Show x working gundogs ?

[trekmoor]

I've trained a few show bred labs for work that I liked very much and I've trained a few work bred labs for work that I thought were pretty crap at the job ! Taken overall it is far better to buy from work if you want work ......... the odds of success are more in your favour.

Wullie

[Gun7Dog]

There's an artical in the field magazine for this month about this it proves that show bred dogs can be gundogs you should read it

[DesO'Neile]

On the continent there are many people involved in the gundog breeds who run dogs that are capable workers and win shows. It so happens that the banner photo on my blog is such a dog. DKCH DKJCH Astrup's Dirty Dancer. www.glencuanpointers.com. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a "Dual Purpose" dog but on both sides you you will be up against it. The difference between the continental dogs and the situation in this thread is that these dogs have been bred to be Dual Purpose for generations and are not a put together from the two sides.

[gmpearce]

We have a half show: half working cocker. He is absolutely fabulous - relaxed when under my desk at work and relatively good around the house and he's not the best retriever (he's a spaniel!) but when hunting he steps up through the gears with the best. He is a perfect combination for us. (He's also bloody good looking - just like his owners (if you can ever own a cocker)).

[Naj]

I guess that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, & it all depends on what you will be happy with in a gundog. The spaniel breeds have split in all departments & it would be hard to think what a mating with a show bred dog could bring to the table. And a well bred, well trained working springer or cocker should retrieve as reliably as any labrador.

[Shep]

I've no experience with labs but I have a show x working gordon setter who unfortunately LOOKS like a show setter. Although his father is a one of only a few FTCH Gordons he is instantly dismissed by many as a "show dog". I am just so regretful that as he was my first, I do not have the experience as a trainer to prove them wrong!! Those who have looked a bit more closely have been impressed with his nose and bird sense but I haven't managed to rein him in enough (not normally a problem with show setters!). So what I am saying is with a show x working dog you may get a different dog on the outside to what is on the inside, either way.

[PERCE]

FT CH DARLEIGH THUNDERBOLT has recent show blood in him.

[baguio]

I'm sure that there are many show bred dogs out there that can do a bit of work but they will more than likely fall short on stamina, speed and not be very athletic. You have to wonder what their joints and bodies in general will be like when they're 6, 7 or 8 years old having done the job of a working dog when their frame is not built for it? I wouldn't want one in my kennels. Space is too tight and to have to put a 6 or 7 year old dog into retirement because it had arthritis would leave me under dogged with only myself to blame.

[pontbeck]

I'm sure that there are many show bred dogs out there that can do a bit of work but they will more than likely fall short on stamina, speed and not be very athletic. You have to wonder what their joints and bodies in general will be like when they're 6, 7 or 8 years old having done the job of a working dog when their frame is not built for it? I wouldn't want one in my kennels. Space is too tight and to have to put a 6 or 7 year old dog into retirement because it had arthritis would leave me under dogged with only myself to blame.

Sorry but I can`t agree with the above post. In general show bred dogs have better conformation than working dogs and should therefore last longer and not have the problems associated with poor conformation. The problem with show bred dogs ( again I say in general terms ) is that they have lost the drive for work and I would much rather have a dog that is from completely working stock than have some show blood.

[Polmaise]

Totally agree with Bill.

Have a look at Anna?.She has qualified for Crufts ,and came to us 11 days before, with no drive or enthusiasm ,she had been at training classes and just sat like a big lump!
Sometimes you just have to give them a chance to 'Show'