I own a Drahthaar, from whence the GWP came. The original so they say.
Was a GSP guy prior, and still love GSPs.
I found GSPs to be a bit more plug n play, bullet proof even for idiot trainers and owners.
Wires are smarter and are thinkers, and thats the rub, they are drivey, but you have to outsmart em, the poodle in them from way back gives em their smarts. They are very sensitive and very attached to their owners. They are more clownish as well.
Mine is very food driven and bi lingual. Smart as most 5 yr old kids.
I can command her with my eyes. Does whistle and hand signals as well.
Retrieves as well or better than most Labs, UKC HRC titled, had a judge tell me of 38 Labs running in 1 test, mine was the best dog there. A very nice compliment. I dont own an e collar either.
DDs are better at cripples than Labs but will not outline a Lab over large distances. Just get them to the scent cone and your bird/duck will be brought back. They dont like repetitive training, so mix it up, keep it fun and light.
Pretend your training a Golden Retriever and youll be fine. They can learn angles, all hand casts, whistle stops etc if you waterfowl but if you train like a Lab, youll ruin your DD, they are not a Lab. Think Golden Retriever, little to no pressure.
The DD/GWP Coat gives them an edge in cattails and thorns, but slows em down in the heat, mine melts above 60F. Ideally, Id own one of both, or a slick DD. But you can hunt waterfowl in the cold and they will tolerate similar temps to a Lab.
DDs were circus dogs way back in Europe and here (Ringling Bros), if that tells you how smart they are, smarter than most owners, You can literally train them to do about anything as far as game or food is concerned, track and alert you to the find by baying, or track and alert you by bringing back a bringsel in their mouth and lead you back TO the find/deer.
DD baying
DD on badger.
My GSPs would chase cats and coons, my DDs kills them. Or anything else on 4 legs they can.
DD is a better tracker, uses nose alot more on ground scent which is a plus.
Hunts at a good pace, close to medium and opens up in country to 200 or so yards which is more than enough for me.
Probably a bit more patient with kids, my GSPs were indifferent to kids or would growl, my DD lets my kids pull her ears and would never think to bite. But the DD/Weim is a better and more aggressive watchdog.
Basicaly, You wont get in my truck or house without getting bit and I prefer it that way. I like a protective dog.
But fine when introduced.
Coat is practically no shed, just strip comb every 3-4 months to comb out dead. Secret to a good coat is a pup with out the much feathering or furnishing, almost slick like. Its a perfect wash and wear coat. Or youll be grooming and after hunt combing, which I dont prefer.
This is the quintessential DD coat below that is wash and wear, and perfect for the field and water, It is what breeders strive for, or should in addition to other attributes.
Suffice to say they are a challenge because of their versatility and trainability, but probably worth it if you put in the time TO Train, but if you just want a bird dog, then you just expose, most just comes naturally. They like people are not kennel dogs, GSPs are better in that regard.
Youve got lots of choices just do your homework and be fair to the dog, if you dont hunt 20 days per year, get another breed, they need a job and want to work. And be sure to socialize IF you want a friendly dog, If you dont and want more protective, then dont worry about it. I would socialize with other FRIENDLY dogs, but supervise. You dont want a pup attacked and have long term issues. Im partial to the DD because I demand tight QC but Im sure there are good GWPs as well.
http://www.vdd-gna.org/
Good luck.
