Thread: First hunting dog

Deer or ducks? Maybe both?

Great. If this is your first ever dog don't go for a Visla or a GSP. I wouldn't really advise a GWP for a first dog either.
Why you ask. Simple. These breeds need a strong hand and dog knowledge plus a lot of time. Yes they are great hunting dogs when done right, yes there is exceptions to the rule. But for someone just starting out they can be a real handful with both the owner and the dog not knowing what they are doing and both ending up very frustrated. When this happens neither dog no handler get any enjoyment out of it and in fact the reverse tends to happen with the whole thing going to shit.

So what should a new to dogs person get? Something that is easily trained!!! It doesn't have to end up the perfect dog and indeed won't. Yes best intentions. But it won't.
So do you even need a purebred? No.
What I think is ideal for a beginner is a lab X. Easily trained as a rule, eager to please and low maintenance. Crossed with something like a strong eyed collie I feel is the ideal.
The reason I think this is a good X is fairly simple. You should end up with a mutt with a lot of brains and drive. A dog who when you don't really know what you're doing can pull you out of the shit because of those brains.