Best hot weather/cactus/ catclaw infested quail dog

[Northpark]

Having moved to AZ recently I’m blown away by the number of quail around. I’m considering an upland dog but Im new to upland dogs. Hunted waterfowl and always had labs but have never lived anywhere upland hunting was any good so I never really did it. We are currently dogless so I’m open to any suggestions on breed.

So what are some breeds to look at for hot weather, cactus land? Would also be a family pet so that plays into breed selection as well.

 

[Bailer]

Gsp’s do as well as anything here. I don’t take mine much until November though. A comb for the cholla and pliers/tweezers for the other cactus are recommended. Mine comes home looking like a pin cushion sometimes.

 

[Kevin_t]

GSP would be my vote but I’m partial . I love my GSP and she does well at any sort of hunting


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[ceejay]

A well bred English Pointer would also be a good choice. They can be kind of big running (as in wide ranging) and can be a lot of dog for a trainer/handler new to upland pointing dogs. Whatever you decide, have lots of patience early on and try to learn as much as possible as you go. The GSP or EP would be the top 2 choices that come to mind for hunting in those conditions. The breeding and genetic talent is the most paramount factor in picking the specific pup.

 

[kboatman107]

I currently have a Brittany and vizsla. Both are great family dogs, the Brittany requires a lot more attention as he’s always full of energy. As far as hunting the Brittany ranges a bit more while the vizsla works closer and at a little slower pace. Both are great hunters but in different ways. I’ve also had a Weimaraner that had the same characteristics as the vizsla. I live in southern nm and have to deal with the heat and cactus as well and both do well here.

 

[Salmon River Solutions]

Another vote for a GSP. The short hair make it easy in burrs and what not, if there are those down there!

 

[cacklercrazy]

I currently have a Brittany and vizsla. Both are great family dogs, the Brittany requires a lot more attention as he’s always full of energy. As far as hunting the Brittany ranges a bit more while the vizsla works closer and at a little slower pace. Both are great hunters but in different ways. I’ve also had a Weimaraner that had the same characteristics as the vizsla. I live in southern nm and have to deal with the heat and cactus as well and both do well here.

What did you like better the weimar or the vizsla. Love the look of both.

 

[kboatman107]

What did you like better the weimar or the vizsla. Love the look of both.

My preference would be the Weimaraner but can’t go wrong with either

 

[longspeak74]

Another vote for GSP's. Mine can take the heat well and the short hair is a plus. Great family dog to boot.

 

[Wapiti1]

The best quail dogs that I've seen in AZ were spaniels. Smaller dogs could get in there and didn't seem to get into the cholla as much as taller dogs. They aren't as easy to keep like the shorthair breeds, though. Good cocker or smaller Brittany.

You have to find a hunting spaniel breeder to get a good one IMO.

Jeremy

 

[BroodBuster]

I really miss sitting in the hotel room watching football and plucking all the burrs out my Brittany. Somewhat of a pain but with the exception of prickly pear they never slowed her down in the field. Prickly pear is a show stopper but we both learned quickly how to avoid those.

Met a dude from Texas once who had to be the worlds foremost expert on burrs. He identified by name like a dozen different burrs stuck to my pup one afternoon .

 

[Northpark]

Well thanks for all the replies. I do like the idea of a short hair dog but not sure about a tall big ranging dog. Anyone with a Brittany or cocker spaniel just shave the hair close for avoiding burrs and general easy hair care?

 

[Wapiti1]

There is a limit to how short you want a spaniel. That hair is protective too and they'll sunburn if too short. An inch or a little shorter is good. You'll have to ask them to shave the ears short or you'll get the long hair floppy ears.

Jeremy

 

[Dos Perros]

The AZ quail guides run pointers.

 

[kboatman107]

Well thanks for all the replies. I do like the idea of a short hair dog but not sure about a tall big ranging dog. Anyone with a Brittany or cocker spaniel just shave the hair close for avoiding burrs and general easy hair care?

I shave my Brittany at 5/8” on top and trim his belly at 3/8”. Doesn’t seem to pick up to many burrs. Any shorter on top than 5/8” and I’d be worried he’d get sunburnt.

 

[BroodBuster]

Well thanks for all the replies. I do like the idea of a short hair dog but not sure about a tall big ranging dog. Anyone with a Brittany or cocker spaniel just shave the hair close for avoiding burrs and general easy hair care?

There’s no question that the grooming requirements are greater for a spaniel than any other hunting breed. But I’ve always just considered it a bonding moment.

A “field” cut is basically removing all feathering especially ears, feet and arm pits. Then short up top and thick underneath. Their skin is very sensitive and if you remove too much burrs WILL become an issue in the field.

A lot of grooming videos on YouTube. Just make sure you follow a “field” grooming video and not a “show” grooming guide as they’re different. If you do decide on a spaniel I’d highly suggest getting a quality grooming kit and doing it yourself. I don’t trust groomers and they want way too much $$$.

A happy spaniel is one covered in burrs that smells like a sage bush!!!

Good luck in your search and journey. Upland bird hunting is the bomb!!

 

[Kevin_t]

My pointer can run like crazy ..but she stays close. We have an english setter that runs a lot further but wears out quicker. My GSP can run all day. She is also a terrific family dog.

 

[sf jakey]

I have a springer that is an amazing quail dog. I can’t imagine any better. He is also great at chukkar, and pheasant. Unfortunately, he used to be good at ducks, but decided it wasn’t exciting enough. Very smart dogs, excellent family dogs, and very good on upland birds.