GUN DOGĀ GROUP
Breed Examples
AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL | CHESAPEAKE BAY RETRIEVER |Ā COCKER SPANIELĀ | CLUMBER SPANIEL |Ā ENGLISH POINTER |Ā ENGLISH SETTER | Ā FLAT COATED RETRIEVER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER |Ā GOLDEN RETRIEVER | LABRADOR RETRIEVER | LAGOTTO ROMAGNOLO |Ā NOVA SCOTIA DUCK TOLLING RETRIEVER | SPINONE | STANDARD POODLE | VISZLA | WEIMARANER
WHAT WE BRED THEM FOR
Gun dogs were perfected in order to hunt hard-to-reach fowl. Hunting birds could be difficult and a dog was needed who could work more closely and more delicately at our side in true partnership, with the ability to locate and expose prey but not attempt to kill or damage the birds.
Before you read on ...
These group pages introduce you to ten newly described dog groups based on the latest science. Knowing what type of 'job' is in your dog's DNA can offer valuable insights into the type of life they'd most enjoy.
Treat this as a guide and a starting point for further research into the breed of dog to best suit you and your lifestyle. You'll find information specific to individual breeds here.
Note: this isn't a guarantee of how any individual dog will behave in future.
WHY YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH A GUN DOG
Enthusiastic
They're generally eager and willing to join in with whatever the day brings.
Cooperative
Team players at heart, they were designed to be an attentive, trainable and responsive partner for life.
Outgoing
They're extroverted spirits with both other animals and people.
WHY THEY CAN BE HARD TO LIVE WITH
Active
While their ambitious athleticism is admirable, some may find it a little intense.
Immature
The puppyish nature that makes them so playful can manifest in annoying traits such as a short attention span, neediness, impulsivity and insecurity.
Doting
Though many of us love the endless adoration of our dogs, you may find them a little OTT in their displays of affection.
YOU MAY NEED COACHING TO HELP WITH
- Distractibility or implusivity
- Overwhelming greetings with jumping up and licking people indiscriminately
- Destructiveness to home and its contents
- Hyperactivity or restlessness
- Sensitivity to loud noises
- Problematic fixations eg incessant ball pushing for yet more fetch games, sock hunting (and eating).
YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL KEY
Fulfil their innate craving for partnership through games, sports and outings
Create satisfactory experiences and exercise in the outdoors so you can enjoy being indoors afterwards!
Provide ongoing training opportunities to satisfy their learning potential
Recognise your part in creating a harmonious relationship with an incredibly cooperative and adaptive companion.
