I would rather not go into this past weekend. And maybe this is too early to start thinking about getting another bird dog. Needless to say my buddy is not here with me anymore.
I really loved being out wih him in the field with my friends. He wasnt the perfect hunting dog but he did everything that I wanted him to do, he was a natural. He was even a pretty good house dog. I am only going to have one bird dog at a time so he/she will never be in a kennel outside. My wife wont let me do it and honestly I love them too much to leave them outside.
I know that I will eventually get another pup but I want to think about everything first. What are everyone's experiences, thoughts on the GSP's vs. English Pointers in the house w/ family etc. Male vs female... Everyone who has dogs of this caliber knows they are high energy-loyal to thier owner dogs.

My dog was a male and was actually a bit agressive with people until he got to know them. I took him in as a 2 year old from a friend-guide that rescued him from someone he sold him to as a pup. So I really do not know all of his back story.

Sorry for the lenghtly post. And ya'll point some birds for me and my past buddy Gauge.

I also realize that you cant choose my dog for me.

Sorry to hear about your loss. I'm sure you'll get lots of opinions on here comparing the two breeds.

Both breeds are excellent. If anyone has preferences on Irish English Setters I would like to hear those thoughts as well.

Don't think you can go wrong with either one. I have pointers but don't keep them inside. I know folks that do and they adjust like any other dog if you start them inside as a pup. GSPs may have a little shorter range for the most part and are more versatile. There are some good ones on here. So pick the the dog you like give em some love and birds and you'll be alright....Good luck.

I agree with Chet. Sorry for your loss, that's always a tough deal.

I've had both and its going to really depend on what you are wanting the dog for. Shorthairs will be a tad calmer for house living but they can be needy, some pointers can be a one trick pony but i have seen several that were the total package, so it really depends on the bloodline and how you train them. I prefer the versatility and demeanor of shorthairs, but they just suit me better.

Sorry for your loss. I understand why you didn't want to get into it. It hurts more.

I'm a pointer man. GSPs and English setters are dominating our NSTRA region. I think disposition depends on the individual dog rather than the breed.

My pointers have always been gentle. I saw three of the ugliest, worst pointers, in 44 years of hunting, a few weeks back. The owner would not double them up in my dog box because they were so contensious.

I like em both!

Here you go;

GSP's for me. They both are great hunters, but the GSP is a better home companion; IMHO. Sorry about your loss.

When I read your post I had English Setter on my mind, Sorry. After reading your post again, GSP for sure.

You guys kill me. Any grown dog should settle down and adapt to life in the house. Don't expect any field bred pup to be a model citizen in the house. Can and does happen, but being bred wired, I wouldn't expect it. Tailor your dog choice to what style and type hunting you want to do with it.

I agree. I've hunted with all breeds from pointers own down.

I agree with you as well. Gauge did pretty well for a dog that was not brought up in a house. But, he was really damn protective and some what aggressive to people that came into his territory first. I do not know if that is a pointer characteristic or just his personality.

Anyway I have something thinking to do. I sure do miss him though.

No, that is not a characteristic of the English pointers I have been around. Pointers should hunt for and with anybody. They are not guarddogs. Generally, they love people and birds. A shorthair may be more inclined to be a natural retriever, but I know of setters that do, and have a pointer (out of six) that loves to retrieve.

Dont you mean "from pointers on up"? But if you want to start "hunting dogs" not "hunting birds" go with a english pointer. They say its a lot more fun with a garmin. Just stoking the fire. I love it when this topic comes up.

Sorry about your loss. I think like anything else, you get what you put into it. Whether it be a high dollar english pointer, a no paper gsp, or a rescued setter.
From what I hear, you might want to talk to DoubleB20. Vizlas are pretty bad arse too.

How much are you willing to spend? GSP and pointers are cheap for well bred ones, a fancy colored Vizla, not so much.

Sorry for your loss. The answer to your question is, six in one hand and a half a dozen in the other, get what YOU like.

I'm sorry you lost your buddy, maybe a new puppy will take your mind off of it.

Like has been said, depends on what you want out of a dog. I have field bred/trial lines Vizslas, an Elhew EP, a DD, and a Brittany. My pointer is sweet as can be, but he can't sit still to save his life...the Vizsla have the most turn on I've witnessed - calm and quiet in the house/car, but as soon as they are in the field, they switch to "let's go" mode. The DD is a steady pace kinda gal, very sweet and durable. Brittany's seem to be like the Vizsla's, calm in the house/car, full of hunt once you say "go". Depends more on what you want to hunt and how much money you want to spend. I happen to have a litter of Vizslas right now.... Good luck on your search.

Thanks for all of the saympathy and the help. I know this one of chevt dodge ford issues. I just want ti see all the opions about each to help with the decision. how are english and irish setters around the house? I do like the vizlas as well. And I would like a dog that knows when flip that switch.

I've only owned one Irish Setter and it was as dumb as a box of rocks. The only thing that girl was good at was counter surfing and bringing cats home (the latter of which isn't really a negative, just a hassle )

You might want to check David's dogs out. He breeds "the switch" and out of about 6-8 people that I know of that run his dogs, they all have it... mine included. You'll find some strong Uodibar (John Rabidou) lines in his dogs.

http://www.bluemountainpreserve.com/

We've had three Irish setters in our NSTRA region. All three were owned by the same guy. Lucky was the only one which ever got a placment. This is or was Lucky;

Registered Nbr: 1367957
Owner: KEITH BEE
Registered Name: BROPHY'S O'SHANE BEELUCKY
Callname: LUCKY
Breed: Irish Setter
Region: GCT
Sex: M
Date Whelped: Saturday, June 15, 1991
Sire: BROPHY'S HOGAN
Dam: BROPHY'S DARBY O'SHANE

I was judging Lucky at a trial near Houston. He was coming back to Keith with a bird in his mouth. His bracemate came to try and take it away. Lucky droped the bird and peed on it.

Just one question Bill. Did his bracemate still want the bird ?

I have had 3 Brits, 1 Irish, 3 Setters and 2 Pointers and 1 Lab. I think it depends on what you hunt. If you are hard core wild quail hunter nothing can beat a Pointer for stamina or toughness. If you do a little quail and some pheasant shorten up your range with a GSP or Brit. If you add duck to your list of birds and only one dog.....any of the versitile breeds. Maybe a pointing lab........I love all the breeds!!!

I've had both. Currently I have 2 EP's. I love them all. My next will likely be another GSP. I just like to switch it up though. Either breed can do what you want.