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starting to think about a new dog…

1,104 Views | 26 Replies | Last: 7 hrs ago by bmfvet
ChoppinDs40
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3:09p, 9/18/26
AG
Wanting something I can hunt with, occasionally. Needs to be smaller and can be a family dog.

Flushing would be nice. Doesn't need to point (quail, dove, maybe pheasant or chukkar).

Have heard lots of suggestions but ran across an English cocker spaniel in the field last week and really liked the size of her.

Other suggestions? No lab. No GSP. No golden.

50lbs or less.
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EriktheRed
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3:23p, 9/18/26
AG
Get the English cocker, I could write a book but will spare you. Ask any questions you may have
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to EriktheRed • 3:32p, 9/18/26
AG
Know any good breeders and place to board for training? I'm in north Texas.
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TxSquarebody
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3:35p, 9/18/26
GSP
Edit: one day I'll learn to read the whole post!
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EriktheRed
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 3:41p, 9/18/26
AG
The only one I know up up that direction is Muddy Paws. The breeder we have used speaks very highly of them.
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EnglishElhew07
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3:49p, 9/18/26
Get a cocker. We have one and she has been spectacular.
We got her from Chad Leonard at Hill Country Gun dogs. Chad is good people.
Our cocker found over 100 quail her first season, is easy enough to handle that my kids take her for walks. She has been a great addition to our dog string and to our family.




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Pantera
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3:51p, 9/18/26
AG
Had a springer spaniel when I was younger that was around 35-40 pounds and an extremely great companion and bird dog. Had to trim him up in the Spring and Summer though because it get's so hot and they are fuzzy little guys.
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agsalaska
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3:59p, 9/18/26
AG
Standard poodle
I don’t say this in a braggedocious way. But it’s true. I’ve been right about everything.

-Donald J Trump
-9/22/2025



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Gunny456
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 4:10p, 9/18/26
AG
Beagle.
TAMU Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Boat racing is like a beautiful woman.......expensive, high maintenance, but well worth the fun!
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Captain Ahab
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4:20p, 9/18/26
https://www.gundogmag.com/editorial/in-depth-with-the-french-brittany/176218

I owned 3 of them. Excellent retrievers in a pint size. Excellent with kids.
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Gunny456
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4:24p, 9/18/26
AG
My uncle had a Cocker he hunted quail with. I got to hunt with him and her a few times.
My uncle joked that they were called Cockers because they got every cocklebur in the pasture in her coat. He would sit for hours getting them out hitting his "Pearl" beers.
TAMU Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences

Boat racing is like a beautiful woman.......expensive, high maintenance, but well worth the fun!
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Deerdude
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4:42p, 9/18/26
Boykin. EOT
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FunkyTownAg
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6:10p, 9/18/26
AG
We took a chance and got a Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. We have fallen in love with the breed and just got our second. Its the perfect temperment for what you just described. They are great hunting and family dogs. hard to go wrong with all the breeds suggested though
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Scoop05
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3:59p, 9/20/26
AG
Have a 1 yr old English Cocker. Birdy as hell and hates all animals except other dogs. His grandfather is owned by Gordy & Sons.

Super great family dog with an incredibly funny personality. He is my first Cocker, they are much more sensitive to stern voices/training. I was used to training hard headed male labs. This is not the same. They learn quickly and always has his nose to the ground. Very impressive dogs.
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Deerdude
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5:23p, 9/20/26
I had to learn that about Boykins. It just about requires a 2x4 to get in the head of Labs, English Pointers, GSP, Griffins.
Spaniels slightly less hard headed but soft tempered. You have to finesse them.
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SGrem
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5:27p, 9/20/26
AG
Boykin!

I hunt just as you described. Had springers. Been around numerous brittanys. This boykin has been by far the easiest to train for the every man. I did not feel the need to polish her to field trial level with a presentation etc she just gets the bird and brings em. I may have to take a step to get it from her or ask her to drop it or whatever.... but for the every man who works and has a lil bit of busy schedule and doesnt want to pay $10k for training it was an absolute gun time for both of us. I am no professional trainer and she does everything I need.

Now she is part of my business when I guide duck hunts from the boat. At 29 pounds no she is not a big powerful lab. But she does just great. She will swim for every bird. Never had a dog so easy to be around with a group of hunters. She just falls into the program and knows how to be part of the crew.

And then the other 10 months of the year she sleeps on my wife's legs. My 5 yr old son has grown up throwing the ball and playing with her and walking her. An absolute joyful boat partner. Again just knows how to be with her pack.

I vote boykin. I will get another....
Www.gowithgrem.com
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ChoppinDs40
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In reply to FunkyTownAg • 5:30p, 9/20/26
AG
FunkyTownAg said:
We took a chance and got a Novia Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. We have fallen in love with the breed and just got our second. Its the perfect temperment for what you just described. They are great hunting and family dogs. hard to go wrong with all the breeds suggested though


Where does one get one of these? In Texas?
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SGrem
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5:31p, 9/20/26
AG
Yes boykins and spaniels are much more tender to train. Raise your voice and lean into them hard and they will never let you forget it.... be abundantly patient with your spaniel and yourself.

Baby steps ....make it fun....keep it brief. 10 min max. Leave them wanting more. Dont play where you train and dont train where you play. Make it a go to work scenario so they know when its time to be serious and then time to be off work so to speak and more relaxed.

Make everything a party! Big time over exaggerated party. If they do good they get the ridiculous wild party celebration. You will look and feel ridiculous. If they dont do good no party. Thats all. No stern forceful training needed.
Www.gowithgrem.com
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SGrem
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6:06p, 9/20/26
AG
Several TexAgs have hunted with my Boykin, Matty.
Www.gowithgrem.com
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Ragoo
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In reply to EnglishElhew07 • 6:17p, 9/20/26
AG
Why does your cocker look more like a Britney?
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SGrem
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In reply to Ragoo • 7:36p, 9/20/26
AG
Ragoo said:
Why does your cocker look more like a Britney?


I was thinking same thing.... looks like every Britney ive seen and looks like none of the cockers ive seen.
Www.gowithgrem.com
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Independence H-D
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7:59p, 9/20/26
Pudelpointer https://share.google/ftEqh5B6NooxCZrOv
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Gundog
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9:10p, 9/20/26
AG
This black cocker is from Covey Flush Kennels, has an HRC Started title, and is a bad bitc#! She just turned 3 and is currently for sale. I'd go Cocker over Boykin, and if you're looking for a puppy I'd check out Ryglen or Covey Flush.
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JB!98
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9:11p, 9/20/26
AG
In the spirit of the OB. You say you want a smaller dog that can flush and is a great family dog. May I suggest a Great Pyrenees. One out of three ain't bad!


Today, unfortunately, many Americans have good reason to fear that they will be victimized if they are unable to protect themselves. And today, no less than in 1791, the Second Amendment guarantees their right to do so. - Justice Samuel Alito 2022
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Max06
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In reply to ChoppinDs40 • 9:15p, 9/20/26
AG
Aside from Nova Scotia, Texas has the largest population of them IIRC.

Geronimo Kennels in Navasota has great dogs.
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FunkyTownAg
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In reply to Max06 • 9:29p, 9/20/26
AG
Max06 said:
Aside from Nova Scotia, Texas has the largest population of them IIRC.

Geronimo Kennels in Navasota has great dogs.

Can confirm Geronimo is known as a good breeder. We got ours from Sardonyx in Upstate New York. I am somewhat plugged into the dog world and did extensive research on breeders. If you are serious about getting one DM me and I can give you my full list of breeders to reach out to.
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bmfvet
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9:40p, 9/20/26
AG
I've got a friend that has a cocker he got through Joshua Creek that is turning out well. You can also find smaller labs that fit your criteria otherwise. Mine is 40lbs.


‘99
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