Hunting Dog Breeds

[paul.anders.j]

Does anybody have experience with Deutsch Drahthaars? I’ve always been a Chessie guy and have had good luck with that breed. Now that I live in Iowa, I suspect I’ll be doing more pheasant hunting than duck hunting. Thinking about making a change and the drahthaars sound appealing. I’d be interested in hearing about anyone’s experience with them. Lastly, please don’t tell me to just get a Lab. I’ve seen way more Labs turn out to be couch companions than good hunting dogs.

 

[wburns]

I run German wire hairs. Pretty much same thing IMO but guys selling Drathaars will say otherwise lol. I’ve had great success with them. Great for upland as well as waterfowl. I tend to like they have good coats that still allow for cold weather hunting.
Biggest thing to watch for is a good coat. That’s the plus side of sticking closer to the original German line with a drathaar. People will say they can be aggressive to other dogs, and people, as well as kill cats but from my experience that has more to do with early socialization than actual overall breed traits. Here is my girl at 6 months retrieving a blue goose this year late season.

 

[dehousley]

Not a Drahthaar, but very very similar, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The Drahts are a much more serious and intense version of a Griffon (goofballs). We were torn between the two breeds, but ended up with Griffs because of their "milder" temperament and we had smaller kids at the time. I think if you are looking for a great versatile hunting breed, you can't go wrong with either one!

 

[paul.anders.j]

Not a Drahthaar, but very very similar, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. The Drahts are a much more serious and intense version of a Griffon (goofballs). We were torn between the two breeds, but ended up with Griffs because of their "milder" temperament and we had smaller kids at the time. I think if you are looking for a great versatile hunting breed, you can't go wrong with either one!

Thanks for the input! I know a couple guys who hunt over Griffons and they love ‘em.

 

[paul.anders.j]

I run German wire hairs. Pretty much same thing IMO but guys selling Drathaars will say otherwise lol. I’ve had great success with them. Great for upland as well as waterfowl. I tend to like they have good coats that still allow for cold weather hunting.
Biggest thing to watch for is a good coat. That’s the plus side of sticking closer to the original German line with a drathaar. People will say they can be aggressive to other dogs, and people, as well as kill cats but from my experience that has more to do with early socialization than actual overall breed traits. Here is my girl at 6 months retrieving a blue goose this year late season. View attachment 606

Thanks

I run German wire hairs. Pretty much same thing IMO but guys selling Drathaars will say otherwise lol. I’ve had great success with them. Great for upland as well as waterfowl. I tend to like they have good coats that still allow for cold weather hunting.
Biggest thing to watch for is a good coat. That’s the plus side of sticking closer to the original German line with a drathaar. People will say they can be aggressive to other dogs, and people, as well as kill cats but from my experience that has more to do with early socialization than actual overall breed traits. Here is my girl at 6 months retrieving a blue goose this year late season. View attachment 606Thanks, wburns. Looks like you have a keeper on your hands!

 

[deadeyejunior]

I have a friend in the Midwest who runs Drahthars primarily on waterfowl, they are fantastic retrievers. I wouldn't hesitate, a very versatile breed for sure.

 

[paul.anders.j]

I have a friend in the Midwest who runs Drahthars primarily on waterfowl, they are fantastic retrievers. I wouldn't hesitate, a very versatile breed for sure.

Thank you. I’m glad to hear that.

 

[steve_vens]

Funny enough. Have a friend that only has chessies and DD.

Loves them both. The DD is a damn horse. Thing is a giant. But will go through anything brush wise. The odd waterfowl hunting too, better in fields obviously.

But I think you'd do well with your choice

 

[torresdavid09]

Drahts are great and will definitely get the job done for you both in the field and for waterfowl.

A few questions...

Have you ever trained or worked with a pointing breed like the Drahtaar? Definitely quite a bit different than what you would expect with a Chessie (or Lab, as you mentioned) which are traditionally flushing dogs. Although Drahts are typically held to a very high standard for breeding, which should (theoretically) help with training, I would still expect to put in a decent amount of training for the pup. Steady dogs produce birds.

Also, have you considered either a springer or cocker spaniel? They're small, absolute terrors in the uplands, and will retrieve birds as good as any dog. I own two springers and will never NOT have a spaniel on my string. Awesome little dogs.

Good luck man!

 

[paul.anders.j]

I have a friend in the Midwest who runs Drahthars primarily on waterfowl, they are fantastic retrievers. I wouldn't hesitate, a very versatile breed for sure.

Thanks for the input. Glad to hear a lot of positive things.

 

[paul.anders.j]

Drahts are great and will definitely get the job done for you both in the field and for waterfowl.

A few questions...

Have you ever trained or worked with a pointing breed like the Drahtaar? Definitely quite a bit different than what you would expect with a Chessie (or Lab, as you mentioned) which are traditionally flushing dogs. Although Drahts are typically held to a very high standard for breeding, which should (theoretically) help with training, I would still expect to put in a decent amount of training for the pup. Steady dogs produce birds.

Also, have you considered either a springer or cocker spaniel? They're small, absolute terrors in the uplands, and will retrieve birds as good as any dog. I own two springers and will never NOT have a spaniel on my string. Awesome little dogs.

Good luck man!

You bring up a good point. I’ve never trained any kind of pointer and fully realize I would need some help. Being relatively new to the area I live in, I don’t have a lot of contacts. Finding someone to help should probably be step 1.

I really hadn’t considered a springer or cocker. Maybe I should. One of my buddies has an awesome springer. Thanks for the comments.

 

[rjthompson8]

I run German wire hairs. Pretty much same thing IMO but guys selling Drathaars will say otherwise lol. I’ve had great success with them. Great for upland as well as waterfowl. I tend to like they have good coats that still allow for cold weather hunting.
Biggest thing to watch for is a good coat. That’s the plus side of sticking closer to the original German line with a drathaar. People will say they can be aggressive to other dogs, and people, as well as kill cats but from my experience that has more to do with early socialization than actual overall breed traits. Here is my girl at 6 months retrieving a blue goose this year late season. View attachment 606

My last dog was a cross between a German Wire Hair and a Pudelpointer. He was a hunting machine. Killed over 600 birds over him. Unfortunately he got killed on the road 4th of July. Hunted once without a dog this year and I hated it. Got a new pup. Pure bred Pudelpointer. He’s a grandson of my old dog’s father and a nephew of my old dog. Can’t wait to get him in the woods.

 

[andy]

GWP, Griffons and Drathaars are all great choices depending on your needs. All of them are solid utility dogs that can both point and retrieve. I hunt with a mixed group of friends and have at least two breeds represented on most upland trips. I wouldn't say there are major differences between any of the 3 . Wburns is right, breeders will extol the virtues of each, but it comes down to training and proper socialization. I have made great dog connections by visiting the local hunting preserves and seeing what the locals are using. Most are pretty proud of their dogs and will be happy to get you connected with a reputable breeder.

Good luck with your endeavor

 

[wburns]

You bring up a good point. I’ve never trained any kind of pointer and fully realize I would need some help. Being relatively new to the area I live in, I don’t have a lot of contacts. Finding someone to help should probably be step 1.

I really hadn’t considered a springer or cocker. Maybe I should. One of my buddies has an awesome springer. Thanks for the comments.

Depending on your area look up NAVHDA and see if they have a chapter near you. They are a great resource and usually have weekly get togethers for training versatile hunting dogs. They love to help new people learn to train as well as a great place for you to go watch the various breeds work and see what you may like.

 

[wburns]

My last dog was a cross between a German Wire Hair and a Pudelpointer. He was a hunting machine. Killed over 600 birds over him. Unfortunately he got killed on the road 4th of July. Hunted once without a dog this year and I hated it. Got a new pup. Pure bred Pudelpointer. He’s a grandson of my old dog’s father and a nephew of my old dog. Can’t wait to get him in the woods.

Sorry to hear that! Always sucks to loose a dog, especially a good one. Glad you you got a new pup to go on adventures with again. I went through a similar scenario for a short time without a bird dog and yes it sucks trying to hunt without one. That’s just not for me. Nothing like watching a good dog in action on birds!

 

[Ron Dan]

My last dog was a cross between a German Wire Hair and a Pudelpointer. He was a hunting machine. Killed over 600 birds over him. Unfortunately he got killed on the road 4th of July. Hunted once without a dog this year and I hated it. Got a new pup. Pure bred Pudelpointer. He’s a grandson of my old dog’s father and a nephew of my old dog. Can’t wait to get him in the woods.

Awful news on the passing of your dog. Sorry for your loss.

 

[josephpbaker]

This is Trapper. He was a boss. Sire of litters. Retriever of many a ducks and geese. Straight from the 80s.

 

[robmcleod82]

When it comes to anything german pointer related in my experience, they are almost impossible to beat in the field, english pointers have better noses but german pointers have great noses, tough as nails, seemingly never ending energy. The problem comes with living with them, all the best ones ive known have all been supreme cunts, vendictive. Best friend had german shorthairs for 40 years and his dad for 60 years, they seek vengence when they feel slighted. Piss on or eat your boots, destroy your house ect ect. One friend used to keep his 2 in the laundry room when he was at work, came home one day and both dogs are sitting in the front window of the house, they ate through the wall to get out, then he goes in the laundry room and finds they tore apart the washer and dryer ripped the tin right off.

So the clear solution here is let your friends buy pointers and you get a good lab out of south dakota.....

 

[paul.anders.j]

When it comes to anything german pointer related in my experience, they are almost impossible to beat in the field, english pointers have better noses but german pointers have great noses, tough as nails, seemingly never ending energy. The problem comes with living with them, all the best ones ive known have all been supreme cunts, vendictive. Best friend had german shorthairs for 40 years and his dad for 60 years, they seek vengence when they feel slighted. Piss on or eat your boots, destroy your house ect ect. One friend used to keep his 2 in the laundry room when he was at work, came home one day and both dogs are sitting in the front window of the house, they ate through the wall to get out, then he goes in the laundry room and finds they tore apart the washer and dryer ripped the tin right off.

So the clear solution here is let your friends buy pointers and you get a good lab out of south dakota.....

lol! Oh Man- I feel for your friend but that’s pretty funny.

 

[paul.anders.j]

Depending on your area look up NAVHDA and see if they have a chapter near you. They are a great resource and usually have weekly get togethers for training versatile hunting dogs. They love to help new people learn to train as well as a great place for you to go watch the various breeds work and see what you may like.

I’ll do that. Thank you.

GWP, Griffons and Drathaars are all great choices depending on your needs. All of them are solid utility dogs that can both point and retrieve. I hunt with a mixed group of friends and have at least two breeds represented on most upland trips. I wouldn't say there are major differences between any of the 3 . Wburns is right, breeders will extol the virtues of each, but it comes down to training and proper socialization. I have made great dog connections by visiting the local hunting preserves and seeing what the locals are using. Most are pretty proud of their dogs and will be happy to get you connected with a reputable breeder.

Good luck with your endeavor

thanks, Andy. Appreciate your input.