Bird dogs come in many shapes and sizes and the different breeds are developed to employ hunting styles that appeal to varying human preferences. You like a dog that covers so much ground he appears as a speck in the distance or a bleep on your gps unit with a tail that looks like a flagpole when he points? There’s a breed for you. Like a dog small enough to fit in a picnic basket that will flush and retrieve your birds? You’re in luck! Desire a Jack of all trades? Check out the versatile breeds. Use this page as a jumping off point to research dog organizations — and what they have to say about their breeds — to find a breed that will fit your bird hunting lifestyle.
Associations
The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association
The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association is a nonprofit corporation whose purpose is to foster, promote, and improve the versatile hunting dog breeds in North America; to conserve game by using well trained reliable hunting dogs on both land and water; and to aid in the prevention of cruelty to animals by discouraging nonselective and uncontrolled breeding, which produces unwanted and uncared for dogs.
The North American Hunting Retriever Association
The principal purpose of the NAHRA is to educate the public in the use of purebred hunting retrievers as conservation animals and to promote the field-testing of retrievers. NAHRA Field Tests utilize duck blinds, numerous decoys, boats, calls and other hunting implements in a manner simulating normal hunting.
National Shoot to Retrieve Association
National Shoot to Retrieve Field Trial Association, Inc. (NSTRA) was conceived by a group of hunters in the late 1960’s as a way to extend the normal open upland bird hunting season from a few weeks to a longer period of time. Their common goal was to foster the growth of walking style quality type field trials for all pointing breed dogs.
The American Kennel Club (AKC)
For more than 130 years, the American Kennel Club has been the country’s leading authority on all things dogs, acting as the premier resource for dog lovers, from the fancier to the everyday owner. Along with our affiliated organizations, we encourage dogs as family companions; advance canine health and well-being; advocate for dog owner rights; and educate the public about responsible dog ownership.
Flushing/Retrieving Breeds
American Water Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 25–45 pounds; Popularity ranking: 156 out of 192 breeds. AWSC (americanwaterspanielclub.org)
The American Water Spaniel Club is primarily devoted to advancing the interests of the American Water Spaniel and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is a rare breed with only an estimated 3,000 in existence on any given date. The breed was reportedly developed in the Fox and Wolf River valleys of Wisconsin — where it is officially the State Dog. It is a true dual purpose dog bred to be a companion, to live and work in close quarters, and to hunt, flush, and retrieve game of all kinds. The American Water Spaniel performs well in all endeavors but excels in the field as either a waterfowl retriever or upland flushing dog. The typical AWS is happy, energetic, and eager to please.
Boykin Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 25–40 pounds; Popularity ranking: 110 out of 192 breeds. The Boykin Spaniel Club (bscbaa.com)
The Boykin Spaniel Club — Preserving and improving the hunting and working instinct of this breed.
Providing opportunities to you and your Boykin Spaniel through activities and events including Hunt Test, Field Trials, Conformation Shows, BSCBAA Working Ability Certifications, Obedience Trials, Agility Trials, Tracking Tests and Rally Trials. Boykin Spaniels are an amazing gundog — both flushing and retrieving seasoned hunting companions, yet a wonderful household pet and best friend.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever– AKC standard weight: 55–80 pounds; Popularity ranking: 43 out of 192 breeds. Home — American Chesapeake Club (amchessieclub.org)
According to the Amerian Chesapeake Club, A “Chessie” is a very versatile breed, the Chesapeake can excel in a variety of activities, from hunting and field work to obedience, agility, therapy, dock dogs and tracking. You can choose to participate in one or all of these and conformation as well. Chesapeakes are naturals in the field. They love the water and are excellent markers with great birdiness and good noses. With basic and consistent training they are superb hunting companions. It is important to keep the Chesapeake’s mind and body occupied. They are naturally active dogs and thrive on work.
Clumber Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 55–85 pounds; Popularity ranking: 144 out of 192 breeds. Home — Clumber Spaniel Club of America
From the Clumber Spaniel Club of America Inc.: Clumber Spaniels, originally from England, are among the nine first breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. Intended for flushing birds from thick underbrush, Clumber Spaniels are white with orange or lemon markings, most often around the head. They are humorous, gentle, affectionate companions, weighing 55–85 pounds.
Cocker Spaniel (American) — AKC standard weight: 20–30 pounds; Popularity ranking: 29 out of 192 breeds. American Spaniel Club — Cocker Spaniel Parent Club
According to the American Spaniel Club, the well-bred Cocker Spaniel has a sweet temperament and is a pleasure to own. He is affectionate and cuddly and loves to participate in family activities. He is playful, alert, and active, enjoying any exercise from a brisk walk to hunting in the field. The Cocker is known to be a sensitive dog, mentally and physically.
Cocker Spaniel (English) — AKC standard weight: 26–34 pounds; Popularity ranking: 56 out of 192 breeds. Home — ECSCA (englishcocker.org)
The English Cocker Spaniel Club of America goal is to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of pure-bred English Cocker Spaniels and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection, and have this to say about the breed’s temperament:
The English Cocker is merry and affectionate, of equable disposition, neither sluggish nor hyperactive, a willing worker, and a faithful and engaging companion.
Curly-Coated Retriever — AKC standard weight: 60–95 pounds; Popularity ranking: 164 out of 192 breeds. Welcome to the Curly Coated Retriever Club of America (ccrca.org)
The Curly-Coated Retriever Club of America encourages the development of the natural retrieving abilities of the breed through its working certificate program and annual field trophy award.
English Springer Spaniel– AKC standard weight: 40–50 pounds; Popularity ranking: 26 out of 192 breeds. Coming Soon — English Springer Spaniel Club
The English Spring Spaniel Club caters for both types of English Springer Spaniel, the ‘show type’ and the ‘working type’. It arranges Shows, Field Trials and Educational days.
As the oldest of the sporting gundogs, the English Springer Spaniel has long been admired by the sporting fraternity for his use to flush and retrieve game. He is a first class worker, combining agility and versatility to act on all types of land and in all weathers, with his excellent sense of smell, loyalty, balance, easiness of learning and permanent willingness to work in the field to the instructions of his owner.
Field Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 35–50 pounds; Popularity ranking: 147 out of 192 breeds. Field Spaniel Society of America — Home
The Field Spaniel Society of America and its members strive to promote the breed as the breed was intended yet maintain from and function. A sporting spaniel able to keenly work a day in the field yet a loyal companion in the home and a dog structurally sound in overall confirmation.
Flat-Coated Retriever — AKC standard weight: 60–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: 89 out of 192 breeds. Home — Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America (fcrsa.org)
The Flat-Coated Retriever Society of America, Incorporated is dedicated to the health and welfare of the Flat-Coated Retriever breed while conserving the original breed function — that of a “working retriever.”
Golden Retriever — AKC standard weight: 55–75 pounds; Popularity ranking: 3 out of 192 breeds. Golden Retriever Club of America (grca.org)
Golden Retriever Club of America: The physical and mental traits that make the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also fit him for modern activities such as obedience competitor, tracking dog, show dog, guide and assistance dogs, search and rescue, and many other modern activities. The Golden Retriever’s athletic good looks reflect his abilities, and nothing in the dog’s makeup should interfere with, or detract from, the Golden’s working sporting characteristics.
Irish Water Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 45–68 pounds; Popularity ranking: 150 out of 192 breeds. Irish Water Spaniel Club of America Inc — Home Page (iwsca.org)
He is ruggedly built and the feet are webbed between the toes to aid the IWS in its powerful swimming. Altogether, the IWS presents a picture of a smart, upstanding, strongly built but not leggy dog, combining great intelligence and rugged endurance with a bold, dashing eagerness of temperament.
Labrador Retriever– AKC standard weight: 55–80 pounds; Popularity ranking: 1 out of 192 breeds. Home — The Labrador Retriever Club, Inc. (thelabradorclub.com)
A goal of the Labrador Retriever Club is to preserve the Labrador Retriever as a working retriever and promote its multipurpose function.
The most distinguishing characteristics of the Labrador Retriever are its short, dense, weather resistant coat; an “otter” tail; a clean-cut head with broad back skull and moderate stop; powerful jaws; and its “kind” friendly eyes, expressing character, intelligence and good temperament.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — AKC standard weight: 35–50 pounds; Popularity ranking: 87 out of 192 breeds. NSDTRC-USA — Club Website
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (Toller) was developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl. The playful action of the Toller retrieving a stick or ball along the shoreline arouses the curiosity of the ducks offshore. They are lured within gunshot range, and the dog is sent out to retrieve the dead or wounded birds. This medium sized, powerful, compact, balanced dog is the smallest of the retrievers. The Toller’s attitude and bearing suggest strength with a high degree of agility. He is alert, determined, and quick, with a keen desire to work and please.
Sussex Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 35–45 pounds; Popularity ranking: 172 out of 192 breeds. Sussex Spaniels | Sussex Spaniel Club of America
Sussex Spaniel Club of America: Encouraging members to perfect, advance, and promote selective breeding of purebred Sussex Spaniels who possess the appearance and working ability for which the breed was developed. The Sussex was developed to work as a methodical, determined, thorough hunter, with a moderate pace, excellent endurance and an overall toughness.
Welsh Springer Spaniel — AKC standard weight: 35–55 pounds; Popularity ranking: 123 out of 192 breeds. Home — WSSCA (welshspringerspanielclubofamerica.org)
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is an ancient breed that was bred specifically to spring game toward a net or into the air for a falcon to capture prior to the invention and common use of the gun, the Welsh Springer rarely advances beyond easy gun range. Possessing a superb nose, slightly webbed feet and an ability to negotiate heavy ground cover the Welsh Springer is not only a versatile hunter but is also a very good water dog and retriever.
Pointing Breeds
Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon or Cesky Fousek — 48–75 Pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. Discover the Cesky Fousek: Rare Family Friendly Hunting Dog (ceskyfousekna.org)
The Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Club of America is devoted to the Bohemian Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the Cesky Fousek. The Cesky Fousek is one of several breeds in the griffon family. There are several branches of the family, but we think that the Cesky Fousek is the best breed for the person who wants both an enthusiastic, versatile hunting dog and a great family companion. Those interested in getting a BWPG puppy need to join the breed’s club.
Brittany — Characterized by American and French strains — AKC standard weight: 30–40 pounds; Popularity ranking: 25 out of 192 breeds. American Brittany Club (theamericanbrittanyclub.org)
The American Brittany Club is to promote cooperation and friendship among the breeders and owners of a Brittany and to encourage the highest standards in breeding, training and showing of Brittanys in the field and in the show ring; to discourage the breed from becoming split into groups of “field dogs” and “bench dogs”
The Brittany, with his shorter range, is becoming more popular as hunting becomes limited to smaller fields with more fences. His exceptional nose, which guarantees that he will pass up few birds, also helps to account for his popularity.
French Brittany or Epagneul Breton. HOME | CEB-US | Club de l’Epagneul Breton of the United States
The Club de l’ Epagneul Breton of the United States says the “French Brittany,” also known as the Epagneul Breton originated in the central region of Brittany in France. It is one of the oldest spaniel-type dogs and the smallest of the pointing breeds. Its body is compact, often described as “cobby” or square. The coat is slightly wavy with feathering on the legs. Acceptable colors are white and orange, white and black, white and liver, and tricolored. The dog is energetic and endurant, able to hunt vigorously alongside bigger sporting breeds. It is close-working in hunting style, instinctively quartering in the field and finding birds that long-ranging dogs often miss.
CEB-US is the official club for UKC sponsored field and specialty events for the Epagneul Breton breed, also known as the French Brittany.
Deutsch Kurzhaar — Standard weight: 45–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. North American Deutsch Kurzhaar Club | NADKC
The North American Deutsch Kurzhaar Club (NADKC) provides versatile hunting Deutsch Kurzhaars for the foot-hunter, developed through testing and breeding programs as set forth by the Deutsch Kurzhaar Verband (DKV) & Jagdgebrauchshundverband e.V. (JGHV)
The Deutsch Kurzhaar is a superior versatile hunting dog who can do it all with cooperation, drive, intelligence, beauty and devotion to his hunting partner . . . YOU!
Deutsch Langhaar — Gruppe Nordamerika ; — Standard weight: 60–71 pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. Deutsch Langhaar | Nordamerika (dl-gna.org)
DL-GNA exists to protect the Deutsch Langhaar as the true accomplished versatile hunting companion it is today.
We are a group of hunters that love the consistency and performance of our German-bred dogs. The DL is a good-natured, easily trainable dog. DLs are bred to serve as high-performing versatile hunting dogs. The breed’s calm, loyal and good-natured disposition also make it a great family dog.
English Pointer– AKC standard weight: 45–75 pounds; Popularity ranking: 117 out 192 breeds. American Pointer Club Home Page — American Pointer Club
The American Pointer Club: Because the Pointer has been bred for many generations to be a biddable, birdy, gun dog, the chances of a puppy becoming “your” personal hunting companion is great. There are very few breeders that do not take into consideration the working ability of his stock prior to breeding, so that buyers have a good chance at buying a puppy that will grow to be his “once in a life-time” great bird dog!
English Setters — Characterized by two strains, Llewellin and Ryman: — AKC standard weight: 45–80 pounds; Popularity ranking: 102 out of 192 breeds. National Llewellin Gun Dog Club (llewellinsetterclub.com) and RymanSetters.com : The Ryman-Type Hunting English Setter
Llewellin Setter: The purpose of the National Llewellin Gun Dog Club (NLGDC) is to sponsor, promote and conduct Llewellin Setter field trials; to promote safety, fellowship and good sportsmanship among sportsmen and sportswomen; and to cooperate with other organizations that share these objectives.
Ryman Setter: The purpose of RymanSetters.com is to promote and foster the hunting abilities, health, and an expanding gene pool within Ryman-type English setters.
“Ryman-type” is used to describe the type of foot hunting English setter developed by George Ryman during the first half of the 1900s. His dogs were originally developed using crosses of early show and field trial/Llewellin lines to create a distinct type of setter specialized for hunting. They were famous for working closer, their natural instincts, and their laid back affectionate personalities that made them ideal family members, as well as hunting companions.
French Pointer / Braque Francais — AKC standard weight: 40–55 pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. CBFNA — Club Braque Français North America
According to the Club Braque Francais North America, this breed is a wonderful, calm companion dog in the house that is tenacious in the field. They are easy to train and work with you in the field. They are an excellent choice for upland hunters whether they have a lot of experience in the field with dogs or very limited experience. Their love of water makes them versatile for hunters that enjoy upland and waterfowl hunting. Their short coat and smaller size would not make them a good choice for hardcore, cold weather waterfowlers.
German Shorthaired Pointer — AKC standard weight: 45–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: 11 out of 192 breeds. GSPCA German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America | Learn more about this wonderful, versatile dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer.
The German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America provides education and encourages the breeding of true type, good health and sound temperament.
The GSP was bred to point, retrieve, trail wounded game, hunt both large and small game, furred and feathered and to work in low or heavy cover as well as water. The dog was also intended to be a family companion good with both adults and children.
German Wirehaired Pointer — AKC standard weight: 50–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: 64 out of 192 breeds. German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America — Welcome to the Wonderful World of Wires! (gwpca.com)
The German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America is a not-for-profit AKC member club who is dedicated to bringing out the natural qualities of German Wirehaired Pointers to perfection.
They are excellent dogs for the everyday hunter who, much like the Germans of 100+ years ago, want a dog that can literally do it all. It is not uncommon for hunters and their Wirehairs to jump-hunt ducks in the morning, hunt quail, pheasant or chukar in the afternoon, and wait in a blind for an evening flight of geese. Wirehairs serve as companions who’d rather sleep on their owners’ feet than anywhere else.
Gordon Setter — AKC standard weight: 45–80 pounds; Popularity ranking: 104 out of 192 breeds. Gordon Setter Club Of America, Inc | Beauty, Brains, and Birdsense (gsca.org)
The Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc. is a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the “Beauty, Brains & Bird Sense” in Gordon Setters. The Gordon being heavy boned and square,suggests strength and stamina rather than speed over the craggy terrain of Scotland.
Irish Red and White Setter — AKC standard weight: 35–60 pounds; Popularity ranking: 142 out of 192 breeds. IRWSAA | Home (irishredwhitesetterassociation.com)
A goal of the Irish Red and White Setter Club is to encourage and promote quality in the breeding of pure-bred Irish Red and White Setters and to do all possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.
The Irish Red & White Setter is bred primarily for the field. The standard as set out hereunder must be interpreted chiefly from this point of view and all Judges at Bench Shows must be encouraged to judge the exhibits chiefly from the working standpoint. The appearance is strong and powerful, well balanced and proportioned without lumber; athletic rather than racy with an aristocratic, keen and intelligent attitude.
Large Munsterlander — Standard weight: 50–75 pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. Home (largemunsterlander.org)
The Large Munsterlander Association of America says this about the Large Munsterlander: It is well suited for a variety of game, including the tracking of big game. LMs are adept at adjusting their search pattern relative to the cover conditions at hand, performing well outside of gun range in open country and reducing their range in dense cover. Under all circumstances, they remain responsive to the handler and not independent.
LMs excel as bird finders before and after the shot due to their excellent noses, and a purposeful searching style emphasizing thoughtful coverage rather than speed. Many LMs point with intensity from early puppyhood, and many also honor naturally. Given their passion for retrieving, steadiness needs to be encouraged through training.
Small Munsterlander — Standard weight: 40–60 pounds; Popularity ranking: Not listed with AKC. Small Munsterlander Club of America > Home (smcna.org)
According to the Small Munsterlander Club of North America, the Small Munsterlander is a long haired versatile hunting dog that uses both air scent for pointing and ground scent for tracking. It has a great love for retrieving and enthusiasm for water work, tenacity and voice (bark or bay when chasing furred game) on the track. In Europe the SM is bred to find, point, track, and retrieve upland birds, waterfowl, and fur-bearing animals such as hare, boar, blood-tracking and varmint dispatching. In the U.S. they are mainly used for upland and waterfowl hunting for the foot hunter. The Small Munsterlanders elegance, intelligence, desire and devotion make them a wonderful hunting partner and home companion. The SM is for the most part easy to train and makes a great family companion. However this is a very active hunter and intelligent breed so it will require adequate exercise and mental stimulation “every day”.
Irish “Red” Setter — AKC standard weight: 60–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: 76 out of 192 breeds. Home — National Red Setter Field Trial Club (nrsftc.com)
The National Red Setter Field Trial Club is dedicated to the improvement of the Irish red setter as a class Shooting Dog and Field Trial Competitor. First, and most importantly, this breed standard is based expressly on performance. While canine breed standards in the past have relied heavily on conformation traits, this standard utilizes performance criteria to define the breed. Conformation traits are noted only as necessary to support the performance of the animal.
Spinone Italiano — Standard weight: 64–86 pounds; Popularity ranking: 105 out of 192 breeds. Spinone Club of America
The Spinone Club of America says the Spinone is a versatile hunting dog, which means that it is bred and trained to dependably search for and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water. While the Spinone was bred to hunt, it is a breed that can be enjoyed in many other activities such as showing, agility, obedience and therapy work to name a few.
The Spinone also excels at being a family companion dog. This breed is not for everyone.
Pudelpointer –Standard weight: 45–70 pounds; Rare; Not listed in AKC ranking. Pudelpointer Club of North America Official Website (pcna.org)
The Pudelpointer Club of North American holds breeders to strict guidelines to preserve intelligence, water love retrieving instinct, retrieving instinct, easy trainability and willingness to retrieve that resulted from the breed’s creation by mating an English pointer to a German hunting pudel in Germany in 1881.
The club boats the breed possesses a sound temperament, a style pleasing to the eye and makes a great companion both in the field and the home.
Vizsla — AKC standard weight: 44–60 pounds; Popularity ranking: 31 out of 192 breeds. Home — Vizsla Club of America (vcaweb.org)
Each year the Vizsla Club of America sponsors national events that include:
National Field Trial and Amateur Field Championship
National specialty show, obedience trial, agility trial, rally trial
The Vizsla is noted for its versatility, and VCA actively promotes the versatile nature of the breed. Introduced in 1981, the VCA’s Versatility Certificate program recognizes those Vizslas that have met specific standards in field, conformation and obedience
Weimaraner — AKC standard weight: 55–90 pounds; Popularity ranking: 34 out of 192 breeds. Weimaraner Club of America
The purpose of the Weimaraner Club is to bring together the owners and breeders of pure-bred Weimaraners in a concerted effort to preserve the desirable traits in the Weimaraner; to develop the standards set forth and further the interest in the breed through activities such as field trials, hunt tests, water tests, rating tests, and futurities, as well as encouraging the entering of our dogs in conformation classes in bench, obedience, agility and tracking events.
Weimaraners are willing and sensitive and have a great desire to please their masters, to whom they become deeply attached. They make an excellent house dog and most adapt readily to the children of the family. They are protective and possessive of their adopted families. All of this without losing their abilities as hunting dogs, and they should be given ample opportunity to perform in the field.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon — AKC standard weight: 35–70 pounds; Popularity ranking: 66 out of 192 breeds. Home (awpga.com)
The American Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Association has this to say about the breed, developed in the Netherlands: First and foremost a versatile working companion for the hunter on foot, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is as much at home hunting upland game birds as a pointer, as he is swimming for a waterfowl retrieve. In the manner of the Continental breeds, the Griffon is well regarded for his ability to hunt a variety of game. In some states, Griffons are used to assist hunters by tracking wounded deer. Outside of the United States, they are often used as hunters of rabbit and hare. In the off season for birds, Griffs can be seen using their keen tracking skills assisting their owners to find lost people in search and rescue. The Griffon is a very people oriented dog known for its trainability and high degree of cooperation. The Griff’s outgoing personality makes it a wonderful family pet and great with children. Overall, the Griffon is one of the best-kept secrets in the Sporting Group and is the ultimate VERSATILE hunting companion.
Wirehaired Vizsla — AKC standard weight: 45–65 pounds; Popularity ranking: 157 out of 192 breeds. Home — Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America (wvca.club)
According to the Wirehaired Vizsla Club of America, this breed was developed in Hungary in the mid-1930s. The idea came mainly from hunters and falconers, to breed a dog with the same outstanding traits as the Vizsla and of the same color, but of somewhat heavier and sturdier, with a thick wiry coat, to be more resistant to extreme winter weather and rough field conditions of the uplands of their northern Hungary.