Brittany as a decoy dog

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wildcats137

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I've wanted a Brittany for a few years now but have held off on getting one because I've been worried I wouldn't be able to meet it's exercise needs. I am about to graduate from college and when I do I'll be able to get my first personal dog (we've always had 2 or more dogs on the family farm at any one time but they've always belonged to the family, not me specifically). I've started seriously thinking about a Brittany again and I've realized that the dog would get plenty of exercise as a decoy dog and it could get a lot more exercise doing something we both love (hunting coyotes). My question is how well would a Brittany work for this task? If I do get one I will make sure it's on the larger side of the spectrum. I suppose my biggest concern is that the breed might be a little bit too "soft" to effectively challenge coyotes. Any input from you all is appreciated!
 
In general you will probably get one that is pretty easy going and may not be exactly what you are looking for in a decoy dog. However my next door neighbor has one that is great in the field (birds)but is also more than willing to mix it up with any dog that gets in her way. She is fearless. Good luck!
 
I've had 2 brits, up north, and they were exact opposites.
1) Jed, best bird hunt'n dog of my life, and he could have been trained to decoy, no doubt.
2) Angie, was a total basket case, we felt like we got a spastic rescue and took good care of her anyway.
All i'm say'n is a brit could do it, depends on the individual, but there are bigger stronger breads that would fare better in a dicy situation.
You would be betting your recall ability against a pair of hyped up killer yotes.
In my neck of the woods, a big running dog getting hit by a poisonous snake is my worst fear.
 
oops I misspoke. My second biggest concern would be the dog being too timid. My biggest concern will always be that dogs safety. Heck, as a general rule I like dogs more than I like people.
 
Liking domestic dogs, you'll find a lot of friends here ..
I would consider a lab, german shorthair pointer, cur, airdale over a brit.
Did you want to bird hunt also ?
 
No, I'm actually really soft hearted and really only hunt coyotes because I hate them. They killed a beloved dog I had when I was 4 or 5, tore it to shreds, and I've hated them ever since. Plus they harass cattle. I'm still actively searching for the right dog for me. The #1 trait I'm looking for is companionship. Whichever dog I get is likely going to end up sleeping in the same bed as me. I'd prefer a dog that likes spending couch time on my lap or right next to it. I'd also prefer a dog that doesn't shed too terribly. The dog would also have to tolerate an 11lb maltese with an alpha dog mentality since I'll be taking him to the family home on weekends. Any recommendations for a decoy dog based on these criteria? I've also thought about a whippet but I've heard they don't like to come when called which is obviously a must for decoy dogs.
 
I have an indoor Great Dane/ Boxer mix that I would be afraid to take hunting coyotes. Brutus is the most loyal dog on the planet. Aggresive towards people and animals that he doesn't know. My biggest fear is him running after them and getting over taken by a pack. I've called him off of humans (people looking for directions,riding bikes,door to door salesmen) but not sure I could turn him from a chase or a fight.
 
Years ago I had two Britts. One was a female that ended up killing her own pups. The other Britt was a male and very good bird dog. Both dogs were very hipper, neither dog would come when they were actively hunting. Both dogs were so high strung that I would never have considered one as a house dog.
I now have a German Shorthair, which is not only a house dog but considers himself a lap dog. Maybe, but at 80lbs he is a bit big for a lap dog. While bird hunting a few years ago, we come onto a bear. My dog was right on the bears heels and it required his shock collar to get him to come back. This is a dog that is normally well behaved and comes on the run when called, normally.
I am sure that without the shock collar my dog would have run the bear until it turned on him. I am also sure that my dog wouldn't have backed off the bear until he had been badly hurt.
Like you, I love my dog, I wouldn't want to send him after even one coyote that might bite him and infect him with disease. Thats just my thoughts, use your best judgement.
 
Now that I think about it, my male Britt got into it with a red fox (25 years ago) when we were pheasant hunting. My dog was the winner but the fox ripped him up some before running off with the dog right behind him.
I remember watching and worrying about him for a long time, fearing that he might get rabbies.
I am thinking that getting hurt is an occupational risk for a decoy dog, maybe not something you want for the dog that sleeps on your bed with you.
 
Originally Posted By: Stub2
I am thinking that getting hurt is an occupational risk for a decoy dog, maybe not something you want for the dog that sleeps on your bed with you.

This is true maybe I just take him/her along and train them to stay by my side. they still get some exercise and adventure that way.
 
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I think it all comes down to your personal preference on how you view dogs. I use my dogs as hunting tools. I care for them, show them attention and bond with them. At the end of the day though my dog is a tool and I pick the right dog for the appropriate job. I hunt upland birds in Kansas so I have a English pointer. Is he the best house companion, not really.when it's hunting season him and I see more of eachother than me and my wife. If you want a coyote decoy dog get a cur, if you want a companion that is your "truck" dog, get a .....(insert favorite breed here)
 
I've had better than a dozen Britts in my life. For many years I raised, bought and sold as well as trained and hunted with bird dogs. I have had some males that loved to fight, and were very good at it.Never had one tangle with a coyote, but I've had some that would flat kill coons, foxes and even skunks. Problem is they don't tend to get very big. Female may 40-45 lbs. Males maybe 55-60. Another issue is that many lines have been bred for show and doesn't take but a generation or two to lose the field instinct. However as a decoy dog the idea isn't to stand and fight, the idea is to pull the prey back close enough for the kill. Even a pit is no match for 2 or 3 coyotes at a time in a running fight. Someone mentioned a GSH and I agree that would be better than your average Britt. Personally I would never take a pet out for exercise and hunting at the same time. In the heat of the moment without a very well trained pet who will absolutely stop on a dime when commanded regardless of the situation, you are likely going to find you have made a grave mistake.
 
Aint saying they wouldnt work, but there are better choices. Ive never seen a great decoy dog that was anything other than a Cur. Maybe there is a reason most folks use a Cur dog to work coyotes, maybe there is a reason Ive never seen anyone use a Brittany.

Just thinking out loud.
 
Originally Posted By: btech29Aint saying they wouldnt work, but there are better choices. Ive never seen a great decoy dog that was anything other than a Cur. Maybe there is a reason most folks use a Cur dog to work coyotes, maybe there is a reason Ive never seen anyone use a Brittany.

Just thinking out loud.

yes
 
Originally Posted By: Dan WanfaltI use a poodle pointer. I bring what I have. I would rather have a cur. Snow is a [beeep] on the poodle pointer, super tough but not a cur.

I do love the Continental Versatile Hunting Dog Breeds. I once had a Wire Haired Pointing Griffon (w/Cesky Fousek influence). She was an awesome Bird & Family Dog! I do believe that she could have been a good Coyote Decoy Dog also. And perhaps even a passable trail/tree dog.

Dog on Left


But for us now the Furred Up Critters are the primary and the Feathered Flyers are a solid second, so our Cur Dog is good for us.

 
Good looking dog Craig. Ive often considered trying a Drahthaar for coyotes. I seen a pic once of one carrying a coyote in its mouth. Pretty darn cooool.

Tucker looks good too. Im done experimenting. A cur has everything I need in a coyote dog without any unwanted baggage. They are great with my young girls too. They ride em like a horse, lead em around against their will and Ive seen the girls pull their ears till they have tears in their eyes without so much as a growl.
 


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