Ok so let’s talk dogs….. duck dogs in particular, and not just good ones but a great duck dog. Here are 5 thing that I believe make a great duck dog. Keep in mind that I said “I believe.” Some folks like vanilla and some folks like chocolate. Below is a list I’ve created and refined after nearly 30 years of training great duck dogs. These are 5 personal characteristics of what I believe make a great duck dog:
Number 5: a great hunting dog is great looking! Now I know all about the saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” I couldn’t agree more. However, for me the most beautiful dog has medium to longer legs to help him get through marsh. He is very broad in the chest and has a shiny coat. He is extremely muscular with the back rib or two slightly visible. He has a blocky head but not so blocky he looks like a Rottweiler. He has eyes that when he looks at you, melts your heart but when hunting they are extremely focused on birds. Keep in mind it cost the same amount to feed an ugly dog as a pretty one, so I pick pretty.
Number 4: The heart of a champion! The perfect duck dog must not be too sensitive or too aggressive but must still exhibit the heart of a champion. He must drive hard in any and all conditions. A great duck dog loves to work and doesn’t give up until he has the bird! This dog would rather fetch than eat or breed.
Number 3: He must have an “On-Off” switch. This means that when its time to hunt, he ups the level of intensity and when in the house, he is calm. While everyone loves a dog that has a huge water entry and kicks up dirt on each retrieve, no one wants a slobbering, out of control maniac inside their house. The perfect duck dog must have great manners and be calm and docile around other dogs as well as children. He should be so calm in the blind he is not even noticed, yet when sent on a retrieve he runs like his tail is on fire!
The Number 2 two thing I look for is… pedigree! My perfect dog comes from a long line of winners! His ancestors have proven themselves through the generations in the fields and marshes. When the dogs parents names are mentioned, people who knew them retell of their legendary status. While I also value great titles and achievements, what I personally want is a dog who craves being in the marsh retrieving birds. I want him to come from a long line of rock stars in real world hunting situations.
Number 1: A great duck dog must have trainability! Not only is this dog great at the end of training, but the whole process of training him is a joy. He is not a coward and boldly accepts new challenges. He is not stubborn or out of control. This is the type of dog who makes a bad trainer look good because his attitude is simply “show me what you want boss and I will do it!”
Dogs like this are once in a lifetime dogs in many cases. However, they do exist and I have been fortunate to train many of them! When you have one….. You will know it! Happy hunting!