Retrieve and hunt breeds

[Popey23 0]

Hi Guys, 

Looking to get my first gundog. Have always had labradors in our family since well before I was born. But I’ve seen many in my opinion ruined because on our very small syndicate they’ve been expected to pick up one minute and the next help fill gaps in the beating line. 

Just wanted some advice on any breeds that may be more suited to this sort of work. I’ve had a quick look into HPR breeds and also at ‘springadors’ but any other suggestions/feedback on these would be appreciated.

[terryd 8,029]

You could check out the gwp. Never had one my self but I know a friend who rated them very highly and able to do what ever was thrown at them. But he did say they were a bit different to train

[forest of dean redneck 11,183]

I might be being thick here but why lot a spaniel ? 

[Jarvis 277]

I would say that’s poor training by the owner not the dogs fault! No reason why any gun dog breed can’t do both to a decent level or at least like you say (on a small syndicate) My cocker does both and many of my mates dogs do, however I get you point I do see more bad ones than good ones but it’s not the dogs fault. Choose a breed, integrate it slow, no rush. Start with beating for a season or so with dummy training as well and once the dogs steady introduce picking up game later. Don’t try do it all at once. People expect too much too quick and that’s the problem. 

[Born Hunter 17,622]

Small syndicates generally require dogs to do every job going. On paper spaniels are the best suited imo but in reality most folks seem to find a lab easier to handle. Personally I find a lack of spaniels a real pain in the arse on ours. There's a lot of cover that just needs a spaniel to work it.

Why do you say it ruins them?

If you want a lab then I'd say get one. They can do both jobs. What they can't do though is properly work bramble and thorns, that's generally their limit.

PS I'd love to see some spaniel x labs work.