2007-02-12 08:40:36 · 13 answers · asked by heldolly 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You will not regret it! My dearly departed english springer was my favorite pet ever. She wasnt formally trained to hunt. My dad took her out a few times when she was older. I wouldnt call her a bad bird dog, she just wasnt trained properly.......
But an awesome family pet!!!!
2007-02-12 08:45:50 · answer #1 · answered by his temptress 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go with the Springer. It is hard to find a Cocker with a good temperament, let alone one with any kind of hunting instinct. Make sure the dog you pick is from hunting lines, and you will have a great companion. All the ones I have ever met were very easy to train, but needed a lot of exercise.
2007-02-12 09:54:42 · answer #2 · answered by Cara B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No question, go with an English Springer Spaniel. You will just love the breed! They love people, kids, you name it! And they are not aggressive in the least. I had one that I just loved, she was great with the kids and very loving and smart. A very quiet breed also. If I could find another one I would bring it home in a secound! Great for hunting too, they flush really well!
2007-02-12 19:46:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anna C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a springer and he is fab.
Great with kids.
If you are using as a hunting dog you can get their tail docked.
They need a lot of walking so be prepared
I also got a pen for the first year on the advice of my vet made all the difference,he settled in really quickly after we got it..it was a security thing.
2007-02-12 11:01:58 · answer #4 · answered by Live&LetLive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sporting dogs are great pets and, obviously, wonderful hunting companions. Depends on what type of hunting you're doing, and what role you want your dog to take during a hunt. Cockers are "flushing dogs" ... they run through the brush to flush out birds and the like for the hunter to then shoot.
Sporting breeds are wonderful family pets due to their hunting function. These dogs were bred to hunt and are very "touch insensitive" (meaning they take a good clobbering and don't mind it as much ... such as little kids tugging on them, hanging on them, romping with them, etc). English Springers are wonderful dogs (in fact, my next dog may very well be the English Springer, since I adore them) for families and tend to be good hunting dogs.
However, for a great family dog, hunting companion, AND easy maintenance dog, I'd go with a German Shorthaired Pointer. It is a great pointing dog, of course, but is also exremely smart and versatile. It's also a keen-nosed night trailer, a proven duck hunting dog, a wonderful and natural retrieving dog on land and in water, has great endurance, athletic, intelligent, and a good watchdog and family companion.
2007-02-12 08:51:47 · answer #5 · answered by Eddie S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a springer spaniel who has been trained to the gun, but he also "works" with my lurcher - flushing out rabbits etc.
Great dog, loving lots of personality and is wonderful with my children.
Prepare for lots of failure, lots of training and just enjoy the dog!!
2007-02-12 18:49:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are both working dogs so unless you have plenty of time and patience to give to them in order to excercise them properly over many years to come then please do not think of taking one on. Springer Spaniels are particularly energetic and it is not fair to have one as a pet unless you can give it all the attention it needs.Plenty of long walks preferably in the country are what these sort of dogs need.
2007-02-12 08:51:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
springers are very "happy" dogs. They make great house pets and are gentle and loyal to all, (if you give them loads of excersise and attention) and yes, good bird dogs. If you are not familar in how to train them for hunting, contact a local bird dog club. do not be surprised at the springer's over abundant amount of energy (they don't have "spring" in their name for nothing)
2007-02-12 08:50:40 · answer #8 · answered by mom tree 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of hunting are you using it 4? if game birds like quail, pheasent, ect. ya go 4 it, if 4 water fowl i'd go with with a bigger dog like a lab. Lab, german shorthairs, weimaraners, and vizlas or any combinationof the 4 make excellent hunting dogs 4 both game birds and water fowl, just make sure they have webbed feet if using 4 water fowl.
2007-02-12 08:51:08 · answer #9 · answered by volleyball_lover_nmbr31 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go with an english springer they are fab dogs will give you so much love and enjoyment. mine is my best mate we know each others mood and the love is unconditional couldnt imagine a day without him. They great fun always wagging tail and great round kids my daughter dresses up our one!! please dont say it abuse he loves being a princess> they are fab dogs. good luck
2007-02-12 10:28:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋