Large vs. Small size

[rolly 0]

It seems ya'll overseas prefer what Americans would call a larger earthdog say 14-16in, 16-25lbers. For fox and were legal badger.

 

In America, most seem to want a 10-14in, 10-16lber. For groundhog, fox, coon, badger.

 

Why the difference? Why wouldn't a small dog with all the desired traits from America work on European fox and badger?

 

Why wouldn't a larger terrier be desired for barnsmashing and woodpiles in America for jumbo XXXL coons?

 

Seems like they should be able to work both ways, but many stick to what is done geographically. I've heard of 6lb woodchuck dogs in the US, and top notch fox killers from Europe around 25lbs.

[allgame 0]

it's about cheast size mate

[Pops 19]

rolly

folks taking only badger & coyote out west use bigger dogs because the holes are bigger and permit a bigger dog. check out terrier central for more americans working earthdogs.

[BredtoHunt 8]

Rolly:

I am on your side of the pond and a small dog fan however if I lived in the UK my terriers would in general be larger.

 

Where I live and hunt a smaller dog is required for good success. I have saw 10 lb dogs hold 35 lb coons with style for successful digs. I developed the small dog can do it all motto. After visiting where a small dog is not the requirement for success you develop a better respect for the why of a bigger dog. While a 243 may well take down a moose I would never go moose hunting with one.

 

Folks tend to focus on what works best for them and have problems seeing otherwise. Just like I have issues with a 6 lb terrier for groundhog as underdoing it big time some folks have the idea it would be the ticket.

 

The bottom line is the terrier has to suit the one that feeds it, while the rest of us may not understand thier logic (or seeming lack of it ) if we each do the best for our needs the sport will be well served.

Edited March 2, 2009 by BredtoHunt

[rolly 0]

rolly

folks taking only badger & coyote out west use bigger dogs because the holes are bigger and permit a bigger dog. check out terrier central for more americans working earthdogs.

 

 

Pops, I'm not new to the terrier game, but it seems many Americans believe the smaller is bigger and the Europeans feel larger is likewise. I use 15-17lbers for most of my coon hunting and a couple smaller ones for digging sport. I think the Americans could use a little larger dog for barns and woodpiles and I personally would favor a slightly larger dog. Unfortunately, most of the great locators, gritty, rough mixer types are in the small-med range of size. There are badger, fox, and coyotes here to work and a larger size dog would seem beneficial.

[markieboi 0]

Any dogs can catch coon

[Guest blackntan]

Any dogs can catch coon

YOU AINT BEEN COON HUNTING THEN

[rolly 0]

Any dogs can catch coon

YOU AINT BEEN COON HUNTING THEN

 

 

I'd have to agree with you blackandtan....

 

but then again, maybe they can, but its what the dog can do with them when they get there.

Edited September 11, 2008 by rolly

[shinyspade 2]

i think its handy to keep a veriety of sizes. covers more options.

[rolly 0]

shinyspade, that's what I do too, just more or less surprised there aren't more smaller sized dogs over seas and few larger dogs here.

[Malt 379]

shinyspade, that's what I do too, just more or less surprised there aren't more smaller sized dogs over seas and few larger dogs here.

There's plenty of smaller dogs worked here. I'm surprised there hasn't been more interest in this thread......

[rolly 0]

maltenby,

 

for my ignorant sake, could you describe smaller dogs in European terms? I believe what you think is smaller maybe different from what is described as smaller here.

[Malt 379]

maltenby,

 

for my ignorant sake, could you describe smaller dogs in European terms? I believe what you think is smaller maybe different from what is described as smaller here.

Well, pretty much as you described a 'smaller dog' in your first post! I've very little experience of earthwork, this coming season will only be my second. Between the two chaps that I've been out with, they have a mixture of sizes. From what I can gather, preference for size varies all over the county & from area to area.

[POSSUM 13]

Any dogs can catch coon

TRUE ANY DOG CAN CATCH A COON BUT NOT MANY HANG ON TO THEM ONCE THEY START CHEWING....

[POSSUM 13]

Any dogs can catch coon

Edited September 13, 2008 by POSSUM