| subaru |
| (member) |
| 06/10/2007 17:35 |
Not a Spaniel
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Looking at getting a new dog, would like a bit of an all rounder but not a spaniel, not had much luck with them. It may be me but most of these dogs seem to have too close a blood line which can't be good, anyway I do not want a dog that is like a rocket all the time plus it is nice to be diffrent.
| Flairball |
| (member) |
| 09/10/2007 20:54 |
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Re: Not a Spaniel
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Have you considered a Lab? Labs can be quite versatile in the field, and easy in the home. Labs do almost everything a Spaniel does, but with different emphasis. What kind of shooting are you doing?
Though you aren't too keen on Spaniels, what breed of Spaniel are you experienced with? Perhaps another breed of Spaniel would suit you? If a Springer, or a Cocker have too much energy consider a Welsh Springer Spaniel. I've not owned one, but my understanding is they work like an ESS, but slower, and more paced. It was explained to me that a Welshie can hunt all day long, while an ESS, being a sprinter, will need rests during the day.
Anyway, just trying help a bit. Good luck.
| subaru |
| (member) |
| 11/10/2007 10:19 |
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Re: Not a Spaniel
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I whould say that my shooting is a good mix from rough and hide to vermin control with which a dog comes in handy. I know my training is ok as it has been over seen by someone that trains dogs, I am starting to think that may be the dogs that I have used are and have got bored with the lack of work, I have had both English and Welsh spaniels with not much luck, I know someone has said that I can be too soft with the dogs but I don't just want a working dog i want a dog that will sit still with me on the quiet days.
Will a Lab hunt when needed to and are they abit softer than a spaniel?
All the best.
| Flairball |
| (member) |
| 15/10/2007 17:08 |
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Re: Not a Spaniel
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I don't know anything about vermin control, so I can't say if a Lab would be any help there. Perhaps you could contact either the Labrador Retriever parent club, or another Lab training group/club. As for Labs being softer, from my experience around Labs, I'd say they are slower to mature, but very bidable. The breed seems to always want to make their master happy. I must add; I've never owned a Lab, but they are 2nd on my "next dog list". I am a Springer fan who is currently shooting over a Setter. The wife prefers Labs however.
Good luck, and let us know what you decide.