Some dogs are couch potatoes. And, some are, well… exceptional dog breeds for pointing game animals.
The pointing dog breeds that lock up mid-step, as if they just saw a ghost. The dogs seem to have a bird-radar built into their DNA. Honestly, watching a good pointing dog at work is pretty much the coolest thing you will see in the field.
If you are a hunter, you know what makes these pointing breeds so special. They find game birds, yes, but more than that, they tell you exactly where they are.
That frozen stance is their way of saying, “Yo, right here. You are welcome.”
Today, we are going to talk about seven such exceptional dog breeds in the dog world.
The bird dog breeds that were originally bred to hunt upland birds freeze on point and make your hunting trips way more successful.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that pointing dogs can hold their “point” position for several minutes without moving? Some well-trained bird dogs are famous to stay frozen in place for over 10 minutes while waiting for their handler’s command.
As noted by American Kennel Club, this is in-built, in grained in their genes, that these dogs can start to point at just 2-months old, without any training whatsoever.
That level of patience and focus is wild.
Exceptional Dog Breeds For Pointing Game Animals
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
Fast, focused, and versatile dog.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is basically the MVP of the bird dog world. These dogs are incredible hunting companions who can do it all: point, retrieve, track, and work in just about any terrain.
Rough terrain, no problem. Dense cover. They are on it.
As per WebMD, they were originally bred in Germany as the ultimate versatile gun dogs during the 19th century, and hunters quickly understood they’d struck gold with this dog.
German Shorthaired Pointers are eager to please, highly trainable, and have a hunting style that is both methodical and energetic.
They work close to their handlers, and these Pointer dogs are well-suited for hunters who want a dog that is easy to manage.
But these dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation because that hunting drive does not turn off at home.
For bird hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer is hard to beat. They have got stamina for long hunts and the versatility to hunt upland birds or waterfowl.
2. English Setter
Elegant, graceful, and determined dogs.
The English Setter is one of those dog breeds that completely belong in a painting. They are that beautiful. These spotted dogs have a beautiful speckled coat, known as ‘Belton’.
Their beauty is deceiving, but these are serious hunting dogs with pointing instincts that go back centuries (almost 400 to 400 years).
English Setters were originally bred in England for bird hunting, and they excel at working in open terrain. They are known for their “Setter” crouch, a low point that helps flush birds without spooking them.
English Setters are gentle, even-tempered, and focused when they are working. They have an instinct to find birds in upland hunting situations. These dogs can cover ground all day without losing steam.
They are also loyal companions at home, and they form strong bonds with their families. English Setters need daily exercise and mental stimulation.
For hunters who appreciate a pointing dog with grace and endurance, the English Setter is a top choice.
3. German Wirehaired Pointer
Tough, weather-resistant coat, webbed feet, and a fearless mindset.
That is the German Wirehaired Pointer.
It is basically a rugged, all-weather version of the German Shorthaired Pointer. These dogs have a weather-proof coat that can handle harsh conditions, cold weather, and thick cover without missing a beat.
They were originally bred to be the versatile gun dogs that could hunt in any environment.
Rain, bring it. Dense brush, no sweat!!
This medium-sized dog breed is highly trainable, eager to please, and incredibly driven in the field. Their hunting style is methodical and thorough, and they have the instincts to locate game birds even in challenging conditions.
These dogs form a strong bond with their handlers and are fiercely loyal. They need active families who can provide plenty of exercise and structure to these active dogs.
For bird hunting in rough terrain or harsh weather, the German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the best bird dog breeds you can get.
4. Brittany
Compact, energetic, and enthusiastic dog.
The Brittany is a medium-sized dog breed with the heart of a much larger dog. And yes, they have a bit smaller frame, but that does not diminish the breed’s popularity at all.
This Spaniel dog breed is an absolute powerhouse when it comes to bird hunting.
Brittanys were originally bred in France, and they quickly became favorites among hunters who wanted a versatile and close-working pointing breed.
Brittanys are incredibly agile and can go through dense cover with ease. Their hunting style is fast and enthusiastic, and they work well with hunters who prefer a dog that stays close.
These are active dogs who need regular exercise and mental stimulation.
With the right outlet for their energy, Brittany would make the most loyal companion and exceptional, or should we say, the right bird dog.
They are highly trainable and make deep bonds with humans. Many pet parents love Brittanys not just for hunting but also for their friendly nature at home. They even have a “lively and friendly expression”, as noted by Purina.
5. Irish Setter
Beautiful, athletic, and spirited dog.
You can recognize an Irish Setter in a heartbeat. That stunning Irish red coat. That athletic build. But these dogs are merely pretty faces. They are serious bird dogs with pointing instincts refined over generations.
These ravishing red dogs were bred in Ireland for hunting game birds, and they excel in open terrain where they can cover ground quickly.
Irish Setters are energetic, enthusiastic, and eager to please.
They have instincts for finding birds and holding a solid point. These dogs love to work and thrive with active families who can give them plenty of exercise.
They are also incredibly social and form strong bonds with their handlers. Irish Setters need pet parents who can spend time with them and keep them engaged.
For bird hunting in open terrain, Irish Setters are exceptional. They have the stamina for long hunts and the pointing nature to locate game birds with precision.
One thing to note: they have medium to long coats that need regular grooming after hunts through thick brush.
6. Vizsla
Sleek, loyal, and driven dog.
The Vizsla is a gorgeous and medium-sized hunting dog breed from Hungary with a rust-colored coat and an incredible work ethic. These dogs are famous for their speed, agility, and natural pointing breed nature.
As per PetMD, they are one of the oldest-known hunting dogs. They were bred as versatile gun dogs for Hungarian nobility, and they excel at both pointing and retrieving birds.
Vizslas are highly trainable, eager to please, and form incredibly strong bonds with their handlers. They are called “Velcro dogs” because they love being close to their people.
In the field trials, Vizslas have a hunting style that’s energetic and thorough. They work well in open terrain and can handle rough terrain when needed. Their instincts for locating upland birds are excellent.
There’s a Wirehaired Vizsla from the same breed as well, for hunters who want a
7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a lesser-known pointing breed, but hunters who work with them swear by these flushing dogs. And their work ethic. These dogs have a rough and water-resistant coat and a calm and methodical hunting style.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons were bred in Europe as versatile gun dogs, and they are adept at both pointing and retrieving birds.
These are even-tempered, highly trainable, and fiercely loyal dogs. They are very much attached to their hunters and are eager to please, and they make great companions.
Their hunting style is slower and more deliberate than some other dogs, mostly the pointing dog breeds, but that thoroughness means they rarely miss game birds.
These dogs need regular exercise and mental stimulation, but they are generally calmer than some of the high-energy bird dog breeds.
For hunters who want a reliable and versatile pointing dog with a weather-resistant coat, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a good breed to start with.
Conclusion
Not every dog breed can do what these pointing dogs can do.
It takes instincts, selective breeding over generations, and serious training to create the exceptional dog breeds for pointing game animals we have today.
Other breeds like Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Gordon Setter, White Setter, American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel of South Carolina, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retrievers, and English Springer Spaniel also make great hunting companions.
When out in the field, one breed is enough to take hold of the entire hunt. These bird dogs are made for the field. No matter if you are hunting ruffed grouse in thick cover or working in open fields for game birds, these pointing dog breeds have skill, stamina, and an incredible work ethic.
The right dog depends on your hunting style and terrain.
But one thing is for sure: these dogs are 100% born to hunt.
