Which Dog is the Right Dog?
There are more than 150 different breeds officially recognized by AKC. If you are interested in hunting birds and upland game like I am then you will likely settle on one of the many so-called versatile hunting dogs. You can break them down into four basic categories. The Pointers, Setters, Spaniels and Retreivers. But within these four basic categories of versatile dogs there are more than 50 different choices in breeds. When it comes right down to it, they are all very capable hunters and great companions so there is no right or wrong choice. There are however a few important points to consider when choosing your new hunting partner.
Size is the first factor in choosing a versatile dog. For example there is quite a size difference between a French Brittany and a run of the mill English Pointer. If you live in a small house and you plan to let your dog climb into bed with you, you may not want a big dog that will squeeze you off the bed or rattle the windows when he snores. It is mostly a matter of personal preference but there are pros and cons to both small and large dog breeds. Luckily, most of the versatile dogs fall into the medium sized dog category. After all, that's part of what makes them versatile.
The second factor is what coat of fur do you prefer. The breeds that have short coats are easier to maintain and are less prone to shedding but may not be so good at tearing through dense underbrush and cover. While the longer coated breeds may be undeterred by thick cover and thorny brush you may find it a pain to brush there coats and keep them well groomed. Not to mention trying to cut out all of the cockle burs that long hair seems to pick up like velcro. In my desert climate a short light colored fur coat means my dog will stay cooler and will be able to hunt longer than a long-haired dark colored coat.
There are also the differences in spirit. Some breeds are naturally more calm and docile, while others are just plain bouncing off the walls like every Vizsla I've ever seen. Energy is good, especially if you have plenty of room for your dog to run and you are an active person yourself. But, if you are only a mildly energetic hunter and outdoorsman like myself a mild mannered dog is more appreciated than a dog that will flat out hunt 12 hours a day.
Then there is the simple fact that some dogs are better looking than others. The first time I saw a wirehair I nearly burst out laughing because it was possibly the ugliest dog I had ever seen. That was not a dog I would ever choose to own but they are great bird dogs. For me, I settled on the German Shorthaired Pointer or GSP. To me they are one of the most striking breeds I have ever been associated with. I'll be looking for one with a lighter colored coat and a calm disposition.