Gwp
- Thread starter padave
- Start date
FLDBRED
Well-known member
Dave,
I've never owned one, but my brother and I did a lot of research on them when he was deciding between them and the shorthairs.
I went to a few field trials and hunt test to see how they hunt and handle. We always left very impressed. They seemed VERY strong willed and most of the breeders agreed that you have to stay one step ahead of them.
My brother was looking at a kennel in Wurtsboro N.Y., "Hawk Haven". I Think there was a kennel in Bucks County Pa. also. Good luck with your search.
Why the GWP?
I've never owned one, but my brother and I did a lot of research on them when he was deciding between them and the shorthairs.
I went to a few field trials and hunt test to see how they hunt and handle. We always left very impressed. They seemed VERY strong willed and most of the breeders agreed that you have to stay one step ahead of them.
My brother was looking at a kennel in Wurtsboro N.Y., "Hawk Haven". I Think there was a kennel in Bucks County Pa. also. Good luck with your search.
Why the GWP?
padave
Member
No real reason for that breed, just looks I guess. I did do some research ( very little ) the things I read didn't sound as bad as you put it, but I only read general testimonials from breeders ( I guess that's the same as reading a car dealers testimonials ) as of now you are the only on that has giving me a more honest opinion ( what I'm looking for ) I have two labs now and one already has 3 feet in the grave his hunting days are over. I would like to have a pointer to work along side my 2 year old lab, do you have a suggestion on a flushing/ pointing combo??
Kismet
UPH Guru
Dave? Use the "search" function and look up the Young Bert stories. 
I loved that dog, and his predecessor, Button--also a GWP, was easily the best dog I've ever had and maybe the best I've ever hunted over.
I think a lot of the relationship depends on the human. My dogs are my primary companionship these days, so I may have different expectations.
It's going to be great, no matter which breed you select.
I loved that dog, and his predecessor, Button--also a GWP, was easily the best dog I've ever had and maybe the best I've ever hunted over.
I think a lot of the relationship depends on the human. My dogs are my primary companionship these days, so I may have different expectations.
It's going to be great, no matter which breed you select.
FLDBRED
Well-known member
I am not a big fan of hunting with a flushing/ pointing combo, now if you are going to use your Lab as a retriever and keep him at heel till the pointer is locked up that's a different story. I want my Springers to hunt aggressively and flush hard, and this would be counter productive hunting with a pointer.
It's been done, but it's a lot of work.
If I were going to go ahead with this idea, I would take a look at the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, a close ranging methodical hunter. But again I would use the Labs as retrievers or hunt the different styles on different days.Hopes this helps.
padave
Member
They are all great things to consider, thanks for the help. We just took our 13 yo lab to the get yesterday he's been having a little trouble ( nothing a few pills and a milk bone can't fix ) but the vet recommended " Pig " to retire from hunting this year. I kind a new it was gonna be the case when I can hardly get a 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk out of him. Hence the inquires of the other dog breed. And when the time comes to HAVE to put him down ( reluctantly ) I want the 2 yo lab to have another dog around because he is like Velcro to the older one.
FLDBRED
Well-known member
As well you should! :thumbsup:
Natty Bumpo
Member
I think you should hunt over a couple of good GWP's plus a couple of good English pointers. In the country you will be hunting most.
IME, its like "night and day" between the two.
NB
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padave
Member
I'm sure they are both fine dogs ( as far as what I see on TV ) I was looking for a companion for my flushing lab, what I think what will happen ( in a perfect world ) my lab hunts close to me and if I get a pointer, when he/she is on point then the lab comes in and does his thing. It's what I'd like to happen or should I just stick with two flushers and not mix a flusher an pointer.
Natty Bumpo
Member
In a perfect world is one thing. In the "real world" I've seen that work well, maybe once, in a half century of following bird dogs of all flavors.
Again, just in my experience, hunting a top shelf FD and hard driving PD down at the same time is a good way to make a "solid broke" pointing dog become "unbroke" pretty quick.
YMMV
bauerline
Well-known member
If you really want to do this you might be better off with a closer working pointing dog. I would not want a big running dog (I'm talking 200-300 yards away) in PA since most bird hunting is on public land with a good number of other hunters working the fields. It can get a little hectic out there at times. I guess if you have a pointer and a flusher you have twice as much training to do. But if you have the time that might not be a bad thing.
I don't have any experience with them but what about a pointing lab? I know some people like them but others do not.
In the end, it is your time and money. Do what makes you happy and enjoy it.
I don't have any experience with them but what about a pointing lab? I know some people like them but others do not.
In the end, it is your time and money. Do what makes you happy and enjoy it.