I was taking some photographs of fishing vessels in Naskeag Harbor last month. All was quiet, but I got that spooky somebody’s-looking-at-me feeling. I slowly turned around and saw these two oldtimers, apparently taking stock of me the way only successful dogs can judge mediocre humans.
The dogs appeared to have life jackets on, so I guessed that they might have retrieved quite a few ducks in their canine careers. I don’t hunt, but the calm and assured stares of these two veterans made me wonder what duck hunters look for in a “good dog.”
A quick Internet search convinced me that duck hunters expect a lot from a good hunting dog. As you might think, the recommended quest for a good retriever begins with picking the right puppy of the right breed from the right breeder.
Then, one looks for signs of key inherent tendencies that can be developed by training and mutual love and respect. Priorities for these traits apparently vary by hunter, but the following often were mentioned: intelligence, playfulness, curiosity, fearlessness, chase-proneness, sociability, athleticism, aggressive drive, speed, coat condition, versatility, nose (“sniff-happy”), and (of course) personality.
(Image taken in Brooklin, Maine, on September 3, 2021.)