After visiting with tigger this past weekend and talking bloodlines, biddable dogs, etc; I started dog some research and notice a lot of dogs from yesteryear did not point with a 12 O’clock tail. When did the emphasis start being placed on the tail? It amazes me that most will pass on a damn good dog cause of its tail set.

Not sure CD. I do know I used to not care but those field trial judges do. A sickle tail is undesirable in their eyes but to a meat hunter most of the time they could care less. As long as they are an honest dog. Very hard to get that and the look all in one package. I've owned 2 and consider my self fortunate. I have had way more than my share of great gun dogs over the years but only 2 that passed the litmus test of pretty and broke enough to win trials.

It’s crazy to me, but then I’ve only seen one trial champion that could work wild birds and in 2017, elcazador and myself sure did see a lot of covey rise behind Ch. Big Trouble Duke. Oh well, if anyone would like to explain the concept please post it.

I like them. This was the best I had.

I do also, but if a dog has a low set tail, I’m not going to pass it up if it has everything else needed to get the job done.

Here is a pic from my sons setter. Hell of a dog, but he’s a little slower and takes a little more to handle him but he points with a almost 12 O’clock vs this female who is as fast as a cheetah, handles like a Cadillac and points with a low set tail.

Hmm, looks like the same field

Hahahhaha. 68rustbucket maybe!

I know with the tanglehead grass getting worse in south Texas sometimes my gps will say I'm within 30ft of a pointed dog and I'll have hell finding them. Having that tail high and straight can make them a little easier to find. I won't get rid of one for having an ugly tail as long as they are good working dogs in all other aspects. I don't like a cur/hog dog to have a tail that curls over their back though. Its easy enough to train a hog dog and they are cheap enough that there is no reason to have one you don't like looking at.