The Sporting Dogs

Base on popularity alone, Sporting dogs (especially Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever) are the perfect typical dogs for young families. By and large, sporting dogs are friendly, loyal, gentle, active, and have energetic personalities. Except for older adults, none is sedentary and few* will fit well into apartment life.

They enjoy spending time with their family members. In addition, if you are an active person who loves the outdoors and enjoys a good run on the beach, you will find sporting dogs make an excellent outdoor companion.

Sporting dogs were originally bred to aid man in hunting and gathering wild birds, on land and in water. There are four types of dogs in the sporting group: The Pointers, The Retrievers, The Setters, and The Spaniels.

The Pointers

Pointers are large, energetic dogs who love to stay busy. With their long legs, they were originally used to spend many hours running the fields in search for fowls. Although they do get along well with younger children, it would be best to introduce them when your children are much older (i.e. 10 years and above). This is due to their intense nature, however Pointers are extremely loyal and create strong bond with their families. If they are not given enough exercise, these dogs may display destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.

List of Pointers

1. German Shorthaired Pointer
2. German Wirehaired Pointer
3. Pointer
4. Spinone Italiano
5. Vizsla
6. Weimaraner
7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Retrievers

Retrievers are large dogs with a strong, robust, well-built body. They are smart, loyal, affectionate to their owners, and get along very well with children of all ages. They accept strangers and other dogs without much fuss. Their easy-going and playful nature makes them an excellent family dog. Some of the laid-back Labradors have active puppy behavior even at their mature age. The Retrievers do not cope well in prolonged isolation. They may display destructive behavior such as excessive barking, chewing, and digging when left alone for a long period. They are very active and need plenty of exercise and a job to do to keep them busy.

List of Retrievers:

1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
2. Curly-Coated Retriever
3. Flat-Coated Retriever
4. Golden Retriever
5. Labrador Retriever
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Setters

Setters are hunting dogs. They are very active, energetic, and need plenty of exercise—qualities that make them an excellent jogging partner. If jogging isn’t your ideal exercise, nonetheless Setters should be given a job to do such as hunting and agility work. They were originally bred to work far from the hunter and may be independent minded and prone to roaming. They are bright and loyal dogs who thrive for human companionship. Without adequate exercise makes them nervous and high-strung.

List of Setters:

1. Brittany
2. English Setter
3. Gordon Setter
4. Irish Setter

The Spaniels

Spaniels were bred to hunt and flush birds. They are loyal, good with children, and affectionate to their owners. They need daily exercise and fit in perfectly with an active family. Many Spaniels suffer separation anxiety problems so early training is advisable. Isolation and lack of training will cause them to whine or howl and become timid.

List of Spaniels:

1. American Cocker Spaniel* (Produce a lot of dander)
2. American Water Spaniel
3. Clumber Spaniel
4. English Cocker Spaniel* (Produce a lot of dander)
5. English Springer Spaniel
6. Field Spaniel
7. Irish Water Spaniel (”hypoallergenic” dog, better for allergy sufferers)
8. Sussex Spaniel*
9. Welsh Springer Spaniel

* denotes small-medium-sized dog with height no more than 17 inches.

Conclusion: Despite their gentleness, Sporting dogs are not for everyone. A few have high prey instinct and cannot to be trusted with small animals (i.e. cats). Be it The Pointers or The Retrievers or The Setters or The Spaniels, all of them need a great deal of exercise—definitely no compromising in this area.

Like all dogs, the Sporting dogs are individuals even though they are well known for their easygoing disposition, they still need to be socialized and trained to ensure they are friendly with everyone including “strangers.”