The Hunting Dog: How To Find Your New Best Friend, Part One

The first year of your puppy’s life is the most expensive. On the average, the first year, excluding the purchase price, will cost you between $750 -$2000. Because puppies grow so much during their first year, their food and the amount they eat must change as they grow.

Feeding your puppy a quality food is important. Some people make homemade dog food that is healthy and balanced, others opt for the traditional dry kibble like Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, and Purina Pro Plan.

Because a puppy is growing, their teeth grow too. The growth causes the puppy to lose its teeth and grow new ones. Chewing helps dogs with teething and provides additional stress relief. Body growth leads to new collars and longer leashes, bigger pet beds, veterinary health check-ups, vaccinations, nail trimming and eventually a spay or neuter. The costs can add up.

What breed should I pick?

In this series, we will focus on the Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthairs, and the Brittany. It is important to research the breed; looking for qualities you desire the most, along with the specific hunting discipline you have in mind. Many breeds have health problems that are common to the breed and normal for a dog.

For example, Labrador Retrievers are the most recognized waterfowl on the earth. People also know them as great family dogs. German Shorthair’s have grown in popularity so much that ACK has put them in 9th place for America’s most popular dog. GSP’s are known for their power, speed and agility, and their iconic pointing pose. The Brittany, agile and having a superb sense of smell, is one of the most versatile bird dogs.

Research, call, visit

For Once you’ve decided on the breed, you can ask seasoned hunting dog owners for recommendation on a good breeder/kennel. It’s helpful to look at each breeder. Kennels have a website that gives detailed information on their kennel, like:

• Dams and Studs
• Facilities
• Upcoming litters
• Guarantee
• General Information on the kennel
• Puppy reserving policy, fees, etc.
• Training
• Started dogs

Most kennels are open to visiting, as long as you call ahead and schedule an appointment. At the appointment you can talk with the breeder about his breeding program, philosophies and meet the dam and stud. It’s highly possible you’ll be able to see some of the puppy prodigies.

Coming up in our next Hunting Dog series, we give you some tips for picking a reputable breeder, getting the right puppy or a started dog, and the ins and outs of purchasing your dog.

Dogs have been and will continue to be man’s best friend. It’s worth taking the time to research a hunting breed that best fits your hunting discipline and lifestyle.

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