Is hunting even possible without bird dog breeds? Well, maybe it is possible, but certainly, it is not easier or more fun. Bird-hunting dog breeds are definitely a great help to hunters.
Every hunter or bird dog owner has his preferences when it comes to the question of which bird dog breed is best. Truth is, it depends on the type of hunting.
Some dogs are better at one task while others are better at some other task. So, which tasks are we talking about?
Some dogs are more capable of upland game hunting while others are awesome swimmers and have all the necessary swimming equipment, so they are into waterfowl hunting. Others can even climb up trees and there are some that can hunt in the bush.
Most of them are gun dogs, which means they can do one of the following tasks: retrieve, flush, and point. That is why many of them have this adjective in their name, and why we have setters, pointers, retrievers, and spaniels.
These bird dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard. Let’s meet these wonderful hunting creatures!
1. English Setter
As befits, we start our list of bird hunting dog breeds with an English gentleman. And, what do English gentlemen do in their free time? They hunt, of course. Sometimes, it is for boers, sometimes for badgers or foxes, and sometimes for birds.
They need qualified bird hunter assistants for that task, and who else can do that task better than a gun dog. This term has the same meaning as bird dog – the only difference is that these dogs have a permit to carry a weapon. Just kidding, of course.
Anyhow, the English Setter really sets up for his duty and won’t back down until he catches his prey. If you wonder how many English Setters there are, the answer is two. Maybe you are more familiar with the terms ‘Laverack’ or ‘Llewellin Setter’. The first one is more agile and less furry while the other is bigger and more of a show off.
It is a stunner among bird dog breeds, and it is also recognizable for its remarkable spots.
2. Brittany Spaniel
Among medium-energy bird hunting dog breeds, the Brittany Spaniel is the king. His alter egos are Brittany Wiegref, Epagneul Breton, and French Brittany. This does not mean he is from Great Britain, but from Brittany – a region in France.
Anyway, pheasants, quail, and grouse all over France and Great Britain – to be honest… anywhere this pointing dog appears – tremble before him. The same effect produces Brittany Spaniel mixes.
This French variation is also used in rabbit hunting, which means this dog is one truly versatile pooch.
3. German Shorthaired Pointer
Well, I guess the name says a lot. It is one of the German bird dog breeds. It has a short coat, and it is a pointing dog. It is also a velcro dog, which means he is not very happy to be alone.
You can call him ‘Kurzhaars’, which is German for short hair or GSP – that is maybe the optimal option. It comes in three color variations. Both male and female GSPs grow into sleek and docile dogs.
4. Golden Retriever
The classic and the ultimate all-American dog – the Golden Retriever. What more can be said about this breed that hasn’t already been said. This golden boy got his retriever epithet because he would retrieve waterfowl. Since they hunt waterfowl, you can guess that this dog is capable both on land and in water.
This versatile dog is a great therapist, the perfect family dog, and an amazing hunting partner, and there is no dog owner who wouldn’t praise the Golden Retriever’s hunting abilities.
He is famous for being a waterfowl hunter, but he is also very capable as an upland bird retriever.
5. Labrador Retriever
Lets move to the Newfoundland region of Labrador where we will find our most beloved family pet – the Labrador Retriever. This pooch is also versatile just as many Retrievers and other bird dog breeds. He does both search and rescue.
Although he will search for birds, he certainly wouldn’t rescue them, but rather help his hunting companion catch one. This dog can work as a flushing dog, which means he will make birds start flying, and then he will find and retrieve game birds after the hunter has done his part.
Labrador mixes are equally good hunters. Labradors come in a variety of colors: chocolate, white Labs, black ones, and dudley Labs with a pink nose.
This popular dog stands out among bird hunting dog breeds for being equally successful on land and in water, and also having the ability to adjust to human services, such as being a therapy dog or a police dog.
6. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This is a dog of an unusual name, who got it after the area he was bred in. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a true American. This dog was created in the 19th century to be a medium-sized water hunter.
That is why he has a waterproof coat with slight waves, and a scent of musk that can be a bit oily when you touch it. Coat colors are earth-like… brown, red, and yellow. It looks almost like a Labrador Retriever, but it is specialized for water.
This means that his tasks include pulling fish nets, helping drowning fishermen, and retrieving waterfowl. Good thing he is trainable. Today, he belongs more as a house dog.
7. English Pointer
The English Pointer (or just ‘Pointer’) is one of the best flushers among the bird hunting dog breeds. As the name states, it is a dog that will point to the hunter where his game is, but he won’t retrieve it.
This dog has remarkable spots and a remarkable sense of smell. This helps him to discover hidden game, and that is why he is very valuable to his hunter. Some say that this dog originates from Spain, and that he is a descendant of an Old Spanish Pointer.
We certainly know that this is a beloved dog that has even been pictured in many forms of artwork. It is a high-energy sporting dog that is a very popular partner in field games.
And, on top of his ability, this dog has graceful manners and movements. Definitely a gem among bird dog breeds.
8. English Springer Spaniel
Did you know that English Springer Spaniels are close relatives to English Cocker Spaniels? They are so close that they would even be born in the same litter not that long ago. The difference was in their size.
The English Springer is a popular and endearing breed. This may be the reason why English Springer Spaniel mixes are so popular.
In the world of bird hunting dog breeds, a Springer dog is the kind that flushes up a flock of birds in the air, so they could be on disposition to a hunter to aim at them.
9. Irish Setter
Did you know that naturally, red hair is very rare in the world, and that only a small percent of people carry the genes for that type of hair coloring? A large number of those people come from Ireland. To be honest, that is exactly how I imagine an Irishman or a woman – with red hair and freckles.
Then, it is no surprise that the Irish Setter has similar traits. It must be something in that Irish air that makes this red color. The Irish Setter’s original name is ‘Sotar Rua’. In Irish, it means ‘Red Setter’. Well, why am I not surprised.
It is one of the most gorgeous sights in the world of bird dog breeds, with its luxurious red double coat. Make sure you maintain it regularly because it is highly demanding.
This Setter was a gun dog, but today, he is more of a family dog. Be careful when there are small children or small pets near him. He has a strong prey drive towards small animals, and not in a safe way… at least for the small animals.
10. Vizsla
This dog of an interesting short name is also known as the Magyar Vizsla. This means that he is a Magyar dog, which means he is actually a Hungarian dog. Yes, he comes from Hungary, in Europe. He is one of the many pointing breeds, and he is very successful at pointing.
His appearance is stunning. With smooth hair that has a high shine and a sleek sporting body, this dog has both brains and looks. He has manners, and he is trainable and affectionate at the same time. And, he can work in fields, water, and forests. Wow.
11. Boykin Spaniel
This one is known as the Boykin Spaniel (or the ‘Little Brown Dog’). He is so mischievous that some even call him a Little Brown Devil.
There is another name, the Swamp Poodle, and not because he likes swamps, but because he was raised on the banks of the Wateree River Swamp, which is located in South Carolina.
Just imagine this dark brown dog lurking at his prey from the three shadows. They are so proud of their mischievous little dog in South Carolina that he even has its own day. He is a dog made for hunting.
He is awesome as a flusher, as an upland hunter, and as a retriever, but he is not a pointer. These dogs are excellent dove and pheasant hunters, and they can even track deer and wounded animals.