Thread: proper pointers

Originally Posted by kawhia

it's in somes ways there version of a pigeon trial.

You'll have to explain that one for me

Very interesting post, Pointer...it is curious how we in each country modify the work of the breeds...the retrieve was never a requirement for the EP on the grouse, was it?

Originally Posted by EeeBees

Very interesting post, Pointer...it is curious how we in each country modify the work of the breeds...the retrieve was never a requirement for the EP on the grouse, was it?

In the UK, correct, they don't expect a retrieve. However, basically every other country in the world does. Widely regarded as not a pointers strong point mind you

in the states on plenty on the big game bird ranches, the flushing is done by the handler, and the retrieve done by labs too.

Threre is no reason you could not employ that here a pointer to hunt and point only .and a lab to plod along just to retrieve. One less thing to train a pointer to do and would perhaps make for a steadier dog ? . Does anyone no of any that do just that . I've owned and hunted lab and gwhp togeather . Itwas a perfect combo but never separated there tasks .

i do at times hunt with a gwp and a spanner, but only work one at a time.
running a flushing breed with a pointing breed will risk turning your pointer into a long range flusher.

Yes I could see that happening that's why a slightly overweight lab who prefers the company of you as opposed to running round upsetting the quarry would be good

True, flushing by handler is the norm in the states. However the use of a spaniel or lab is an exception rather than a rule over there. Saw a few Youtube Videos of it on US pheasant preserves, the particular breeds of spaniel they were using are queer almost looked like a Clumber! I am visiting a few large pointer kennels stateside next month, will be interesting to see how they do it

boykin ?