Thread: Hunting Lines 101

Look at the dog first, or in the case of a mating look at the parents and grandparents, because the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Essentially that's what you'll be getting.

Then look at pedigree. Instead of going back through it looking for titles (which can be next to useless) or famous ancestors, read the pedigree forward. Look at what each dog produced. If you are seeing a proven performer who produced good performing stock a few times in a 5 generation pedigree that's a good start.

There are four titles for working gun dogs in NZ. That's field trial champion (FTCH), grand field trial champion, (GFTCH) field champion, (FCH) and grand field champion (GFCH). Field Champion is on live game, and in the pointing breeds the only one of interest. (that'll stir the pot with the pigeon crowd) Live game trials are only available to the pointing breeds and spaniels at present.

Remember, all those names on paper are next to useless without seeing them yourself, or hearing the opinion of someone you trust about them. Until then it's just paper which is easily falsified. My advice would be to go see as many dogs of your chosen breed as you can and get a picture of the dogs you want to breed and own and stick to it.