16 Bird Dog Breeds for Avid Hunters

From Brittanys to vizslas

By
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon, Editor, The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws
Austin Cannon
Austin Cannon is an editor for The Spruce Pets and Daily Paws. Before joining Daily Paws in 2020, Austin worked as an award-winning journalist for several newspapers, most recently theDes Moines Register.He's won three certificates of excellence and one MUSE Medallion award from the Cat Writers' Association.
Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process
Published on 07/25/23
german shorthaired pointer stand next to hunter holding gun

Ken Redding / Getty Images

Bird dog breeds harken back generations to the time when we primarily bred dogs to help us work. Namely, to assist in hunting birds like ducks, geese, and pheasants.

These bird dogs were bred to work, whether that's pointing out prey, flushing the birds into the open, or retrieving them once they've been shot. They're each athletic and possess plenty of energy, and many of them will form a strong bond with their owners and families.

Learn more about these 16 bird dog breeds.

Tip

If you plan on adopting one of these bird dogs—as a hunter or not—always make sure they have plenty to keep them occupied. These are all smart, active, and athletic dogs who love a job, so they can become troublemakers if they're bored.

Breed Characteristics

一般来说,这些狗是中型,运动,and intelligent. Many were bred to retrieve waterfowl, so they like a nice swim. They're obviously suited best for owners and families who hunt, but many of them will excel as regular dogs at home (who get plenty of exercise and activity) with thekids.

  • 01 of 16

    Brittany

    white and brown brittany dog runs on grass

    KatPaws / Getty Images

    The athletic Brittany is a pointer, though these dogs have no problem retrieving the downed birds either. They're great gun dogs, but they'll need plenty ofsocialization,exercise, andpositive-reinforcement trainingfor a successful life as a family dog. Without that, they could developseparation anxietyor destructive behavior out of boredom.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting (AKC)

    Height:17.5–20.5 inches

    Weight:30–40 pounds

    Temperament:Attentive, happy, quick, agile, adaptable, needy

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Double coat; white, orange/reddish-brown in clear or roan patterns

    Life Span:12–14 years

  • 02 of 16

    Boykin Spaniel

    boykin spaniel sits near row of pheasants

    Cade Landers / Getty Images

    These South Carolina dogs are loyal companions, making the perfect waterfowl hunting partners in the state's lakes and swamps. Boykin spaniels are quick learners who live to please their owners. Their popularity has since grown outside S.C., and now the spaniels even make for lovely family dogs. They love kids—just make sure they have enough to do.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:14–18 inches

    Weight:25–40 pounds

    Temperament:Smart, loyal, active, friendly

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Double coat; liver

    Life Span:14–16 years

  • 03 of 16

    Bracco Italiano

    bracco italiano stands in meadow

    olgagorovenko / Getty Images

    The Bracco is popular in their native Italy, but these large pointers are rare in the United States (the breed only earnedAmerican Kennel Club recognitionin 2022). They're larger dogs with powerful noses, and they hunt deliberately. At home, they need lots of exercise and training—and some patience for occasional drooling.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:21–27 inches

    Weight:55–90 pounds

    Temperament:Loving, stubborn, smart

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short coat; white, white and orange, or white and chestnut

    Life Span:10–14 years

  • 04 of 16

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    chesapeake bay retriever holds bird in mouth

    ktatarka / Getty Images

    The only American-bred retrievers plied their crafts in their native Chesapeake Bay. The cold water helped perfect the Chessie's thick, water-resistant coat. With the insulating fur and boundless energy, they're companions who can hunt for hours on end. When they're not in the field, they'll still need plenty of exercise and training, so they should only joinactive families.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:21–26 inches

    Weight:55–80 pounds

    Temperament:Active, loyal, independent

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Wiry, wavy, dense; brown, tan, sedge, deadgrass

    Life Span:10–13 years

    Continue to 5 of 16 below.
  • 05 of 16

    English Setter

    english setter points with bird in her mouth

    Smartshots International / Getty Images

    These striking dogs, with their feathered, flecked coats, excel as family dogs when they're not hunting. They treasure companionship with adults and kids alike, so much so that they risk separation anxiety if they're left alone for too long. Just make sure you have a good brush for that feathered fur.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:23–27 inches

    Weight:45–80 pounds

    Temperament:Friendly, playful, smart

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Feathered coat; white, with flecks or roan in orange or black

    Life Span:10–12 years

  • 06 of 16

    English Springer Spaniel

    english springer spaniel stands in meadow

    K_Thalhofer / Getty Images

    These flushing and retrieving dogs are usually lovely options for families, too. They're considered a "Velcro" breed, meaning they'll follow their humans just about everywhere. If you're not a hunter, these pups will also enjoy a variety ofcanine sportslike flyball or dock diving. (Boy do they love toswim.)

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:19–20 inches

    Weight:40–50 pounds

    Temperament:Active, intelligent, fun

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Double coat with feathering on legs and chest; combinations of white, brown, and black

    Life Span:12–14 years

  • 07 of 16

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    german shorthaired pointer stands in misty field

    Cavan Images / Getty Images

    GSPs love a job, whether that's duck hunting or dock diving. When you're not hunting, you'll still need to find something for your ever-active GSP to do. Daily exercise is a must, and if you can provide that daily stimulation, they make for excellent family dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:23–25 inches

    Weight:45–70 pounds

    Temperament:Smart, energetic, playful

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Liver and white or solid liver, often in roan or ticked patterns

    Life Span:12–14 years

  • 08 of 16

    German Wirehaired Pointer

    german wirehaired pointer sits in field looking left

    PavelRodimov / Getty Images

    The cousins of the GSP, these dogs have webbed feet and hearty coats to retrieve fallen fowl from colder water. They're also eager to please and love to play, so a nicepuzzle toywill do wonders for them. You might just have to clean food from their beards every so often (and be prepared for them to drip water everywhere).

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:22–26 inches

    Weight:50–70 pounds

    Temperament:Energetic, affectionate, intelligence

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Medium-length and wiry; liver, liver and white

    Life Span:14–16 years

    Continue to 9 of 16 below.
  • 09 of 16

    Golden Retriever

    golden retriever stands in grassy area

    MATTHEW PALMER / Getty Images

    These girls and boys hardly need any introduction. They're more famously companion dogs these days, but goldens were originally trained as bird dogs and can still serve that purpose. At home, they're greatwith kidsand simply love being involved with anything their family is doing.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:21–24 inches

    Weight:55–75 pounds

    Temperament:Loyal, playful, silly

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Long coat; golden, cream, or bronze

    Life Span:10–12 years

  • 10 of 16

    哥顿塞特犬

    gordon setter stands in grass and leaves

    Volha Maksimava / Getty Images

    Named for a former Duke of Gordon, the Gordon setter shares lineage with the English setter, though these dogs are black and tan. They're also heavier—better suited for Scotland's harsh weather and landscape. They're excellent hunting dogs in cold locales, just make sure you can keep up with all the coat brushing.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:23–27 inches

    Weight:45–80 pounds

    Temperament:Active, courageous, sweet

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Medium length; black and tan

    Life Span:12–13 years

  • 11 of 16

    Irish Setter

    irish setter walks in tall grass near trees

    Tomas Maracek / Getty Images

    Another stunning setter, the red Irish setter is another dog who excels both in the field and as a family dog. They were bred in Ireland as dogs who can flush and retrieve birds while still doing their owners' bidding. They're also especially friendly, which is why some Irish setters serve only as family dogs.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:25–27 inches

    Weight:60–70 pounds

    Temperament:Sweet, athletic, smart

    Energy Level:Medium

    Coat and Color:Long coats that are red or copper

    Life Span:12–15 years

  • 12 of 16

    Labrador Retriever

    yellow labrador retriever carries bird

    JMichl / Getty Images

    Another breed that's now more famous as a family dog, the Lab is thesecond most-popular breed在美国(三十年后top). Their background is hunting, however, and they're easy to train and love seeing you each day.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:21–25 inches

    Weight:65–80 pounds

    Temperament:Sweet, active, willing

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short hair; yellow, black, or chocolate

    Life Span:10–12 years

    Continue to 13 of 16 below.
  • 13 of 16

    Pointer

    pointer points at quail in field

    timalfordphoto / Getty Images

    When they locate prey, you know exactly what pointers will do. They're yet another hunting dog who always needs something to do—or else they might cause a little bit of mayhem at home. For example, they need around two hours of exercise daily, and not every dog owner can provide that.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:23–28 inches

    Weight:45–75 pounds

    Temperament:Active, eager-to-please, sweet

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short coat; variety of colors—black, white, liver, orange—and patterns

    Life Span:12–17 years

  • 14 of 16

    Poodle

    brown poodle runs in field of melting snow

    ttretjak / Getty Images

    You might think they're fancy Parisian dogs, but poodles—who actually hail from Germany—are born hunting dogs. In fact, their supposedly high-class haircut is designed to insulate their joints while they're swimming in a chilly lake or pond. Speaking of their hair: Poodles shed very little, making thema popular dog for allergy sufferers. They may not be as popular for hunters these days, but don't let that stop you.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Non-Sporting

    Height:Over 15 inches

    Weight:40-70 pounds

    Temperament:Smart, active, sweet

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Heavy coat; brown, black, white, cream

    Life Span:10–18 years

  • 15 of 16

    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    wet nova scotia duck tolling retriever holds duck in mouth

    Azoogle / Getty Images

    These smaller dogs—Tollers—have a pretty self-explanatory name. They were bred to retrieve ducks in the waters of Nova Scotia, but they love spending all their other time with their owners, too. Playtime is their favorite, whether it's with you, your kids, or your other dogs. If you don't have kids or other dogs, make sure they're getting enough enrichment and exercise.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:17–21 inches

    Weight:35–50 pounds

    Temperament:Outgoing, playful, active

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Medium length; red, red-gold, or buff

    Life Span:12–14 years

  • 16 of 16

    Vizsla

    vizsla holds partridge in mouth with hunters in background

    Martin Harvey / Getty Images

    This Hungarian breed forms strong bonds with family members, which is, in part, why they make good bird dogs (as long as it's not too cold out). They've got the drive and athleticism to stay by your side for hours, which is another reason they can suffer from separation anxiety if you're gone for long.

    Breed Overview

    Group:Sporting

    Height:21–24 inches

    Weight:44–60 pounds

    Temperament:Loyal, energetic, loving

    Energy Level:High

    Coat and Color:Short; rust-colored

    Life Span:12–14 years