Sporting Dog Breeds
39 sporting breeds to explore. Active dogs bred for hunting and retrieving.
American Water Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
A versatile and rare gun dog, the American Water Spaniel was developed in Wisconsin to work as both a retriever and a flusher from small skiffs. Known for its distinctive curly, waterproof coat and upbeat personality, this breed is a tireless worker in the field and a devoted companion at home.
Barbet
Sporting · Medium
The Barbet is a rustic French water dog known for its dense, curly coat and cheerful personality. Historically used as a versatile hunter and retriever, this intelligent breed is deeply devoted to its family and excels in various dog sports. Their name comes from the French word 'barbe', meaning beard, reflecting their distinctive facial hair.
Boykin Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
The Boykin Spaniel is a versatile hunter and a beloved family companion, originally bred in South Carolina for swamp hunting. Known for their beautiful chocolate-brown coats and webbed feet, these spaniels are exceptional swimmers and enthusiastic workers. Their friendly and eager-to-please nature makes them excellent pets for active households.
Bracco Italiano
Sporting · Large
An ancient Italian pointer with a distinctive appearance, known for its noble expression and gentle, affectionate nature. They are powerful athletes in the field and calm, devoted companions at home, though they require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Braque du Bourbonnais
Sporting · Medium
The Braque du Bourbonnais is a calm, affectionate French pointing dog that bonds closely with its family and excels in the field. Originally developed in the historic Bourbonnais region, it is prized for its natural hunting instincts, versatility, and cooperative nature. This breed is special for combining a soft home temperament with focused, energetic working ability outdoors.
Braque Francais Pyrenean
Sporting · Medium
The Braque Francais Pyrenean is a versatile gun dog beloved for its sweet nature and adaptability. Unlike many high-octane pointers, this breed is famous for being 'born broken'—naturally obedient and calm inside the home without needing intense correction. While they are tireless athletes in the field, they transform into affectionate, gentle family companions on the couch.
Brittany
Sporting · Medium
Originally bred as a bird dog in the Brittany province of France, the Brittany is a versatile and high-energy companion. Known for being smaller than setters but leggy and agile, they are prized for their keen nose and sensitive, eager-to-please nature.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Sporting · Large
Developed in the 19th century to hunt waterfowl in the icy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, this breed is famous for its waterproof, oily coat and immense endurance. Unlike many other retrievers, they are notably protective and reserved with strangers, making them excellent guardians as well as hunters. They are rugged, athletic, and possess a calm but determined disposition that requires consistent leadership.
Clumber Spaniel
Sporting · Large
Known as the 'mellow' spaniel, the Clumber is a low-slung, heavy-boned dog originally bred for hunting in thick cover. They possess a dignified, sweet-tempered personality and are famous for their signature slow-and-steady gait and massive head.
Cocker Spaniel
Sporting · Small
The Cocker Spaniel is a beloved family companion known for its big, soulful eyes and long, silky ears. Originally bred as gun dogs to hunt woodcock, they are now cherished for their gentle, merry personality and ability to fit perfectly into various lifestyles.
Curly-Coated Retriever
Sporting · Large
One of the oldest retriever breeds, the Curly-Coated Retriever is distinguished by its unique coat of tight, water-resistant curls. They are more independent and reserved than other retrievers, making them excellent, hardworking companions for active owners.
English Cocker Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
Known as the 'Merry Cocker', this breed is famous for its constantly wagging tail and upbeat personality. Originally bred as a versatile hunting companion in England, they are now beloved family pets that balance a high energy level with a deeply affectionate nature.
English Setter
Sporting · Large
Known as the 'gentleman of the dog world,' the English Setter is a graceful bird dog famous for its unique speckled coat and mellow indoor personality. They are incredibly sweet-natured companions who transition seamlessly from an athletic hunter in the field to a calm presence on the sofa.
English Springer Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly and energetic bird dog, originally bred for flushing and retrieving game. They are known for their 'springing' gait and their intense desire to be with their family, making them both versatile hunters and affectionate companions.
Field Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
The Field Spaniel is a medium-sized, level-headed hunting dog known for its noble bearing and sweet-natured personality. Originally developed in England as a versatile gundog, they are distinguished by their glossy coat and deep, soulful eyes. Today, they are cherished family companions that excel in various canine sports while remaining devoted and affectionate at home.
Flat-Coated Retriever
Sporting · Large
Known as the 'Peter Pan' of dogs, the Flat-Coated Retriever maintains a puppy-like outlook on life well into its senior years. Originally developed as a dual-purpose retriever for land and water, this breed is celebrated for its distinctive long head and lustrous coat. They are deeply devoted family companions that thrive on human interaction and vigorous outdoor activities.
French Spaniel
Sporting · Large
The French Spaniel is one of the oldest pointing breeds, cherished by French royalty for its exceptional hunting skills and gentle nature. Known as the tallest of all spaniels, it combines elegance with endurance, making it a versatile companion in the field and a calm, affectionate friend at home. These dogs are deeply devoted to their families and thrive on companionship and active outdoor life.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Sporting · Large
A versatile all-purpose hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is known for its incredible endurance and power. These elegant athletes thrive on vigorous activity and form deep bonds with their families, making them both capable field companions and affectionate household pets.
German Wirehaired Pointer
Sporting · Large
The German Wirehaired Pointer is a rugged, versatile hunting breed developed in Germany to work confidently on land and in water. Known for its wiry weather-resistant coat, keen nose, and strong work ethic, this dog thrives with active families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Loyal and affectionate with its people, it also has a bold, independent streak that benefits from consistent training.
Golden Retriever
Sporting · Large
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, known for its friendly and tolerant attitude. Originally bred in Scotland for retrieving game, they have evolved into versatile companions, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue experts. Their striking golden coat and soulful eyes reflect their gentle, loyal nature.
Gordon Setter
Sporting · Large
The Gordon Setter is the largest and heaviest of the setter breeds, known for its stunning black and tan coat and noble bearing. Originally developed in Scotland to hunt game birds, they are rugged and athletic dogs that combine stamina with a devoted and protective nature. While they can be aloof with strangers, they are intensely loyal to their families and make excellent, albeit energetic, companions.
Irish Red and White Setter
Sporting · Large
The Irish Red and White Setter is a high-spirited and athletic sporting dog, distinguished by its stunning red and white coat and friendly demeanor. Older than its solid red cousin, this breed is a dedicated hunter in the field and an affectionate companion at home, thriving on vigorous activity and close family bonds.
Irish Setter
Sporting · Large
The Irish Setter is a stunning mahogany-coated gundog celebrated for its grace, speed, and 'rollicking' personality. Highly energetic and affectionate, they thrive as active family companions and require significant daily exercise to channel their natural exuberance.
Irish Water Spaniel
Sporting · Large
Known as the 'clown of the spaniel family,' the Irish Water Spaniel is a distinctive gundog with a curly, water-repellent coat and a unique 'rat tail.' They are highly intelligent, energetic, and possess a great sense of humor, making them wonderful partners for outdoor enthusiasts.
Labrador Retriever
Sporting · Large
The Labrador Retriever is a friendly, active, and outgoing companion known for its sturdy build and intelligence. Originally bred to retrieve nets and fish for fishermen in Newfoundland, they have become the quintessential family dog and versatile working breed.
Lagotto Romagnolo
Sporting · Medium
Originally a water retriever in the marshlands of Italy, the Lagotto Romagnolo is now primarily known as the world's premier truffle-hunting dog. This medium-sized breed is celebrated for its dense, curly, waterproof coat and its affectionate, easygoing personality that makes it a wonderful family companion.
Large Munsterlander
Sporting · Large
The Large Munsterlander is a versatile German gun dog known for its striking black and white coat and exceptional tracking abilities. Highly intelligent and affectionate, they excel as both dedicated hunting partners and gentle, devoted family companions who thrive on active outdoor adventures.
Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Sporting · Medium
The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a lively and agile duck hunter from the Netherlands, easily recognized by its orange-red patches and distinctive black-tipped 'earrings'. These intelligent dogs are devoted to their families and possess a sensitive, alert nature that makes them excellent companions for active households. Historically used to lure ducks into traps, they remain energetic workers who thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Sporting · Medium
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest retriever breed, developed in Canada to lure and retrieve waterfowl with its playful, fox-like movement. Tollers are bright, athletic, and deeply devoted to their families, thriving when given daily training and vigorous activity. Their combination of work ethic, sensitivity, and lively personality makes them both a capable sporting partner and an engaging companion.
Pointer
Sporting · Large
The Pointer, often called the English Pointer, is a powerful and graceful sporting dog known for its incredible stamina and tracking ability. Originally bred to find game birds, they are affectionate family companions that thrive in active households with plenty of space to run.
Small Munsterlander Pointer
Sporting · Medium
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is a versatile German gundog known for pointing, tracking, and retrieving on both land and water. They are affectionate with family and usually social, but their strong hunting drive and high stamina mean they thrive with active owners who provide daily physical and mental work. Their balanced mix of trainability, nose work talent, and close partnership with humans makes them a standout all-around sporting companion.
Spinone Italiano
Sporting · Large
The Spinone Italiano is an ancient Italian gundog known for its calm, patient nature and rugged versatility in the field. Unlike many high-drive sporting breeds, Spinoni are thoughtful workers with a steady, affectionate temperament at home. Their distinctive wiry coat, expressive beard, and easygoing personality make them a unique companion for active families who want a softer-paced sporting dog.
Stabyhoun
Sporting · Medium
The Stabyhoun is a rare Dutch all-purpose farm and hunting dog known for being affectionate, patient, and eager to work with its family. Historically used as both a pointer and retriever, it combines versatility with a calm, steady temperament at home. Its mix of loyalty, trainable intelligence, and rarity makes it especially prized among enthusiasts.
Sussex Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
The Sussex Spaniel is a distinctive, low-set hunter known for its rich golden-liver coat and cheerful, steady temperament. Unlike many other spaniels, they are famous for 'giving tongue'—barking with a deep, melodious voice while tracking a scent. While they can be stubborn and slow-paced, their affectionate and calm nature makes them excellent family companions.
Vizsla
Sporting · Medium
The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gundog from Hungary, known for its incredible stamina and 'Velcro dog' loyalty. They thrive on human companionship and require significant daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Weimaraner
Sporting · Large
The Weimaraner, often called the 'Gray Ghost', is an athletic and aristocratic hunting dog known for its striking silvery coat and light-colored eyes. They are highly energetic, exceptionally loyal, and thrive on being part of the family, though their intense stamina and strong-willed nature require dedicated training and exercise.
Welsh Springer Spaniel
Sporting · Medium
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a cheerful, devoted sporting dog known for its striking red-and-white coat and close bond with family. Bred in Wales as a versatile bird-flushing companion, this breed combines stamina in the field with a gentle, affectionate nature at home. They are especially special for their blend of elegance, work ethic, and sensitive, people-focused personality.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Sporting · Medium
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a rugged, people-oriented hunting dog known for its keen nose and all-purpose field skills. Developed in 19th-century Europe by Eduard Korthals, the breed was designed to point, retrieve, and track on both land and water. Griffons are affectionate family companions with a distinctive scruffy coat and a hardworking, eager spirit.
Wirehaired Vizsla
Sporting · Medium
The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile Hungarian hunting dog known for its affectionate, people-oriented nature and rugged, weather-resistant coat. Bred from the Vizsla with added wire coat traits for work in harsher terrain, it combines stamina in the field with a calm, devoted presence at home. This breed is especially special for families who want an athletic outdoor companion that also forms deep bonds with its people.