The place that I train at is "loaded" with shorthair people.

I constantly have to put up with pointing lab bashing.

A comment was made about how good of a retriever this particular shorthair was.  One thing led to another and a timed retrieving race was set up.

Maverick represented well.

I wasn't actually training with any of them.  They were there doing their thing and watching me work my dog on land doubles with a couple of launchers and some frozen pheasants.

It wasn't until I was finished training that the challenge was offered (juvinelle, I know...but fun anyway!).

I haven't worked my dog in the field with any of their shorthairs, but I have hunted over many of them in the past.  I think my dog would stack up with any of them in the field, and he isn't even a year and half old yet. 

Don't get me wrong...there are some great shorthairs out there.  I appreciate all breeds of gun dogs.  It's usually their owners that I have a hard time with!