But, a more definitive approach would be to separate the hunter into one of three categories -- upland bird hunter, waterfowler, or a combination hunter. Which group best describes your hunting activities?

Your answer will help you pick the hunting dog that best fits your needs.

PICK YOUR POISON
Hunters who pursue upland birds like pheasants and quail, will do best with pointing or flushing dogs. Pointers are trained to stop and stick their noses out (point) toward the hidden bird. Then, the hunter moves into position to flush the bird out of its hiding place.

Flushing dogs zigzag through cover, finding and flushing hidden birds. Hunters need to stay close and pay attention to the flushing dog because birds can flush without warning.

Some of the more popular pointing dogs are true pointers (such as English or German shorthaired pointers), setters such as the English and Gordon breeds, or the "versatile" European hunting breeds such as the vizsla and Weimaraner.

If your dog is going to be a house pet in a family setting, setters may be the better choice. Single- or two-person households can select any of the above dogs without remorse.

Keep in mind that longhaired dogs such as setters require daily combing and hair maintenance while pointers generally have short hair and easily shuck off burrs and thorns.

Spaniels and retrievers are good flushing dogs. These dogs also tend to be fast workers, so plan on a good personal workout as you follow them around the field! It's important to teach such dogs not to roam too far or you won't be doing much shooting because they'll be flushing birds out of range.

Hair length can be an issue with spaniels and some retrievers too. Most spaniels have longer hair, as do golden and flat-coated retrievers. Brushing will likely be mandatory after a hunt. Labrador and Chesapeake retrievers have short, coarse coats that de-burr easily.

With short hunting seasons in most states, can a hunter justify the cost and commitment of owning an expensive specialty hunting dog?

Solitary upland bird hunters can opt for pointing or flushing breeds. Upland hunters who rarely hunt alone will probably want a pointing dog. Pointers and setters allow tandem hunters to utilize blocking strategies and work to force birds to flush ahead of the dog in open shooting lanes.

Waterfowl hunters will almost always pick a retriever. Buying a good water dog is not simple because all retrievers are not created equal. Sadly, the dog-show competitions forced some breeders to select dogs for their looks rather than field aptitude. This problem is most evident today with golden retrievers. Hunters can find some excellent golden retrievers. But retriever buyers need to evaluate the field lineage of any retriever before the purchase.

WHAT ABOUT RETRIEVERS?
Over the years hunters have debated the merits of English and American Labrador retrievers. Generally, English labs are short-legged, stocky dogs. They tend to be more docile and easier to train. American labs are taller, faster and more athletic. These dogs tend to be hyperactive and sometimes stubborn.

If you plan to hunt thick marshes, swamps and flooded timber, American-style labs may be a better choice. Hunters focusing on open fields and puddle-jumping small ponds may enjoy the English version.

English labs make better in-house family pets because they are content to sleep on the sofa when not hunting.

American labs tend to spend the day jumping at the doors and windows waiting for you to walk into the house!