Doggone good dog thread
- Thread starter hickslawns
- Start date
Awesome dogs! We will be getting one again once we retire. Agree with JB on all points.
We had a Brittany when I was young. She was a very very energetic dog with no quit and a nose that got her into trouble often. Many times she would run off and come back later smelling like a skunk LOL! Great dog though!
As Jim said, great dogs, I had one for 13 years and she was great on grouse when I lived in Coshocton. What are you looking for in a dog? What kind of hunting will you be doing?
OO2
Well-Known Member
Looking for a good loyal companion, family dog that can also be an outdoorsy dog. Not entirely sure about the hunting, could get into upland hunting. Never have done it before but it sounds fun.
Giles also gave me the idea of a shed or blood trail dog among others.
Hard to beat a well-bred Lab or Golden for what you’re describing. IMO the Labs and Goldens have a better “off switch” when in the house than most of the pointing/bird dogs. Always exceptions to the rule though, of course.
IMO and experience having had a Britt as a kid, spaniels in general are wound pretty tight and require a real investment on your part to keep them in line. Like JB said, labs and goldens seem to chill out a little more consistently across the breed. I'm obviously a lab fan boy, but there's a reason they're the most popular dog. Hell, Gunnar and Bailey are mutts, but their lab genes are strong and it's what makes them good dogs, IMO.
OO2
Well-Known Member
Lab would be my first choice. Unfortunately they weigh too much for current living situation.
What’s the limit? Neither of my female Labs are over 60 pounds. I’m assuming you’re in a condo if there’s a size limit restriction. Hate to say it, but that’s even more reason not to get a dog like a high strung Spaniel.
OO2
Well-Known Member
45
Yeah that’s a good point. It’s a decision I have struggled with. Current situation is temporary. Wanted to use my window of more free time now to train puppy. Also, a couple other factors at play for wanting to get a dog now instead of waiting till situation changes.
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I have only had one Brit. If they all have the characteristics of ours, I could not recommend a better dog. Both as a pet and an upland bird hunter, he is simply amazing. As far as being high-strung, not at all, at least not if I’m comparing him to any of the GSPs we have had. GSP, every one of them, are like the Tasmanian Devils. They have long legs that need stretched everyday, all day. Our Brit will lay on my lap all day if I ever choose to lay around. He’s well mannered. He will sit on the passenger seat of my truck and watch traffic go by... try that with a GSP and you may wind up upside down in a ditch.
I don’t know if they are all like mine, but I wouldn’t trade him
I don't know your situation, do you have a family, kids? I have had numerous breeds of dogs over the years, GSP's, Border Collies, Brittany Spaniels, beagles, numerous different coon hounds, Redbone, B&T, English and my favorite Treeing Walkers. We currently have a miniature schnauzer and two Boykin Spaniels (mother and daughter). I can safely say that we will always have a Boykin in our house.
I know Labs are great dogs, but I like the smaller Boykins. They are extremely smart and versatile. My wife is currently training with our 9 month old pup for search and rescue and she is excelling. They are retrieving machines and actually were developed in the swamps of SC for duck and turkey hunting. They also excel as upland, dove, shed dogs, blood trailing deer and great companion dogs. BUT, they need a job. My wife is still amazed at their on/off switch when they are in the house. Brittany's are great dogs, not sure how versatile they are. I have heard good things about Black Mouth Curs as a versatile family dog. Do some research and look at a variety of breeds after you decide what you truly want in your dog. Then research the breeder and talk to folks that have pups from them. My two cents
I know Labs are great dogs, but I like the smaller Boykins. They are extremely smart and versatile. My wife is currently training with our 9 month old pup for search and rescue and she is excelling. They are retrieving machines and actually were developed in the swamps of SC for duck and turkey hunting. They also excel as upland, dove, shed dogs, blood trailing deer and great companion dogs. BUT, they need a job. My wife is still amazed at their on/off switch when they are in the house. Brittany's are great dogs, not sure how versatile they are. I have heard good things about Black Mouth Curs as a versatile family dog. Do some research and look at a variety of breeds after you decide what you truly want in your dog. Then research the breeder and talk to folks that have pups from them. My two cents
This
. Although a well-inbred mostly lab is also hard to beat 
This also
. They produced a fine batch of offspring, 1 of which is the best dog I’ve ever owned 
OO2
Well-Known Member
OO2
Well-Known Member
Thank you for providing your experience. What breeder is your Brit from?
Ohio Brittany Rescue Groups
"Click here now to view all Ohio Brittany Rescue Groups and Brittany Dog Shelters." ― ♥ RESCUE SHELTER NETWORK ♥ ۬
Usually with a rescue you can find exactly what you are looking for. Also helps when you don't have to house train.
My short experience with the breed reflected the same as Brock. Inside the house she was a lap dog. Outside was a different story, lol.
The Decker Rat Terrier
As the story goes, Milton, the owner of a plant nursery near Eugene, Oregon, was shopping for plant stock. No sooner had he pulled into the driveway of the wholesale nursery of Betty and Chris Lindseth when several Rat terriers flew out of the house to check him out. An avid hunter, Milton was...
nationalpurebreddogday.com
This will be my retirement dog. Or maybe once the nest gets empty. I want a dog to take up a passenger seat and be my best friend. We fostered one of these right before the Brit.
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A local bird hunting buddy had a litter of pups. They do not plan to have anymore. I sold a perfectly talented GSP to make room for this pup. I tell my family almost daily that I don’t even like this Brit due to having to sell that GSP... and I didn’t really have to but Mason hated that dog. I think my family has probably seen through my fib at this point. I’ve been blessed with a few good dogs throughout life, this Brit is at the top of that list.