Three things you should know before getting your first hunting dog
Remember, a pile of adorable puppies—no matter their pedigree—can cloud judgment. Make a list of puppy must-haves and qualities you’re flexible on, and be prepared to add your name to a reservation list. I know the wait can be tough, but exercising restraint and patience for a top-notch hunting dog will pay off in the long run.
Those of us lucky enough to share both the field and our homes with a hunting dog know the immense joy and satisfaction they bring to our lives. However, with these rich rewards comes the serious responsibility to train, feed, and care for a highly athletic and driven creature that may well stand by your side for the next 15 years. It’s a decision not to be made lightly or driven by impulsiveness.
Think of getting a new hunting dog as an opportunity to carefully refine your needs and wants, and match that list to your lifestyle as well as your hunting style. While I have no regrets about the pups I’ve welcomed into my home over the years, I’ve seen many unfortunate situations in my career where new sporting dog owners didn’t do their homework. You owe it to yourself—and to your future dog—to employ a few mindful strategies when picking a puppy.
The Underutilized Practice of Self-Reflection
Be honest with yourself about the type and frequency of hunting or activity you plan to do. You might long for a high-energy field trial retriever, but your lifestyle may leans more towards a laid-back lapdog. Many mismatched owner-dog relationships began with unmet expectations on both sides. A dedicated upland hunter who traverses vast, open terrain in the West might be better suited to one breed than someone who lives in an apartment and hunts at a local preserve a few times a year. While I consider this solid advice for anyone thinking of getting a gun dog, I don’t discourage hunters who choose a breed based on looks or future aspirations—as long as they understand the responsibilities and implications behind that choice.
I fell in love with the German Shorthaired Pointer long before I ever picked up a shotgun. My eye is irresistibly drawn to anything roan, and I remember the first time I saw the rich combination of liver and ticking when I was living on the plains of Montana. I hadn’t even hunted over a pointing dog when I decided I wanted one. My waterfowling lifestyle was more suited to a Labrador, but I was always captivated by the shorthair. I took the advice of a seasoned trainer who told me to buy a dog that I found attractive, as I’d be looking at it every day for the rest of its life.
Be open to the fact that needs and interests can and will evolve over time. Owning GSPs has exposed me to types of hunting I never knew existed or could have predicted when I got my first bird dog. As long as there’s an understanding of the energy and training requirements involved, a puppy buyer doesn’t need to have a fixed idea of the type of hunting they’ll pursue forever.
“While I appreciate good photography and well-edited videos, most of the top breeders don’t bother with platforms like TikTok; they rely on word-of-mouth to fill their puppy reservation lists.”
Patience, Grasshopper
Finding a quality hunting dog takes time. It’s essential in your pre-purchase research to meet different breeds and breeders. Ask them about their history with the breed, their breeding philosophies, and objectives. Their answers should cover strategies for improving the health, conformation, and performance of the breed, as well as selecting for stable temperaments in pups who will likely spend most of their lives in the home.
I recommend choosing a breeder you connect with personally. Are they available for advice or able to provide references? Do they offer a reasonable health guarantee in writing or take the time to vet you as a buyer? The latter suggests they’re passionate about finding quality homes for their puppies. The best breeders will make sure you’re prepared to handle the range, energy, and hunting style their pups offer. If possible, go and meet the sire and dam of the litter. Most quality breeders are more than happy to showcase the effort behind their breeding program to potential customers. If not, look elsewhere.
Reputable breeders have years of experience assessing the temperament of the pups they produce and have a strong incentive to match each puppy with the right owner.
Most breeders let buyers choose their pup based on their position on the reservation list, but some prefer to match puppies to buyers. Both methods can work well, though some buyers find the latter less desirable since it limits their ability to pick their new dog. Don’t let these policies discourage you. Reputable breeders have years of experience assessing the temperament of the pups they produce and have a strong incentive to match each puppy with the right owner.
While social media has made it easier to share information quickly, I encourage new puppy buyers not to be swayed by breeders with flashy, heavily curated feeds. While I appreciate good photography and well-edited videos, most of the top breeders don’t bother with platforms like TikTok; they rely on word-of-mouth to fill their puppy reservation lists.
Don’t price shop for a puppy
Avoid the mistake of choosing a dog based on price alone. Too many first-time bird dog owners overemphasize purchase price compared to other criteria when selecting a breed or a pup from a litter. Quality dogs cost money to breed. Health and genetic screening, veterinary bills, and hunt testing all require substantial investments from breeders, and there are countless uncompensated hours of late-night puppy care and cleaning factored into the price of a new pup. Compared to the costs of food, gear, training, and transportation, the price of buying a puppy (especially when spread over its lifetime) is by far the smallest part of the investment in owning a bird dog. In my own case—veterinary school loans aside—I’d rather not do the math. While spending more for a quality dog doesn’t guarantee success, it’s about as close as you’ll get to an insurance policy for a future as a talented, healthy hunting dog and family companion.
It’s easy to let the excitement of shopping for a puppy turn into panic and impatience. While it does happen, it’s rare to find a high-quality, seven-week-old pup right when you start your search. Remember, a pile of adorable puppies—no matter their pedigree—can cloud judgment. Make a list of puppy must-haves and qualities you’re flexible on, and be prepared to add your name to a reservation list. I know the wait can be tough, but exercising restraint and patience for a top-notch hunting dog will pay off in the long run.
