JimmyW - I'm still
over your setter stories.
I had significantly better luck with mine, got him when I was 14 and he was nowhere near the horror of your dog. He was...ummm....one
colorful character but never that insanely destructive. Hardly ever chewed anything (anything valuable anyway) once he grew out of puppyhood. Heckuva pheasant dog (this was back in ancient times when western NY had actual wild pheasants) but could never keep him close enough for thick woods grouse or woodcock. Great family dog, too. The neighbor kid had a serious chronic illness and the dog adopted him, spending a lot of time at their house, coming home mostly to get fed and sleep. We always figured the kid needed him more, so we let it slide.
Getting any puppy is a roll of the dice, I've known individuals of many breeds that were hounds from hell, while others of the same breed were wonderful hunters and pets. Do your homework on breeders and you'll even the odds of getting a good one. Best of luck.
