Deako Posted June 26, 2002 Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 Do the rest of you guys own/use working dogs and if so which breeds and how do you rate them? I have a pair of ESS dogs and use them for everything from driven pheasant to goose shooting.I think the springer or cocker is the ultimate all round dog..........any opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everygoodnamewastaken Posted June 26, 2002 Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 I would have a dog in a second but my mums against everything i want (Yeah im a typical teenager bla bla bla)I know someone who swears by a spaniel he got second hand Great wee dug Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deako Posted June 26, 2002 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 just go buy a little cuddly puppy, she won't send it back! :evil: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lazza Posted June 26, 2002 Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 I don't own working dogs........well not unless trying to keep me fit means working. But having seen quite a few being put through their paces, I think the Springer is the best........absolutely crackers.........but the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted June 26, 2002 Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 I do not currently use a gundog. We actually have an English Setter, but she is not from working stock. She is also THICK, one more brain cell and she would be a daisy. I have had the pleasure of owning one of the best Springer Spaniel bitches in the South East. She was a Field Trial Champion, trained by Jack Frost at Buckenham, near Norwich. I used her for rough/walked up shooting, wildfowling and pigeon shooting. I also use to take her ferreting and she would just sit and watch. An exceptional dog. When she retired, I carried on ferreting and pigeon shooting and I joined a driven game syndicate (none of these activities needed a dog), but I stopped wildfowling and roughshooting (both need a dog). Its unusual for a Springer to be happy sitting in a hide, as they prefer to be working and looking for game. Labradors and Retriever breeds are more suited to hides. Apart from finding birds you can,t and having someone to talk to, I don,t think its necessary to have a dog for successful pigeon shooting. If you can,t walk into the field and pick up pigeons for fear of damaging the crop, then your dog is likely to cause as much damage as you (or more). If you mark birds carefully and pick them up promptly, you don,t lose many, or any. They are great company in the shooting field though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deako Posted June 26, 2002 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2002 Have to agree with you there Cranfield, I never take a dog pigeon shooting, except roost shooting,but do use them to pick up for clients at the end of the day..........lazza don't use one as it would'nt get much retrieving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDave15 Posted June 27, 2002 Report Share Posted June 27, 2002 I was thinking of getting a Beagle. Are they any good? as I do a lot of beating and pigeon shooting but would also like one to catch the odd rabbit here and there . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted June 27, 2002 Report Share Posted June 27, 2002 BigDave, beagles are friendly little chaps, but apparently are only effective hunters in packs. No good with a gun and need plenty of exercise. Although they are used to hunt hares, they are not fast dogs. As hares tend to run in large circles, the beagles (being endurance hunters ) just keep plodding after them until they wear the hare down, or it gets away (which usually happens). A dog is a big resposibility. Its worth taking your time and getting the choice right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigDave15 Posted June 28, 2002 Report Share Posted June 28, 2002 I have one at the moment but she is gun shy and well I hate to say it but on her way out So I would love a dog to take out beating shooting so maybe a beagle isn't the right choice. Thanks For That Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.