Gun Dog Forum

Being they are the most versatile dogs breed . How many of you use them to hunt game other then upland or ducks ?

Lets start at the beginning and tell us why you think a GSP is most versatile breed?

ezzy333 wrote:Lets start at the beginning and tell us why you think a GSP is most versatile breed?

Why wouldn't they be?

It's pretty easy to make a very compelling case that they're the most versatile.

Could just let his opinion on breeds go and answer his question.
We hunt raccoons with ours. They would hunt anything that leaves a scent......................Cj

You all are right, they might be or it just may be an opinion, but we will never know if we don't ask. I wasn't arguing the point, just trying to learn. I admit I had not thought of it before and would like to learn more about it as I think it is an interesting question, but I am guessing there would be differing thoughts on it. One of the things that I have wondered is what talents do we even consider when judging versatility? I have heard Labs, GSP's, Wire's, as well as several of the German and other continental breeds mentioned.

Being they are the most versatile dogs breed . How many of you use them to hunt game other then upland or ducks ?

cjhills wrote:Could just let his opinion on breeds go and answer his question.
We hunt raccoons with ours. They would hunt anything that leaves a scent......................Cj

I know of several gsps in the southwest that are in dry ground mountain lion packs.

Scent quiet + athletic ability + high prey drive (push track) = cats are treed quick

In Europe, it popular to run them on small game, pigs, and even bears. Also popular is their use as blood tracking game retrieval dogs.

Then you add in their excelling in winter pulling sports, the case is pretty well made.

How successful have the GSPs been in the Retriever hunt tests? I heard one qualified for the MN.

ezzy333 wrote:Lets start at the beginning and tell us why you think a GSP is most versatile breed?

Starting in the beginning would only confirm their versatility, one of only a few dogs ever breed to hunt both fur and feathered animals. The only other one I know of would be the Weimaraner and its said to have later been breed out of them. I know of a few full blooded GSP's and GSP crosses used for hunting Hogs, rabbit, squirrel, coon, bobcat, bear, lion and fox also being used in the sled dog world. So with that out of the way now back to the question. ( I'm not looking to put down any other breed or to have a pissing contest of what breed is better ) Just looking to see how many people are using them to their full potential. I have hunted GPS and now GPS crosses on Lion, Bear, Bobcat and Grey fox in 3 states . Just looking to see if anyone on this board is doing the same.

GSP's are good but I always thought the German dogs were better suited and probably the GWP as well. Dk's and DD's are still bred to perform on fur where our GSP's are almost exclusively bred as bird dogs. Should Airdales be considered or maybe Labs also. It just caught my eye when you started your post with a given and I was curious what your criteria was. Thanks for answering.

Ezzy

You'll probably get a bit more traction over on versatileDogs.com where you'll no doubt find many willing to not only tell you all that they're doing with their dogs, but also tell you why they believe their preferred breed to be the most versatile. I realize it's not your question but you should be prepared for the fact that not all will accept your premise of the GSP being the most versatile especially when you consider a great many of them aren't up to the task of breaking ice or even enduring the cold for any length of time.

While I like a dog that can wear multiple hats, and wear them all pretty well, there are some who prefer more of a specialist. Because of that, I think bloodlines and breeding goals might have more to do with the inherent versatility of your preferred breed.

I use mine to blood trail deer.

It's pretty cool as he will point blood, then move up and point again etc until the deer is recovered.

db

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Puck is a GWP/Lab cross, and while he loves to hunt upland and waterfowl also pulls my ice fishing sled. My GSP Hanna isn't too thrilled with the late duck hunting and ice fishing scene. A little too cold.

I use mine as a pet, bird dog, and track deer and hogs.
She does great! She just doesn’t bark or indicate that she has found a downed deer or hog unless it’s still alive.