The Best Upland Gun Dog

How do you pick the right breed of gun dog that best suits your needs when there are so many breeds to choose from? Asking others for their opinions is a good place to start, but you’ll more than likely encounter staunch loyalty and support for breeds that work best for them.

I used to think it would be easy to find a cookie-cutter description of each breed. But I’ve discovered over the years that there’s a wide variety among litters, and serious dog handlers need to do their due diligence on each litter to find traits they want to see in their kennel.

Dogs are Individuals, even within a Breed.

Individual dogs—even within the same breed—may have different temperaments and personalities. Consider my friend’s two American Brittanys. One is sensitive and requires delicate handling; the dog will shut down for hours if my friend corrects it sternly. His other Britt is much more like my German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) and is not sensitive. Even though they are from the same breed, the difference between them is drastic.

As an upland bird hunting guide in Maine, I spend a lot of time working with hunters who bring all types of dogs to hunt with us in grouse country, including spinones, wirehairs, shorthairs, Griffs, vizslas and English pointers. So, after seeing them all hunt, one may ask which breed I would choose to hunt with? My answer: I’d happily put the best dog of each breed in our kennels.

Some breeds produce more champions than others. For instance, Weimaraners and Irish setters have had a lot of their good hunting lines fall to show lines. You’ll have to carefully research good kennels to find quality litters. Shorthairs, on the other hand, seem to be in their genetic prime and make for easier picking, especially for new handlers just getting started.

The Dog Must Fit You.

Remember, the dog must fit your personal situation. A friend may recommend a litter of hard-charging pointers, telling you that they’re absolute bird-hunting machines in the field, and that you cannot go wrong with those genetics. Maybe that’s true for your friend, but it doesn’t mean the dog is perfect for everyone.

So, how do you choose the right dog for you? This isn’t an all-inclusive list, but here’s my top four picks and what I like about each breed.

Here are some Great Upland Breed Options.

German Shorthaired Pointer

This breed is my top pick. I got into GSPs because in Maine they were the most available, and I am now most comfortable training them. I love their intensity, style and goofy personalities. These dogs will outlast most others, and their athleticism is stunning. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference in their energy level and technique over the course of a hunt because they tend to stay stable and energetic all day long. I’ve heard people say GSPs wouldn’t make a good house dog because their energy level is too high, and they never settle down. This is a breeding issue. All hunting dogs need space and exercise. My dogs go into chill mode as soon as they’re in the house and switch the energy off. They’re also great with kids. GSPs weigh 45 to 85 pounds.

American Brittany

The American Brittany is our other top pick for Maine Upland’s kennel. The Britts in our kennel have generally proven to be closer-working than our shorthairs, and that makes it a good mix in the field. They’re good looking and family friendly, and you get a full-sized hunting personality in half the size of a shorthair at 30 to 40 pounds.

Llewellin Setter

If grace and style is what you’re after, a good setter is hard to beat. Watching that flag-of-a-tail go up on point is exhilarating. They have sweet personalities and are intelligent pups. Setters generally are close-working dogs in the grouse woods, and if you’re into tradition, you can’t go wrong with this breed. Similar in size to the Griff and shorthair, they usually weigh 50 to 70 pounds.

Griffon

I’ve hunted behind this breed often. They’re usually low-key with a laid-back point and gentle personality. The Griff is known for its beautiful, harsh coat. The breed does well in our wet, cold late-season hunts because their coat enables them to retain body heat. Like setters, they weigh 50 to 70 pounds, although the ones I’ve seen appear larger because of their long coats.

Pick the Breed that Suits You.

Listen to good advice, but ultimately you know what you want in a dog. If you’re a new dog handler, select a GSP because the breed is forgiving in training. Do you have two young kids at home and need a smaller dog? Go for the Brittany. Do you hunt in cold climates? Consider a Griff or wirehair because of their coats. If you’re a hardcore duck hunter who sidelines in the uplands, maybe your best bet is a well-bred lab and training it to flush upland birds.

I recommend any new uplander looking for a good upland dog attend a training clinic hosted by your local North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA) chapter. NAVHDA members hunt their dogs and don’t just go to field trials. Chapters nationwide hold clinics most weekends April through September, and by visiting one, you’ll find a group of friendly, knowledgeable hunters who’ll be happy to show you their dogs. Best of all, you’ll be able to see all the breeds at work in the field. You’ll notice how different breeds range in energy level and hunting style. You’ll observe the temperaments of sires and dams. Members can also recommend reputable breeders and upcoming litters, and they’ll probably let you walk along on training runs so you get a first-hand view of their dogs’ skills.

Be Involved with Your Breeder.

Once you’ve selected a breed and a potential litter, visit breeders. Ask questions and get a feel for the type of temperament they’re going for, and make sure they’re hunting their dogs. Good breeders aren’t breeding dogs that just happen to be in their kennels; they’re looking for good genetics to complement the ones they already have. Cooperation and desire are paramount in their breeding programs. You can request pedigrees and testing results from NAVHDA to see how the parents and grandparents of dogs performed. Hunting dogs are born, not made. The traits you’ll need for hunting are already in the genes.

Well-bred dogs can be expensive. An average bird dog may cost $1,000 to $3,000, but don’t let that deter you. Money will be the least of your concerns over the life of the dog. The price is well worth the cooperation, hunting skills and overall health of the dog.

Due Diligence Pays Off.

When you finally get that long-awaited pup, seek advice at NAVHDA clinics. Take advantage of the wealth of information and tips experienced handlers offer. Consider hiring a good trainer for one-on-one work. Commit 15 minutes a day to training your dog on what you’ve learned and be patient. Many expert dog trainers will tell you that the handler is more of a problem than the dog most of the time. These breeds are smart, and you’ll see progress quickly.

Above all, take advantage of the season and get your dog out into the woods. Bird contact is so important, and being in the field with your dog is fun. It’s easy to get anxious about training and progress, but when the first bird season comes and your new hunting partner points hard at a thick spot in the brush, it’ll all be worth it. Good luck in the covers.

Michael Tuminaro is a Registered Maine Guide who has been hunting and fishing in the United States and Canada for more than 30 years and training bird dogs for more than 10 years. He is the deputy executive director of the Maine Professional Guides Association and has served as VP of the Sebasticook NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association), taking part in prize-winning dog work. Tuminaro has written for NAVHDA’s Versatile Hunting Dog, The Maine Sportsman and The Virginia Sportsman. He continues to author articles about gunning, bird dogs and the uplands.

Picking the Right Breed for You

Story By Michael Tuminaro

Photos by Eric Kallen