Guide to Sporting Dogs

Hunting and Sporting dogs include many breeds of dogs. Sporting dogs are gun dogs that were originally developed to go hunting with the hunter and assist in the hunt . Pointers and Setters point and mark game. Spaniels flush birds. Retrievers recover the game from water and land. Because Sporting Dogs are naturally active and alert, potential owners should be aware that the dogs require regular, invigorating exercise. Lively Sporting dogs have high energy and stable likable temperaments Sporting dogs make great companions in the hunting field and at home with the family.

For people who are considering bringing a companion dog into their home, it is a good idea to research the breed to make sure it is compatible with their lifestyle. Hunting and Sporting dogs make great family pets, well well as companions in the hunting field. The dogs are lively and need to run and exercise, so these dogs do best with room to run, such as on a farm.

The American Kennel Club and Westminster Kennel Club each have information on their websites about this large group of dogs and the breeds that comprise it. If you go to a dog show, you may see all of these breeds competing with each other, as well as within their own breed. Following is a list of the various Sporting Dogs along with a brief description of their characteristics and temperament.

Brittany: The Brittany is a compact, medium sized dog with long legs. This is a rugged dog that is quick and agile. The Brittany should weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. The Brittany's coat is dense and wavy and is usually either orange and white or liver and white. The Brittany is a happy, alert dog that is neither mean nor shy.

Pointer: The Pointer is bred primarily as a sporting dog in the field. This dog is an alert, agile hunting dog with stamina and courage. The Pointer's even temperament and alertness makes a good companion in the field and home. Pointers are about 23 to 28 inches high and 44 to 75 pounds in weight, with the bitches being smaller overall.

German Short haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, capable of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer's appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is short and thick, colored either solid liver or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, intelligent and willing to please, with keen enthusiasm.

German Wire haired Pointer: The German Short haired Pointer is an agile, active dog, capable of hunting in the field and water.The German Pointer's appearance is aristocratic and well balanced.The coat is dense and weather resistant and is colored liver roan or liver and white. The medium sized dog is friendly, intelligent and eager to please, and enthusiastic to learn.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a proficient hunter on land and water. Bred to hunt in adverse conditions, The Chesapeake is a rugged, strong, powerfully built dog of moderate size and medium length. This active dog is valued for its bright, happy disposition. Chesapeake's are intelligent and have a protective, affectionate nature.

Curly Coated Retriever: The Curly Coated Retriever is a multi purpose hunter retriever is recognized by most canine historians as one of the oldest retrieving breeds. The "Curly" was developed in England to hunt game in the field. The Curly is strong, robust, agile and able to work all day.The coat is a distinguishing characteristic which is quite different from any other breed. Their thick mass of small, tight, crisp curls are close to the skin and water resistant. A smart dog that is highly trainable, The Curly is a cherished loyal companion at home or in the field.

Flat Coated Retriever: The Flat-Coated Retriever is a versatile hunter and family companion with a happy, active demeanor. The Flat-Coat has a long, strong, clean "one piece" head, which is unique to the breed. This breeds coat is of moderate length, density and fullness, with a high luster. The ideal coat is straight and lies flat. The Flat-Coats color is solid black or solid liver. The Flat-Coat is a cheerful, devoted companion who loves living, and being a member of the family.

Golden Retriever: The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds. The Golden is primarily a hunting dog with a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Golden Retriever have rich lustrous golden coats of various shades. The Golden is a friendly, reliable, trustworthy dog that gets along well with people and other dogs.

Labrador Retriever: The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog breed since 1992. The strongly built, energetic dog is a sound hunter and a great family companion. Labrador's have short, straight, dense coats that are black, yellow or chocolate in color. The Labrador Retriever has an even, kindly disposition with an outgoing nature. Labrador's are gentle, intelligent and adaptable making them ideal family dogs.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: This Retriever was b red to toll, lure and retrieve waterfowl. The medium sized dog is powerful and compact. The smallest of the retriever's coat is any shade of red. The Toller is highly intelligent, alert, outgoing and ready for action. The dog is affectionate and loving with family members.

English Setter: The English Setter is an elegant dog with the ideal blend of strength, stamina, grace and style. their flat coat is white intermingled with darker hairs. Their temperament is gentle, affectionate and friendly.

Irish Setter: This breed is an active, aristocratic bird dog which is rich red in color. The dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat. The Irish Setter is a swift moving hunter in the field and a sweet natured, trainable companion at home. /The Irish Setter has an outgoing, stable temperament.

American Water Spaniel: The American Water Spaniel was developed in the United States as an all around hunting dog. This breed is active and muscular, medium sized and with a marcel to curly coat. Their demeanor is intelligent, eager to please, and friendly.

Clumber Spaniel: The Clumber Spaniel is a long, low, substantial dog with a heavy brow and deep chest. The white coat is visible to the hunter as he works within gun range.
The Clumber is a gentle, loyal, affectionate dog.

Cocker Spaniel: The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting group, at a height of 14 to 15 inches at the withers. The dog has a sturdy, compact body and is capable of great speed. The Cocker Spaniel may be black, brown, cream, tan or multi-colored.

English Cocker Spaniel: This breed is an active, merry sporting dog that is alive with energy. The English Cocker Spaniel is a faithful and engaging companion.

English Springer Spaniel: The medium sized Spaniel has a moderately long coat and compact body. The typical Spaniel is friendly, eager to please, quick to learn and willing to obey

Field Spaniel: The Field Spaniel is a combination of beauty and utility with a noble carriage and docile attitude.

Irish Water Spaniel: The Irish Water Spaniel is a strongly built sporting dog with great intelligence and rugged endurance. this breed has a topknot of long, loose curls and a body covered with dense, curly, liver colored hair. Their temperament is alert, inquisitive and stable.

Sussex Spaniel: The Sussex Spaniel originated in Sussex. england in the 1800's and was used as a hunting companion. The dog has a sturdy build with short legs and long body. This breed is friendly and has a cheerful disposition.

Welsh Springer Spaniel: This attractive dog is medium sized with a compact build. This breed may be reserved with strangers, but is a loyal and affectionate dog. This Spaniel is a devoted family dog as well as a great hunting companion.

Vizsla: The Vizsla is a medium sized, short coated hunter with a strong, lean appearance. The coat is usually solid golden rust. The Vizsla is a natural hunter with a good nose and above average ability to take training. They are lively, gentle mannered, affectionate, sensitive and protective.

Weimaraner: Weimaraners are medium sized gray dogs with fine aristocratic features. This breed has great speed and agility and is able to work hard. This dog has a friendly, fearless, alert and obedient temperament.

Wire haired Pointing Griffon: This is a medium sized dog with a hard course coat that excels as a field pointer or water retriever. The Griffon is quick and intelligent and is easily trained. The Griffon makes an excellent family dog as well as a terrific hunting companion.

A breed from the Sports Group of Dogs makes amiable, lively pets and great hunting companions.