My labrador retriever passed away last week. He was almost 14 years old. I love labs. I ran mine in hunt tests through JH and he worked out well as a hunting companion. But, my wife was allergic to his dog dander. So, thinking of a breed that sheds less or possibly hypoallergenic. A versatile dog that can do both upland and waterfowl is ideal. I've been reading up on pudelpointers, german shorthaired pointers, portuguese water dogs, vizsla, etc. As expected, the rarer the breed, the likelihood of finding a litter is tougher.

I'm in the DFW area and live on a lake. So, the pup will have plenty of access to water.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

goldendoodle if youre looking for a low shed. they are very hypoallergenic and shed almost 0. Intelligent dogs too.

Do not get a doodle....

Very unpredictable as to what you might end up with. Just because you cross two breeds doesn't mean you will get 50/50 traits of each. It's a crap shoot as to what traits the dog will inherit.

The Pudelpointer is what I would recommend. I asked someone recently if the were hypoallergenic and they said they were but I have not done the research.

Just looked this up.

"The Pudelpointer is a hypoallergenic breed and is a good choice for people who have allergies to pet dander. That being said, he is generally a very low maintenance breed. His coat is naturally clean and he does not have a dog smell that can be offensive to many."

Of all the "versatile" breeds I've looked into they intrigue me the most. I'm a lab guy through and through but I'll have pudelpointer at some point.

Thanks for the info. Pudelpointer is probably tops on my list right now due to hypoallergenic. I think the GSP and vizsla are lower shedders that could be managable.

Start your search here.

http://pudelpointer.net

A two year wait list is common but, breeders want their pups going to an avid hunting family. If you are a avid hunter and prove up, your wait time will be much less.

If you are looking for a pet, this breed is not for you, due to their pray drive and their desire to work everyday. Although they are house dogs and will be your best buddy.

This is an Extremely intelligent breed and that's coming from a lab guy.

My vote would be German shorthaired pointer.
My personal life experience was always with German wirehaired pointer, mostly duck, bird and some big game hunting, I have never owned GSP, but spent platy time around them.

Both dogs are excellent hunting dogs\pointers, with German wirehaired pointer having slight overall advantage (IMHO: German wirehaired pointer is second to none when it comes to universal hunting dog), but considering Texas climate GSP is just more suitable because of the sorter hair (less coat). Hence my recommendation above.

They do not shed a lot and most of their hair is heavy, so it tends to go on the floor and not floating around-so for allergens suffers it is a big plus.

My $0.02

P.S. Good luck with your search sir!

So I would recommend one in her mid 20's, C cups, be careful of redheads, I have had one for 15yrs and they can be a hand full. Just this time make sure you allergy test her before you bring her home and get attached. Getting a new wife can be an expensive venture. lol jk jk

Pudelpointer is what I run. I really like what it brings to the field. My most frequent hunting buddy runs a very talented GSP. We both also own old labs and made the jump to versatiles. If you decide to go GSP, look into the line to assure the breeder values the attributes you are after. I would recommend something from either NAVHDA tested lines or watching the dam and sire do water work if you are going use it for waterfowl as well as upland. If you decide to go Pudelpointer, you need to start talking to breeders and get on the waiting list of the liter you are wanting a pup from ASAP. Either breed is capable of doing what you describe. If I were in your shoes I would try to spend some time in the field around the breeds I was interested in before season closed to guide my decision. As an old lab guy, I do miss that good wet dog smell a lab has in the blind. Good luck with the search for your new bird dog.

We have beautiful yellow labs that will be ready to go home on January 31, 2018. with Unlimited AKC papers. Both parents have there Junior Hunt Test Titles and the Dame has a wonderful bloodline with National,Master, Senior and Junior titles thru her bloodline. She loves to hunt and is very sweet dog. Our Male comes from a hunting background he loves to hunt and very smart. He will do everything we ask him to do.. He is a very sweet also. if you are interested you can email me at donnafgermany@gmail.com

My son is moving away from the dog business and has several GSP's. You can contact him at www.ggsportsman.com. His name is Brent.

Looks like labs are out. My wife's allergies are such that she is adamant no lab in the house. So, GSP, pudelpointer, GWP or vizsla are the focus of my search now.

Thank you, if you have any particular breeders you recommend to consider, please pm to me.

Thanks!

I have GSP (1.5 yrs) and I love him, his a great up land dog and Im starting him on retrieving. The only down side I see to getting a GSP is you have to be careful of cold weather. Mine is a smaller GSP and a bit underweight so I wont take him to duck hunt in cold weather 40 and below. I am getting another dog pretty soon and ive decided on either a wirehaired pointing griffon or a drahthaar. both are versatile dog with a thicker coat.

I put a deposit down on a German Wirehaired Pointer pup yesterday. Should pick him up in a month.