Hi my name is skylar and i live in montana. I'm only 19 years old but started hunting with my dad when I was 8 or 9. I've hunted with a lot of dogs, had a lot of dogs, I know a lot of hunters. Don't listen to these egotistical knot heads who tell ya that it has to be a certain kind of dog. My family has always had blueticks since the 50's, and we totally love them, they don't come any better. But we know people who have walkers and their every bit as good. Redbones and black and tans are great too. I haven't hunted with curs yet but I know a guy who loves them, but you miss out on the whole hound experiance. of course you can have both also. I have hunted with airedales and am expecting a new one on the way real soon. My opinion of airedales is,they are brilliant, fast, love to hunt, fun, and they don't bark much. they're a real buddy dog. I'll never be without them again, but I will always have my blueticks too. I would recommend Airedales and hounds over curs myself but you talk to will say just the opposite. My experiance with curr owners is they're full of hot air. They talk and talk and talk and talk and never show, not to down talk the breed though. Basically just find a breed that interests you the most, and find a good line of them, that is the ONLY THING that matters. If you get into blueticks here are the best blood lines I know of. My family has had these bloodlines for years. Smokey River, Diamond Jim, Vaun, utchman, and Hammer. You must be careful though, lots of people say they have this stuff and they don't. As far as walkers, redbones, curs, etc. I don't now enough about the breeding to help you. I hope this was of some help to you! Remember it is all about you, don'tlet others decide for you, you need to decide.