HPR

[BenBhoy]

Decided that 2024 is year for me to get a pup. Dog will come to work with me everyday. Will walk good few mile a day but equally have times in yard. Ideally be able to keep up with quad bike or small enough to fit on bike. Be able to train to ignore sheep 100% is essential. Good with good, dog understanding kids.

Working sense I really like idea of having something that'll give me heads up when walking with shotgun.

Sure I'll upset some but I dont like spaniels (there I've said it) so I'm thinking some type of pointer.

Anyone recommend something that fits the bill?

 

[wytonpjs]

Hungarian Vizsla - I’ve posted numerous times here on their qualities and how well they fit into my family’s life style.

 

[Scotty99]

Hungarian Vizsla but the Wirehaired kind. Very versatile, will find and point game both feather and fur, will retrieve it too, great in the home and with kids.

 

[jimmy milnes]

Unless your heart's set on an HPR I'd say a labrador would fit your needs to a tee.
If your heart's set on an HPR I'd say take your time and research lines of your preference breed wise. As said above a Vizla is a nice breed but I've found many "not all" in the UK to be not to my taste for wide running bird dogs. I make no bones about my favourite breed but even with those there's some crap out there I'm ashamed to admit.
Good luck on the journey and enjoy your new best mate which ever way you go.
Jimmy

 

[BenBhoy]

Unless your heart's set on an HPR I'd say a labrador would fit your needs to a tee.

Absolutely not, I love (slim) labs.

 

[BenBhoy]

Does anyone have/know of working golden retrievers?

 

[sikasako]

Have you considered a German Pointer?

We’ve added a Wirehaired to the pack, as the Vizsla is getting on in years now.

 

[Dunwaters]

HPR’s aren’t for the faint of heart.
A GSP will do everything you want but once it bonds, it wont be happy unless it is at your side.

 

[BenBhoy]

HPR’s aren’t for the faint of heart.
A GSP will do everything you want but once it bonds, it wont be happy unless it is at your side.

So long as it has the stamina to keep up!! I want a dog by my side out all weather's at work 11+ hrs a day 6 days a week. But happy to sleep in front of fire at night & play with kids.

 

[Dunwaters]

So long as it has the stamina to keep up!! I want a dog by my side out all weather's at work 11+ hrs a day 6 days a week. But happy to sleep in front of fire at night & play with kids.

They’ll do all that and ask for more, stamina is not a problem once they get to 15-18 months, go easy until then, they’ll do it but they’re bodies aren’t mature enough and they’ll strain themselves.
They can be a bit soft, or clever if you prefer dealing with bad weather and hunt up a bit of cover for themselves rather than standing around in the wind and rain.
My old girl will find a deer, wait for her reward and then sneak away to mind the car from the drivers seat or just curl up under a bush until it’s time to move on.
Ive had them for over 30 years and never yet had one that wasn’t good with kids or happy to sit in front of the stove.

 

[Len the dog]

Have you considered a Weimaraner, very intelligent dogs, huge stamina and absolutely brilliant with kids.
I had one for 12 years and he was a brilliant dog, followed him with a Bracco Italiano which would be another breed to consider, also a great dog.

 

[Siggy]

I’d narrow it down to the breeds that are most commonly used for deer stalking which have a relatively high availabity. By this I mean, GWP HWV, HV & GSP and probably in that order. Then have a look at them, maybe at a field trial or Discover Dogs and see what takes your fancy. Try and find a good breeder.

Labs are generally easier as a first dog, but if you are consistent, no reason why you shouldn’t start with an HPR. Certainly, they thrive when they are your constant working companion.

PS: I don‘t like spaniels either, and for some reason they generally hate me too.

 

[BenBhoy]

Labs are generally easier as a first dog

It won't technically be first dog. Currently have a 13yr old whippet Cross & as a kid we always had JRT. But be first gundog of any type.

 

[Jon P]

I love the GWP on my 3rd now , I am really considering a WHV next as should be a little bit calmer to fly with the Harris Hawk . The current GWP is a great deer dog but too hot to work with a hawk.

 

[wytonpjs]

I love the GWP on my 3rd now , I am really considering a WHV next as should be a little bit calmer to fly with the Harris Hawk . The current GWP is a great deer dog but too hot to work with a hawk.

Now on my 7th smooth Vizsla and still have my one "off-piste" Teckel - makes an interesting current combo - 2 Vizslas and a Teckel

 

[Bo Diddley]

Does anyone have/know of working golden retrievers?

Hi Ben, from what you have said you require from a dog, up to 7-11 hours a day out with you I'd forget a Goldie personally.
I'd go for an HPR or a German Wirehair x Lab, this is based on the fact you said you don't like Spaniels,
My Cocker is glued to me, possibly going to be a really good dog, this is her 2nd season working in the beating line.
Good luck, and keep us posted.

 

[deerstalker.308]

For Sale: - Quality health tested labs due

Our 2.5yr old yellow bitch will be due a litter of health tested KC registered pups towards the end of Nov. Pups will therefore be ready around the end of Jan. Our bitch is Brecksheath Florence, hips/elbows/eyes tested and hereditary clear for the normal tests. We own her mum who although now 9...

www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk

 

[Bo Diddley]

Also if you wanted to think completely outside the box how about a Belgian Malinois?
A friend has a bitch and it is a truly impressive dog, he has spent a lot of time training it to a high standard, and it seems like it can do anything.

 

[Wilfowler1]

Wirehaired Vizsla every time.

 

[BenBhoy]

Also if you wanted to think completely outside the box how about a Belgian Malinois?
A friend has a bitch and it is a truly impressive dog, he has spent a lot of time training it to a high standard, and it seems like it can do anything.

Ha funny you say that- it's on the list. Farm next door has one. He moans like hell about her but because she's chained in yard all day, right waste as can tell some hell potential. I would offer to have her but I know she's a **** with kids & food.