Thinking about a golden retriever for Grouse/Family Dog

[GFY Camp]

I know a Golden is not the typical Grouse dog. But my famimly picked out some family dogs they would want and the only one suited for hunting is a golden.

Anyone else ever use a golden for grouse? How did it work?

[muddy]

Ever consider a Viszla? Not sure how they're for grouse hunting but any Viszla I've been around has always been FANTASTIC with family and kids. My dad had one, I had one, we were amazed at how much love/attention they gave us.

[GFY Camp]

Ever consider a Viszla? Not sure how they're for grouse hunting but any Viszla I've been around has always been FANTASTIC with family and kids. My dad had one, I had one, we were amazed at how much love/attention they gave us.

Viszla are awasome dogs. However, they are not on the short list of what the family picked out.

If it were 100% up to me it would be a Springer, GSP or Brittnay.

[muddy]

Well, I don't know anything about how a Golden does on grouse, but I have a few friends who have Goldens and as far as a family dog goes, I don't think you can have a better one.

[GFY Camp]

Although Golden has "retriever" in it's name. I don't think a lot of people hunt them anymore. Not sure why. Wonder if there is still a retrieving instinct in them. I'll have to go some searching by Google.

[muddy]

Most dogs have that mentality to retrieve for their masters. With a little searching I bet you can find the exact dog you want, that being one from 2 great hunters and also having the social skills for your family. Internet is GREAT!

[GFY Camp]

Most dogs have that mentality to retrieve for their masters. With a little searching I bet you can find the exact dog you want, that being one from 2 great hunters and also having the social skills for your family. Internet is GREAT!

I've grouse hunted over Labs before although they are a bit large for the cover they still are very effective and find a way to navagate it. I see no reason why a golden would not be able to as well if a lab can.

[Tadmdad]

Although Golden has "retriever" in it's name. I don't think a lot of people hunt them anymore. Not sure why. Wonder if there is still a retrieving instinct in them. I'll have to go some searching by Google.

Certainly not a expert on birddogs, but I've had 6 different birddogs over the years. Most guys that I know that have goldens, they are great family dogs and excellent around kids, but for hunting, I'll just hold off on that one. I'd put them in the same category as a cocker spaniel.

Had a brittany years ago, good grouse dog, 3 different GSP good grouse dogs but much better on pheasant and woodcock. Currently we have 2 dogs a gordon setter and a wirehaired pointing griffon. I would recommend both breeds for hunting and a family dog.

[BackWoodsHunter]

I have hunted grouse over a handful of dogs. The best dog I ever hunted grouse over was Izzy an 11yr old black lab. She was the best. Part of me thinks the exposure to hunting and the fact that the guys I was with hunted her so much she learned how to hunt what wasn't already instinct for her. I know very little about dogs however so just sharing what I saw. I think the more exposure and more training and more time in the field any dog from good blood lines will hunt fairly well. The one thing you don't see is a lot of these upland bird dogs finding sheds or retrieving ducks like labs

This guy was my ecology teacher from high school, I have personally hunted ducks with him over his dog Ruby, a "cavalier king charles spaniel". The thing retrieves ducks and doves like its not an ankle biter. Moral of the story if you train them they will hunt!

[bbvideo=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA3mc0V4DGE&feature=player_embedded[/bbvideo]

[Tadmdad]

[quote="BackWoodsHunter"] The one thing you don't see is a lot of these upland bird dogs finding sheds or retrieving ducks like labs

Actually, 2 of our GSP and our current Griffon retrieved ducks and geese quite well. The Gordon and Brittany had no interest. Never used them to locate sheds, but the Griffon was chewing on a shed in the backyard this spring, no idea where he found it. Also with the right training they will track a blood trail on a deer quite well also, our griffon has located a couple deer for buddies.

[BackWoodsHunter]

I nver stop learning on this site! Like I said I'm no dog expert so good to know Tad, I stand corrected! Maybe one of those would be another option for GFY

[jlh42581]

i couldnt imagine dealing with that fur after coming out of the woods nor in the house. i like the short hair breeds or shorter hair should i say. i also think a brittany looks good shaved down short.

[GFY Camp]

If we did get a Golden the dog would stay shaved. My last grouse dog was a springer and she was always shaved.