BigGameHoundsmen.com

As most know I have gotten out of the cat hounds and gotten into running hare with beagles, but I still enjoy getting on here to view the bobcat section.
Anyhow I asked this question on our hare hunting board and it has turned into a good discussion so I though I would throw it on here.

What would be the #1 quality that a hound would have to have in order to remain in your pack? We all know there is more to it then "one" thing but what would be the "one" quality a hound MUST have in order to stay in your yard? What would be your least concern as far as in the field?

Good Thread Mr. Bud!

#1. MUST be BRAINS! #2.is Brains as is 3 & 4, then Nose.

The thing that is the LEAST Concern for us as pertains to the Hound in the woods is it's Mouth! As stated before one of Dad's quotes is "I don't care if it Barks like a Parakeet if it Barks in the right place".

Dads dogboy wrote:The thing that is the LEAST Concern for us as pertains to the Hound in the woods is it's Mouth! As stated before one of Dad's quotes is "I don't care if it Barks like a Parakeet if it Barks in the right place".

I know an old boy that says he don't like his dogs to stick on a bear longer than three hours.You know why ? Cuz his dogs won't stick on a bear longer than 3 hours.

Carey said it well! Andy

Budd Denny wrote:As most know I have gotten out of the cat hounds and gotten into running hare with beagles, but I still enjoy getting on here to view the bobcat section.
Anyhow I asked this question on our hare hunting board and it has turned into a good discussion so I though I would throw it on here.

What would be the #1 quality that a hound would have to have in order to remain in your pack? We all know there is more to it then "one" thing but what would be the "one" quality a hound MUST have in order to stay in your yard? What would be your least concern as far as in the field?

Brains are important, however a very big plus here is nose. Nose is what I hear from most of the older cat hunters. Also hustle is important to me. Also lots of those who hunt for the enjoyment voice is a very desirable trait. I suppose over the years, most of my packs had different traits that complimented each other. I truly doubt that anyone has hounds who could have made some of the hounds I have owned look bad in the hustle department. But, Dead dogs get better. And of coarse nose without the brains to drift the track can work against one. Good temperament is very important. A fighter would be culled . Al

track speed ................... if my slowest dog is always behind then why have it.

jc

coastrangecathunting wrote:track speed ................... if my slowest dog is always behind then why have it.

jc

Depends on what the slower hound has to offer when condtions get tough? Have you ever seen the running order within your pack change when condtions get tough, ice crust, dry powder snow, frozen ground, very dry dirt with 0 humidity?

They have to add to the success of the hunt. For pups and young dogs I need to see progress that they will add to the success of the hunt. Once I lose hope that they can fulfill this requirement, I get to not liking them, and I can't feed a dog I don't like.
Lack of brains seems to be the primary quality that results in a dog losing his place in the yard. Training and exposure can't fix stupid and ignorant.

To be able to produce offspring that is better than he or she is. JTG

At what age would you cull them if they are making less progress then another but still trying a little win should you throw in the towel

Brains, the ability to move a cold track,locating, soundness, conformation and the speed on a jump. I do care what they sound like, never breed for voice. As long they tree bobcats consistently they sound great. Dewey

Cat smarts with persictance. I dont think brains and cat smarts are the same thing. I have a half Border collie in the yard that is smarter than any hound i have ever seen. I cant realy seperate cat smarts and persistance cause persistance without cat smarts just gets a dog that stands on its head.Cat smarts without persistance just gets a dog that is in back of my pick up instead of catching me a cat. I would give speed 2nd place. The biggest thing that would get a dog gone would be anything that would distract from the dogs that were doing what I wanted.That is usualy being growly .

C. John got the jump on us again. I agree, speed, nose, feet or anything else is useless if they don"t have a brain. That's #1 for me.

Brains may wins some battles, but it is HEART that wins the war. Heart is what gets them out of the doghouse and into the truck when they're dead tired and bleeding and footsore. Heart is what makes a bear climb. Heart is what makes a bobcat forget his tricks and worry about his life. Heart is what keeps the pressure on for hours and hours. Heart is honesty. Heart is pure without thought.
Many traits are imperative to have a well rounded dog.
Heart is the trait I love to observe in action the most.

No amount of brains can make up for lack of nose power. Brains, experience, and desire can only carry a weak nose so far.
And a front running, competitive hound had better be able to handle the front if thats were he wants to run.