These 10 dog breeds that are excellent bird hunters are in the past were once commonly used for bird hunting, waterfowl and upland games. These are dog breeds with great agility, skills and hunting instincts.
#1 – Labrador Retriever
Height: 22.5-24.5 inches (male), 21.5-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-80 pounds (male), 55-70 pounds (female)
The Labrador Retriever is a medium-large breed of retriever-gun dog originating from United Kingdom and Canada. The Labrador Retriever has a short and stiff coat, and is very thick, which helps them stay warm and dry quickly when in water. In addition, the Labrador Retriever also has webbed feet like a perfect propeller when swimming. In the 19th century, the Labrador Retriever was used as a sports dog for waterfowl and upland game. The Labrador Retriever is a intelligent, playful, easy to train, human-friendly dog that is suitable for making friends with all ages. They are often used as therapy dogs and they are also people who work hard in support and rescue work.
#2 – German Shorthaired Pointer
Height: 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Weight: 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female)
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized breed of dog originating from Germany. They have power, agility, speed and endurance. In the past, they used to work in fields or lakes. And now they have a happy life, intimate attachment and full of love according to their nature in their families. The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, bold, boisterous, eccentric, and characteristically affectionate dog that is cooperative and easily trained. In addition, they always like to be the center of attention.
#3 – Brittany
Height: 17.5-20.5 inches
Weight: 30-40 pounds
Brittany, also known as Brittany Spaniel, is a gun dog breed that was primarily bred for hunting birds originating from Brittany. The Brittany has a compact and quite athletic appearance that makes them look strong, active, intelligent and alert. The Brittany is also a breed that most dogs are born with a naturally short tail. The Brittany is an energetic, loyal, friendly, sweet dog, eager to please and easy to train. However, brittanys need to be socialized early to avoid being shy and they are also dogs that require regular exercise (at least 1 hour per day).
#4 – Boykin Spaniel
Height: 15.5-18 inches (male), 14-16.5 inches (female)
Weight: 30-40 pounds (male), 25-35 pounds (female)
The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog originating from United States. They were discovered and further developed by hunters in the 1900s, and bred to hunt wild turkeys and ducks. The Boykin Spaniel has a well-proportioned and compact appearance and is usually covered with solid-brown coat, with large, drooping ears. The Boykin Spaniel is a friendly, energetic, adaptable dog and tend to be eager to please, and always like to be the center of attention. They are considered good family pets, good for children and other dogs.
#5 – Golden Retriever
Height: 23-24 inches (male), 21.5-22.5 inches (female)
Weight: 65-75 pounds (male), 55-65 pounds (female)
The Golden Retriever is a Scottish gundog with great beauty. Golden Retrievers are friendly, smart, devoted friends, docile, easy to train and have love in life. They are eager to please and suitable for making friends with all ages, from children to the elderly. If you want to cuddle with somebody then Golden Retrievers are a great option. In addition, the Golden Retrievers has excellent swimming ability and medium to large size has provided hunters with a dog that could perform with upland game and waterfowl.
#6 – Vizsla
Height: 22-24 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female)
Weight: 55-60 pounds (male), 44-55 pounds (female)
The Vizsla is a hunting dog breed originating from Hungarian, they stand out with their agility, and energetic, and also a talented hunter (used for hunting upland game, rabbits, and waterfowl). In addition, Vizsla is also very affectionate and gentle, not liking being left alone. They love exercise, and can be a great option for those looking for a companion for running or hunting.
#7 – English Springer Spaniel
Height: 20 inches (male), 19 inches (female)
Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog originating from England and Spain. The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized compact dog with moderately long coat, and they have a gentle expression and a friendly wagging tail. In the late 19th century, English Springer Spaniels was developed as a companion gundog and used for flushing and retrieving game. The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, playful, obedient dog, and wants to be the focus of attention and always craving exercise and stimulating spirit on a regular basis. However, they may not get along well with cats.
#8 – Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Height: 18-21 inches (male), 17-20 inches (female)
Weight: 35-50 pounds
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a medium-sized gundog bred primarily for hunting originating from Canada (Nova Scotia). It is the smallest of the retrievers, and is often mistaken for a small Golden Retriever. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are known to be very intelligent, alert, curious, outgoing, and high-energy dogs. They are affectionate, eager to please, busy, and get along well with children. They are good family dogs, however during the decision process potential owners should be wary of the physical and mental commitment that is required in order to keep a Toller busy.
#9 – Curly-Coated Retriever
Height: 25-27 inches (male), 23-25 inches (female)
Weight: 60-95 pounds
The Curly-coated Retriever is a medium-large breed of retriever-gun dog originating from England. The Curly-coated Retriever looks quite similar to the Labrador Retriever covered by a layer of curly hair. In the past, the curly-coated retrievers were bred for upland bird and waterfowl hunting because they are agile, flexible, strong, endurance and very good at swimming. The Curly-coated Retriever is an intelligent, affectionate, loyal, lively and fun-loving dog and sometimes aloof from a stranger. The Curly-coated Retriever also needs mental stimulation and regular exercise to avoid boredom and keep them calm and comfortable in the home environment.
#10 – Flat-Coated Retriever
Height: 23-24.5 inches (male), 22-23.5 inches (female)
Weight: 60-70 pounds
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a gundog breed originating from the United Kingdom. It was developed as a retriever both on land and in the water. The Flat-Coated Retriever is an active, multitalented bird dog with a strong desire to please people. Exuberant, confident, and outgoing, they make a loving family pet and can be companions to small children, provided adults are nearby to direct this dog’s boisterous enthusiasm.
