GWP as first dog??

[scolopax]

Another vote for Wirehaired Viz, mines as soft as can be and as mad as a hatter. I use him for everything, wildfowling, stalking, beating, game shooting. He is a natural deer tracker and game finder, he will retrieve fantastically. His main vice though is he runs in like the proverbial, when beating on a 'proper' game shoot I have to put him on a lead when the shooting starts or he is in the line picking up. But, I got him at 4½ years and this habit was already ingrained, if I had had him from a pup I am sure I could have corrected this probelm.

[al4x]

Gully and my dogs are from parents who both work with hawks. I wonder if that has anything to do with them having a better temperament and being easier to handle.

Which lines are supposed to be harder to get on with?

 

Harry

 

the very continental ones are the issue they breed very large very hairy GWP's that are also unruly and can have a bad natured side to them.

 

Mine is very interesting to work beating as she is almost harder to control with fewer birds about. Then she will push the limits with looking for game but get a drive with loads in and she will literally just slow right up and work very methodically. If birds sit too tight you do end up having to get close before she flushes but this is a shoot with lots of dogging in done so few sit that tight. The main issue for me is I have a dog that is at home taken out with the rifle or the shotgun, then you have beaters days and she is definitely a secret weapon for them

 

The main thing though is they are a dog that can be kept in the house with the family and worked no issues there at all. There are better breeds if you want a hide dog but few will be quite such characters. Mine was just left lying on her back in front of the log burner been asleep since 5 but she has had a very energetic days beating.