How do you see your dogs?

My hunting dogs are somewhere between livestock and pets...

When it comes to pets, cost is not my concern, their health and well-being are top priority.

With livestock, to me its about the bottom line. Can this animal recoup the cost in its lifetime? If not, it's time to cut my losses.

With my hunting dogs, I consider replacement cost, and how valuable that particular dog is to my program. I imagine the amount of money I am willing to spend on a hunting dog could differ greatly based on the individual. Not necessarily based on what I paid for the dog, but more about that dog's value to me.