Things to look for when buying a Springer/gun dog

Hunter21

As above, in your own experience when looking to purchase a new gun dog what would you look for in a dog that will show they have potential;

I.e -would you look for the dog that shows great interest in you?
-is very hyper, sticks out from the pack (excited)?
-stays relatively calm and collected but not too shy?

I know proven bloodlines are a big thing but I really dont have the big funds for one of them. Have other commitments too.

Reason I ask is ive gone to look at a few dogs with a mate and I left them behind me because I felt I needed more opinions and taught the wealth of experience on here would be a place to ask. The mate didnt know a whole pile at what he was looking at as he is a pointer fan.

Any help would be appreciated, answer as in your own shoes what you'd look for. Thanks

EPointer=Birdss

I will always narrow my search.
1. Dog or bitch
2. Markings & colour (not important to all but I'm shallow )

This leaves me usually 2 or 3 max.

I like hard dogs so I always pick the bouldest one of the above. The litter leader of the 8 wk old pack if possible. I have no interest in shy dogs. It's easy reign a dog in but hard to put drive into them.

Take them out of the yard - Throw a balled up sock & see who gets it. Put some food in sock (on you) & see who smells it as they dance around your feet. Narrow it down more to 1 or 2 & then take em out separately & see how they react without their buddies.
Check their eyes, ears, check their jaws, check their hips as they run.
Make sure they're docked & de-clawed if you like.
Check microchip & their jabs on the vet cert. Make sure they've had their 7 in 1 or maybe now it's a 9 in 1.
If registered check their papers.
Ask to see the parents. Working if you can. Your not looking for obedience - that's only training - look for style, nose, drive etc
Leave a shoe untied & see who pulls the laces. Loads of ways to see.

I always find there's 1 that catches my eye very early though...
Take your time & don't let the seller rush you.
Big decision best done right.

Also talk to the man & see is he a real hunting man or just out for a handy few quid. His set up should say alot also.

After that whatever choice you do make give it 100% for at least 2 yrs. After that the hard work is done & your just maintaining...

Good luck EP

PS there's a lad in ballybunion Kerry/also advertising out of Kilrush clare selling a good litter at the mo. I've seen 2 pups from the litter who aren't half bad. Trailing rabbits now at 3 months. Think he has few left yet. He's on donedeal somewhere...

djflawless

i always go with what the grandad told me.if your looking for a bitch, take the 2nd bitch that comes to you.vice versa for a dog.dont know why but he had his reasons i suppose

gregers85

Excellent advise from EPointer=Birdss!!!
I love springers we have always kept them and so have all my dads family! absolutely the best gun dogs around We recently got a Setter bitch, she is very "Birdy" and loves to work but as the name suggests she sets and points before flushing! doesnt give that hard fast flush of bird you get from a springer

Hunter21

EPointer+Birdss thanks for the advice. Not overly pushed on colouring but would like nice markings on a dog. Plus id nealry rather a Dog over a bitch.
I'll keep you posted with how I get on