Sporting Dogs

Sporting dogs, sometimes called gun dogs, were originally bred for bird hunting. Most sporting dogs are large with medium to long legs and drooping ears. The long-haired breeds have feathered legs and tails.

Sporting dogs are generally classified by their method of hunting. The spaniel goes ahead of the hunter and flushes the game. The setter goes ahead of the hunter and “sets,” or crouches down, when it locates the game. The pointer goes ahead of the hunter and assumes a rigid, pointing posture with one foot in mid-stride when it locates the game. The setter and pointer are often used to retrieve game on land or in water. The retriever stays near the hunter and retrieves the game once it has been shot.

Long ago in England, sporting meant hunting for sport. In ancient times, hunters trained falcons to help them find and catch game (animals being hunted). Eventually, people began training dogs to help them hunt. Over time, hunters bred dogs to produce better hunting dogs. Four kinds of sporting dogs—pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniels—were developed to help those hunting with guns.

Pointers look for game. When they find it, they stand still and point with snout (nose) and paw. Retrievers, such as goldens, retrieve, or fetch and bring back, birds that have been shot. Setters find game birds and creep up on them to scare, or set, them in place for the hunter. Spaniels are trained to do a variety of the hunting tasks listed above. Together, these kinds of dogs make up the group that we call sporting dogs today.

A breed is a group of animals that have the same type of ancestors. Because many of the breeds of sporting dogs arose many centuries ago, we know little about their early development.

One of the earliest sources about dogs is a book published in London in 1570 by a physician named John Caius. In his book, Of English Dogs, Caius listed and described the types of dogs then living in England. He identified setters, water spaniels, and land spaniels. The water spaniels were similar to retrievers today.

Art is another source of information about what dogs were like in the past. Artists working long ago sometimes featured or included dogs in their paintings. Artists often painted spaniels. Spaniel means from Spain, so historians believe that these dogs came to England from Spain.

Sporting dogs include pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniels. These dogs were all bred to help hunters using guns. Breeds in this group are called gundogs in the United Kingdom.

Today, the American Kennel Club recognizes 26 separate breeds in the sporting group. That number will probably grow because new breeds come along every now and then.

both flushes and retrieves game. It has a broad head; long, wide ears; and a long, slightly curved tail. The short, curly coat is dark chocolate or solid liver. The dog is eager to learn and easily trained. Ideal height: 15 to 18 inches (38.1 to 45.7 cm). Ideal weight: males, 28 to 45 pounds (12.7 to 20.4 kg); females, 25 to 40 pounds (11.3 to 18.1 kg).

a French spaniel with relatively long legs. It has short, hanging ears and a short tail. The flat, wavy coat is orange and white, or liver and white. The Brittany spaniel has a good disposition and a strong desire to please its master. Ideal height: 17.5 to 20.5 inches (44.5 to 52.1 cm). I deal weight: 30 to 40 pounds (13.6 to 18.1 kg.)

a hardy breed named after the icy, rough waters where it was first used to retrieve ducks. It has webbed feet and a thick, oily coat that repels water. The coat ranges from dark brown to the color of dead grass. The dog has a broad head; triangular, hanging ears; and a long tail. The Chesapeake Bay retriever is one of the few breeds developed in the United States. Ideal height: males, 23 to 26 inches (58.4 to 66.0 cm); females, 21 to 24 inches (53.3 to 61.0 cm). Ideal weight: males, 65 to 80 pounds (29.5 to 36.3 kg); females, 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg).

a low-set, heavy-boned dog. It is the heaviest spaniel breed. It is named for Clumber Park, an estate in Nottinghamshire, where it was introduced into England from France. The dog has a massive head with low-set, hanging ears; the tail is docked. The dense, silky coat is white with lemon or orange markings, and freckles on the muzzle and forelegs. The dog is gentle and affectionate. Ideal height: males, 19 to 20 inches (48.3 to 50.8 cm); females, 17 to 19 inches (43.2 to 48.3 cm). Ideal weight: males, 70 to 85 pounds (31.8 to 38.6 kg); females, 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg).

the smallest sporting dog. It is named for its original use in flushing woodcocks in England. The dog has long, hanging ears, and the tail is docked. The long, silky coat is feathered on the legs, ears, and stomach. Three color varieties are recognized by the AKC: (1) any solid color other than black; (2) solid black; and (3) parti-colored. The cocker spaniel is popular in the United States as a pet and hunting dog. Ideal height; males, 14.5 to 15.5 inches (36.8 to 39.4 cm); females, 13.5 to 14.5 inches (34.3 to 36.8 cm). Typical weight: 26 to 28 pounds (11.8 to 12.7 kg).

There is an English cocker spaniel breed and an American cocker spaniel. The two breeds are closely related.

Cocker spaniels were bred as hunting dogs. They gained the name “cocker” because they were good at hunting birds called woodcocks. American cockers stand about 15 inches (38 centimeters) tall at the shoulder. They are smaller than golden retrievers or English springer spaniels.

Most cocker spaniels today are family pets. They are usually cheerful, sweet family dogs that like children. Like other sporting dogs, cocker spaniels need regular exercise and like to be outdoors. They also need to have their thick, furry coats groomed regularly.

a hardy breed originally used to retrieve ducks. It has a curly coat that is black or liver. The ears are small and low-set, and the tail is long. The curly-coated retriever is intelligent and easy to train and makes a good family dog. It is uncommon in the United States. Typical height: 24 inches (61.0 cm). Typical weight: 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg).

similar to the cocker spaniel but with a larger head and body. It has long, hanging ears and a compact body; the tail is docked. The silky coat is white, black, black and tan, liver red, orange, lemon, or roan, with feathering on the ears, chest, stomach, and legs. The English cocker spaniel makes a playful family dog. Ideal height: males, 16 to 17 inches (40.6 to 43.2 cm); females, 15 to 16 inches (38.1 to 40.6 cm). Ideal weight: males, 28 to 34 pounds (12.7 to 15.4 kg); females, 26 to 32 pounds (11.8 to 14.5 kg).

the oldest breed of sporting dog in the United States. It has a long, narrow head; silky, hanging ears; and a straight, feathered tail. The long, silky coat is black, white, and tan; black and white; blue belton; lemon and white; lemon belton; liver and white; liver belton; orange and white; orange belton; or solid white. The English setter is an intelligent, mild-tempered dog that requires vigorous exercise. Ideal height: males, 25 inches (63.5 cm); females, 24 inches (61.0 cm). Typical weight: males, 70 pounds (31.8 kg); females, 65 pounds (29.5 kg).

a dog originally bred to hunt pheasants. It is named for the way it flushes game by springing at it. The dog has long, hanging ears and the tail is docked. The flat or wavy coat is liver and white, black and white, liver and tan, black and tan, tan and white, liver, black, or roan. The English springer spaniel is an excellent retriever and a good family pet. Ideal height: males, 20 inches (50.8 cm); females, 19 inches (48.3 cm). Typical weight: 49 to 55 pounds (22.2 to 24.9 kg).

a larger version of the cocker spaniel. It has low-set, hanging ears, and the tail is docked. The silky, wavy coat is black, liver, golden-liver, mahogany, or roan, often with tan markings. The dog is intelligent and makes a good family pet. Ideal height: 18 inches (45.7 cm). Typical weight: 35 to 50 pounds (15.9 to 22.7 kg).

a black or liver-colored dog with a straight, lustrous coat. The chest, tail, and legs are feathered. The dog has small ears and a long, Straight tail. It rarely barks and is noted for its eagerness to please its master. Ideal height: males, 23 to 24.5 inches (58.4 to 62.2 cm); females, 22 to 23.5 inches (55.9 to 59.7 cm). Typical weight: 60 to 70 pounds (27.2 to 31.8 kg).

a versatile hunting dog from Germany. With its water-repellent coat and webbed feet, it is well adapted to retrieving waterfowl. The dog has a long muzzle and broad, hanging ears. The tail is docked. The short coat is liver or liver and white. The German shorthaired pointer is an active dog, requiring vigorous daily exercise. Ideal height: males, 23 to 25 inches (58.4 to 63.5 cm); females, 21 to 23 inches (53.3 to 58.4 cm). Ideal weight: males, 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg); females, 45 to 60 pounds (20.4 to 27.2 kg).

similar to the German shorthaired pointer but with a wirehaired coat. The dog has rounded, hanging ears, and the tail is docked. The hair on the face forms a mustache, beard, and bushy eyebrows. The coat is liver and white with white spots. The nose is dark brown. The dog is active and wary of strangers. Ideal height: males, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm); females, at least 22 inches (55.9 cm). Typical weight: 60 to 70 pounds (27.2 to 31.8 kg).

a friendly, good-natured dog. It has a dense golden-yellow coat that is flat or wavy with feathering on the legs and tail. The dog has a broad head; short, hanging ears; and a long, thick tail. The golden retriever is a popular family pet, watchdog, and hunting dog. Ideal height: males, 23 to 24 inches (58.4 to 61.0 cm); females, 21.5 to 22.5 inches (54.6 to 57.2 cm). Ideal weight: males, 65 to 75 pounds (29.5 to 34.0 kg); females, 55 to 65 pounds (24.9 to 29.5 kg).

Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks (MARSH banks) lived from 1820 to 1894. He was a hunting sportsman and a dog lover. Marjoribanks raised dogs on his estate, called Guisachan (pronounced KUSH guhn), near the village of Tomich in Scotland. Marjoribanks searched the countryside for special dogs from which to breed the best litters of puppies.

One day, Marjoribanks saw a retriever with a yellow coat. He immediately bought that dog and named it Nous (noos). Nous became the father of a litter of yellow puppies. The mother was a water spaniel named Belle. Their pups, born in 1868, started the line of dogs we call golden retrievers, or goldens.

Dogs born of the line founded by Belle and Nous were taken to the United States and had puppies. In 1932, the American Kennel Club (AKC), the major registry of purebred dogs in the United States, recognized the golden retriever.

Dogs within a breed are not exactly alike, of course, but often they do share many personality traits.

Most people agree that golden retrievers are usually outgoing, friendly, playful dogs. Goldens like being around people and are fun-loving dogs. Dogs from this breed, however, are happier and more secure when they have been carefully trained.

Most golden owners end up with happy, lovable dogs. It’s important to remember, though, that a dog’s personality is partly formed by the way it is treated and trained. Owners have a responsibility to provide a home in which their goldens will be able to be happy.

You might think that anyone would want a golden retriever. But, in fact, these wonderful dogs aren’t for everyone. There are some good reasons to choose a dog that is not a golden. Some people, for instance, have a small home. They might need a smaller dog that will be comfortable in tight spaces. Further, because goldens have thick coats and shed a lot of fur, people who are particular about housekeeping may want a dog that sheds less.

Finally, though no one should ignore any pet, some breeds of dogs can better accept being alone for longer periods of time. Goldens are not, however, one of those breeds. Golden retrievers need human companionship and lots of exercise and play, especially outdoors. People who are away from home a lot probably shouldn’t choose a golden.

One way to start would be to find a good breeder of golden retrievers. A place to look is on the Web sites of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Golden Retriever Club of America (GRCA), or the Golden Retriever Club of Canada (GRCC).

Good breeders are careful when selecting a male and female dog for breeding. They try to screen out dogs with health problems that could get passed on to puppies.

Once you’ve found a good breeder, what should you look for in a litter of puppies? Trust your feelings. Which puppy do you especially like? Which puppy seems curious about you? If color is an issue, examine the puppies’ ears. Most puppies darken as they grow, but their ears are usually closest to their grown-up color.

Puppies are fun and adorable, but they are not for everyone. They are full of bounce and energy at every waking moment. They make messes and need a lot more attention than older dogs. Whether to get a puppy or a mature dog is probably a decision best left to the adults in your family. Raising and training a puppy can be a great family project, but everyone must be willing to accept the challenge.

Fully grown goldens are calmer and more settled, but they are just as lovable as puppies. Further, grown dogs are usually already housetrained (trained to relieve themselves outside of the house). Breeders of golden retrievers may have older dogs for sale as well as puppies.

Not everyone who gets a pet can keep it for the pet’s entire life. Sometimes dogs are abandoned, or left behind, by owners. And, sometimes dogs get lost.

Fortunately, there are rescue organizations today for most dog breeds. Often, rescue volunteers place abandoned dogs in foster homes while they try to find each dog a permanent home.

Golden retrievers have a talent for adapting to new situations. Most of the time, rescue goldens accept their new owners and continue being happy, lovable pets.

If a puppy isn’t practical for your family, you might want to discuss getting a golden retriever from a rescue organization. Most of these organizations are set up on a local or state basis.

Like people, dogs need to eat a diet that will keep them healthy. Dogs need different nutrients, or nourishing things, than people do. That’s why it is best for a dog to eat dog food, instead of being fed on table scraps (human food). Your veterinarian can suggest a type of dog food that is just right for your dog.

You might think that anything that is safe for you to eat is safe for your dog, but that is just not true. Some people foods are actually poisonous to dogs. For example, chocolate can make dogs sick or even kill them. Onions, grapes, and raisins are also very bad for dogs. Before you give a dog anything other than dog food to eat, make sure it is safe.In addition to food, fresh drinking water must be available to a dog at all times. Water is important to your pet’s health.

Dogs like routine, that is, they like for things to stay much the same from day to day. Sticking to one sleeping place and routine every night helps your dog feel safe and secure.

Some dog owners buy a bed for their dog. A good dog bed should be cushioned and it should be in a safe, quiet place.

Many dog experts say that a dog should have its own crate. This crate gives a dog a place to sleep and to feel safe. A dog crate is a big box with a large door. It might be made of metal wire or of heavy plastic with a lot of air holes. You can make a cozy sleeping area inside a dog crate by putting soft bedding inside.Some dogs sleep in their owner’s bed. Before you let your golden sleep with you, however, you should ask a grown-up. You may not sleep as soundly with your dog in bed with you. Furthermore, once you’ve let your dog sleep with you, it won’t be easy to keep it out of your bed if you should later change your mind about sharing.

The “golden” in “golden retriever” describes the dog’s thick, rich coat of shiny gold. Actually, a golden’s coat has two layers. The coat you see is the outer coat, made up of long “guard hairs.” These hairs contain an oil that repels water, so the outer coat is rather like a raincoat. The hidden, inner coat is made up of soft, downy fur that helps the dog keep warm in cold weather. Dogs shed most of their inner coat of fine, wispy hairs in the spring.

A golden’s coat needs regular grooming to look and be its best. A golden should be brushed thoroughly once or twice a week. Your veterinarian or groomer can help your family choose the right combs, brushes, and other grooming tools.

Your dog’s nails, teeth, and ears need to be cared for as well. And its coat and skin must be kept free of fleas and ticks. Your vet or groomer can help you with these tasks, too.

Sometimes, adorable puppies grow up to be big, annoying, uncontrollable dogs. This happens when a puppy is not properly trained.

To begin with, every dog needs to learn who is boss. Long ago, when dogs were wild, they lived, worked, and played in groups called packs. Every dog pack had a lead dog that was “the boss.” Your dog still wants to know who is boss and that should be the person or people who will train it.

Dog experts rate golden retrievers as one of the most trainable dog breeds. Goldens like to learn. They just need to be guided in the right direction. You can get help training your dog from an expert at a dog obedience school. To find out about dog obedience schools in your area, check with your veterinarian or the local chapter of a golden retriever club.

Spending all day in front of the television or in an easy chair will not satisfy a healthy, young or middle-aged golden. Remember that goldens were bred to go hunting. They still like being outside. They run and play to work off all that sporting-dog energy.

Don’t forget that word “retriever.” One of the games your golden will enjoy most is retrieving, or fetching, balls, sticks, and Frisbees. Just make sure that whatever you throw for your dog is too big to be swallowed.

Dog experts say that mature goldens need at least one hour of exercise over the course of each day. Puppies don’t need as much scheduled exercise. They’ll work off their energy with all kinds of puppy play and mischief.

Golden retrievers were bred to splash through ponds to retrieve birds for hunters. Most goldens enjoy water, and that makes bathing a golden a lot easier and more pleasant than it would be with many other breeds.

Goldens enjoy swimming, and they are fine swimmers. At pet stores, you can buy floating rubber toys or toys on a rope for your dog to retrieve from water. Of course, that’s only if you have a fresh, clear lake or pond available.

Your golden must only be allowed to swim in a safe, clean body of water. Always follow this rule: Let adults decide when it’s safe for your dog—or you—to go swimming. After your dog swims or bathes, take the time to dry its coat well with a big, fluffy towel. Leaving its coat wet for too long could cause the dog to have skin problems.

If your family has a golden mother with a litter, or if friends or relatives do, you need to know how to behave around the dogs. A mother dog naturally protects her young. If she thinks that the pups are under threat, she may snarl or try to bite. That’s why it’s important to approach a litter of puppies in the right way. Never do so without permission of an adult who is present. When you get close to the dogs, keep your voice quiet and don’t make any sudden moves.

A mother dog provides all the things her pups need. However, if a pup gets away from the litter box and seems lost, you may gently take it back. Very young puppies can become dangerously chilled if they get in cool drafts, so a puppy needs to be in a warm place with its mother.

You’ve already read about the Golden Retriever Clubs of America (GRCA) and of Canada (GRCC). The GRCA was formed in 1938 and the GRCC in 1958. Both groups sponsor many programs and events for goldens and their owners.

You can find out about local chapters of these clubs at their Web sites. Your local chapter will have information about good breeders of golden retrievers in your area.

The GRCA Web site also maintains a list of rescue organizations across the United States. If you’re thinking of getting a rescue dog, this is a good place to start.

The American Kennel Club also sponsors programs and events for all recognized dog breeds, including golden retrievers.

People who are blind can have a hard time moving from place to place. They cannot see people, bicycles, cars, or traffic signals, such as walk/don’t walk signs. Specially trained dogs called dog guides, or seeing eye dogs, can do some of the seeing for blind people. This helps the blind get around for their daily activities. You can identify a guide dog by its special harness attached to a U-shaped handle.

When people started training and using dogs as guide dogs for the blind—about 80 years ago—they used mainly German shepherds. Today, most of the guide dogs are golden retrievers or Labrador retrievers (a breed closely related to the golden), or a mix of the two breeds.

Some golden retrievers work as dog guides for people who are hearing impaired. These hearing dogs, or hearing ear dogs, listen for such noises as alarms. When such a noise sounds, a hearing dog gets its owner’s attention right away.

a Scottish breed noted for its intelligence, loyalty, and outstanding hunting abilities. It has a muscular build with low-set, folded ears and a long, feathered tail. The soft, shiny coat is black with chestnut or mahogany markings. The dog is wary of strangers and protective of its owners. Ideal height: males, 24 to 27 inches (61.0 to 68.6 cm); females, 23 to 26 inches (58.4 to 66.0 cm). Ideal weight: males, 55 to 80 pounds (24.9 to 36.3 kg); females, 45 to 70 pounds (20.4 to 31.8 kg).

a mahogany or chestnut-red dog with feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. It is popular as a show dog and bird dog. The Irish setter has a long body; low, folded ears; and a long, tapering tail. It is an energetic, excitable dog and can be difficult to train. Ideal height: males, 26 to 28 inches (66.0 to 71.1 cm); females, 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm). Typical weight: males, 70 pounds (31.8 kg); females, 60 pounds (27.2 kg).

an ancient breed and the tallest spaniel. It has a curly, water-repellent coat; a rat tail; and long, low-set ears. The head has a loosely curled topknot. The coat is a solid liver color. The Irish water spaniel makes a good retriever and watchdog, but is a one-person dog. Ideal height: males, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm); females, 21 to 23 inches (53.3 to 58.4 cm). Ideal weight: males, 55 to 65 pounds (24.9 to 29.5 kg); females, 45 to 58 pounds (20.4 to 26.3 kg).

the most popular retriever. It has a wide head, low-set ears, and an otter tail. The short, dense coat is black, yellow, or chocolate. The Labrador retriever makes an excellent family dog and a reliable guide dog for the blind. Ideal height: males, 22.5 to 24.5 inches (57.2 to 62.2 cm); females, 21.5 to 23.5 inches (54.6 to 59.7 cm). Ideal weight: males, 65 to 75 pounds (29.5 to 34.0 kg); females, 55 to 70 pounds (24.9 to 31.8 kg).

What Is a Labrador Retriever?

The ancestors of Labrador retrievers were from Europe, but the breed assumed its present form on the island of Newfoundland, off the coast of Labrador in eastern Canada.

Labs are usually intelligent, loyal, good-natured, and loving. Because of these qualities, Labs have often been used as guide dogs for the blind and as helpers to other disabled people.

Labs are easier to groom than many other sporting dogs because they have short hair.

a muscular dog of European ancestry. It has a long muzzle, hanging ears, and a tapering tail. The short, dense coat is solid liver, lemon, black, or orange, or white with liver, lemon, black, or orange spots. While mainly a field dog, the pointer also makes a good family pet. Ideal height: males, 25 to 28 inches (63.5 to 71.1 cm); females, 23 to 26 inches (58.4 to 66.0 cm). Ideal weight: males, 55 to 75 pounds (24.9 to 34.0 kg); females, 45 to 65 pounds (20.4 to 29.5 kg).

a short, muscular dog with a distinclive golden-liver coat. It has large, hanging ears and drooping lips; the tail is docked. It is slower in the field than other spaniel breeds. Typical height: males, 16 inches (40.6 cm); females, 15 inches (38.1 cm). Typical weight: 35 to 45 pounds (15.9 to 20.4 kg).

a medium-sized pointer of Hungarian origin. The short, dense coat is golden rust in color. The dog has a muscular body and low-set, silky ears; the tail is docked. It is primarily used in hunting rabbits and waterfowl. Ideal height: males, 22 to 24 inches (55.9 to 61.0 cm); females, 21 to 23 inches (53.3 to 58.4 cm). Typical weight: 55 to 60 pounds (24.9 to 27.2 kg).

a hardy, all-purpose pointer of German origin. It has a muscular build with high-set, hanging ears. The tail is docked. The smooth, sleek coat varies from silver gray to dark gray. The eyes are blue-gray or amber. The Weimaraner is fearless and stubborn, and requires obedience training. Ideal height: males, 25 to 27 inches (63.5 to 68.6 cm); females, 23 to 25 inches (58.4 to 63.5 cm). Typical weight: males, 85 pounds (38.6 kg); females, 70 pounds (31.8 kg).

an ancient breed. It has a square muzzle and hanging ears; the tail is docked. The thick, silky coat is white and dark red with dark freckles on the legs and nose. The ears, chest, legs, and stomach are feathered. The Welsh springer spaniel makes a good hunting dog and family pet. Typical height: males, 17 inches (43.2 cm); females, 16.5 inches (41.9 cm). Typical weight: males, 45 pounds (20.4 kg); females, 38 pounds (17.2 kg).

a shaggy dog used primarily as a pointer and retriever. It has a muscular build and high-set, hanging ears; the tail is docked. The wirehaired coat is solid chestnut or steel-gray, gray-white, or dirty white, with chestnut markings. The hair on the face forms bushy eyebrows, a beard and a mustache. The wirehaired pointing griffon is an active dog, requiring vigorous daily exercise. Ideal height: males, 21.5 to 23.5 inches (54.6 to 59.7 cm); females, 19.5 to 21.5 inches (49.5 to 54.6 cm). Typical weight: males, 60 pounds (27.2 kg); females, 55 pounds (24.9 kg).