Dog advice (hope you’re sat comfy it’s a long one!!)

Leica Fortis 6 - Bright and powerful.
S

Sterry

Well-Known Member
So I will saying goodbye to my childhood dog (gwp x Brittany) in the next few days; who I spent many great hours with training and working (15 year old me was incredibly enthusiastic if a little reliant on trial and error) as life progressed and I disappeared off to university and various parts of the country this obviously slipped a bit. I can’t bare the thought of not having a dog in the family, and I feel I’m sufficiently settled I could offer the best I have to offer. But this time I’m hoping to be a little more informed.

I have my heart set on gwp but my reservation is : is this the best breed for me?
Majority of my shooting is pheasant and pigeon shooting. And the rabbit and foxing at night ( I quite like the idea of a retrieve back to the yute!) I’m just getting into stalking and no way enough to justify a “deer dog” but hopefully this will develop.
I have been told that gwp can be headstrong, insufferable prey drive and generally highly strung ( whilst the dog will be with me at work mostly I also want it to be settled at home if need be and kennel isn’t an option due to space)
I live on a busy farm/estate where there’s all sorts of horses and preschool kids so need a really very steady dog.
My head tells me get a lab and be done with it.

I’m open to suggestions and not adverse to other breeds if you think it’d be a bad idea but I do sway toward HPRs

I’m not looking immediately but would be from October time. Any books your recommend or groups/associations (I’m in north wilts). I’m not one to rush into something without doing my research.

Many thanks for baring with me.
 
Well im banned from having any more GSP by the wife LOL :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: (Awesome dogs and very intelligent and you have to be all ways one step ahead ) But im aloud another Lab:thumb:

"I have been told that GWP can be headstrong, insufferable prey drive and generally highly strung " ( Most of the HPR breeds are you will find)

Good luck with your research !!
 
Last edited:
To me you've answered your own question by saying a Lab..
However
If they're not your thing and an HPR is a must there are ''hot'' breeds and ''cooler'' breeds along with obviously different temperaments within litters of those breeds.
Fair advice above a HWV with proper research would in my opinion possibly be an option if it needs to be a HPR although I've seen some good steady sensible GWP too.
Think about your personality and temperament as dogs often end up mirroring you.
ie.. if your a highly strung type if you get a highly strung pup your in for a ride and a half..
All the best trainers I've seen are real laid back but confident folk and that seems to put most dogs at ease.
Good luck in your search and I hope it all pans right for you
Jimmy
 
Vizsla would be my advice due to the fact you can have you dog with you most of the day and at night. With a vizsla you dont get much choice, hence the monica velcro dog . Mine is only 50% vizsla and 50% gwp and if she want to be next to you she is. She will flush and retrieve also point and track what more do you want. tbh at 1st she was a little headstrong but now shes fine. If / when I do breed from her i think it would be with a vizsla as they have more of the traits i would like. Subsequently I only found out recently that the HWV was a cross from GWP and Smooth vizsla
 
If you want a HPR breed and something a little out of the ordinary perhaps you might consider a Bracco Italiano. I've got 3 and, despite what some people think/say about the breed, they are fantastic. Mine are coming on well as rough shooting dogs and one is blood tracking. They can act like clowns but when it comes down to work they are very keen with a strong prey drive. I've not found them particularly difficult to train (a good trainer helps a lot) and I find it works for me and the boys not to be in hurry to try and get them doing everything immediately - they are a slow maturing breed. Temperament is second to none; they love people (even children!!) and show no signs of aggression to other dogs. I've had labs and spaniels (still got one of each, both elderly) but the Braccos are the ones that really put a smile on my face.
 
Border terrier then when it’s lay at your feet you can mock spaniel and lab owners as their running in . I have just got a border and have a cocker who will do anything required albeit with a bit of a rollicking. He’s also fantastic as a general pet so soft and kind.
 
Unless you really want and can work and exercise a GWP I would go for a lab - bomb proof working and family dog

Wires are head on enthusiastic, grafters and beyond belief on hunting instincts but they can be a handful if they get the upper hand, haven’t said that, the one I had would track and retrieve everything up to Muntjac size with ease, fearless and 100% devoted to you.

For a companion and worker - go for a lab, the family will enjoy its company as well

Good luck

Phil
 
Lab = 50% of effort (training/handling) for 80% of the performance of gwp
gwp = 100% effort to get 100% gwp performance.

If I had my heart set on having a GWP I wouldnt go and buy a lab
 
Well....... I have a Gwp. The wife now has a viz. The Gwp is devoted to me. A hand full! Oh god yes. But when I’m with him at night. I know I’m safe. He would die for me the bond is so strong. Easy to train no. i had given up really. Then at 3 it has all joined up and he gets it. We still have moments. But they are so driven and cover ground like you wouldn’t believe. It makes Spaniel look like its half dead. I have a springer too. So I know!
We wanted to lessen the age gap of our dogs. Wife fancied a dog. We got the viz. Well he is as nuts. Absolutely switch on and driven. Not a half way between a lab and Gwp which we hoped. I would say for his age. His nose is better than y Gwp. He feels the cold to much for sitting about. Great pet but a pain the ass. But again very clever. HPR breed are a devoted dog I really don’t think you get that from labs or spaniels (only dogs I’ve had). But you pay for it in other ways.
But the rewards out way the bad. I’m a sucker for punishment. But I’m not sure I can get another after this one. Just the fact it won’t be Mooch. I don’t think he can be replaced by the same breed.
You need time. Lots of time with them. I’m lucky. He comes to work. They are ok at home. But not on their own. They need a friend.
 
Consider a Slovak........I didn't want a Lab as they're everywhere.They are however, everywhere for a reason, easy to train, etc,etc.
I had my heart set on a HPR like yourself and a Lab just wouldn't cut it for me.
Did lots of research and decided a Slovak was for me......haven't regretted it for a minute, he is however pretty full-on and the hardest, most driven Slovak i've seen.......hunts like a good'un, tracks really well and is tireless......,he however is not a peg dog but then that's not what I wanted him for.
I would say, as above have mentioned, you can do all the research you like but having settled on a breed, there will be vast differences in the litter you choose (only two dogs in my litter and the other one is now a FTC......don't think mine would ever have had the patience for that !)
If you want easy, get a Lab (no guarantees though) if you fancy putting the effort in get an HPR.....nothing finer than watching them work in my opinion.
Drop me a PM if you want to talk Slovaks.
Regards, Rob.IMG_0395.webp
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Everybody says buy a kin dog…..
2 3
Replies
44
Views
3K
NullMac
N
Advice please – 18 month old part trained GSP
2
Replies
22
Views
1K
Mickeydredd
Mickeydredd
Shot site indication
Replies
8
Views
646
Siggy
Siggy
Old English Labrador
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
countrryboy
C
saluki advice?
2 3
Replies
43
Views
2K
Greenmist
Greenmist
R. Macleod & Son - The Best Hunting Companion
Back
Top