advice for first time dog owner please

[4ShotB]

I am looking into getting my first dog (to hunt with and as a pet). I have been doing some reading and talking to dog owners and even visited some kennels.

Some background: as stated i have never owned/trained a dog before (but have hunted behind some good ones!). I am living in an area where most hunting dogs are beagles and hounds (fur hunters). Limited amounts of grouse and quail in my area but I do travel out to Midwest once/twice year for pheasant. So dog will not get heavy use in the field as compared to some others. I am active and outside alot so willing and able to provide exercise and companionship (therefore don't just want a hard kennel dog or plain "hunting machine" although don't want a lap dog either). Other requirements: I need a dog who is predisposed to hunt close as I am entirely a foot hunter. I do know that I want a dog out of hunting stock and I am leaning maybe towards a young started dog instead of a puppy (but open to any suggestions).

Alot of my dog owning contacts (and the kennels I have visited) are Ford or Chevy kind of guys, meaning that's all they have had and hunted and therefore think I should get a Ford or Chevy too. I am looking for the perspective of people maybe with experience with several different breeds. I am in no hurry and want this to go well for me and the dog (but it does take a bit of willpower to leave a kennel emptyhanded after playing with a pup for awhile).
I imagine this is a repetitive topic here but I am grateful for any input. Thanks in advance.

[dfg-mo]

You may want to look at a Drahthaar. They are great hunting dogs (will hunt just about anything) & love to be with you. I live in Mid-Mo (some quail - few pheasants) & go to So. Dakota about 3-4 times a year to pheasant hunt. My DD hunts close, points, & is a great retriever, which is very important for pheasants. DDs also love being in the house with you.
Good luck in your search.

[Greg Jennings]

Check the AKC Events page http://www.akc.org/events/search/ for a pointing dog hunt test near you that fits your schedule. Go watch and see what you like. There might be a NAVHDA chapter in your area. Check http://www.navhda.us/chapterinfo.aspx .

You might also check around for a breeder/trainer with a good reputation in your area to form a relationship with. Having a mentor that can help with training resources is a big asset.

[AzDoggin]

You may want to look at a Drahthaar. They are great hunting dogs (will hunt just about anything) & love to be with you. I live in Mid-Mo (some quail - few pheasants) & go to So. Dakota about 3-4 times a year to pheasant hunt. My DD hunts close, points, & is a great retriever, which is very important for pheasants. DDs also love being in the house with you.
Good luck in your search.

I would second the Draht recommendation. Added bonus is that you could hunt fur when you are not bird hunting/training. You can NEVER have too many outlets for activity for a hunting dog.

Less common than a Draht but as biddable would be a Pudelpointer. They are the most successful dog in NAVHDA.

If upland game is your primary focus, a French Brittany is also considered a "close to medium" worker, and also a biddable companion dog.

Agree totally with Greg - check the local NAVDHA rankings/dogs/owners. You'll find a "dog culture" there that will help you get your needs met.

I should also note that well-bred, cooperative dogs of lots of different breeds (e.g., pointers, setters) could meet your needs. I guess it's sort of like buying a car in the end - we all have different preferences - no wrong answers, really.

Good luck!!

[natetnc]

when i was new i focused too much on breed rather than breeder. with the exception of a few most breeds are very different among breeders. you should be able to find a breeder within several breeds that will satisfy your needs. i purchased my first brittany as a pup and my second as a started dog. in my experience a pup is the way to go for a newbie like yourself. you get to learn with it, develop a bond with it, and eventually learn how to hunt with it...... i think you learn a lot more going through the whole process from pup to a finished dog. with a started dog you are going to be ad libbing a lot of things.

with a pup you will make mistakes and you will do things right, but one thing is for sure, once you start working together there is nothing like it.

[AzDoggin]

"breeder" is so true.

Where are you 4ShotB (what state?) It's possible that if folks knew, you might get some recommendations of quality breeders thrown your direction.

[4ShotB]

To AzHusker: I live in middle Tennesse, between Nashville and Knoxville.

And to others who have replied , either in this post or via PM, thanks!