Bird dog breeds are usually medium-sized dogs, having high intelligence and athleticism. Their history dates back to the time when dogs were bred specifically for working, such as assisting hunters in the field.
These energetic dogs were used for hunting upland birds like pheasants, geese, and ducks. Since many bird dogs helped in retrieving waterfowl, they excel in swimming. At the same time, these hunting dog breeds are ideal for family life.
Their incredible loyalty, love for companionship, and playfulness make them wonderful family dogs. Some of them get on well with kids as well. They make an ideal fit for active families who can keep up with their exercise needs.
Have a look at the 7 best dog breeds for upland bird hunting success.
Best Dog Breeds for Upland Bird Hunting Success
1. Labrador Retriever
Labradors were originally bred in England in the 19th century to assist fishermen in retrieving fishing nets. These dogs soon became popular among bird hunters and were trained to retrieve upland birds and waterfowl.
Their high energy levels enable them to keep up with hunters in the field. Having an innate instinct to retrieve and a strong drive, Labradors are now used as service dogs, police dogs, and search-and-rescue pups.
These exuberant athletes need plenty of exercise through activities like swimming and games of fetch to stay physically and mentally fit, explains the American Kennel Club. They also like to burn up their energy through canine sports like agility, obedience, tracking, and dock diving.
Labradors are highly intelligent dogs with an eagerness to please their owners. That is why they can be trained easily.
2. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels were originally bred by South Carolina hunters to track birds using scent and sight. They are known for their ‘hesitation flushes,’ which means they take to flush birds instead of doing it in a wild abandon.
Boykin Spaniels have an instinct to flush birds and don’t need any commands for this purpose. They make good partners for hunting wild turkey, doves, and quails. Boykin Spaniels have an eager and merry personality, and they can be trained easily.
Loved for their impressive hunting style, Boykin Spaniels make fiercely loyal companions and family pets. Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Exercise can come in the form of long walks and play sessions.
These enthusiastic hunting dogs thrive on companionship. These intelligent dogs have an eager-to-please nature, so they can be trained easily.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers were originally bred as gun dogs for retrieving birds during hunting expeditions. Their high intelligence, versatility, and easy trainability make them excellent bird dogs. They are full of energy and need an ample amount of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Golden Retrievers can hunt ducks, geese, doves, and other upland birds. Apart from assisting hunters in the field, Golden Retrievers make wonderful companions on long runs and bike rides. They also enjoy taking part in canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking.
One of the friendliest dogs on Earth, Goldens make loving family pets. Like Labradors, Goldens also have an instinct to retrieve. Their thick double coats and webbed feet enable them to work in water as well as on land.
Their excellent sense of smell, combined with their never-quit attitude, also enables them to do well in the field.
4. Vizsla
Vizslas, also known as Hungarian Pointers, are outstanding bird dogs, ideal for hunting all sorts of upland game birds. These eager and graceful dogs possess incredible stamina and are eager to work closely with their humans.
They form a tight bond with their humans and do not like being left alone. Their lean and muscular bodies make them well-suited as hunting dogs. Vizslas were originally bred as hawking dogs in medieval Hungary.
Later, hunters started using them as retrieving and pointing dogs. Vizslas are driven, and active dogs are highly trainable and make gentle yet enthusiastic companions due to their affectionate nature. Their high prey drive and curious nature may get them into trouble sometimes.
Vizslas are athletic dogs who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. PetMD recommends at least seven hours of exercise for these canines every week.
5. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels excel at hunting small water ducks and thick cover upland birds such as woodcock, bobwhite quail, pheasants, and ruffed grouse. They are used as retrieving and flushing dogs.
English Springer Spaniels have long been used in competitive hunting trials. Their high energy levels, incredible stamina, and drive have made them one of the most prized bird dogs. Springer Spaniels are known for their obedient, playful, and friendly nature.
They were bred to work in close association with humans, so they make loving family pets. These polite dogs tend to behave well around kids and their fellow mammals. English Springer Spaniels are eager to join any family activity.
They love outdoor adventures and need several hours of daily exercise every day, explains Purina. ESS also needs mental stimulation in the form of scent games and retrieve work.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Nova Scottish Tolling Retriever, also known as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, is known for its ability to lure ducks during hunting. They were used as decoys to distract waterfowl. Tollers attracted ducks to the shoreline using their fluttering tails and playful nature.
Their intelligent, outgoing, and affectionate nature makes them wonderful family pets. Nova Scotia Toller is an active sporting breed and needs plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Apart from accompanying on hunting trials, they also make excellent hiking and running companions.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are very intelligent, but training these bird dogs can be a bit tricky. However, they respond well to reward-based training. Their medium-length coat needs weekly brushing to stay in top-notch condition.
7. Brittany
Brittany, formerly known as Brittany Spaniel, is a fun-loving, bright, and upbeat dog. Originally bred as a hunting dog, Brittanys are smaller than Setters but leggier than Spaniels. The breed was introduced in the U.S. in the 1940s. They have a sweet and eager-to-please nature.
These versatile dogs make loyal companions for lively and outdoorsy families. They need an ample amount of exercise every day for physical and mental enrichment. Brittanys enjoy brisk walks, hikes, and runs with their owners. They excel at a variety of canine sports, including agility, obedience, and flyball.
Brittanys are lively and smart dogs with a willing disposition. They are better suited for owners who can offer patient training. These wonderful bird dogs need early socialization to turn into well-behaved pets.
Conclusion
Bird dogs are bred to assist hunters in the field. They excel at pointing, retrieving, and flushing upland birds such as ducks, geese, grouse, pheasants, and other birds. Their unmatched stamina and athleticism enable them to do well in the field.
Bird dogs are usually very active and possess high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation. Bird dog breeds can make excellent family pets with proper training and early socialization.
