Which sex? Dog or bitch?

[Jack Merlin]

My friend needs a new dog and cannot decide whether to get a dog or a bitch. I've told him if he gets a bitch, they all come into season on the 12th August! (He's a grouse hawker) :(

Jack

[Shaun Byrne]

I went for a bitch cocker Jack. After speaking to a breader he told me they tend to be a little slower than the dogs (good for us but not guns) and a little more loyal. The dogs are a bit stronger in cover but this is partly what makes them faster.
I cant fault her so far, a bit head strong sometimes but she has been a doddle to teach the basics and is vert affectionate.

[Bird_Dog]

Jack Merlin --

Here's my 2 cents, if your "friend" isn't intending on breeding the dog then get a male and have it neutered. You'll have all the advantages of a gutsy male but not as hard headed as some males hunting dogs can be. Intact males always seem to have the urge to dig out and roam the neighborhood.

-- BIRD_DOG

[Jack Merlin]

Hadn't thought of a neutered male, I will pass on the info. Years ago, nobody could give bitches away. After all, do you go hunting with your mate or your girl friend? And if you've got a good male, everyone with a bitch wants to use him and you'll get pick of the litter or the fee every time. A lot less bother.

I think the "bitches are best" myth is a bit of clever propaganda put out by the breeders!

Jack

[The Late Lord Lucan]

Jack Merlin wrote....My friend needs a new dog and cannot decide whether to get a dog or a bitch. I've told him if he gets a bitch, they all come into season on the 12th August! (He's a grouse hawker)
:?
:?
:?
I would feel rather more comfortable trying to convince Einstein I knew more than him about Algebra.........
Am I more confused because I know your 'CV' Jack?
Or am I just being thick (quite normal for me) and missing a point somewhere....?

Regards,
Lucky.

[Coedhirion]

I've had working sheep dogs for too many years and the bitches have always been best and most loyal and eager to please. Not had so much to do with pointers and gun dogs but with one exception all the best ones appear to be bitches, but not spayed. Every bitch I've had spayed I always regretted cos they dont seem to be able to jump so high after and cant cope with fences and things, lifting dogs over every fence and gate is a pain.

[Jack Merlin]

<I've had working sheep dogs for too many years and the bitches have always been best and most loyal and eager to please.>

That's interesting. I wonder if anyone has analysed which has won more sheep dog trials, dogs or bitches?

Jack

[Hawkmaster]

I would rather want to know from you 'Jack' :wink: which you think are best, simple one word answer will be OK, no need to explain, I will be satisfied to know what your opinion is.

Paul :lol:

[Jack Merlin]

Dogs.

[Varmint]

I think the simple answer to the question is neither, if your whole dogs life revolves around a few weeks work a year.

In this day and age there are various veterinary practises which overcome the inconveniences of either dog or bitch outside of a mixed kennel.

The real question is do you need a dog, can you give that dog an active role in your life for the next 10 years and do you have enough work for your chosen breed.
Are you aware of it day to day nutritional requirements, excersise, training, medical requirements etc ect?

Or do you simply employ the services of someone for the duration of your need and then walk away without the responsibility of work or dog ownership?

Dog ownership is far more work even than Hawk ownership as im sure you could tell us Jack:wink:

P.s Francoise say's hi!

[Jack Merlin]

Jack:wink:

OK. I've been sussed!! Just doing a bit of harmless trolling!<g>

But something tells me you do not live a million miles from the end of the A9? You're the guy who never answers his mobile!<g>

I will be down your way early next week getting my regular supply of meat for the dogs.

Jack

[Shaun Byrne]

Varmint, you should have been a detective!! The fact that Jack signed off on other posts as Derry maybe should have given you a clue!! lmao!!

And here's me resisting asking all those daft dog questions lol!!!

[Varmint]

Well Jack! Glad we got that one of the hook alive!

I am terrible at carrying around mobiles, and i lose dozens, but id be delighted to stick the kettle on next time your down my way if you give the house a ring?

Youll get my number from the Help me ! Thread

Regards

Adrian

[The Late Lord Lucan]

Varmint, you should have been a detective

This the same reason I posted what may have been an odd reply above......
I sensed I was missing something somewhere, but didn't want to 'blow any cover' or spoil any fun along the way.........

As I said, I would feel rather more comfortable trying to teach Einstein about algebra & physics that telling 'Jack' anything about dogs......

Now, how many eggs can Grandma fit in her mouth?
maybe I could have taught Einstein a formula to work that one out.......... :lol: :lol: :lol:

Regards,
Lucky.

[Varmint]

Lucky you sly old dog (or bitch)! there no flies on you eh?

No wonder you've kept the rossers guessing all these years? :lol: :wink:

But they will get you one day !

[Bird_Dog]

Not that I conduct myself this way, but I come from a part of the country where if a dog doesn't hunt - it's not going to have a long life expectancy. I was asked to guide a quail hunt a couple of weeks ago for some VIPs. When I told them I only had two dogs they changed their mind and went for another guide who has a dozen dogs. The professionals bring a string of dogs, typically english pointers that have only known life in a kennel. They believe if you treat a hunting dog as a pet it will ruin them for hunting. Either hunt or be kenneled that's the life. It it doesn't perform it's culled. I find that you can have a quailty bird dog and treat it as a pet... even the field trail dogs. On the other hand, I don't want to critize the old-school bird dog hunters from West Texas becasue their system while harsh does produce superior dogs.

-- BIRD_DOG

[Varmint]

Good points Dog!

So come on Jack! dog or bitch?

[Jack Merlin]

<I am terrible at carrying around mobiles, and i lose dozens, but id be delighted to stick the kettle on next time your down my way if you give the house a ring? >

I have a mobile. Had it for years. Still on the first Pay As You Go card!<g> Never switch it on, solves lots of problems.

I'd have a go for that job, too, except that the description seems to rule out reclusives and hermits. (My American friends sent me a door mat with GO AWAY! on it).

Thanks for the invitation. I will take a chance on giving you a call. That is a 380 mile round trip so a lot depends on timing as you can imagine, especially in a Land Rover with a big trailer! :(

Jack

[Varmint]

especially in a Land Rover with a big trailer!

I know that feeling!

Oh well, youll be very welcome! :wink:

[Varmint]

Just watched a video that would amuse you guys lent to me by Bill (Andy)

"Urban Goshawks" not really sure how legal most of it is?? but some good flights, despite the surroundings (petrol stations ect!)

Chucking Male Gos's ouy the window of the car at Corvids!

Anyone else seen it?

[Shaun Byrne]

I've got the same one but HH at corvids. Is it filmed around the North East of England?

[Adam Barrett]

i know its a little of thread but how are hh on corvids?
i imagine they would be using males and females wouldent be agile enough?
cheers

[Shaun Byrne]

No mate, the ones on the DVD are all females, smashing into crows vertical at about 30mph. Some spectacular hits but not sure on the finesse or legalities??

[Varmint]

any ideas where to get a copy

Ask Bill (andy) if i can send you his copy?

I'll stick it in the post if he's ok with that?

[North East Harris Hawker]

according to the books, bitches are reccomended for working, that said, those with strong personalities tend to go for dogs.
" a bitch is a pain for a few weeks of the year as opposed to dogs that are a pain all year" I REMEMBER READING IN OOops a book somewhere