Sporting Group Breeds
These active breeds were originally developed for hunting. Because of that, they share some common temperaments, mostly for their versatility, good-natured, proficient in the field and as reliable companions. If you can commit to giving them the exercise and the outdoors time they yearn for, they’ll be sure to thank you with all the love they have.
Native to the Wisconsin in the 1800s, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) is an optimistic, active outdoor loving dog. They can be territorial and aggressive to other dogs, but they have many traits that make them desirable family pets.
A classic example of a water dog from France, this photogenic dog is intelligent and quick witted. They are typically anywhere from 30-60 pounds and love human companionship.
Fierce, energetic and bold in the field, these pups are just as happy placing their attention in the home. They are loyal and kind, making them a perfet choice for a family with kids of all ages.
This medium breed is as swift and athletic as they come. Make sure to have an exercise plan in place before considering the breed as they have inexhaustible energy. On the home front, they are sweet and patient, making them good for families with children of all ages.
This gun dog developed to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay area in the US (Mid-Atlantic region) has an intelligent and dominant presence. Chessies are high energy but also make for good family dogs.
Though more aloof than other Spaniels, this large sized breed from the UK makes for a great family dog. They are smart and eager to learn. It’s better to give them positive reinforcement than stern discipline, as they respond better that way. They can be sensitive like that.
Cocker Spaniels are the smallest member of the sporting group breeds. They are affectionate dogs, making them great for families. Be aware that grooming their coat often is important to keeping their fur untangled.
This compact Spaniel comes in many different colors – even in the same littler. They are smaller than Cocker Spaniels, but they carry similar temperaments, which include hard working and talent in the field and a happy, loving disposition at home.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
This medium sized sporting dog is part of the Setter group (red Irish Setters, Irish Red and White Setters, and Gordon Setters). Mild-mannered overly accommodating, they make for great companions for any age. Their protective nature makes them adequate watch dogs.
These medium sized sporting dogs love flushing and retrieving birds. While they are professional and alert in the field, they are affectionate and cheerful at home.
This intelligent medium sized spaniel is an excellent hunting dog. They are largely docile and love to please their human companions. They were developed in 19th century England.
Thier outgoing personality and loving and caring temperament make this breed a wonderful family dog. While wonderful at home, they thrive even more in the outdoors – both on land and in water.
These medium to large sized hunting dogs are powerful and athletic in the field, be that upland game or in the water. Their energy levels and exuberant personalities make them not the best choice for families with small children.
These even tempered medium to large sized dogs were a versatile hunting dog in Germany. When treated well and with respect (especially with the unpredictability of younger children), these dogs are sweet and affectionate.
This Scottish retriever is among the most popular breeds in the US. They are loving and friendly characters that have a love of life that is infectious. They are great family pets, as their patience and trustworthiness is second to none.
Named for a Scottish aristocrat, this large setter is an active breed that is happy and loyal. If they could stay puppies for forever, they would.
This medium-size setter is happy go lucky and playful. They make for fantastic family dogs with minimal grooming needed.
The flashy red coat of the Irish Setter hallmarks its signature look. They are high spirited and high energy in both the field and the home. Make sure to have a plan to get their energy out and they’ll appreciate it.
The tallest of the Spaniels, this kind hearted jokester excels in the water and in the home. These hypoallergenic pups are devoted to their owners and when socialized young, can play well with younger kids.
America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever is an outgoing, even tempered dog that is as notably proficient in the field and retrieving waterfowl as they are at stealing the hearts of their family. Their demeanor and trusting, gentle ways make them a good choice for families of all sizes and age ranges.
Affectionately known as a “truffle dog”, this small to medium sized pup is smart and active, loving and compassionate. They certainly have their nuances, so be sure to socialize them young and know how to give them the attention and love they need so they are their best selves for you.
This small Spaniel type dog has been around for quite a while. They are adorned in Dutch paintings dating back to the Middle Ages. They were used as working dogs, with a specialty in trapping ducks, as its name suggests.
The “decoy dog” is the smallest of the retrievers. They are intelligent and are eager to please their owners, making them wonderful as a “toller”. Their patience and size make them great family dog for families of all ages.
Sometimes going as the English Pointer, this medium sized breed was bred to find game and come to a point, showing their human companions where they birds were.
The Spinone Italiano is a docile, patient medium sized dog. They are versatile in the field, used for anything from flushing upland birds to diving in to retrieve waterfowl. Their love of life is infectious.
If you closed your eyes and took a Cocker Spaniel and then gave it a dachshund-like body, you’d have a good idea of its appearance. They are low to the ground bird dogs with impressive endurance. They have a cheerful and sociable disposition.
These loyal companions love to run so make sure you have an exercise plan in place. They have seemingly endless energy and have natural hunting chops. Vizsla does mean “pointer” in Hungarian, after all. This medium breed makes for a wonderful family dog as they are fiercely loyal and affectionate.
These loyal companions love to run so make sure you have an exercise plan in place. They have seemingly endless energy and have natural hunting chops. Vizsla does mean “pointer” in Hungarian, after all. This medium breed makes for a wonderful family dog as they are fiercely loyal and affectionate.
Great with kids, this affectionate and loyal medium sized Spaniel makes for a desirable family dog. When not at home, you can see them in action in the field, where their happy love for sporting is a joy to watch. Their versatility in the field is their strength.
This hypoallergenic medium sized dog is a superior level gun dog. Their desire to please their owners combined with their instinctual prowess in the field make them highly trainable. Their inherent gentleness makes them wonderful on the home front.
Sharing the same hunting prowess as its short haired cousin, the Wirehaired Vizsla has a notable coat. They are very smart and highly trainable. Match that with their innate skills and you’ll see just how good they are when they are in their element. At home, they have a happy demeanor and never shy away from human love.