Lost my Rat Terrier this year. Currently just have the worlds cutest little 15yo 4-5Lbs Chihuahua. I don't want to rush into getting another dog. Figure maybe wait until the little one finally passes, before I consider it.
I loved that Rat Terrier, crazy smart, extremely bonded to me. But since I now enjoy hunting/scouting, I'm thinking this provides an opportunity to possibly merge these two interests things somewhat.
So... what I'm looking for, essentially, is a little hiking buddy, but that would be decent for fetching the doves/quail... and *maybe* be able to attempt fetching a duck? But the duck fetching is not a deal-breaker for me. The tricky part here is... I already installed a thru-the-wall doggy-door to allow them 24/7 access to back yard. So that door is sized for my Rat Terrier. Who was about 26 Lbs at her biggest. So I figure we'll say a 30 Lbs breed, tops.
I'm curious to know if there is a breed, meeting these size restrictions, that could hike with me approx 6mi into your spot, and would be able to sit quietly on an ambush spot with you, and wouldn't growl or bark if a deer approached and passed by at 20yds? Initially I'm kind of thinking this last wish is likely a pipe-dream. But ya never know, I don't know all the breeds out there used for hunting. So figured I'd ask and possibly somebody knows of a breed that might fit the most of these requirements.
Also, in terms of hiking in with your dog, can you guys direct me towards some articles or search terms I could look for in terms of learning about gear I'd need for a dog if I wanted to take them out into the field with me? I'm thinking most about the rocky terrain I encounter for the first couple of miles in my usual hike in. I've seen slipper/booties things some people have on their dogs? Figure for sure people on here know which kind/brands to get that work well for hunting... walking thru hot, rocky or pokey terrain.
RE: Breeds - think I remember seeing some posts about Jagd Terriers? What kinds of hunting do they work for?
Or... is it that... if I want a hunting companion... should I just be more realistic and instead bump up in size range?
-G
I loved that Rat Terrier, crazy smart, extremely bonded to me. But since I now enjoy hunting/scouting, I'm thinking this provides an opportunity to possibly merge these two interests things somewhat.
So... what I'm looking for, essentially, is a little hiking buddy, but that would be decent for fetching the doves/quail... and *maybe* be able to attempt fetching a duck? But the duck fetching is not a deal-breaker for me. The tricky part here is... I already installed a thru-the-wall doggy-door to allow them 24/7 access to back yard. So that door is sized for my Rat Terrier. Who was about 26 Lbs at her biggest. So I figure we'll say a 30 Lbs breed, tops.
I'm curious to know if there is a breed, meeting these size restrictions, that could hike with me approx 6mi into your spot, and would be able to sit quietly on an ambush spot with you, and wouldn't growl or bark if a deer approached and passed by at 20yds? Initially I'm kind of thinking this last wish is likely a pipe-dream. But ya never know, I don't know all the breeds out there used for hunting. So figured I'd ask and possibly somebody knows of a breed that might fit the most of these requirements.
Also, in terms of hiking in with your dog, can you guys direct me towards some articles or search terms I could look for in terms of learning about gear I'd need for a dog if I wanted to take them out into the field with me? I'm thinking most about the rocky terrain I encounter for the first couple of miles in my usual hike in. I've seen slipper/booties things some people have on their dogs? Figure for sure people on here know which kind/brands to get that work well for hunting... walking thru hot, rocky or pokey terrain.
RE: Breeds - think I remember seeing some posts about Jagd Terriers? What kinds of hunting do they work for?
Or... is it that... if I want a hunting companion... should I just be more realistic and instead bump up in size range?
-G