Sporting Dogs

Sporting Dog Diversity

Sporting dogs include the companionable retrievers, happy-go-lucky spaniels, and the elegant and intense pointers and setters. Each breed of sporting dog was developed for a specific type of hunting assistance. Retrievers do just that -- bring game back to the hunter. Pointers and setters were bred to work a field, finding game by scent and freezing in place, or point, to indicate to the hunter where the birds are located. Versatile hunting dogs like the Vizsla and Weimaraner find, point, and retrieve birds, making them a jack-of-all-trades.

Energy to Burn

Sporting dogs differ in size, looks and energy levels; although, most of them tend to have extra energy to burn. Many people don’t realize that the cocker spaniel breed was developed as a hunting breed. These days far more cockers are pets than hunting companions, due to their smaller size and merry nature. Also in the smaller size range of sporting dogs are:

• Brittany
• English Cocker Spaniel
• Clumber Spaniel
• Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

None of the sporting breeds are giants, since it takes a lot of energy and stamina to work in the field all day. Besides the more commonly known medium-sized labs, retrievers, and setters, there is:

• The sleek German Shorthaired Pointer
• The wiry coated Spinone Italiano
• The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
• The Ringlet Coated Irish Water Spaniel

Sporting Dog Show Breeds vs. Field Workers

In many sporting breeds, dogs bred specifically for shows often look much different than the same breed bred to work in the field. For example, the beautiful, flowing red coat of a show bred Irish Setter would be ruined by a day out in a sticker-filled bird field. A setter from field bloodlines is likely to have a less luxurious coat. This field/show split is most commonly seen in Labrador Retrievers. Show labs are often shorter and heavier built than their leggier, rangy, field-bred counterparts. Both make excellent pets, as long as their exercise and training needs are met.

Sporting Breed Pets

Since fewer and fewer people use dogs for hunting these days, the sporting breeds have adapted into a great category of pets and active companions. They might not hunt, but these dogs needs jobs to keep their minds busy. Many of these breeds excel as obedience and agility competitions, search and rescue dogs, assistance dogs for the handicapped, and guide dogs for the blind. There are also hunting tests sponsored by the American Kennel Club and specific breed clubs, in which dogs can do what they were bred to do in a scored, judged competition.

Purchasing Dogs From Breeders

Because sporting dogs are active, it is important to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, who health tests all breeding stock. Canine Hip Dysplasia, a condition where the hip joints don’t fit properly in their sockets, is a concern, since it causes the dog pain and requires painful and expensive surgery to treat. All prospective owners of a sporting dog should research breeders by looking at the American Kennel Club website or by asking for breeder recommendations from the national breed club of the type of dog they are interested in purchasing. Breed specific rescue groups are also an excellent place to find a new addition to the family. Although wildly popular, labs and goldens are not the perfect pet for everyone, and there are many wonderful dogs available through local breed rescue organizations.