As an old dog trainer and seller I was always surprised at the folks that bought the dogs I had for sale. Most folks would like a dog to fit their sport, but what was their sport. Did you want to hunt rabbits, but at the same time be protected from Elephants. With any thought at all that would take two dogs to do the job. In our country there are few Elephants and most are not wandering your hunting area.
So now we have picked a need for a rabbit dog, Good start! Is the dog going to be a family dog that hunts or just a house dog. Now how do you hunt rabbits. Are you a brush stomper, a long legger, charging through the brush like that elephant on the loose. Do you like to just let the dog hunt and work up a good trail. Then let the dog work the track until get a good shot and the rabbit. It is your job to stay in one place until the rabbit get there and then tell the dog how great he is at his job. Is speed what you want or is a slow chase good for your hunting style. You may want a dog that opens a lot on trail, so you can keep track of the chase. Do you want to train your new dog or would you be better of with a finished dog or at least a well started dog.
Now is the time to choose the type of dog you need. Most rabbit hunters like the beagle or a basset hound, but there are other type of dogs that do just fine for hunting rabbits. The Bassets are slow, have a great voice, are well laided back and not excitable. Both dogs make great family/hunting dogs. Unless you are breeding your dog. a good grade dog dog can be as good as a registered dog. If it is possible watch the parents of your dog hunt before you buy a pup. Always check out the dog your going to buy in person or have a friend check out. By now you should have a list that will help you make your choice. Some dogs will take a little time to show you what a great hunter he is. Give him a chance to learn how to hunt with you and the two of you will have more fun and better hunts.
Buying any dog for any job is hard to do. Always know what you really need before you even start look for that great dog you need. Always check out the seller and if you can hunt your dog before you spend you money. When you are happy with the dog you have, sent the seller a written note to explain how you feel about the sale and your new dog.
This is a guide for buying any dog, not just sport dogs, but any dog for protection, family, automatic door bell. Or what ever use you may have for a dog.
Each breed has it uses. Pick your needs then the breed, then make a list of requirements and only then are you ready to hunt down your dog. Most dogs are not trained for dual jobs. You may more than dog ( one for rabbits and one to protect you from elephants, elephant dogs are easy to train. We live in Memphis Tn. Since I got my mountain cur we have not seen one elephant in our yard. She is doing a great job with little training on elephant protection.
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