Dog Breeds: Sporting Dogs

German Wirehaired Pointer

Developed by crossing the German Pointer, the Wirehaired Griffon, the Pointer, the Bloodhound, and the Airedale. Hair is hard and bristly and is weather-resistant. Has a keen nose and is intelligent. Responds well to its master, but can be unfriendly to strangers.

English Springer Spaniel

Foundation breed for all of the English hunting spaniels. Compact and strong, noted for being cheerful, friendly, eager to please, and courageous. Does well in all types of terrain. Has hardy, long-legged, and more powerful and faster than other spaniels.

Pointer

Name from the stance taken in the presence of game. Developed about 200 years ago in England. Powerful and agile, with speed and endurance. Short hair make it neat and clean. Even temperament and is very affectionate, intelligent, and patient with children.

Labrador Retriever

Native to Newfoundland. Strongly built and active. Water dog bred to assist the hunter in retrieving downed waterfowl. Short, thick hair is water-resistant. Excellent sense of smell and being friendly, and good-natured. Great service dog for the blind or search and rescue work because of its excellent capabilities, fine temperament, and dependability.

German Shorthaired Pointer

Originated in Germany around 1600 by crossing several track and trail dogs. Used for hunting of almost all types of game. Extraordinary hunting capabilities in all types of weather and terrain. Tail is usually docked to 40% of its length to prevent injury during the hunt.

English Setter

Produced by crossing the Spanish Pointer, large Water Spaniel, and the Springer Spaniel. Bird dog of England for more than 400 years, but gaining popularity in U.S. Has mild, sweet disposition, and aristocratic appearance. Makes an excellent companion.

American Cocker Spaniel

Recognized as the smallest of the sporting dog family. Breed gets its name from its proficiency at hunting woodcock. Breed is cheerful, hardy, sporting dog with an elegant appearance. Excellent companion dog. It is a soft-hearted, sensitive dog that must be trained with a gentle hand.

Irish Setter

Similar ancestry to the English Setter. Solid red in color. Noted for their speed and toughness in all types of terrain. Independent and bold, yet gentle, lovable, and loyal. May learn slower, but once trained, they retain their abilities for a long time. Great show dog, but when bred for show its field ability has been sacrificed.

Brittany

Until 1982, the Brittany was registered as the Brittany Spaniel, but works more like a setter. Named for the French province of its origin. Believed to be a cross between the native spaniels of Brittany and English pointing dogs. Smaller in size and has an excellent sense of smell and desire to please. Active, enthusiastic, and untiring. Has become an excellent companion dog.