Y'all know I can't pass up a chance!
Quoted from one of my earlier posts:
The easiest way to explain my point of view...is to TRY and make sure we are all on the same page as far as definitions go. I used the
www.merriam-Webster.com for my definitions.
Some may argue otherwise but based off of pure definition...a pack ( 1.c.1 a number of individual components, 5.a1 a group of domesticated animals trained to hunt or run together) consist of a strike dog( the dog of a pack that customarily first closes with game) and 2 to 3 help (1. to give assistance or support) dogs.
Some individuals will say they don't keep help dogs on their yard, they have some young dogs or some up and comers but no help dogs. Well....it is the rare occasion that a pack will divide the striking duties amongst themselves evenly. One dog will usually take the lead roll and be the primary dog to strike the game. He may be followed closely by another dog but by pure definition....any and every dog besides the lead dog serves in a helping roll and there is nothing wrong with that.
All this being said....I wouldn't begin to put all help dogs in the same class. The guys that have GREAT lines (not 1 or 2 dogs out of a great lines), a yard full of good blood, will also usually have grade "A" help dogs.