Field Bred Springer Spaniel Thoughts?

[leechlake]

I've had labs and golden retrievers pretty much my whole life and we usually have two dogs at all times. I plan on continuing on having a lab or golden but have been thinking for years of getting a springer for a variety of reasons. I've hunted with quite a few springers and they are fun to watch, like all dogs are, but for different reasons. I would be hunting grouse and pheasants with the springer but like all of our dogs they spend most of their time being family dogs that maybe fish more than they hunt.

Those of you that have springers tell me about them. I am leaning towards a female for what it's worth. Thanks.

[Rick]

If you hunt pheasants you want find a better dog to hunt them. They do fine with grouse as well. These dogs have motors with noses to go with.

Extremely good family dogs. Easy going in the house and very lovable but when you get in the field with birds...they turn into little hunting machines.

I have a lab and two springers. Have worked with and helped train pointers.

They all have their points where they are strongest.

I would have to say if you hunt ducks, like to hunt pheasant in short intervals and like a family dog a lab is tough to beat.

If you hunt pheasants hard, enjoy grouse and need a good family dog then a springer spaniel is hard to beat.

[WaveWacker]

I've had Springer's my entire life growing up and currently have 2 of my own. I HIIGHLY doubt that I will ever have another breed of hunting dog. Tremendous with pheasants (which is my main utilization of them), great in finding grouse (would be better if they stayed in closer without the use of the collar and pointed) and work just fine for what I need them for revolving around duck hunting.

[Riverratpete]

I've got a 5 year old female Liver and White and can honestly say the smartest and best hunting dog I've ever had (not that I'm prejudice or anything). Hunts Pheasants like a crazy person..theres not much that gets by her nose including gum in the daughters purses or chocolate wrappers left lying around. Very intuitive, quick learner, great family dog and quite the cuddle bug. With that said, she can be extremely demanding, obstinate, bull headed. They need their daily play time and run time...have LOTS of tennis balls or else there may be hell to pay. Mine does not require harsh correction, if anything that shuts her down. Like I said, great dog, probably will never get another kind but they are work and sh is mostly the fourth kid we never had but will never leave home.

[gspman]

If flushing dogs were my thing a field trial bred Springer would be #1 on my list.

[RangerJack]

I have a field bred springer, and there isn't a pheasant within a quarter mile that is safe when his nose is turned on!

they are muscular bird slaying machines!

[Riverratpete]

+1