Bushing Dogs

[lurchergrrl 1,441]

Probably a stupid question but here goes ...

 

Do bushing dogs generally have to be a certain type, or can any dog with the aptitude do the job? I see lots of folks on here talking about terrier/spaniel crosses, jrt/whippets etc., so I'm just wondering if they have to be a certain type? Or what do you look for in a dog who's meant to do that job? Could, say, a terrier/collie type cross be good at bushing?

 

Sorry if it's a plonker's question but a girl's got to learn somehow

[T78 4]

its usually terriers/terrier crosses but i suppose any smallish dog with a good coat could do the job?a decent nose wouldn't hurt either!lol but i dont use a bushing dog(my mates do though) so i suppose somone better qualified might say im wrong!

[skycat 6,173]

Personally I've had small lurchers that were every bit as good as terriers in thrashing into cover to put stuff out or catch it in there, and in the days before the ban one that caught no end of foxes in thick brambles: she was only 22".

My criteria for a good bushing dog would be: excellent nose, small enough to get in there LOL, very high drive/determination, good thick skin, and I've also found that very rough coated dogs don't do so well as smooth coated ones: the rough ones get held up by the brambles! Not referring to the silky type of Spaniel coat there, just the really hairy lurcher or terrier type coats.

 

I'd like to try a terrier/spaniel cross some day: if the cross had the best from both types of dog they would be terrific bushing dogs.

[Paul in North Lincs 15]

I had a working ESS called harvey which worked along side my lurchers.......... perferct team.

 

He was traiend along side them as pup..and at 12 months old he worked klike a seasoned pro...... brilliant he was.. he would not enter deep cover if nothing was home.....and his nose was well tuned in to rabbits and reds.....

[Guest wex]

There are a few crews of lads around the merseyside and lancs area who have been using spaniel/terrier crosses for quite a few years. They had great success pre-ban, flushing foxes for the waiting lurchers. That touch of terrier seems to give the dogs the drive to break the more impenatrable patches of cover. Having seen this cross work, i would definately recommend it. Although the best cover dog i have seen was a heavy set border lakey dog owned by a mate.

[mart123blue 0]

My border is not very effective as Poacher2225 will testify. Her idea of bushing in the main is having a quick peek into the brambles, she does get stuck in every now and again but not enough.

 

I think she needs an experienced dog to show her the ropes as she has a strong prey drive and is keen to please. The dog that Night Shadow just sold sounded perfect, but if I'm not careful I would buy every dog on here

[Rolfe 2]

My Beddie/Whippet cross is an ideal bushing type dog.......he will crash through the heaviest cover and has a superb nose on him..........often he will catch wind of something as he is working a hedgerow and freeze momentarily to pinpoint his quarry........if he doesn't hit the mark first time when diving into the cover..........he is fast enough to overhall his intended target as it bolts..........That would be my perfect choice for a bushing dog.

[Guest little_lloyd]

My lurcher thinks hes a terrier,, he loves cover and the bramble patches,, But i put my terrier in to work the hedges bolting things for big dog.

[desertdog 149]

my mate just got a little dog from nightshadow picks it up this week, looked tidy icant wait to see her out, i like me borders they hunt thick stuff, and catch on top no problem, they can be a bit slow to bring on ,but you have to be patient if you want results.

[Missie 1]

I take my dad's terriers with me (with my dad too or they'd not listen!) and they do a grand job. Problem is Griff thinks he is a terrier and spends so much time watching what they are doing and trying to be like them he tends to miss the rabbits they put up for him!

 

I've taken to just slipping him when they put the rabbits up only he pulled me over the other week. Did I look like a wally or what! :laugh:

[sean.t 0]

Probably a stupid question but here goes ...

 

Do bushing dogs generally have to be a certain type, or can any dog with the aptitude do the job? I see lots of folks on here talking about terrier/spaniel crosses, jrt/whippets etc., so I'm just wondering if they have to be a certain type? Or what do you look for in a dog who's meant to do that job? Could, say, a terrier/collie type cross be good at bushing?

 

Sorry if it's a plonker's question but a girl's got to learn somehow

i have a patterdale/cockerspaniel for bushing and its brilliant and its now taught my lurcher bitch to bush aswell

[Dawn B 212]

My Borders are good bushing Dogs, the bitch particularly will go through any cover all day long, most useful!

[howard 0]

If your going out and realy enjoying yourself then there the right type

[lurchergrrl 1,441]

My criteria for a good bushing dog would be: excellent nose, small enough to get in there LOL, very high drive/determination, good thick skin, and I've also found that very rough coated dogs don't do so well as smooth coated ones: the rough ones get held up by the brambles! Not referring to the silky type of Spaniel coat there, just the really hairy lurcher or terrier type coats.

 

I'd like to try a terrier/spaniel cross some day: if the cross had the best from both types of dog they would be terrific bushing dogs.

 

Thanks for the replies everyone

 

Skycat do you think most small crosses can have those abilities. What I'm wondering is can pretty much any terrier type have the right nose, drive etc? Is it down to the individual or more specifically breed related? And would collie add anything valuable to the mix?

 

Does anyone have pics of their terrier/spaniel crosses? Curious about them, I quite like spaniels but I don't think I've ever seen a terrier/spaniel cross.

 

Cheers

[dogs-n-natives 1,182]

Probably a stupid question but here goes ...

 

Do bushing dogs generally have to be a certain type, or can any dog with the aptitude do the job? I see lots of folks on here talking about terrier/spaniel crosses, jrt/whippets etc., so I'm just wondering if they have to be a certain type? Or what do you look for in a dog who's meant to do that job? Could, say, a terrier/collie type cross be good at bushing?

 

Sorry if it's a plonker's question but a girl's got to learn somehow

Hi lurchergrrl

 

As most people hunt in diferent ways and require different attributes and skills from their hunting dogs, the choise of bushing dog should suit their needs.

Yes, there will be good bushing/hunting dogs from many many differing breeds and crosses. But there are dogs that are made for the job. And for me, I wouldnt chance it on, say, a collie/terrier, when I could have a spaniel/terrier, bred from cracking parents.

Spaniels are crackers for close range flushing, and are easily trained to hunt away within 40 yards of you, they wont miss much.

Terriers are a bit headstrong, not very obedient in general, and some can be quite jelouse over a kill. Also, if they are used as earthdogs, they may be ruined by becoming too keen on rabbits. Also they will go to ground on quarry. I know people who use them with good results, but I keep mine for earthwork, as i wouldnt want to chance spoiling them.

A cross between spaniel and terrier will hunt a line much further than a straight spaniel, may bay on a hot scent, will also retrieve and perform all the usual spaniel carry on, and they are quite game.

If you require a dog to follow a line further still, and to give tounge, to help you keep in touch, hound blood will be needed. Popular dogs are terrier/beagle, spaniel/beagle. They will range much further afield, but, not as much as a straight hound.

 

These are just some of my views based upon my own experiences, im no exert mind. Hope this helps you.

 

All the best

 

DnN