I've had labs forever and was thinking about switching to the drahth. I duck hunt and deer hunt a bunch. What do you think.

I think a DD will be my next dog... or Maybe a Vizsla

I am 100% pleased with my DD. My next dog will also be another drahthaar. Through their breeding regulations, you are guaranteed to get a dog that has the ability to be a great hunting dog.

When I bought mine, I only dove, duck, and deer hunted. Now I dove, duck, quail, pheasant, prairie chicken, rabbit, and deer hunt. I enjoy hunting much more now. I still want to get her on some geese and squirrels.

How did you train him to know what species you are after at the moment? I just got a GSP and want to use his versatility too.

yeah i would love to get one of these dogs too but can't afford the $1000+ right know....hopefully in the near future... i would like to find a dog that versatile that can hunt rabbits, squirrels, and quail with my harris....and then be able to go track deer..

I trained her on all species separately, but usually when we are hunting we usually only run into the game we are after.

A German Shorthaired Pointer can do all of that for you. It's what they were bred to do in Germany. That's Why I got one. I've had him point birds and do a mock blood trail so far. I've only had him for a few weeks so I haven't gotten to do much with him yet. You can get a well bred GSP for around $600.

There are other options for you that will suit your needs and much better suited for the TX heat than a DD. They cannot take warm weather at all. Even nice cool days here in Tx and they melt. This will cut into your hunting/training time. Something to think about.

Some mentioned GSP. There are a ton of them in Tx from well bred lines.

I've dove hunted with my DD in Texas the last 2 seasons (which were quite hot). She does just as well as my buddy's black lab. I've not had any heat related issues with my dog. Clearly you would have to keep the exertion in check, and provide plenty of water. But she doesn't have to do much running while hunting dove like she does later in the season hunting upland birds.

Stinkbelly is spot on about the DD. The regulated breeding and testing greatly raise your chances of getting a great hunting dog.

~Doug

The DK PP LM SM etc also go through the same test,regulations(some small differences). Not just the DD. I am sure you know that but ill bet there are others reading who do not.
I have had heat issues with mine and comparing them to a fat black lab doesn't seem fair There is only so much water you can give a dog to try and cool it down. I have to stop my hunts/training because the dog just gave up and no amount of water can help and we are not talking about 70 degree cool weather hunting half a day either. Yes that goes for any dog but hunt with a GSP EP setter etc and you will see a difference I promise. Lets not forget you will not only own the dog during hunting season.

I have never heard of a Deutsch Drahthaar having a heat issue. I have hunted mine in all weather and the only thing slowing her down is me. Is it possible that yours isn't properly conditioned. There are different thicknesses of hair. I choose a breeder that bred thinner haired DDs. Check with Kit Chritchlow in Arizona. He is a DD breeder and a quail hunting guide with his DD. If they couldn't stand the heat, he wouldn't be using them. Here is his web site.

Web Site

MS1454 where did you get your DD?

One of the main reasons I bought my DD is that it is a versatile hunting dog that is an excellent inside the house family dog. They can adapt to any situation. Mine lives in the house, goes camping with the cubscouts, lives in the hotel for a week during Christmas. She is easier to handle than the kids.

Well I have decided on getting one and am very excited. They wont be born until the first part of Feb and ready to go home until April. Its hard for me to be that patient.

You won't be disappointed.

Can't same the same for MS1454.

Might look at a Pudel Pointer as well. Just got my first one a few months ago and am impressed so far... but he's young.

Nope not disappointed. Just think there are better choices out there for the humidity and heat we have in Tx then a dog with a wire coat. That's been my experience and am not the only one.

Colt, what breeder is your dog from?

I have seen his videos of his dogs but one difference between Arizona and South Tx where I hunt in humidity which seems to be worse on a dog then heat.

Conditioning definitely does help but the heat in So Tx is hard on any dog.

MS1454 - I know several breeders and hunters with DDs in the Houston to Lake Jackson area and I haven't heard any problems with humidity. What breeder did you get your dog from? How old is it? I would love to know more. I haven't heard anyone else complain about them and if there could be a problem with the breed or a particular breeder I want to know. I will be buying another in the future. If you don't want to call the breeder out on the forum, you can PM me.