 bobweaver
Got Bird's?
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Joined: Aug 2009  TX, USA
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Posted: 5/27/2011 12:27:59 AM
[Last Edit: 5/27/2011 12:33:12 AM by bobweaver]
Awesome breed, not for the first timer unless you have the time to raise it correctly and the lifestyle they require. If you want an all around bad ass hunting/family dog then give Gary a call at Westwind GSPs. He's got true German blood and has an amazing line with genetics from some of the top GSPs in the books. Velspar VD Westwind is my loyal hunting partner and my best friend. He is amazing in the field and around the house. If you decide to go the GSP route then don't make your selection without contacting Gary. Sorry for all the pics. I'm just so proud of him and would never have imagined what a wonderful bird dog he'd end up being with such little training. Love him!
Day I picked him up: 
Hunting quail in the Hill Country: 
20 pheasant in the panhandle:  
Dove hunting; his favorite: 
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endlesssummer
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Posted: 5/27/2011 1:18:16 AM
pretty much everything has been said above..and it is accurate.
We had a GSP several years ago...she was a great hunter, endless energy, but very aloof. All she wanted to do was run/hunt/chase balls....She did not like to be touched much, showed no affection towards any family members at all. When the day was done, she went into her crate and slept. Very "mechanical/professional"...She enjoyed being a hunting dog. Many hunters/guides love a dog like this..We loved her, but always wished she was more of a 'pet" as well as a hunting partner. She also felt zero pain...She would bloody her paws often, and needed stitches a few times from running like crazy through the woods during "recreation"...We had to exercise her for at least 2 hours a day during the summer or she would be unmanageable...she would swim for hours too... 
I own a Vizsla now...great bird dog, and super affectionate...loves to be by my side at all times. As others have also said, every dog has a different personality...breeders/bloodlines are very important. |
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Posted: 5/27/2011 12:21:48 PM
The breeder is exstremely important, dont be afraid to have a god shipped if you cant find what you want localy, my GSP is 19 months now and we had a fantastic year last year on wild birds in N. Dakota and here in Idaho, I also hunted waterfowl quite a bit in some really bas weather conditions, dog loved it and never gave up. He is also almost oo clingy in the house, to big to be on your lap all the time.
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firemed13
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Joined: Apr 2008 IL, USA
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Posted: 5/27/2011 6:04:28 PM
I love my GSP she is a great bird dog and is like a sister to my daughters. I was practing some coyote calling in a field behind my house with my dog Lilly and a coyote came charging from a area I didnt see. My dog sprang up from next to me and got in between the coyote and me and didnt back off till the yote backed off and ran. I never had a dog so loyal and easy to train. Here are some pics of her:
And here is one of her pups for sale at the moment:  |
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Posted: 6/18/2011 6:29:46 PM
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GSPBirdDog
Tactical MuffDiver
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Joined: Mar 2008 IN, USA
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Posted: 11/28/2011 1:11:24 AM
I have owned 3 GSP's and currently have 2....a 2yr old and my pride and joy 4yr old. GSP's are the best dog in the whole wild world in my opinion (though you couldn't tell by my username
 ) They are great family dogs with great temprament and ar e very very intelligent. You do have to be sensative with them at times because they are a dog that aimes to please the owner and coming down hard on them can make them jumpy.....so all the love in the world is all they need to become the dog you want. They are very energetic and need alot of exercise!!! I would highly recomend doing the obedience training before you get them on birds as well....once that is done everything else will fall into place.
Here are a few crappy pics of my dogs 
Doing some in house feild training on kitty cat huntin
And my old buddy Gunner who we had to put down last thanksgiving....He was a true freind and is deeply missed 
I highly recommend this breed and am positive you will be happy. They are great with kids and are an all around great dog! |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 12:09:40 PM
Didn't want to start a new thread, and it seems the OP got his questions answered so..............................................................
MY Choc. Lab pup is no longer a pup. He will soon turn 12 and unfortunately after many deployments, he never did get trained as a bird dog. My intent was for him to be the "all around dog" . Family pet, protector, and a some hunting on the side. I never got another dog over the years, as I didn't think it would be fair to him, to spend more time with the new dog, and to be honest, was reluctant to get a new dog, because didn't want same situation to occur. I have owned/worked many different breeds of dogs personally and professionally. I know they all have their "issues". A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to pheasant hunt over some outstanding dogs, but was very impressed with the GSPs. So, thinking maybe it is time for a new pup. This past year, I finally found that I had the time, and decided that I like waterfowl hunting. My research has revealed that the GSPs can be a do all field dog, which brings up my question, Does anyone here use the GSP as a waterfowl dog? I know they are great upland dogs, but I don't see very much information on using as a water dog. I would primarily use in the south, so temps would be around 10 degrees - 70 degerees. ( depending on our fluke weather). Will be in small blinds and from a duck boat. This dog will be like my others and will not be a kennel kept dog. He/She will be a member of the family and live in the house. How much difference in needs are they from my Choc. Lab? I have a fenced yard, I am able to be around majority of the day, take my lab to the lake or river every week for "Swim Thereapy" (really to let play) One of the reasons, I am considering a GSP, is because all of My Labs have been 75-110 lb dogs. I am looking for a smaller version, hunting machine, family pet, protector. I know some GSPs can get big, but looking for a 40-60 lb. dog. I know everyone says Bloodlines, and I believe that is 97% true. All of my other dogs have been non-papered/registered, and came from families whose dogs had pups. They have all been great dogs. Everyone that sees my current Lab, says he would of made one heck of a duck dog. (and he came from a non hunting farm/family pet litter) I beleieve any dog can be taught, but sometimes it is just alot easier if they have the natural instinct. Which brings up the next point/question. I am not opposed to getting an older 2-3 year old rescue dog. BUT..... looking online at the different GSP rescues, the majority of the "Older dogs" all say gun shy. I know from experience this is a 50/50 on being able to correct. Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average? Waterfowl training is not cheap, just looking for best decision and money spent. THANKS |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 12:54:11 PM
Originally Posted By Zoomer302:
Wonderful Dogs. This ones my 2nd. My wifes 4th. She says this one is the craziest of all. VERY high energy/maintenance. That said, she hunts like the devil, runs like the wind and will chase balls/frisbees/sticks till her paw pads fall off. Loyal, highly trainable, obedient, intelligent and protective of my 2 kids. Make sure the breed is right for you and you will be rewarded handsomely. If this is NOT the breed for you, well, consider yourself warned. Only you can make that decision. As a pup they need work each and every day. They need to be run each and every day. Not necessarily in the field. but they need to burn off energy or they can develop bad habits. They may not be content to sit still and watch football on Sundays - and never leave chicken wings on a TV tray while you go fetch another beer.
http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/rr280/Zoomer302/IMG_1360.jpg I have an English pointer and this is my dog in a nutshell. We had to put her on doggie prosaic she she was so spooled. |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 1:10:23 PM
Originally Posted By supremeweasel67:
Didn't want to start a new thread, and it seems the OP got his questions answered so.............................................................. MY Choc. Lab pup is no longer a pup. He will soon turn 12 and unfortunately after many deployments, he never did get trained as a bird dog. My intent was for him to be the "all around dog" . Family pet, protector, and a some hunting on the side. I never got another dog over the years, as I didn't think it would be fair to him, to spend more time with the new dog, and to be honest, was reluctant to get a new dog, because didn't want same situation to occur. I have owned/worked many different breeds of dogs personally and professionally. I know they all have their "issues". A couple of years ago, I had the opportunity to pheasant hunt over some outstanding dogs, but was very impressed with the GSPs. So, thinking maybe it is time for a new pup. This past year, I finally found that I had the time, and decided that I like waterfowl hunting. My research has revealed that the GSPs can be a do all field dog, which brings up my question, Does anyone here use the GSP as a waterfowl dog? I know they are great upland dogs, but I don't see very much information on using as a water dog. I would primarily use in the south, so temps would be around 10 degrees - 70 degerees. ( depending on our fluke weather). Will be in small blinds and from a duck boat. This dog will be like my others and will not be a kennel kept dog. He/She will be a member of the family and live in the house. How much difference in needs are they from my Choc. Lab? I have a fenced yard, I am able to be around majority of the day, take my lab to the lake or river every week for "Swim Thereapy" (really to let play) One of the reasons, I am considering a GSP, is because all of My Labs have been 75-110 lb dogs. I am looking for a smaller version, hunting machine, family pet, protector. I know some GSPs can get big, but looking for a 40-60 lb. dog. I know everyone says Bloodlines, and I believe that is 97% true. All of my other dogs have been non-papered/registered, and came from families whose dogs had pups. They have all been great dogs. Everyone that sees my current Lab, says he would of made one heck of a duck dog. (and he came from a non hunting farm/family pet litter) I beleieve any dog can be taught, but sometimes it is just alot easier if they have the natural instinct. Which brings up the next point/question. I am not opposed to getting an older 2-3 year old rescue dog. BUT..... looking online at the different GSP rescues, the majority of the "Older dogs" all say gun shy. I know from experience this is a 50/50 on being able to correct. Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average? Waterfowl training is not cheap, just looking for best decision and money spent. THANKS From what I read, GSP are a lot like my English pointer. That being said, Annie absolutely loves the water and swims like a fish. The only problem I see with using one as a water dog is 1) getting them to sit still in a blind and 2) keeping them warm. I saw a guy post on here that his dog ignores pain. That could be a problem for a short haired, skin and bones, muscular type dog in possibly cold waters. I would hate to see my dog get half way to a duck, ignore a physical problem, and get Im a predicament. That's my thought on it but I could be wrong. |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 2:09:37 PM
Originally Posted By pumbaajk: Originally Posted By supremeweasel67: SNIP THANKS From what I read, GSP are a lot like my English pointer. That being said, Annie absolutely loves the water and swims like a fish. The only problem I see with using one as a water dog is 1) getting them to sit still in a blind and 2) keeping them warm. I saw a guy post on here that his dog ignores pain. That could be a problem for a short haired, skin and bones, muscular type dog in possibly cold waters. I would hate to see my dog get half way to a duck, ignore a physical problem, and get Im a predicament. That's my thought on it but I could be wrong. My Lab has fairly short hair, But I saw this online while researching. terrificpets.com––- A dense undercoat protected by the stiff body hair makes the dog water resistant and better adaptable to cold weather. The German Shorthaired Pointer breed was developed in Germany during the 1800's for hunting. They were created by crossing old Spanish pointers with numerous other breeds such as scent hounds and tracking hounds; Foxhounds, Italian Pointers, German Tracking Hounds, German Bird Dogs, and English Pointers. The combination created a responsive, lean, hunting dog with great versatility, being able to retrieve both fur and feather, on land and water. Breeders focused on the basis of function rather than form, in creating the breed. Wiki––- Like the other German pointers (the German Wirehaired Pointer and the less well known German longhaired Pointer), the GSP can perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, an upland bird dog and water dog. The GSP can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent hound's talented nose. It is an excellent swimmer but also works well in rough terrain. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable. In short, it is a superb all-around field dog that remains popular with hunters of many nationalities From the AKC website.......... A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color. Of course you can't "believe everything you read". |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 8:20:12 PM
Originally Posted By supremeweasel67:
Originally Posted By pumbaajk:
Originally Posted By supremeweasel67:
SNIP THANKS From what I read, GSP are a lot like my English pointer. That being said, Annie absolutely loves the water and swims like a fish. The only problem I see with using one as a water dog is 1) getting them to sit still in a blind and 2) keeping them warm. I saw a guy post on here that his dog ignores pain. That could be a problem for a short haired, skin and bones, muscular type dog in possibly cold waters. I would hate to see my dog get half way to a duck, ignore a physical problem, and get Im a predicament. That's my thought on it but I could be wrong. My Lab has fairly short hair, But I saw this online while researching. terrificpets.com––- A dense undercoat protected by the stiff body hair makes the dog water resistant and better adaptable to cold weather. The German Shorthaired Pointer breed was developed in Germany during the 1800's for hunting. They were created by crossing old Spanish pointers with numerous other breeds such as scent hounds and tracking hounds; Foxhounds, Italian Pointers, German Tracking Hounds, German Bird Dogs, and English Pointers. The combination created a responsive, lean, hunting dog with great versatility, being able to retrieve both fur and feather, on land and water. Breeders focused on the basis of function rather than form, in creating the breed. Wiki––- Like the other German pointers (the German Wirehaired Pointer and the less well known German longhaired Pointer), the GSP can perform virtually all gundog roles. It is pointer and retriever, an upland bird dog and water dog. The GSP can be used for hunting larger and more dangerous game, and in addition has a scent hound's talented nose. It is an excellent swimmer but also works well in rough terrain. It is tenacious, tireless, hardy, and reliable. In short, it is a superb all-around field dog that remains popular with hunters of many nationalities From the AKC website.......... A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing pheasant, quail, grouse, waterfowl, raccoons, possum, and even deer. A medium-sized breed, he has an aristocratic bearing and can be solid liver or liver and white in color. Of course you can't "believe everything you read". Your probably.right. besides, they make doggie wet suits so you can protect them in extreme cold. Does your lab have some meat on its bones or is it rail thin? |
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Posted: 4/20/2012 9:26:52 PM
Originally Posted By pumbaajk: My Lab is an 87 lb. Bulldozer. Nothing gets in his way.
Originally Posted By supremeweasel67: Originally Posted By pumbaajk: Originally Posted By supremeweasel67: SNIP THANKS From what I read, GSP are a lot like my English pointer. That being said, Annie absolutely loves the water and swims like a fish. The only problem I see with using one as a water dog is 1) getting them to sit still in a blind and 2) keeping them warm. I saw a guy post on here that his dog ignores pain. That could be a problem for a short haired, skin and bones, muscular type dog in possibly cold waters. I would hate to see my dog get half way to a duck, ignore a physical problem, and get Im a predicament. That's my thought on it but I could be wrong. My Lab has fairly short hair, But I saw this online while researching. Your probably.right. besides, they make doggie wet suits so you can protect them in extreme cold. Does your lab have some meat on its bones or is it rail thin? He is still very active at 12 yrs old, but not young enough for a full day of hunting.
He is not overwieght, and a couple of years ago, I felt sorry for the guy wearing the suit, that had to catch him for protection training.
Strong lock on bite, but will gently take treats from my little one's hand.
But that doesn't help make my decision for a GSP
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dtrosch
Captain Huggy Face
Team Member
Joined: Aug 2004 VA, USA
Posts: 1555 Feedback: 100% (2) Link To This Post |
Posted: 4/27/2012 3:18:53 PM
[Last Edit: 4/27/2012 3:23:50 PM by dtrosch]
Someone had free GSP/mix puppies in TX in a thread here within the past week. Lemme see if I can find it.
here it is...http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1315203_Friend_has_Dags_available____.html&page=1&anc=33515024#i33515024
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Posted: 5/31/2012 4:31:12 PM
I dought it gets cold enough to hurt a GSP in Texas, i use mine in very cold temps without problems here in Id. my dog will sit just fine in a blind and has retieved over 100 ducks, I did get a Chesapeak to use at some of the exstreme cold days, 0 and below but the GSP will do it. they are great all round dogs.
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Posted: 1/7/2013 9:53:13 PM
Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average?
When she's dead. Seriously. GSP do alright in cold conditions, far below freezing is fine if they keep moving. They have a considerably denser coat than, say, their Viszla cousins. A Viszla will insist on a coat if you're wearing one. The metabolic fires just burn hot in a GSP. |
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Zoomer302
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Joined: Oct 2007 NY, USA
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Posted: 1/8/2013 10:50:53 AM
My vet says my GSP's will calm down 2 years after they're dead.
I havnt visited this thread in a long time. My GSP "Skeet" is addicted to water now. I would have no problem hunting her over ducks (assuming she will sit still long enough NOT to scare inbound birds), and this would really be my concern starting out. She swims so much (usually chasing ducks and geese on a pond) that she starts NOT to follow commands. More than once I waded into said pond to convince her to come back to me - NOT good ju-ju in my book. She was on the verge of drowning and only her nose and eyes were above water. Good God did she go crazy when the ducks "started their takeoff". They get so focused on one thing..... They were bred to be "do-all" hunters and I'm sure a little time in the training mode will reap all the rewards you seek. My .02 anyway, so take it for what it's worth. |
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Posted: 1/12/2013 8:30:07 PM
Originally Posted By Pontius:
Also at what point is to "Old" for a GSP to hunt. I know it is based on individual as with anything, but the average?
When she's dead. Seriously. +1 They are very stubborn breed always willing to please even when they cant do it anymore. I had a rescue that was abused really bad he was 8 when i rescued him and hips were starting to give out, but stubborn and still wanted to go out. He would tire out fast and drag his back legs using his front legs to keep going. Had to carry back to the truck. After about 3x out again i think he finally realized he couldn't do it anymore and wouldn't demand to go out anymore when he saw the shotgun. About nine months later we had to put him down due this hips went completely out. The bugger fought even the day i had put him down with the meds they used to put him to sleep. The vet stated hes some fighter. |
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Posted: 5/7/2013 9:55:46 PM
He was 9 when we adopted him. He wound up with a fused disc & pinched nerve in his back after getting older. He is still kicking and still has all the energy of the puppy but we can no longer let him run loose for fear of doing further damage to his back (it's happened a few times now and we've almost had to put him down). Friendliest dog every. Loves kids, dogs, stuffed animals, and chasing deer, squirrels, birds, etc. He will sit at the window all day long and stare at the wildlife outside. I will miss him dearly when he is no longer here. |
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Posted: 5/13/2013 9:51:45 AM
[Last Edit: 5/13/2013 10:06:04 AM by jdfworth]
Todd and Stacey Anderson of Anderson Ranch Gundogs in Decatur, TX are the best. Todd's daughter Stacey has been training these dogs since she was running around next to her daddy at about 7 or 8 years old. In the recent NSTRA trials in Oklahoma, 11 of the top 15 dogs were trained by Stacey. Here is the link and below is a picture of my GSP Daisy (out of Todd's kennel) on point with some old guy that kind of looks like me:
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Posted: 5/13/2013 9:59:36 AM
[Last Edit: 5/13/2013 10:06:26 AM by jdfworth]
Originally Posted By jdfworth:
Todd and Stacey Anderson of Anderson Ranch Gundogs in Decatur, TX are the best. Todd's daughter Stacey has been training these dogs since she was running around next to her daddy at about 7 or 8 years old. In the recent NSTRA trials in Oklahoma, 11 of the top 15 dogs were trained by Stacey. Here is the link and below is a picture of my GSP Daisy (out of Todd's kennel) on point with some old guy that kind of looks like me: http://nansonsp.smugmug.com/Family/Hunting/i-g8wPx95/0/X2/0526-X2.jpg By the way, Stacey also took second in the NSTRA Nationals in Montana with Babe, owned by Dave Lacey. |
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