Puppy vs. Started Dog vs. Finished Dog: Which Should You Buy?

When you shop for a hunting dog you’ll see three kinds of ads: puppies, started dogs and finished dogs. Each one fits a different hunter, budget and timeline. Here’s how to decide between a puppy, a started dog vs. finished dog.

Buying a puppy

Best for: hunters who enjoy training and have time to raise a dog.

• Pros: lowest purchase price, you shape every habit, and the dog bonds with your family from day one.
• Cons: it takes one to two seasons before the dog is a reliable hunting partner, and you can’t fully predict how the puppy will turn out.

Read how to choose a hunting dog puppy, then browse puppies for sale.

Buying a started dog

Best for: hunters who want to hunt this season but enjoy finishing a dog themselves.

A started dog is usually somewhere between about 6 months and 2 years old and has been introduced to birds or game, the gun and basic obedience. For bird dogs this usually means the dog points or flushes and retrieves; for hounds it means the dog is running and treeing or baying.

• Pros: you can see the dog’s ability before you buy, gun shyness and bird interest are already proven, and you save months of work.
• Cons: more expensive than a puppy, and training quality varies, so ask exactly what the dog has been taught.

Browse started dogs for sale.

Buying a finished dog

Best for: hunters with limited training time who want a reliable dog now.

A finished dog is fully trained: for pointing dogs that usually means steady to wing and shot and retrieving to hand; for retrievers, handling, blinds and marks; for hounds, a proven dog on its game.

• Pros: ready to hunt today, with known ability and temperament.
• Cons: the highest price, an older dog with fewer seasons ahead, and the dog needs time to learn your handling style.

Browse finished dogs for sale.

Questions to ask any seller

• Can I see the dog work, in person or on video?
• What commands does the dog know, and what is the handling style (verbal, whistle, e-collar)?
• Health records, clearances and registration papers?
• Has the dog lived in a kennel or a house, and how does it travel?
• Is there a trial period or return policy?

And always read our buyer safety tips before you send money.

Selling a dog?

Place an ad in Puppies, Started Dogs or Finished Dogs for $14.95, with up to 10 photos, running for 90 days.