Best Type Of Dog ?

[Country Joe 1,411]

Theres lots of choices out there, i think although its great to see a dog bowling them over, when it comes to ferreting a marking dog is a priority, a good marker will save time, and put far more rabbits in the bag, some of you may know, I prefer the beddy cross, always found them to have a good nose, but most dogs will mark, in fact i know a toy Poodle that will mark occupied burys,

A farm i go to is putting out in lamb sheep out in his fields, and wont be wanting a dog on, my ferreting mate suggested we ferret it without a dog, but that's a no no for me, I could not imagine ferreting without my best pal, and loading up with ferreting gear, and leaving him at home, I have done it years ago, and as Phil says it can end up pretty boring.

I remember years ago a Keeper offered me ferreting on a whole estate, moving with rabbits, one condition, no dogs, I turned him down.

All the best with your choice, for the ferreting game i like a dog with Whippet in it, and Bedlington, but collie would also be good.

[Phil Lloyd 10,738]

Owned some and been out with, a fair few Beddie lurchers...

They are generally tough wee feckers, with a superlative nose...

 

This type has always been considered the hedgerow/dykebeck ferreter's ideal choice.

 

For myself,.now in my dotage,..the mouching/marking dog, (no matter what mix),..really is the kiddie

Edited December 9, 2014 by Phil Lloyd

[terryd 8,470]

terryd what swayed you to get you lurcher to lurcher? I only ask cause I don't want to rush and get the first pup I see and think looks good, atb with the dog an I hope he matures in to a brilliant hunting companion atb James

 

It was quite simple really I had one as a young lad and he suited me fine and a pleasure to own so I went for the same again. But to my way of thinking for a ferreting marking is the be all and end all and the ability to work thick cover and follow a line to get the bunny to ground. So if ferreting is your thing you can't rule out a bushing type like you will see in the bushing section

[James ed 58]

Haha you always make me laugh Phil,

It's not as easy as I thought it would be. The two breads iv wrote on my previous post is what I'm after so I'm going to take my time,

In picking the type I want out of the to.

Like a couple of you lads have said, not so keen on an out right bushing terrier there not really for

me I'd as I want something with that touch of speed,

Thanks again lads for you comments and suggestions, atb lads and happy hunting

[Gaz_1989 9,539]

One thing I will say is, although at the moment it's just a ferreting dog you want, might you want more from the dog in future?

 

The answer may well be no. But I know a few lads who have got a small terrier x whippet type for ferreting (and it's done the job) but then 18 months down the line when they start doing some work other than ferreting they wish they had got something a tad bigger.

 

Just another little something to consider.

 

23"/24" lurcher to lurcher would be just the ticket.

 

Collie lurcher x beddy lurcher. Don't be scared of a splash of bull or saluki. All adds to the mix ?