"Close" and "pointers" do not really go together......kind of an oximoron.
I know the world is full of supposedly "world-class pointers", but I prefer a flushing lab that is 15-30 yards out, and not flushing wild birds 100-300 yards ahead of the hunters.
However, pointers seem to be IDEAL for pen-raised birds that will hold for a point.
Hmmm - wild birds holding (pheasants)...waiting...until you get in range? Opening weekend they might hold, but most of the time they're on the move, when they hear anything strange.
Spinone Italiano
Bracco Italiano
And French Brittanies are generally closer working pointing breeds.
I personally have never hunted with a Brittany that would range over 100yds... Although they do exist.
I think most pointing breeds can be easily trained to stay in that range, but you would have the worst luck with the English dogs.
The above were all generalizations made by a ignoramus.
"Close" and "pointers" do not really go together......kind of an oximoron.
I know the world is full of supposedly "world-class pointers", but I prefer a flushing lab that is 15-30 yards out, and not flushing wild birds 100-300 yards ahead of the hunters.
However, pointers seem to be IDEAL for pen-raised birds that will hold for a point.
I guess I shoot pointed birds 300 yards out with 1oz. of shot in a 20.ga.
I hunt with a guy who has a Lab. He carries a 12 with 3" mags and actually shots most of his birds at 50 yards while he is yelling at the dog. Going back to my original comment, the Pudelpointer will work the cover and/or as trained. I really do not like mine out more than 50 unless chasing sharpies or quail.
Bearl,
I like the comment regarding bloodlines over breed. You can usually find what you want in the blood, but there's still a clear distinction between the flushing and pointing breeds.
That drives me crazy........but not my experience. My dog has incredible drive and stamina, as good as any dog I have ever seen. Ask any that have hunted with me I do not use a whistle, except on a long retrieve. I do not yell at my dog. He has learned a couple beeps at 40 yards and he better turn his ass around or he is getting the juice. That said I think I lit him up twice last year in like 13 days of hunting and seeing a couple thousand birds. I like hunting with my dog. I like him with me because he is fun to watch. I can't see 300 yards anymore so I would get lonely out there by myself. Like jonny said, my dog to would hunt in the next county if I would let him. I know he loves me but he would prefer to be out of shocking range.
My dog has incredible drive and stamina, as good as any dog I have ever seen.