[Kirkes]

I am currently looking for a good upland/waterfowl dog. The two breeds i am looking at are the Drahthaar (german wirehair) and a pointing lab. Anyone care to weigh in on these breeds, or know the location of a good breeder.

[LKirkes]

I like the pointing Lab but the best all around dog for Quail and Pheasants is a English Pointer. But the way you like to waterfowl hunt you should get lab. They make good dogs as well as compainions.

[shortbus]

pointersx5 would probably have the perfect answer but he's on vacation...probably in one of those bird dog competitions.

[Pointers X's 5]

Hey guys,

Been up in Northern Wisconsin for the last few days chasing the dogs. Hope everyone here is doing well..

Of the breeds mentioned above I have 2 of them. I have 5 English Pointers and 1 pointing lab. I have however huntyed behind more than my share of Drathars as well as Wirehairs. If you are looking for one dog to do a mutlitide of tasks I would lean more toward tghe PL. They are good in the upland as well as in water.

I say I would lean more towards the labs because (and this is just my opinion) all of the Drathars and Wirehairs I have been around are very, very bird possevive, and basically a one person dogs. I have hunted over one that was literally going to defend HIS bird with his life not my cup of tea at all. No matter what breed you end up with make sure to do your research on both the breed and the breeder and make sure this is the dog for you before you end up with something you wont be happy with.

Remember this is a 10 to 12 year comitment make sure it is one you are happy with...

Mike

[oucorry]

Good advice Mike!! I like English Setters alot. But I don't do any duck hunting though!

[birdman]

I've always hunted over labs, so they'll get my nod. I just like their versatility (especially if you pick one up out of a pointing line). The labs we've owned in my family were hunting machines. They were all very eager to please, have great hunting desire, and most importantly - great family members. It's hard to beat them in the water and one thing I like most, they'll retrieve doves when most dogs won't touch em'.

[Kirkes]

Thanks for the info Pointers and Birdman. My uncle has a 7 mo old drahthar that comes from a bloodline where the sire and the dam have scores in the 320's. He also has an AKC GWP ***** that is 4 years old. I hunted over her 4 weekends this year and she is hammering both pheasant and quail. My uncle told me he would GIVE me pick of the litter from the Drahthar and the GWP. On the other hand i have a lab that is 11 yrs and he was awesome on waterfowl and, he pointed pheasant the first and only time i took him. I really want a Lab($1000) but the wirehair($0) would be a lot cheaper. I'm torn.

[oucorry]

Can't beat free, especially pick of the liter!!

[Pointers X's 5]

Kirkes,

It sounds like you have seen both of these dogs in the feild and that speak volumes. Also the price is definatly right..

But I do have a question for you if you dont mind. Is he planning on breeding the 7 month old male to the 4 year old female or am I reading this wrong??? A 7 month old dog is a little young to be breeding to, and I say this from a health clearance standpoint. The hips and elbows cannot be confimred by the OFA until they are 2 years old. They can do the prelims but there is nothing there that is 100% at this age. Just curious more than anything, not trying to bash you or your uncle. I have seen a lot of good dogs go down early because of joint issues.

Mike

[Kirkes]

Pointer,

I'm not sure when the female is in season i think around May. I was wrong about the dogs age. He was whelped early last march. I know that is still young (a little over a year). As far as the health the drahthaars breeder has replaced 2 dogs in fifteen yrs. pretty good percentage. His sire is also the highest scoring dog in north america.