Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Members of the Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.
When it comes to sporting breeds, they are generally easy to manage, but they can be very strong! Because they are bred to work with people, they are generally laid-back and easily respond to cues and commands by individuals who are working with them. However, they do tend to require a lot of exercise and they tend to be high energy. They like to play games with people and they are really devoted companions. Generally speaking, the sporting breeds are relatively easy to manage dogs but remember…they can be high energy. And without an energy outlet, they tend to be a little bit more destructive.
Brittany
Brittany’s are unique sporting dogs: Smaller than setters but leggier than spaniels, they stand about 20 inches at the shoulder. Known for their beautiful, boldly patterned coat, Brittany’s come in combinations of white and vivid orange and liver (reddish-brown). They’re rugged and strong—the word “muscular” occurs more than once in the breed standard—but smooth, clean, and quick afoot. The face has the “softness” prized by bird-dog lovers; high-set ears convey the breed’s essential eagerness.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Energetic and alert, Brittanys need plenty of exercise—preferably along their favorite human.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
- Weight: 30-40 pounds
General Appearance
A compact, closely knit dog of medium size, a leggy dog having the appearance, as well as the agility, of a great ground coverer. Strong, vigorous, energetic and quick of movement. Ruggedness, without clumsiness, is a characteristic of the breed. He can be tailless or has a tail docked to approximately four inches.
Training and Temperament
Due to the breed’s intelligence, basic obedience training is recommended. The Brittany is strong, quick and agile, requiring exercise and activity to occupy his body and mind. He is a happy and alert dog who possesses willing attitude. Some of the best activities for Brittany’s include pointing breed field trials, hunting tests, dog shows, obedience, agility, flyball, lure coursing, and tracking.
Did you Know?
- The Brittany was named for the French province in which it originated as early as AD 150
- The Brittany enjoyed a steady gain in popularity in the U.S. due to it’s merits as a shooting dog
- The first accurate records to pinpoint the actual Brittany-type dog are the paintings and tapestries of the 17th century
Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat or wavy coat. He is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance. Cocker Spaniels were originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Energetic sporting dogs, Cockers love their playtime and brisk walks.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 14.5-15.5 inches (male), 13.5-14.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 25-30 pounds (male), 20-25 pounds (female)
General Appearance
The Cocker Spaniel is the smallest member of the Sporting Group. He has a sturdy, compact body and a cleanly chiseled and refined head, with the overall dog in complete balance and of ideal size. He stands well up at the shoulder on straight forelegs with a topline sloping slightly toward strong, moderately bent, muscular quarters. He is a dog capable of considerable speed, combined with great endurance. Above all, he must be free and merry, sound, well balanced throughout and in action show a keen inclination to work. A dog well balanced in all parts is more desirable than a dog with strongly contrasting good points and faults.
Training and Temperament
Despite their small size, the Cocker Spaniel is still an active Sporting breed that needs daily exercise. Regular brushing and a trim every few months helps keep the coat free of mats. Cockers are intelligent, gentle dogs that thrive as part of a family.
Did You Know?
- Arguably the most famous cocker spaniel – Lady from the 1955’s movie Lady and the Tramp. The breed’s silky hair and prim disposition made the dog the natural choice for the elegant lead character. Another famous cocker spaniel can be spotted tugging on a certain bathing suit on bottles of Coppertone suntan lotion
- Spaniels first came to the United States in 1620 on the Mayflower. The first official cocker spaniel registered by the AKC was Captain, a white-and-liver colored dog that was recognized in 1878
- The Cocker Spaniel is known as the smallest member of the sporting dog family
- The Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular breeds of American purebred dogs
English Springer Spaniel
The Springer is the place where beauty and utility meet. Standing 19 to 20 inches at the shoulder, and weighing between 40 and 50 pounds, Springers are tough, well-muscled hunters. Their energy, stamina, brains, and smooth “rear drive” movement have earned them an exalted place in the realm of bird dogs. But a Springer— with his smartly marked coat, yearning spaniel expression, and long, lush ears—would be prized for good looks even if he couldn’t tell a grouse from a mouse. As part of the sporting group they love to carry toys around in their mouth.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Built for long days as hunters’ companions, Springers need regular exercise for optimum mental and physical health
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
- Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
General Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized sporting dog, with a compact body and a docked tail. His coat is moderately long, with feathering on his legs, ears, chest and brisket. His pendulous ears, soft gentle expression, sturdy build and friendly wagging tail proclaim him unmistakably a member of the ancient family of Spaniels. He is above all a well-proportioned dog, free from exaggeration, nicely balanced in every part. His carriage is proud and upstanding, body deep, legs strong and muscular, with enough length to carry him with ease. Taken as a whole, the English Springer Spaniel suggests power, endurance and agility. He looks the part of a dog that can go, and keep going, under difficult hunting conditions. At his best, he is endowed with style, symmetry, balance and enthusiasm, and is every inch a sporting dog of distinct spaniel character, combining beauty and utility.
Training and Temperament
They make excellent house pets, but require daily exercise. They thrive on socialization and positive training: without it, they can become pushy and obnoxious. Springers need regular exercise. The trainability required for a Springer to excel as a hunter makes the breed a standout in other performance events. Cheerful and affectionate, Springers love their families and like to stick close to their owners.
Did You Know?
- William Wallace was the commander of the Scottish army during the First War of Scottish Independence back in the late 13th century. Wallace apparently had a pet spaniel named Merlin that rode into the Battle of Stirling Bridge with the commander in 1297. Although it would have been too early to classify Merlin as an English Springer Spaniel, Wallace almost certainly owned a spaniel that would be developed into the English Springer Spaniel.
- George W. Bush had an English Springer Spaniel named Spot, and George H.W. Bush had one named Millie. Other famous English Springer Spaniel owners include Princess Grace, and Oprah Winfrey.
- Until the early 20th century, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels were one spaniel breed with two varieties that would appear together in litters. Cockers were the smaller dogs of the litters, and were so named because they were used to hunt woodcocks. In 1902, the English Kennel Club officially designated the two types as separate breeds.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Male German Shorthaired Pointers stand between 23 and 25 inches at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 55 to 70 pounds; females are smaller in height and weight. The coat is solid liver (a reddish brown), or liver and white in distinctive patterns. Built to work long, hard days in the field or at the lake, GSPs are known for power, speed, agility, and endurance. The overall look is often described as “noble” and “aristocratic.”
- Energy Level: Very Active; Like most pointing breeds, GSPs thrive on running and exercise.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female
- Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
General Appearance
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter, an all-purpose gun dog capable of high performance in field and water. The judgment of Shorthairs in the show ring reflects this basic characteristic. The overall picture which is created in the observer’s eye is that of an aristocratic, well balanced, symmetrical animal with conformation indicating power, endurance and agility and a look of intelligence and animation. The dog is neither unduly small nor conspicuously large. It gives the impression of medium size, but is like the proper hunter, “with a short back, but standing over plenty of ground.” Symmetry and field quality are most essential. GSP’s are large, active, boisterous, playful, and affectionate with low grooming.
Training and Temperament
It quickly establishes a bond between you and your Shorthair and makes him a joy to live with. In urban areas, there are obedience clubs which offer training classes, starting with very young dogs and working up to advanced courses for the serious obedience competitor. Consistency and repetition are the keys to success in this training. If you plan to hunt your Shorthair, basic obedience training forms the base from which you will work to bring your dog to higher performance levels.
Did You Know?
- The German shorthaired pointer was bred before the first studbook was created in 1870, so the exact breeds that went into its bloodline are unknown. Most people believe that the foundation of the breed is the German bird dog. Other dogs thought to have contributed to the breed include the Spanish pointer, the English pointer, the Dalmatian, the Weimaraner, the tracking hound, and the Vizsla.
- German shorthaired pointers have also been used to guard homes, pull sleds, and sniff for bombs. They have a variety of different attributes that make them perfect for any job in and out of the water. Their water-resistant coats repel debris as they swim, while their spoon-shaped webbed paws act as paddles. On land, their heavy nails help them get traction on even rough terrain.
- Haus is a German shorthaired pointer that was donated to the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing by American Legion member George C. Evans. The well-trained pooch is used for sniffing out explosives.
Golden Retriever
It’s not surprising that Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Along with being exuberant and friendly, they are strong dogs and hard workers. Goldens are good at whatever they do, be it hunting, serving as guide dogs, working search-and-rescue, or being devoted companions. Though they are serious about their work, they also enjoy being downright silly!
- Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
General Appearance
A symmetrical, powerful, active dog, sound and well put together, not clumsy nor long in the leg, displaying a kindly expression and possessing a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident. Primarily a hunting dog, he should be shown in hard working condition. Overall appearance, balance, gait and purpose to be given more emphasis than any of his component parts. Faults-Any departure from the described ideal shall be considered faulty to the degree to which it interferes with the breed’s purpose or is contrary to breed character.
Training and Temperament
With his friendly temperament and striking golden color, this breed is both beautiful to look at and a joy to own. While Goldens can adapt to virtually any living situation, they need considerable daily exercise to maintain physical and mental fitness. Your Golden should never be allowed to run free. Time spent in the companionship of people indoors can and should be complemented with time spent on daily walks or playing in a secure fenced area. Without the companionship of people and adequate exercise, your Golden may display behavior atypical of the well-cared-for pet and family member. Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It will make your dog a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. Your Golden wants nothing more from life than to please you.
Did You Know?
- Golden Retrievers are often used on search and rescue teams because of their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities
- They make great therapy dogs
- They are considered to be the 4th smartest dog breed (in line behind Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds)
- Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office
- Goldens are a popular choice to star in movies and television shows because they are easy to train
Irish Setter
First, there’s that gorgeous red coat. You won’t have to worry about losing track of your pet at the dog park—the flashy Irish Setter stands out in any crowd. Underneath the coat is a true athlete, over two feet tall at the shoulder and weighing 60 to 70 pounds. The breed was created as a hunter’s companion who can do a hard day’s work in the field. Irish Setters are famous for their grace and speed.
- Energy Level: Very Active; High-energy dogs who love to run, Irish Setters need plenty of space and exercise.
- Trainability: Responds Well
- Height: 27 inches (male), 25 inches (female)
- Weight: 70 pounds (male), 60 pounds (female)
General Appearance
The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, rich red in color, substantial yet elegant in build. Standing over two feet tall at the shoulder, the dog has a straight, fine, glossy coat, longer on ears, chest, tail and back of legs. Afield, the Irish Setter is a swift-moving hunter; at home, a sweet natured, trainable companion.
Training and Temperament
The Irish Setter’s carefree attitude makes friends wherever they go. They pick up on training quickly, but their rollicking personality and high spirits can make it difficult to train them for long periods. Short, positive training sessions are best for these upbeat, sensitive dogs. Irish Setters are eager playmates for kids. They’ll fetch tennis balls all day long, and look great doing it! Actually, Irish Setters are like big kids themselves. Usually, they won’t settle into adulthood until at least 2 years old. They’re wonderful pets for active families who enjoy spending quality time with their dog.
Did You Know?
- Irish Setters are well-known for their solid red coats, but that wasn’t always the case. Originally bred for hunting, their owners once preferred Irish setters to be red and white, because that color pattern made the dogs easier to see in the field. As the breed appeared more and more often in shows rather than on the hunt, solid-red dogs became more fashionable
- Irish setters are notably slow to mature, which means that their physical growth normally outpaces their behavioral development. The result is young, full-grown dogs that still possess a healthy amount of “puppy energy.” Over time, Irish setters mature into intelligent dogs, although they often maintain stubborn streaks
- “Dog whisperer” Cesar Millan is known for working with his two pit bulls, the late Daddy, and Junior. But the first dog he ever owned was an Irish Setter. A doctor neighbor of Millan’s owned an Irish Setter, and gave Millan a puppy from the dog’s litter. Millan named the pup Saluki
Labrador Retriever
The gentle, intelligent and family-friendly Labrador Retriever from Canada and is one of the most popular breed in the United States. Labradors are frequently trained to aid the blind, those who have autism, to act as a therapy dog, or to perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Additionally, they are prized as sporting and hunting dogs.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Labs are high-spirited and not afraid to show it.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
- Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-coupled, dog possessing a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog; the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions; the character and quality to win in the show ring; and the temperament to be a family companion. Physical features and mental characteristics should denote a dog bred to perform as an efficient Retriever of game with a stable temperament suitable for a variety of pursuits beyond the hunting environment.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an “otter” tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its “kind,” friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.
Training and Temperament
Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It helps to establish a bond between you and your Labrador and makes him/her a welcomed part of the family and in the neighborhood. In urban areas, there are obedience training clubs that offer classes where you and your dog can learn the fundamentals of basic obedience training. These classes can range in scope from puppy socializing to advanced training for obedience competition. Early training and consistency are the keys to having a well-behaved dog. If you plan to hunt your Labrador, basic obedience training is essential.
Did You Know?
- Most guide dogs are Labrador Retrievers. In fact, over 70% of dogs used by Guide Dogs of America are labs
- Black, chocolate, and yellow Labs can be in the same litter…They’re like a box of assorted truffles (kidding). Coat color is a variable genetic trait, much like how kids born to the same parents can have different colored hair! Talk about a stellar variety-pack.
- Labrador Retrievers are practically waterproof! They are made for the water, from their webbed toes to their rudder-like tail. But what makes them ready for even the most chilly water is their double coat. The breed has a distinctive coat that is made of an outer layer of dense, straight longer hairs and an under layer of soft downy-like fur that acts as an insulating layer. This undercoat traps heat and keeps water out as it allows the dog’s natural oils to repel water, making the coat essentially waterproof. The coat is perfect for keeping warm and dry but can be a bit of a nightmare for owners when the Labrador sheds its coat twice a year. For anyone who has had a Labrador, you’re familiar with endless fur that piles up in heaps during a brushing session!
Vizsla
Originally from Hungary, the Vizsla is a medium-sized, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially Pointer in type, although he combines characteristics of both pointer and retriever. An attractive golden rust in color, this “dual” dog is popular in both the field and the show ring due to his power and drive while hunting and his trainability in the home. They are also fearless and possessed of a well-developed protective instinct.
Vizslas are a sleek, high-energy action dog that love to go home and snuggle after a hard day’s work or play. Sensitive, inquisitive, and liable to get into trouble without a lot of regular exercise, these dogs thrive on positive reinforcement and love (and honestly, who doesn’t?)
If you’re looking for a couch potato breed who doesn’t mind staying home alone for extended periods of time, the vizsla is not the dog for you. But if you want a hiking, hunting, swimming adventure buddy who can keep up with an active family, a vizsla just might make your life complete.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Born hunting dogs built for long days in the field, Vizslas are athletes who thrive on hard exercise.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
- Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
General Appearance
That of a medium-sized, short-coated, hunting dog of distinguished appearance and bearing. Robust but rather lightly built, the coat is an attractive shaded golden rust. Originating in Hungary, the Vizsla was bred to work in field, forest and water. Agile and energetic, this is a versatile dog of power, drive and endurance in the field yet a tractable and affectionate companion in the home. It is strongly emphasized that field conditioned coats, as well as brawny or sinewy muscular condition and honorable scars indicating a working and hunting dog are never to be penalized in this dog. The requisite instincts and abilities to maintain a “dual dog” are always to be fostered and appreciated, never deprecated.
Training and Temperament
As a new Vizsla puppy owner, be prepared to engage your puppy in frequent periods of on-leash and off-leash activity. Daily physical exercise will help settle your Vizsla puppy for a successful day. The Vizsla is a hunter by design. He was built to locate, point, and retrieve upland game with proficiency. Should you want to explore your dog’s primary purpose, we encourage you to get your puppy on birds early and often. Seek out experienced hunters using positive techniques who will introduce your dog to birds and guns with great care. The Vizsla thrives as part of an active family that provides daily exercise. He is lively and affectionate to his people, and possesses an above-average ability to take training.
Did You Know
- A Vizsla’s top speed is 40 mph!
- Vizsla eyes are blue when they first open
- Vizsla means “pointer” in Hungarian
- Wirehaired Vizsla’s are considered a separate breed
Weimaraner
Often referred to as the “gray ghost” because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports. Often called “Velcro dogs,” Weimaraners stick to their owners to the point where it can become a behavioral problem. Separation anxiety is a consistent issue for Weimaraners, which is a bad combination with owners who are often away from home.
- Energy Level: Very Active; Weimaraner’s are athletic dogs of speed and endurance—an ideal runner’s companion.
- Trainability: Eager To Please
- Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
- Weight: 70-90 pounds (male), 55-75 pounds (female)
General Appearance
A medium-sized gray dog, with fine aristocratic features. He should present a picture of grace, speed, stamina, alertness and balance. Above all, the dog’s conformation must indicate the ability to work with great speed and endurance in the field.
Training and Temperament
Lauded for his ability to work with great speed, fearlessness and endurance when on the hunt, the Weimaraner is also known for being an easily trainable, friendly and obedient member of the family. This is a breed that loves children and enjoys being part of his family’s “pack.ʺ A well-trained Weimaraner is a delight to live with, but an untrained one is akin to a canine demolition derby. Puppies should be started in classes at an early age.
Did You Know?
- The Weimaraner breed is easy to recognize for its distinctive coat, which ranges in color from a warm, brownish gray to a cooler blue-gray. While striking, this latter color is actually considered a defect, and blue Weimaraners are not allowed to compete in dog shows. According to the AKC breed standard
- Weimaraner’s are among the fastest dog breeds. Due to its development as a hunting dog intended to chase big game like deer, wolves and boars, it’s no wonder that the Weimaraner is built for speed. These energetic dogs can attain speeds of up to 35 mph
- Weimaraner puppies have dark grey tiger stripes!These don’t stick around for long: After just a few days, they fade away entirely.
Sporting Dog List
- American Water Spaniel
- Barbet
- Boykin Spaniel
- Bracco Italiano
- Brittany
- Chesapeake Bay Retriever
- Clumber Spaniel
- Cocker Spaniel
- Curly-Coated Retriever
- English Cocker Spaniel
- English Setter
- English Springer Spaniel
- Field Spaniel
- Finnish Spitz
- Flat-Coated Retriever
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- German Wirehaired Pointer
- Golden Retriever
- Gordon Setter
- Irish Red and White Setter
- Irish Setter
- Irish Water Spaniel
- Kooikerhondje
- Korean Jindo Dog
- Labrador Retriever
- Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
- Pointer
- Small Munsterlander Pointer
- Stabyhoun
- Sussex Spaniel
- Vizsla
- Weimaraner
- Welsh Springer Spaniel
- Wirehaired Pointing Griffon