It takes a special type of dog to be able to learn all the different aspects that are involved with hunting turkeys or other wild game, especially when it comes to being around owners who use firearms for hunting. Appalachian turkey dogs have many favorable characteristics.
Purchasing a dog from a gun dog breeder is an ideal solution for many hunters. Not only do the dogs chosen have innate hunting skills, they also are often trained by many gun dog breeders to employ basic hunting commands.
Here are some facts about Appalachian turkey dogs that people seeking this hunting dog should know.
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1. Origination
Although it is sometimes open to debate, the father of the true Appalachian turkey dog is John H. Byrne, Jr. of Lowry, Virginia,
according to Outdoor Life. Byrne and his son J.T. created their Appalachian turkey dogs from a mixture of three purebred dogs, the setter, pointer, and Plott hound. Each dog in the Appalachian blood line is chosen for specific traits that make the offspring a naturally efficient turkey hunter.
2. Registration
Appalachian turkey dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club; however, there are not many Appalachian turkey dogs known to exist. These dogs are bred by gun dog breeders to have specific traits which make them perfect for the task at hand.
3. Best Dog for Fall Turkey
According to Outdoor Life, the Appalachian turkey dog is the best dog breed for hunting turkey.
4. Characteristics of an Appalachian Turkey Dog
The three main characteristics that make an Appalachian turkey dog one of the best dog for hunting this wild game is the combination of traits that it receives from its lineage. Appalachian turkey dog are bred to trail turkeys, bust up a flock, and bark when the flock breaks. The dog should then return to its owner and wait until further commands are given. Gun dog breeders often will train the new dog owner on how to develop the natural instinctive traits of the Appalachian turkey dog even further. Getting this breed of dog familiar with the scent and taste of turkey feathers is often the first step in the training process.
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