I think the point of all this "dogs will do the unexpected" is that they're all DOGS; that is, one species with a multitude of different looks. Most all dogs will point in the right situation; my first brace of beagles would trail rabbits all day but still stop and point a covey of birds when they came upon one. My wirehair would prefer to 'herd' the cat around the yard a little before she kills it. And the toy house dog will get as protective as a german shepherd when an 'intruder' arrives. Dachshunds will retrieve, I've seen'em do it.
By the way, my wife's shi-tsu didn't fail as a flush dog because he wouldn't flush, it was just that he instinctively backed the wirehair and the pointing lab whenh I tried him out. I wish I had taken a picture of those three "bird-dogs" all lined up on a covey of put out quail.
Whatever sort of dog you take as a friend, don't be surprised at anything it might decide to do...Geo
