Traits of a good hunting dog

[karpbuster]

I was wondering if my golden puppy is weird or just has great traits. She is coming up to 1 year old. She does not bark, ever. She can bark and does so in her sleep and upon a rare occasion (I think twice) she got real excited and barked one bark. SHe is definitely not afraid of fireworks so gun's should be OK.

I am thinking she is pretty perfect for hunting ducks, good retriever, won't bark and scare off game, and is not gun shy at all. And of course loves the water.

I am wondering how unusual it is to have a dog that doesn't bark? Seems like a good trait, is that breed into dogs?

karpbuster

[asianangler]

I have had Weimaraners that did not bark very often. Some Weimaraner lines seem to produce dogs that bark more than others. I would check your dog's hearing... just in case. When her back is turned, rattle some coins in a can or drop something noisy. If she reacts, she can probably hear. Otherwise, enjoy the quiet. People are generally not afraid of Goldens, but when my male, Weim would stand at the door and stare at strangers without barking, it scared the "you know what" out of them.

[karpbuster]

I have had Weimaraners that did not bark very often. Some Weimaraner lines seem to produce dogs that bark more than others. I would check your dog's hearing... just in case. When her back is turned, rattle some coins in a can or drop something noisy. If she reacts, she can probably hear. Otherwise, enjoy the quiet. People are generally not afraid of Goldens, but when my male, Weim would stand at the door and stare at strangers without barking, it scared the "you know what" out of them.
LOL. I bet. She doesn't scare anyone for sure. She can definitely hear, and pretty well. I am enjoying it, just weird, I am thinking I should go back to the breeder and get another puppy. :)

Thanks,

karpbuster

[esgrams]

Morning--

My wife breeds Goldens and it has been our observation that each puppy is just like a human--Different mannerisms for each--I don't believe you got a bad pup--just a quiet one--
Which if you lived in my house with 3 daughters and a wife would be a refreshing change of pace--

Later

[lawdoer]

I have an English ****er that is exactly the same.....never barks. She was a field trial dog before I got her and spent alot of time in the kennel....I thought that mey have something to do with it. It does make her more welcome in the house!!!

[Suzuki]

My golden only barks when commanded or to get let back into the house. No other time.
Otherwise she has strong hunting instincts and does quite well on pheasants and grouse.

[Wingmann17]

My springer doesn't bark much except when he wants back in the house or if a rabbit teases him while he is in the house. Good pheasant hunting dog and not bad at retrieving ducks. Enjoy the quiet unless you really want a watch do that make alot of noise.

Wingmann17