Bird Dog Breeds

Bird dogs (also known as hunting dogs or gun dogs) are originally bred with the intention of assisting game bird hunting. There are several types of hunting dogs developed for the many tasks hunters require that they fulfill. They are usually medium to large sized dogs, and need plenty of exercise to stay fit. Bird dog breeds are highly intelligent and active, they're easily trained for a variety of sporting uses such as hunting game birds and waterfowl. It is amazing even if they normally live in a city, how their instinct takes over in the country when they sniff or see birds.

Hunting has always been a very popular sport in the English countryside, and packs of bird dogs have been an integral part of the hunting team. Most of the bird dog breeds we see around the world have probably originated from Great Britain or Europe. While it may not be a way of life for most of the bird dog breeds to go hunting regularly, their characteristics and instincts are very much unchanged.

Bird Dog Can Also Be A Good House Dog

The most popular bird dog breeds seen today are the Pointers, Setters and Retrievers. Most of them live up to their names even if they have not been trained to hunt. Among other breeds, Airedales are excellent working dogs. They have great hunting instincts, and tough weather resistant coats. They can go after water fowls in very harsh conditions. As pets, they are gentle, affectionate, and fond of children.

The popular American bird dog breeds, the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, are not playful or over friendly dogs like Labs and Golden Retrievers. They need to be trained properly, but they are very loyal and sensitive. They are protective towards their owners, and very happy when they are around with their owners.

English Pointers are extremely gentle but excellent on the field. They love children, but are too friendly to make good watch dogs.  English Setters are intelligent, swift, and graceful dogs. Their loyalty and gentleness makes them good house pets. They are also very fond of children, and friendly towards other animals in the house. They are fun loving, and do not like to be left on their own. Golden Retrievers are beautiful animals with lustrous coats. Their temperaments match their looks, and they are friendly, trustworthy, and gentle with children. They can also work hard when in the field under adverse conditions.