New pups on the way, several started dogs and so an older dog needs to go to make room.
I have maybe sold two or three dogs in 15+ years of hunting, and so I'm not very good at it but here's what I would want to know if I were buying:
Sam is a foundation registered male (I would have to look at papers, but I believe 37.5% Weatherfords Ben) who will be four in October. I got this dog when he was two, and had been a yard dog all his life. He started easier than any dog I've ever owned, and struck a hog with Douglas Mason his second time in the woods.
He's stays extremely busy and I would consider him medium range...not under your feet but won't leave the country either. I don't consider a dog finished until they're dead, but if theres a hog in the woods there's no question he will find it.
THe negatives about Sam: When he finds a hog he's going to bay a few minutes then more than likely he'll catch. He can be VERY rough, especially when paired with another rough dog. I hunt him strickly with one dog in particular, and I can count the times I've needed a bulldog with the two together on the ground. He's also a dog that will end long races. As a result, he can sometimes require a little more medical care than others. Also, if you hunt a long time with no action he occasionally will chase a deer that runs out in front of him 50 yards or so, then will come back to you and cower down. He knows it's wrong, but gets very eager to see some action. He has been cow broke.
Other fault, is that because he was raised for two years alone he was not properly socialized when young. I have no problems while hunting, but running around the yard if another dominant male bows up you will have your hands full. I have worked EXTREMELY hard at this, and he is 100% better than when I got him. I wouldn't necessarily call him male aggressive, but he's definatly not passive either. Also as a result of his prior life as a pet, he is well mannered, very smart and good with people (including kids).
No offense, but Sam is a very powerful dog and probably not for the inexperienced. His health in the woods depends on someone knowing how to pair him up to hunt, and how to handle him. I'm also not interested in seeing him go somewhere to be used as a stud dog. He needs to hunt.
I will sell for $1,200 firm, and really have no problem keeping him if need be. No trials, but I will take you hunting with a $100 deposit. That may sound silly, but believe it or not there are tire-kickers just looking for a free hunt and Sam or I neither one need the practice.
If serious about this dog, call me at 254-534-2455.
Dog on top in the next picture. This was his first hog in the woods.
