab in my opinion

[coldweld 65]

Lab ! Goose to big for the average springer, a large Springer might easily carry a goose on land. But on a cold day and a big lake, fast river or the sea . You are asking too much.

 

And i have prefer springers ! But i don't expect them to collect Goose .

 

Remember Springers are a flushing dog that retrieves . Labrador retriever its in the name.

[TRF-JRs 6]

If you're mainly wildfowling - a lab for sure. I know a few spaniels that are capable but really it's best to get the right dog for the job initially if you can

[Mooch. 177]

A lab would be ideal. Big enough to handle a goose, great swimmer and one of the easier dogs to train.

[mick20 23]

Big springer spaniel

[topscaff1 13]

Thanks for your replies I was thinking you might go with a Lab but was kind of hoping you would have said a springer as I have a soft spot for them what about a Clumber spaniel I don't know anything about them just wondered, what about prices for a pup of any of the above, a lot of questions I know sorry, thanks

[Lab 10,979]

Lab'..........

[Mooch. 177]

If you really want a springer get a springer but get a big one. A lab is ideal for what you want to do but if every time you look at it you think "I wish I'd got a springer" then you will never be satisfied with it and that would be a shame for both you and the dog.

[amentalcat 3]

If you wanted to go for something a bit different, Chesapeake Bay Ret's are another one to look at. BIG dogs, great swimmers, good family dogs,(if a bit clumsy), the only bad point is that they can be a bit independant, especially immature dogs going through the 'trevor the teenager' stage.

 

Good luck in your search

 

Ali

[topscaff1 13]

Thanks all it will be a Lab I think, I will be thinking about getting a pup around Febuary and training it through the year ready for the following season, I have trained dogs before but only for the lamp, could anyone recommend a good DVD to get as I can't sit down and read a book I get bored to quick , also any recommendations on where to purchase a pup from, the price would matter as I don't have a lot to spend but I don't want rubbish either so if I had to wait a little longer to save up that is what I would do, thanks for your replies, Mike