I was thinking about getting a dog in the future and using him for ducks and grouse mostly, or if I ever get into any other type of bird hunting, like maybe pheasant next year. We go grouse hunting every year and I wanted to use him for grouse. I would most likely be getting a lab or a chesapeke, but i've been looking at German Shorthaired pointers and english setters and stuff. Just wondering who uses dogs for grouse and what breed of dog?

IMHO, look into getting a pointing lab. I know there are alot of people that don't like them or believe that they should point, but, I think it would be tough for a regular flushing lab to be used for grouse, just because the grouse are so quick to flush. I have never used a lab for grouse, so I really don't know, but I have hunted grouse and know that they are very fast. And if you are going to use him for other bird hunting the lab is a very good choice for versitility.

Hopefully some other breed owners will chime in and give you more opinions and thoughts on what they use. Good luck and hope this helps.

I had a lab that was an awesome retriever,and would go out for any bird hunting,the problem with her is that she would not stop on a grouse or woodcock,she would tear into them and not allow you to shoot!But if sure was fun to watch her chase them!Wienmeraters are the best suited dog for both in my opinion!You have to worry about cold with them but they love water and are good pionters!Spaneils and brits are also good!Labs are always my favorite,and always will be! But they are ify on pionting!

My lab is ok at grouse, he just runs at them and up they go. He is very good at finding the scent trail of them. I use the dummy with grouse scent a few weeks before opening day to remind him of the right scent to find and he is all over it out in the field.

The idea of a pointer is a good one. Because as stated, they are fast birds.

I would say get a lab. Quail are quick birds and my dog is a champ at getting them.
I use my lab for all bird hunting, duck, geese, pheasant, grouse, quail, and chukar. not only are they great at up land, but they can't be beat waterfowl hunting, had her out in temps that would make you cringe, and she did great.

With all flushing dogs, just watch their body language, you can tell when they get on a scent, just make sure they aren't 400 yards in front of you, and get ready for the flush. And thats all there is too it.

The one thing that I dont like, is that labs are very puppy like up till 5 or 6 years old! Thats great for their energy level, but house keep can get a bit annoying, as they chew a lot! LOL but you got to love them, as they make great family dogs.