"...A dog that i certainly would like to have as a hunting companion is a Rhodesian Ridgeback.They are intelligint,agile,fast and strong.And the bonus is that they are very good watch dogs wich is a pluspoint here in South Africa..."

The above brought back a fond memory of my first fancolin. Although I'd (barely) got him to stay at the house when I left, my friend's big ridgeback came charging past me at the shot. He succeeded in finding the bird in the tall grass - then proceeded to lay down and eat it! He was a great dog though. Huge, beautiful and the ultimate in protection. Unfortunately it was this last quality that resulted in his being poisoned by the farm workers he delighted in terrorizing.

I have a wonderful Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Many of the same qualities as the ridgeback - protective, devoted, strong and fearless - but in a breed more suited to our cold winters here. Either one requires an owner who understands the need to "be the boss."