10 Dog Breeds That Chase Birds in Wide Open Spaces Fast

There’s a special thrill in watching a dog sprint across an open field, ears flapping, eyes locked on the horizon, heart full of adventure. Some dogs are simply born to chase, and when it comes to birds, speed and instinct combine in perfect harmony.

For hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who loves high-energy playtime, certain breeds thrive in wide-open spaces where they can stretch their legs and show off their agility. These dogs aren’t just fast—they’re driven, alert, and endlessly motivated by movement.

From fields to meadows, these breeds bring pure exhilaration to every outing. We’ll explore ten dog breeds that excel at bird-chasing, detailing their speed, temperament, and natural instincts.

Whether you’re looking for a canine companion for outdoor sports, training, or just to marvel at their athletic prowess, these dogs are guaranteed to bring excitement to your open-air adventures. Get ready to meet some four-legged rockets that love nothing more than the chase!

Quick Insight: Sighthounds and sporting breeds have been bred for speed and vision, allowing them to spot and pursue birds across open fields at up to 35–45 mph. Their stamina and agility are incredible!

Dog Breeds That Chase Birds in Wide Open Spaces Fast

1. English Pointer

Built like a sprinter, wired like a radar, and equipped with a nose that could probably detect a single grouse feather at fifty yards, the English Pointer is the ultimate open-space hunter.

This breed doesn’t just chase birds — it predicts where they’ll be, locks in with laser focus, and freezes mid-stride in that iconic, statuesque “point.” You half expect dramatic music to start playing when they strike the pose.

According to Wikipedia, Pointers are not retrievers — they’re locators. Their job is to find game and point it out with military precision, leaving the actual catching and fetching to others.

Traditionally, these pointing dogs are seen streaking across wide-open fields, scanning the horizon for upland birds. But don’t be fooled — modern Pointers have gone full “off-road mode.”

When trained well, an English Pointer doesn’t just find birds — they perform. Every point, every pause, every cautious step feels like a choreographed dance with nature.

2. English Setter

English Setter is the elegant artist — the one who turns bird hunting into poetry in motion. Watching a setter work the cover is like watching a ballerina who traded her tutu for a bell collar and a feather obsession.

Graceful, determined, and always a little dramatic, the English Setter is the dog that can make even the muddiest grouse woods feel like a classic painting come to life. Setters are famous for their style — not just in looks but in the way they hunt.

They don’t crash through the brush like a bulldozer; they float through it. With a soft-footed, cat-like approach, they slip silently through dense tangles, moving just enough to keep the scent alive but not so much as to spook their quarry.

But beyond all that skill and polish lies something deeper — something nostalgic. Picture this: a crisp autumn morning, the smell of damp leaves, the soft jingle of a bell echoing through the timber. Then… silence. The bell stops.

And let’s be honest — even if you don’t fire a single shot, there’s something profoundly satisfying about seeing an English Setter in its element. Because in that moment, it’s not just about chasing birds… It’s about witnessing perfection wrapped in feathers and fur.

3. Vizsla

These red-coated dynamos have been chasing birds (and stealing hearts) since the 10th century, back when their Hungarian ancestors roamed the plains with nobles who wanted a dog that could hunt hard by day and cuddle by the fire at night.

The first thing you notice about a Vizsla is that coat — that shimmering, golden-rust color that looks like it was forged in a sunrise. It’s sleek, short, and built for warm-weather hunts, which makes this breed as comfortable in Florida’s sun as it is in the Hungarian countryside.

But don’t let their good looks fool you — this dog is a worker. The Vizsla’s stamina is the stuff of legend. They’ll cover miles of open ground without ever seeming to tire, noses to the wind, tails whipping like helicopter blades, eyes burning.

Training a Vizsla is usually a joy — they’re smart, sensitive, and so eager to please that you can practically see the gears turning in their head when you talk to them. They crave a strong partnership, not just commands.

4. Weimaraner

They call the Weimaraner the “Gray Ghost” — and once you see one glide through the tall grass, you’ll understand why. With its sleek silver coat and haunting amber eyes, this dog doesn’t just move through the landscape — it haunts it.

Born in the grand hunting courts of Weimar, Germany, the Weimaraner was originally bred to be a do-it-all hunter. Big game? No problem. Upland birds? Child’s play. If it could run, fly, or hide, the Weimaraner was ready to chase it.

These dogs were the Swiss Army knives of the hunting world — built for endurance, intelligence, and a level of determination that could make even the most stubborn bird rethink its life choices.

Modern Weimaraners still have plenty of drive and athleticism. Give them a bird scent, and they’ll turn into silver lightning. They cover open ground with long, elegant strides that make you feel slightly out of shape just watching them.

Of course, the Weimaraner also makes an excellent family dog — affectionate, loyal, and always a bit of a goofball. So, whether haunting the fields or hogging the couch, the Weimaraner is a breed that leaves an impression.

5. German Shorthaired Pointer

Equal parts athlete, strategist, and workaholic, the GSP is the total package: built for speed, brains, and unrelenting bird obsession. Pheasant hunters, in particular, know what a puzzle those wily birds can be.

With a nose that could probably track a scent through a wind tunnel and an instinct honed over generations, this breed can outthink and outrun even the most elusive ringneck.

When it locks up on point, it’s not just a stance — it’s a statement: “Bird located. Proceed with caution, human.” That stylish, statuesque point isn’t just for show; it’s a promise that the next few seconds are going to be exciting.

And let’s talk endurance — because if there’s one thing GSPs don’t have, it’s an off switch. Long days in the field? Bring it on. Mud, snow, heat, tangled brush? No problem. These dogs are built like marathon runners, with an athleticism that lets them glide over rough ground as if it were a manicured lawn.

Unlike some pointers that stop at the find, the GSP also retrieves like a pro. Drop a bird in dense cover, and your GSP will dive in like it’s on a mission from the bird dog gods.

Beyond all the muscle and instinct, though, there’s that signature GSP charm: whip-smart, loyal, and always just a little bit goofy when the day’s hunt is done.

6. Brittany Spaniel

If bird dogs were coffee, the Brittany Spaniel would be a double espresso — small, full of energy, and guaranteed to keep you moving. Don’t let their size fool you; this breed may look cute enough for a Christmas card, but in the grouse woods, they’re all business — fast, focused, and fearless.

While larger dogs might crash through cover like a bulldozer, the Brittany slips through with the grace of a fox and the purpose of a laser-guided missile.

Their close-working range means they stay connected to the gun, giving hunters that ideal balance of independence and control — no need to yell or whistle every thirty seconds.

Brittany’s scenting ability is nothing short of superb. Combine that with their eagerness to please and their naturally stylish point, and you’ve got a dog that seems to come preloaded with hunting software.

Originally bred in France as all-purpose bird dogs, Brittanys can handle anything with wings — from tight-cover grouse to open-field quail.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) notes that Brittanys aren’t just hunting prodigies — they’re all-around athletes. Obedience? Sure. Agility? Naturally. Flyball? Why not. Dock diving?

Just point to the water. Whatever you throw at them, they’ll take it on with that signature Brittany zeal — tail wagging, eyes shining, heart first.

7. Irish Setter

With its flowing mahogany coat that gleams like polished wood and that signature joyful bounce in its step, the Irish Setter has long been the showstopper of the sporting world. But don’t let the beauty fool you — underneath that silky exterior beats the heart of a wild-hearted hunter who was born to run.

Originally bred to locate and “set” game birds in the emerald fields of Ireland, these dogs combine elegance and athleticism in one glorious, red blur.

Watching an Irish Setter in the field is like watching poetry on the move — graceful arcs, powerful strides, and that unmistakable tail flagging high with excitement. If enthusiasm were fuel, this breed would be a perpetual motion machine.

Yes, they’re gorgeous. But the Irish Setter isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a serious sporting dog with an unstoppable nose.

As WebMD points out, they’re natural trackers — which is great news if you’re after birds, and slightly less great news if you’ve got an open sock drawer or a pantry that smells faintly of jerky.

In the hunting world, they’re prized for their range, stamina, and that infectious drive to find birds. They cover ground fast, sweeping wide and working the wind with instinctive precision. So yes, the Irish Setter is beautiful.

8. Gordon Setter

Draped in a rich black-and-tan coat that glows like polished mahogany in the sunlight, this breed doesn’t just hunt — it commands the field. Strong, steady, and loyal to the core, the Gordon Setter brings a touch of Scottish nobility (and a whole lot of determination) to the bird dog lineup.

Developed in 19th-century Scotland, the Gordon Setter was bred for one thing: endurance. Where lighter breeds sprint through open spaces, the Gordon plays the long game.

It moves with methodical purpose, covering ground at a measured pace that keeps it in tune with its handler. That slower, deliberate style makes Gordons exceptional in challenging conditions — whether it’s thick grouse cover, rocky upland hills, or damp moors that could swallow a boot.

They don’t just find birds; they work birds, using that deep, dependable nose and unshakable focus to pin down even the most cunning quarry.

But don’t mistake that calm exterior for a lack of spirit. Gordons have personality in spades — a mix of intelligence, stubbornness, and dry humor that would make a Scotsman proud. They’re devoted companions, having a deeply affectionate nature, and happiest when they’ve got a job to do.

Just be prepared — this is a breed that forms deep bonds and doesn’t take kindly to being left out of the fun.

9. English Springer Spaniel

Bursting with enthusiasm, courage, and just the right amount of chaos, Springers are the ultimate pheasant specialists: compact, driven, and always ready to dive headfirst into the thickest, nastiest cover you can find.

Where some dogs hesitate at a wall of cattails or brambles, the Springer just grins (yes, grins) and barrels in like a feathery torpedo. Their mission? Flush birds. Lots of them. And if they get muddy, soaked, or covered in burrs along the way — all the better.

A Springer’s nose is its secret weapon. These dogs quarter naturally in front of the gun, sweeping back and forth in perfect, bird-finding rhythm. Every sniff, pause, and tail flick tells a story — and when that tail starts to vibrate like a metronome, you’d better be ready.

What truly sets the English Springer Spaniel apart is its balance — equal parts enthusiasm and precision. With the right training, they’re not just wild bundles of energy; they’re disciplined hunting partners who understand pressure, pace, and teamwork.

At home, their cheerful nature makes them wonderful companions. They’re affectionate, loyal, and have that “always up for fun” attitude that keeps life interesting.

10. Labrador Retriever

When it comes to pheasant hunting, the Labrador Retriever is like that reliable friend who never complains, always shows up on time, and somehow still outworks everyone. Labs don’t care if it’s freezing, muddy, or if the cover looks like something out of a survival show — they just want to hunt. Period.

This hunting dog breed has earned its reputation as one of the most dependable bird dogs on the planet. With their combination of muscle, smarts, and boundless heart, Labs are built for the tough stuff. Cattails? They’ll crash through them.

Brushy fence lines? Bring it on. Standing corn that feels like a jungle? That’s just another playground. They charge in with purpose, using that excellent nose to zero in on the sneakiest roosters trying to slip away on foot.

And when the flush comes, it’s textbook — quick, clean, and decisive. A Lab’s timing is uncanny, and once that bird drops, their retrieving instinct kicks in like a switch. Their soft mouth and steady demeanor mean every bird comes back intact.

And then there’s the versatility. A Lab can hunt pheasants all morning, switch to retrieving ducks in the afternoon, and still have energy left to nap at your feet by the fire that evening. Water, snow, fields — it doesn’t matter.

Of course, back home, they’re every bit as lovable as they are hardworking. Labs are famous for their loyalty, their goofy sense of humor, and that big-hearted nature that makes them the ultimate family companion.

Conclusion

From the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, these energetic dogs are born bird hunters with natural hunting instincts and sharp focus. Whether flushing wild birds or tracking prairie grouse, quail country, or prairie chickens, their keen noses and sharp instincts make them unmatched hunting companions. Pointing breeds like the German Wirehaired Pointer and pointing dogs excel at locating hidden birds, while flushing dogs such as Cocker Spaniels and Boykin Spaniels use their high energy to track running birds in thick cover.

Golden Retrievers and Flat Coated Retrievers are versatile dogs and great family dogs, known for their strong retrieving instinct and weather-resistant coats that suit upland hunting in any season. With short coats, curly coats, or a water-repellent coat, these intelligent breeds adapt to different breeds’ hunting styles and gun ranges with ease. In the dog world, few other sporting breeds combine prey drive, endurance, and hunting ability quite like these versatile hunters—dogs that truly live to run, retrieve downed birds, and chase freedom across open fields.