Thread: When to retire a dog?

My pointer did his cruciate at 6, we had it fixed (bit of gamble) and he made it to 10.
If he is a good dog and likes his job I would let him just keep going and not bother about what might happen. Just be prepared to "pony up" at the vet if it does.
Its not the sort of injury I personally would put a dog to sleep for nor let them suffer with it.

I'm going through this delimma ATM with my dog - shes about to turn 11 and holy shit she still finds deer.

I think I've had to alter my expectations on the the "hunt" - Izzie will still find deer wherever I put her It's just that the length and terrain of the hunt have to alter.

Take your time on the hunt with an older dog, you may not cover the ground like you "use" to - but, if the dog can still hunt your doing better than a bloke without a dog. Sher still shows me the areas that I need to slow down and focus on and when to push on as there are no deer present.