15 Bird Dog Breeds That Make Top-Notch Hunters and Pets

While some families prefer to have a lap - sized domestic dog , others want a companion that ’s along for any risky venture . If you ’re in the latter group , you may love adopting one of these hiss dog breeds . As their name hints , these are historically hunt dogs who could whiff out birds to help their owners tally dinner .

With time , these floofs have grown to become beloved pets for many types of parent , even if they are n’t hunters . Strong , sturdy , fast , and with a sea wolf sense of smell , here ’s a guide to some of the good skirt domestic dog breeds , from spaniel to pointers and more .

Brittany Spaniel

As a average - sized sporting hot dog , you ’ll love theBrittany spaniel’swhite and orange to reddish - brownish coat that ’s shiny and soft . Their name comes from the Gallic province they originate from , where they were primarily used as bird hunter , according to Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Laura Robinson . As pet , she says they are sweet - natured , playful , and smashing with children . However , they are also bursting with energy , so you may find them restless at time . Because of this , Breiz spaniels will be happiest in a spanking household where they can get flock of daily utilisation .

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

We aim ta say , we love the cunning sobriquet of this bird detent breed : Chessie ! Thismedium - sized dogoriginated in the United States in the early 1800s . As caption has it , twoNewfoundlandpuppies were deliver from a shipwreck off the Maryland slide . Then , as Robinson excuse , they were raise in different region of the Bay area before being bred with sport andhunting dogs , thus creating theChesapeake Bay retriever .

" Chessies are skilled hunting and retrieving heel and have wooden-headed , water system - resistive double coat worthy forcold weather conditions , " Robinson says . " They typically enjoy outdoor adventures and activity includingswimming . "

With a sweet and tranquil temperament , they are not only ideal for families with unseasoned child , but they are also greatservice dogs .

Brittany spaniel stands on point in grass

Oszkár Dániel Gáti / Adobe Stock

Boykin Spaniel

If you ’re from the state of South Carolina , you may be familiar with theBoykin spanielsince they are the prescribed Department of State pup ! This bird dog breed is medium - sized with a beautifulbrown coating , know for their super - affectionate personality and skilled hunting ability .

" Their wavy luscious double coats do necessitate somegrooming(keep asturdy brushhandy ) , but trainable personality make it all worthwhile , " Robinson says . preferent owners take to keep their Boykin active , so ensure you ’re up for a ton of fun activities together to keep them happy and healthy .

German Shorthaired Pointer

Unsurprisingly , theGerman shorthaired pointerwas first bred in Germany in the 1800s . Robinson describes this pointing dog as intelligent and various in both land and streams with a short , sleek , and water - repellent pelage . " They are adventurous dogs and love exploring and the outdoors , " she continues . " They are also playful , favorable , and firm ducky and would do well in a home with a yard where they can get day-by-day exercise to bite off their muscularity . " Plus , they wo n’t want as much grooming as other bird wienerwurst breed with their myopic pilus .

Golden Retriever

To know agolden retrieveris to love one . Bubbly , up-and-coming , happy , cuddly , and ace - wise , golden retrievers are one of the most popular firedog stock in America . It may be difficult to imagine a fortunate as a search dog , but that ’s where their history set out in Scotland . Many are still use as hunters today , as well as search and rescue frump and guide dogs . But most of all , they are absolute lovers and companions to individuals andfamiliesalike .

" Their luscious golden coats do ask grooming , but theirtrainabilityand willingness to please make up for the hassle , " Nelson says . It is important to note they are prone to specific wellness issues likearthritisandhip dysplasiaand show an increased risk for certaincancers . " adept breeding can avail to screen out for some of that , as well as steady veterinary visits , " she supply .

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Also known as the Toller , this medium - sized pup originated in the nineteenth century in — you guessed it — Nova Scotia , Canada . Robinson says while they ’re one of the little bird frump breeds , they have a singular hunting style , fall in them the moniker " Decoy Dog . " Typically , this pup will entice offshore birds within their proprietor ’s gun range by play near the shoreline , intrigue birds to come closer . " tollman have water - repellent double coats , which come in in hues of Marxist , and web feet that avail them drown , " she continues . " TheNova Scotia duck tolling retrieverhas a high - pitched barque or scream , as some may call it . "

One thing to keep in judgment before espouse : These hotdog are be intimate to chase other creature , so they will be good and happy in a plate with modified other fauna or one where they can be easilysocialized as a puppy , Robinson says .

Labrador Retriever

Nelson calls theLabrador retrieverAmerica ’s sweetheart — and we agree . While they were first bred to be fish dogs in Canada , this super - well-disposed pup has evolved into more of a family companion . " They areintelligent , trainable , and tolerant , but they also love to eat , and that frequently nonplus them into fuss when leave behind up to their own devices to cauterize off their energy , " Nelson warn .

While many favourite parents adore the fun personality and nature , be prepared for frequentsheddingthat requires near - casual brushing . You should also project everyday bodily process to engage both their bodies and minds . " These athletic dogs necessitate big amounts of exercise likerunning , swim , or run to keep them mentally and physically fit , " Nelson says . With this in thinker , a Lab thrives well in a household that ’s always on the go and perhaps has a large backyard with a lawn tennis Lucille Ball shooter , too .

English Springer Spaniel

TheEnglish springer spanieloriginated in the late 1800s in England — ready to take a hop into action ( get it ? ) . As Robinson explains , they were train as hunt down companions to observe game hiss , blush them from their cover ( causing them to " form " ) , and then head and retrieve the downed bird .

As sept dearie , they are honeyed and loving , but they do need plenty of aid and maintenance . They have an topcoat and an undercoat , all of which come in three dissimilar semblance combination and need regular brushing . Robinson enjoin they make ideal family pet but do n’t care to beleft alone for retentive period .

Cocker Spaniel

This dog is the smallest pup of the sporting breed group — but he may have the thinned ears of all ! ab initio descending from theEnglish cocker spaniel , theAmerican cocker spanieldebuted in the tardy 1800s . Robinson says this bird frump strain was breed for doll hunting , and the name " cocker " comes from woodcock , a game hiss that this strain flushed out for hunters .

Today , they ’re one of the most dear pups in America , known chiefly for their silky pelage and long , floofy ears . " While they are still consider an amazing hunting and sporting stock , they have advance popularity as marvelous family pets and are typicallygreat with child , " Robinson says .

English Setter

playfulness fact : English settersare one of Nelson ’s favorite breeds as a vet . How come ? As she key , they are great , beautiful , sweet , healthy , trainable , and very gentle with their people . They are also active and lively with playtime , always ready to pounce , hunt , and retrieve . " This double - coated breed has a unique colouration pattern called Belton , comes in a mixture of shades , and requires regular preparation , " she continues . " Keeping these big pup busy and well - exercised is the best way to keep them happy and healthy lifelong . "

Vizsla

This puppy is a descendant of Magyar pointers and was brought to the United States in the 1950s . The name itself means searcher or tracker in Hungarian . SinceVizslasare the image of jock in the hunt frump world , they are not for the faint of heart , Nelson say .

With a rusting - distort coat and a moderate sizing , you’re able to spy this bird frump breed from a naut mi away , mostly because they are always on the move . Due to their super - active nature , Nelson enunciate they take to work side - by - side with their hoi polloi and are better suitable for anexperienced dog owner . " I ca n’t stress enough that unless you are planning to work with this breed ofttimes , they ’re credibly not the breed for you , " she warns .

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

With a few nicknames , let in the Griff and the Gray Ghost , this doggo is a great puppy for many proprietor , but specially doll hunting fancier . According to Robinson , thewirehaired steer griffonis renowned for their stealthy hunting style .

This bird dog breed is the dear of both macrocosm : an excellent hunt dog-iron in the field and a lover of a whelp at home . " These smart , queer , and empty-headed family frankfurter come with a gorgeous scruffy side and alow - sheddingwiry coat , " Nelson shares . " If you ’re look for an athletic , extremely trainable , adaptable , and easy - to - care - for stock , the Griff is the pup for you . "

Weimaraner

If you ’re a lover of American creative person and author William Wegman ’s anthropomorphous paintings and books , you ’ve probably seen aWeimaraner . However , as Nelson say , they were actually create in Germany as hunting dogs , reverence for their trainability and arresting gray coats . Today , they ’re sept pup that are both low - maintenance and high - maintenance . They do n’t require much grooming due to theirshort tomentum , but they are aid seekers who require cuddles and plenty of exercise and mental stimulation .

Irish Setter

Possibly one of the most beautiful dog breed out there , theIrish setteris known for their grace of God , gorgeous blood-red coat , floppy ear , and constant smile , Nelson raves . " They sleep with their people and are known for being tremendous snuggling companions and bubbly playmate , " she adds .

you’re able to best report this puppy as prospicient and lanky and an ideal mate for a kinfolk who is ready totrain their dogfrom puppy days to adulthood . They have been hunters for one C , and with this nature , they quickly pick uptricksandcues . " Their gorgeous red coats require regular brush and grooming , but that silky glow take in it all deserving it , " she adds .

German Wirehaired Pointer

grant to Robinson , theGerman wirehaired pointeroriginated in Germany in the recent 1800s and was developed by hunter in continental Europe looking for a various , all - use bird trace heel . What they got was a whelp that can point and traverse game , retrieve waterfowl from land or water , and confront vermin . " straight to their name , the German wirehaired pointer has a uncouth , wiry outer coating with a shaggy-haired beard and supercilium . They are an active , gumptious stock and typically crave action and exercise , " she say . " German wirehaired Spanish pointer are affectionate and favorable and have it off human companionship . "

Boykin spaniel carrying bird in mouth