what age is a dog in there prime?

[moonlighter 1,165]

I don't know about the foley but in the club I used to run with, most of the top dogs were young uns. They had speed in abundance and seemed to run for ever. Though you could tell the older ones ran a bit wiser and sometimes speed alone wouldnt catch the hares, especially round cover.

[FUJI 17,623]

Wheaton x when my lad Frankel said lamped hard then trust me on this it means EXACTLY that mate..ATB Andy

[wheaton x 3]

so whats your idea of being lamped hard ? beacause mine is 5 nights a week 11 to about 5 ran hard on big stuff pre ban 2-3 foxes a night not including the r-h and d i dont agree a dog could do this to the age of 10-11 and keep it up even with a good diet.atb wx

[Giro 2,648]

Recon its miles on a clock for most.. wear and tear.

 

If a dogs only catching a few bits and bobs it will and not getting pushed it will last longer..

 

Would say Andys hounds have been an exception to the rule.

 

The Scotch fellas dogs ran till they where ten but not the numbers they used to could muster 20 odd rabbits tho..

 

My dog at seven has several broken toes, been grafted hard, I will be very suprized if thats still running at ten tho its not slowed up yet.

 

Me other at 3 will be lucky if its alive next season...

 

Thats had a broken jaw and a toe removed. Its keen, to bloody keen.

 

Fox dogs after 6/7 they have to be something, to still be regular knocking over big numbers night after night. Known a few dogs with no teeth left after 6 lol.

 

I recon if the dogs still willing, work them to the max..

 

Be good to them feed them right and keep them in the best condition you can. Be mindful they are animals not machines.

Edited February 9, 2012 by Giro

[FUJI 17,623]

Just a couple of mine have been racking up scores at 10 Giro,my old bitch the dam of Chester wasn't worth a toss after the age of six or seven due to toe trouble and muscle problems along with other things..the couple which were amassing numbers at ten were all but gone by ten and three or four months...one night they were grand then the next they were finished!! Look after them and treat them like the heroes that they are and just maybe they will keep on repaying you way longer than you ever expected? ATB Andy

[mickeyandmouse 40]

had a good dog from a pup take all game but when hit around four years old was smashing 5 out of 5 and plenty left in him for more before some c**t robbed him but id say around 4 years prime in my own experiance atb

[jcm 2,327]

if a dog isnt treated right it will not work to there full potential for you fact. my dog will be fed on the best and will be treat like a hero as says above. however if my dog got retired early he would be infront of the fire sort of speak. and would live his days lazing about with a few walks a week to get rid of some energy

[stabba 10,745]

I,d say as an all round package and mentally and physically sound then 5 years old would be my guess..atb stabba

[bird 10,014]

i think at 4 years old they are at there best, everything seems to be just right Brain+ body.

[jcm 2,327]

cheers lads was just somthing a had to ask