Which Dog?

I'm thinking about getting a German Shorthair, but I also have a love for Yellow Labs.  I would like to start hunting upland game and waterfowl.  What are the pros and cons of each of specie? 
 
I understand the shorthair is a pointer first and a retriever second, and the lab is basically a retriever.  So can the shorthair be used for duck hunting as well as upland game or is the lab best suited for waterfowl only?  And, can the lab be used for upland as well as waterfowl hunting?
 
Sorry... Novice question.
 
 

Depends were you are, the GSP's I have had about froze to death just hunting when it was cold let alone getting wet.  I am growing more fond of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.  I have noticed that more than a dog to point I would rather have a dog that will at least run around and jump birds and then retrieve it.  Any dog can run around but there is nothing like a great pointer that won't retrieve.   Retrievers also don't usually range as far, therefore you don't mis birds cause your dog is at the end of the field when you are at the beginning.

Now as for waterfowl hunting I am sure that there are GSP out there that are good duck dogs I just don't think that they can take cold water very well.  Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are probably the best Duck Dog out there IMO.  The next dog I get will be a CBR.

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I agree the Chesapeake only if you are going to take the time with it.  For the most part labs are usually a little easier.  Good luck and let us know what you get.

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I've owned labs exclusively for the last 16 years, one at a time until they got old then I got a new pup to be "taught" by the older one. They duck hunt first and pheasant hunt second(about 3-4 times a year) I think they are the best overall dog around. I live in NY and love tehm. They are part of my family as well. I've owned 3 in that time and will not go anywhere else

My next dog will probably be a weimaraner.  I love hunting with those dogs.  I have a friend who is sold on the braque francais.

Another good breed just don't think they like the ice and cold water. LOL You can't beat the lab in the long run.

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You might want to consider a pointing Lab or maybe a Deutsch Drahthaar (DD for short).  They are a versatile dog that was started back in the late 1800s by breeding the Pudelpointer, Griffon, a dog called the "Stichelhaar", and the German Shorthair.  They will do upland game, waterfowl, and chase about any kind of furred game that you want to train them for.  They are even trained for bloodtrailing and to pass the Association test must do a lot of different stuff.  Go online to this website www.VDD-GNA.ORG/ to see pictures of them and what the breed is all about.  Most look  basicly like a German Wirehaired Pointer, but there are various looks that depend on the individual breeder's program.  Mine looks just like a German Shorthair because he didn't grow long hair and neither did his Mother.  As fas as I know, the rest of his litter that was from a kennel in Georgia had long hair.  They are great dogs and mine has a super nose.  He was out on his hour run the other night with me and all of a sudden got "birdy" alongside the twotrack where there was snow 3' deep.  He began digging down through the snowbank and probably went down at least 18" and fetched me a dead duck that was frozen solid!  I still can't believe that one, but I saw it with my own eyes!!!

One of the ugliest dog that I have ever seen, the only one that I have ever hunted with was great dog.  Very ugly, did I already say that.LOL

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I wouldn't put them in the pretty dog category either, LOL!  The one I have,as I said earlier, looks just like a GSP because he didn't grow long hair and he is a beautiful dog.  I don't hunt waterfowl with him, but he loves the water when I let him go in during warm weather.  He does a lot better in the colder weather because he is so energetic he seems to overheat when it is warmer.  I really have to make sure he stays hydrated then.

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

Dude you cant insult a mans dog, his wife sure but not his dog
 
relax everyone I know it was a joke, mine was too.
 
Seriously I dont know I've ever seen an ugly hunting dog...key word there is hunting..

I would generally say you are right, but I have had a GSP for 14 years, who is unbelievable in or out of the water.  Granted we do not live in the midwest, but have been out numerous times below 30 degrees.  My gal is also a fantastic family dog, as that is the most important thing.

Jim

Take your kids hunting before you have to hunt for you kids!!!

Big difference in 30 degrees dry and 30 degrees soaking wet.

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Yep, that's the truth for man or beast!!!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

If you have ever fell in the water and got wet when it is that cold you know what I am talking about.

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OH man...I have been there. Fell in belly deep. took the breat right outta me. Had all to do to wade to shore(about 20 yards) and keep breathing

Sab

I have owned and trained many GSP'S my dog retrieves Ducks and even pheasants even when they are in water it has not bothered her even in cold weather but I do keep a close eye on my dogs in very cold weather as they will not stop hunting unless you make them for there own safty. all breeds listed obove are good dogs pic a breed that you realy like and work with the dog for the kind of hunting you will be doing       

Bill Brenner

My grandfather used a brittany and she did real well with both!

Lots of good advice!  Keep it coming.
 
Take care and Good Hunting!
 
Best Afield,
 
Steve

I got my first Chesapeake in 1973. I have hunted ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, grouse, wharever with them. Last fall Buddy even traccked down a gut shot deer that would probably have been lost. They are very smart dogs and usually very eager to please. I had one that I was successful in licensed field trials and that was an AKC Master Hunter, MH Cubs Eye Of The Tiger. One of the breeds qualities is that they are very protective of what they think is theirs, whether it is their house, truck, boat, family, yard, whatever. So much so that it can be a real pain sometimes. They aren't for everyone, but a good Chessie is hard to beat for an all around hunting dog and friend. I would not hesitate to get a good Lab eithert.

oldguy:
 
Good advice, bud!
 
Take care and Good Hunting!
 
Best Afield,
 
Steve