Finesse......do you look for this in your dogs?

I agree that your definition of finesse is a very important attribute of a great hog dog, but often one that is overlooked. I also agree that it is a trait that seperates good from great. There are many factors that make a good or great dog what he is. Hunt, Nose, Stamina, Bottom, Desire, Heart and Finesse are just a few. Very few people (myself included) are able to truly have a dog that has a perfect set of all these qualities. If it were so, we would only need to hit the woods with one dog (and a catchdog if desired) to make things happen. My answer is a pack of dogs, each having his or her strong points that all come together to make a team.

As far as genetics, I agree with you Waylon. No one has ever bred hounds into their dogs to better their baying ability and no one has probably ever bred curs into their hounds to better their hunting drive. Each has their own genetic ability that they bring to the table, and yes they can be refined. But remember...refining is the act of perfecting something that is already there.