I never have hunted West Texas but there are plenty of dogs that naturally adjust their range in different country. I have seen short range dogs hightail it across a plowed fields half a mile wide to get to timber or a drainage on the other side and viseversa.
Totally agree!!! The area where you hunt will make a difference in the range of "close" range dogs. But i consider 800 yards out without hog sign ,,,a long range dog not short.. JMO