At Stud
Chesapeake Bay's Alexander the Great
- NAVHDA PP-006181
- DOB: 2/20/2020
- Weight: 65lbs
- Height: 27 inches
- Coat: Medium Dense Medium Harsh
- UT 200 Prize ll
- Sire: Oxbow's Eragon PP-003079
- Dam: Killbuck's II Opal Sky PP-004841
- PennHIP: Right DI: .28; Left DI: .34
- Link to Pedigree
What can be said other than WOW! He goes by many names El Duque, Dukeasaurus, The Beast, and The Magician. Duke brings a tremendous work ethic to the duck blind and the field displaying determination and grit that seemingly makes birds appear. Whether it’s hitting an area that another dog has covered and slamming on point or diving into icy waters to retrieve a downed goose or wing tipped duck that has landed in ten-foot tall Phragmite, Duke produces.
Over the last few years, we have hunted mostly wild birds with an occasional stocked pheasant hunt only when introducing new hunters to the game. Duke's range in the grouse and woodcock woods is anywhere from 80 to 120ish yards. He adapts to cover well and hits objectives throughout his search. He will hold initial point forever and will indicate to you upon your approach whether the bird has moved on or not (you get the look like “way to go the bird walked off!”) after which he will relocate demonstrating a tremendous tracking ability. Duke shines brightest after the shot displaying a tremendous ability to mark downed birds and will retrieve to hand every time. I hunt a lot with other dogs who are usually intact males and have never had any issues. The hunt becomes more of a team play in these scenarios. Duke is a competitor and wants to be first to birds but also respects another dog’s point. The duck blind is where Duke is in his glory. He sees incoming birds before you do, and marks downed birds extremely well. He is a steady dog so much so that he and I hunt out of a kayak together with no problems. His relentless search for downed birds is an awesome experience to watch. Duke has successfully tracked multiple deer for bow hunters and has even retrieved a dead buck that died in a lake.
Duke is a highly intelligent dog who was a breeze to train. Once a concept was understood the lessons taught to him stuck with little if any reinforcement. He has a tremendous ability to take training and apply it to different scenarios in the field that he may not have encountered in the past. Duke is extremely tuned into the family and seemingly understands what you are saying to him.
On the flip side of all the field work and in my opinion, most importantly, Duke is a gentle dog with an old soul. He is happy in the home playing in the yard with my children and occasionally sharing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with my son. If he could climb in your pocket, he would. He is everyone’s friend including other dogs and greets everyone with the same friendly welcome. He is a great member of the family!
