I can deal with shedding but I'm not wanting one that's going to shed like a golden retriever either.

Boykin Spaniel or a Lab

I bought 2 field bred cockers and money can't buy them. Never seen that much retrieving prey drive in a dog. Never run dry on energy outside. They do eventually settle in when I bring them in at night. Tails wag 100 mph.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wirehaired_Pointing_Griffon

My buddy got one last winter as a puppy and she has been retrieving ducks all season. From what I understand, they naturally have a closer upland hunting range than other breeds and have wire coats which are great for hunting thicker stuff and also love the water.

They shed, but not as much as a lab or other breeds. They are absolutely great with children. My friend had twins in October and his griffon has been unbelievable around them. Better than anyone expected.

They are a little pricy, perhaps, but not $2-3,000. Give them a look. I had never heard of them, but I'm a believer that they are the best unknown hunting dog.

If you are looking for a versatile with limited shedding you might check a Pudel Pointer. Do a little checking and you will find they are top shelf.

I'd consider an English Pointer, specifically an Elhew. Pointers get a bad wrap for just wanting birds and not be kosher with anything else. It's a bad, bad wrap. My Pointer, Moxy, has never met a stranger and wouldn't fight back when a dog tried to fight her. She loves birds and running, but she loves people just as much... and she'll retrieve better than nearly any dog you'd put her up against. Get an Elhew and you won't be sorry.

I have a PudelPointer in Central Texas. She is 10 months old and was a natural retriever from the first day I got her. She is a great dog for this newbie to the gundog world. Soft mouth... dove and waterfowl are what I've been hunting so far but have been training her on pigeons as well to get her ready to go on quail.

Here are a few pics. They come in brown and black...brown being the most common.

[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...aa7c5e194fdc603[/img]
[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...7e444d936249c1e[/img]
[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...cddcd8716b529c6[/img]
[img]https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/pics/...51976b5c9016b41[/img]

Yes they do. Bad. Just like hairs.

Beautiful pup. From what kennel, in what state?

Thanks on the compliment. She's from Ripsnorters up in Ohio.

Thank you. Check your PM..........I have a couple of questions.

I really enjoy my Boykin Spaniel. I have always owned and trained labs till a few years back I hunted with a gentleman who had a boykin.I was very impressed watching this little 40 pound female retrieve ducks as well as any lab I had ever seen. I finally made the decision this past summer and purchased my 1st boykin. This pup has been the most enjoyable and smartest guy I have ever trained. They are very fast learners and very family oriented dogs. Great in the house because a large male rarely gets to 48lbs. They will work just about any bird you want them to. Great for dove cause they can take the hot temps better than most breeds. Work awesome on quail due to there natural ability to quater back and forth in front of their handler. Ducks are what they were bred for. Keep it to smaller water such as sloughs, back waters and ponds though as these little guys don't have the long legs like a chessie or lab. Like I stated earlier I have been a lab man all my life but after now owning a boykin and meeting other boykins around the country I'll probably never consider owning another breed again.

Brittany or Boykin. Both are around 30-40lbs, sturdy, energetic, friendly and intelligent. Different hunting styles of course, so depends what you prefer in a hunting dog - pointer vs spaniel. But they can be trained for many different hunting situations. Both are very healthy breeds when's purchased from reputable breeders with health clearanced breeding stock. They both shed, but they have a single coat so it won't be as much as the double coated breeds like a lab. My Brittanys never mat, though they don't carry much coat, so a heavier coated one might. Boykins do mat so require regular brushing and ear care.

Overall both breeds are wonderful huntings, great size and a joy to have around in the home as well as the field. Very smart dogs that are eager to please and up for anything with their people.

I was looking for the same thing and went this route. Retrieved and pointed right out of the box from day 1.






If you go this route make sure you get some serious hunting and field trial bloodlines. She found every bird that went down.