Bird Dog Breeds

Bird dogs, also known as Gun dogs, are owned and trained for hunting down birds by tracking their scent in the air. This dog breed has special hunting abilities and they are also trained to retrieve the birds after hunting them down. Bird dog breeds are classified into three types - the pointers, the flushers and the retrievers. This classification is made on the basis of their hunting style and the unique characteristics that they possess. Bird dogs tend to enjoy the process of hunting and retrieving birds which boosts their efficiency levels. They can be easily trained and are comfortable in family setups.

The Pointers
Bird dogs of the category of Pointers possess a special trait of locating a game. They rate high on discipline levels and display their natural hunting instincts at two months of age. When a game or bird is located, they freeze, stand motionless and allow the hunter to take position. Thus, they serve as an aid to the hunter. Some of the popular dog breeds within this category are:

Brittany: This is a medium-sized breed and has natural hunting and retrieving skills. It is intelligent, active, alert and eager to please. It displays high levels of loyalty and obedience and does not tire easily. Brittanies make great pet dogs as along as they are exercised well and have plenty of activity to indulge in.

English Pointers: This is a muscular, medium to large-sized breed with a strong built and stocky frame. They display independence, enthusiasm and alertness while hunting and can work well with other bird breed dogs. They are affectionate and loyal as pets.

Irish Setters: This is a medium to large-sized breed. They are highly intelligent and training them is a pleasure. They must be trained at an early age or else they tend to develop bad habits. They have an excellent sense of smell and are very swift with a strong built. As companions, they are very affectionate, lovable and loyal.

The Flushers
Dog breeds belonging to the category of flushing bird dogs are mainly of the Spaniel breed. They are trained to stay in quarters close to the hunter so that they can flush the prey. They make good house dogs and are especially good with children. Some of the well-known dog breeds in this category are:

English Cocker Spaniel: This is a medium-sized, compact breed that specializes in the hunting of upland game birds. They are avid, hardworking and versatile hunters. As pets, they are loving and friendly and are known to have a merry nature.

English Springer Spaniel: This is a medium-sized breed, popular for its unusual hunting style. It quarters in front of the hunter in a zig-zag manner, then springs and flushes the upland game birds. They are full of energy and faster as compared to other Spaniel breeds. They adjust comfortably to family settings and have a playful and active nature.

Boykin Spaniel: This is a medium-sized breed and is known to hunt down birds by scent and sight. They have an exceptional sense of smell and they are versatile hunters. They are also very energetic and enthusiastic. They make very good companions and a lot of daily exercising and walking is required to please them.

The Retrievers
Bird dogs belonging to this category make very good house dogs and retrieving the game birds is their forte. They are easy to train and are very good with hand signals, which also makes them good hunters. They have a soft muzzle and they excel at retrieving to hand. Some of the popular dog breeds within this category are:

Labrador Retriever: Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the category of retrievers. They are medium to large-sized dogs. They have a strong, athletic built and are tough and durable, making them suitable for hunting in extreme conditions. They make great companions as they are eager to please and are easily sociable.

Golden Retriever: Golden Retrievers are large-sized dogs, known to be suitable to cold climatic conditions. They like hunting in water and are graceful and swift while hunting. They are confident, energetic and full of enthusiasm. As pets, they are gentle, obedient and easy to train.

Bird dog breeds are multipurpose dogs as they make great companions as well as great working dogs. They need to be well taken care of and well-trained so that they can display their abilities to their best.