I know this could cause quite a stir, but I just can't make up my mind. I am going to get two dogs this summer and have every intention of hunting pretty much everything with them. I know this sounds silly, but I want some pets that will tag along and chase what ever I am chasing. I will primarily use them for cat and bear, but might need a wounded coyoted tracked down or an occasional pheasant flushed or duck retrieved. I don't expect them to be perfect, just enertaining and functional. I can spend about 4 hours a day playing with them and hunt them 3-4 days a week year round so training time will be maximized. Since I can only have two I need dogs that will not fight other dogs on the tree when I hunt with friends and they need to be great family dogs as they will also be pets. I invite(beg for)input both constructive and destructive.
Airedales or Curs
- Thread starter Copro
- Start date
Copro,
I raise Airedales...but both type dogs you asked about would do the job to a point. I don't know how well any of the Cur dogs are on feather. I have and hunt two types of Curs with my Airedales. One is a little Stephen Stock Cur, and the other is a BMC/Redbone. The Airedales I hunt more as I vermint call with them. The two Curs are only used on big-game and once in awhile on squirrel (Airedales tree them too). Both are good with people and the BMC is a really good watch dog.
All the Airedales are my buddies first and go just about every where with me. Some inside other's out..but they are all house broke and come in a different times.
The Curs may have a better nose, most run silent too semi open.. the Stephen's is open. The Airedale is gritter, as far as tree fighting... any dog can be one. For some reason the Airedale has a bad name for this as do Plotts. I hunt my dogs... male and female with my friends dogs.... and have never had a problem. One thing I would never do in turn out any of my dogs (Airedale or Cur) with someone who has growlly(sp?) dogs or dog. You will have a fight and the Airedale will be on top. Tree fights are not good! The Airedale won't start it but sure as heck will finish it.
The Airedale can run a track, not cold.. but if it can smell it it sure will run it. They wind alot and that I think is their best trait.
Used them calling,running a trapline, bird hunting what ever they can do it.
They (Airedales may be a little slower then most dogs but it's well worth the wait. Some cme on faster like any dog, but if you expose them that only helps.
They come in all sizes and coat type, like the cold and love water and people.
Mogollon Rim Airedales
I raise Airedales...but both type dogs you asked about would do the job to a point. I don't know how well any of the Cur dogs are on feather. I have and hunt two types of Curs with my Airedales. One is a little Stephen Stock Cur, and the other is a BMC/Redbone. The Airedales I hunt more as I vermint call with them. The two Curs are only used on big-game and once in awhile on squirrel (Airedales tree them too). Both are good with people and the BMC is a really good watch dog.
All the Airedales are my buddies first and go just about every where with me. Some inside other's out..but they are all house broke and come in a different times.
The Curs may have a better nose, most run silent too semi open.. the Stephen's is open. The Airedale is gritter, as far as tree fighting... any dog can be one. For some reason the Airedale has a bad name for this as do Plotts. I hunt my dogs... male and female with my friends dogs.... and have never had a problem. One thing I would never do in turn out any of my dogs (Airedale or Cur) with someone who has growlly(sp?) dogs or dog. You will have a fight and the Airedale will be on top. Tree fights are not good! The Airedale won't start it but sure as heck will finish it.
The Airedale can run a track, not cold.. but if it can smell it it sure will run it. They wind alot and that I think is their best trait.
Used them calling,running a trapline, bird hunting what ever they can do it.
They (Airedales may be a little slower then most dogs but it's well worth the wait. Some cme on faster like any dog, but if you expose them that only helps.
They come in all sizes and coat type, like the cold and love water and people.
Mogollon Rim Airedales
Shane Watson
New member
Matt brought out the biggest thing I think the difference is, birds. I take my Airedale in the hills around here and he flushes grouse, pheasants, chuckar, etc, and is a great water dog as well. I originally bought him for coyotes, which we also hunt (with marginal success, but that's my fault) I haven't hunted with curs, though.
I would say get around several of both breeds and see which temperment you like. Airedales have a sense of humor that can either make them part of the family, or piss you off. If you like them, you love them. Otherwise they are just a knot-headed dog /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I can't stand hounds for pets, they just wear a stupid look, lol. I don't like pointers either, been there twice (I learn slow). Just remember you have to live with it 365, get a friend first.
I would say get around several of both breeds and see which temperment you like. Airedales have a sense of humor that can either make them part of the family, or piss you off. If you like them, you love them. Otherwise they are just a knot-headed dog /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif I can't stand hounds for pets, they just wear a stupid look, lol. I don't like pointers either, been there twice (I learn slow). Just remember you have to live with it 365, get a friend first.
I will have to vote for the Airedale. For an all around dog I could not be more pleased. She will retrieve a duck or goose in ice water. She will flush grouse at 10000 feet. She will flush rooster pheasants in the river bottoms. Decoy coyotes with the best of them. And catch and play with mice better than any cat I have seen. And to put the iceing on the cake she will let my 6 year old daughter put doll clothes on her.[well sometimes] Just my 2 cents.
Good luck with your choice you will not go wrong with Matt Thom mine came from him in around a bout way.
Good luck with your choice you will not go wrong with Matt Thom mine came from him in around a bout way.
curdoghunter
New member
I have never hunted with an Airedale, so I really don't know what they can do, but I have heard great things. I do hunt with curs, and can tell you great things!All of the curs I own and have hunted with will do anything you want-they want to make you happy. Mine are big babies in the yard with the kids, and all business in the woods. I'll never have another dog if it isn't a cur. Opinions are like a##holes, everyones got one, so I suggest you try to hunt with both if you can and go from there. You won't make a wrong decision, and enjoy your new dogs, whatever they are!
huntswithcurs
New member
as you can tell i have curs, mine are great hunters but they dont do feathers but that could be my fault as i have never hunted birds with them , they are great with family and other dogs. i think everyone is right, you need to check them out to see what you like because they will be your hunting buddy for years to come ! take your time and choose the one that is right for you.
Unless you are planning on breeding I would get one of each. A male and a female with the female being spayed or a pair of spayed females. Curs will do better on the tree and that trait will help encourage the Airedale. Dales will probably be more of a natural retriever for you but unless you get one of each something will be lacking for your purposes. Research each breed and see which one would suit your lifestyle best.
Good hunting.
Q,
Good hunting.
Q,
Thanks Guys,
I was expecting this kind of feedback. I am still torn and am not sure how I will proceed at this point. I can't find anyone in this area with either type of dog so I am going to end up flying blind. I tend to think I am leaning towards curs, because they are an all arounder and are quite a bit cheaper. Many folks also point toward the airedale personality as something you love or hate. Having not ever been around them and with not having the opportunity to do so, I am not sure I am willing to take that chance?? Curdoghunter, do you ever hunt feathers with your dogs??
Thnaks again
Copro
I was expecting this kind of feedback. I am still torn and am not sure how I will proceed at this point. I can't find anyone in this area with either type of dog so I am going to end up flying blind. I tend to think I am leaning towards curs, because they are an all arounder and are quite a bit cheaper. Many folks also point toward the airedale personality as something you love or hate. Having not ever been around them and with not having the opportunity to do so, I am not sure I am willing to take that chance?? Curdoghunter, do you ever hunt feathers with your dogs??
Thnaks again
Copro
Shane Watson
New member
Copro-
I will be in Twin in May for a family thing, and I have been wanting to do some calling around there anyway. Maybe we could hook up, you can show me where to hunt, I'll show you the Knucklehead (his "name").
I will be in Twin in May for a family thing, and I have been wanting to do some calling around there anyway. Maybe we could hook up, you can show me where to hunt, I'll show you the Knucklehead (his "name").
curdoghunter
New member
Copro- sorry I'm late in replying, but I've been hunting! I've never tried my curs on feathers. The birds around here(released) are so dumb you don't need a dog. I have no doubt you could train a cur to flush and retreive. If you were closer to me I would hook you up with a pup from one of the many great breeders here in Ohio.
bluetrapper
New member
I've not been around to many Dales , but some I have seen to be a little knotheaded.I've hunted several curs and get along great.The Mt. View Cur female I have now is smart and learns quickly.She is very eager to please.There is alot of good curs out there, but it seems they turn out better in the end if they have some Kemmer stock in them.The other posts hit it on the head as far as hunting feather or fur. Bluetrapper
bluetrapper
New member
Q Wagoner,
Sorry I haven't got back to you about my Mt. View Cur.She was 2 in Feb. Smartest dog I've ever owned.Treed young coon in the barn rafters at 4 months.I use her on coon and squirrels.They don't need much training, just the basics and get them in the timber.She trails 90% of the time with her head up.She will cast out and shortcut coon.She is far from finished as I don't get to hunt as much as I would like to.She checks back in every 20 minutes or so.She is silent on trail unless she is close to catching or treeing.She treed a Bobcat 3 times last winter before I could get to her and catch her.The cat keep jumping out on her.If you read this post E mail me and I will get you more info. Bluetrapper
Sorry I haven't got back to you about my Mt. View Cur.She was 2 in Feb. Smartest dog I've ever owned.Treed young coon in the barn rafters at 4 months.I use her on coon and squirrels.They don't need much training, just the basics and get them in the timber.She trails 90% of the time with her head up.She will cast out and shortcut coon.She is far from finished as I don't get to hunt as much as I would like to.She checks back in every 20 minutes or so.She is silent on trail unless she is close to catching or treeing.She treed a Bobcat 3 times last winter before I could get to her and catch her.The cat keep jumping out on her.If you read this post E mail me and I will get you more info. Bluetrapper