Gundogs were bred as essential working companions who used to assist humans in hunting for food. As the name suggests, these hunting dogs were meant to work alongside guns. That is why they needed to be very intelligent and trainable.
Different gundog breeds assisted their human counterparts in different ways. Some help in retrieving the fallen game and are called retrievers. Others, known as Spaniels, will find the game and flush it out for the guns. Pointers and setters help their owners find the game by pointing towards it.
Over time, gundogs have become perfect family pets who love people, children, and other dogs. They are extremely friendly and social canines that are very active. These hardy dogs need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay fit.
Have a look at the 7 most obedient gun dog breeds.
Most Obedient Gun Dog Breeds
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are eager to please and highly trainable pooches that were originally bred for retrieving downed birds, ducks, and waterfowl. Having webbed feet and a thick double coat, Labs excelled in working on land and in water.
One of the most popular dog breeds, the Labrador is a smart and intelligent canine known for its enthusiasm and gentle nature. Labs are blessed with excellent noses and are used at airports for detecting explosives and drugs. However, they are very friendly and do not make great guard dogs.
Labs are quite people-oriented dogs who learn very quickly. So they excel in obedience training and agility courses. According to the American Kennel Club, these athletes require plenty of physical and mental stimulation every day.
Their high stamina and endurance enable them to do well in the field. Labradors have also been working as assistance dogs and search and rescue pups.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent and friendly canines that were originally bred for hunting. Having high energy levels, GSPs are enthusiastic gun dogs who thrive on vigorous exercise, proper training, and lots of love.
These athletic dogs have been assisting hunters with their tracking, pointing, and retrieving skills. GSPs like to work, are willing to please, and are quick learners. These traits make them one of the most obedient dog breeds that can be trained for a variety of tasks.
GSPs excel in various canine sports such as obedience, tracking, and agility. They make wonderful family pets, but are not well-suited for homes with smaller pets due to their high prey drive. GSPs thrive in homes where they get proper outlets for their energy and intelligence.
GSPs love to accompany you on hikes, long walks, and even bike rides. They need at least two hours of daily physical activity, which can include playtime in a secure area and mentally challenging activities.
3. Golden Retriever
Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers are gun dogs that have been bred as a hunting dog breed. They are excellent at hunting birds and other small prey. Goldens make enthusiastic and loyal family dogs. Their obedient nature is strongly reflected in their willingness to please and high trainability.
Goldens have been recognized as the friendliest dogs out there. These social butterflies get along nicely with everyone, including children and other pets. Golden Retrievers are serious workers who excel at field work, as guides for the blind, and search-and-rescue pups.
Having a playful energy, Goldens love being the center of attention and never fail to bring a smile to your face. They possess bundles of energy and require lots of physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy, explains PetMD.
Thanks to their high trainability and affectionate nature, Goldens make ideal pets for first-time owners looking for a sturdy pooch.
4. English Springer Spaniel
Originally bred as a bird dog, the English Springer Spaniel is good at chasing and flushing out pheasants. Their retrieving skills match those of a Labrador and Golden Retriever. English Springer Spaniels are relatively smaller in size, which enables them to navigate smaller spaces on the hunt.
English Springer Spaniel is a versatile and obedient dog that can be trained for rough and upland shooting. Having incredible intelligence, keen focus, and athleticism, these pooches love to perform tasks only to please their owners and are highly trainable.
English Springer Spaniels feel miserable when neglected. They make good house dogs and are good with kids. While they are the happiest living indoors, they also like outdoor activities. English Springer Spaniels enjoy long walks, swimming, and games of fetch.
These canines have incredible stamina and are quite energetic. English Springer Spaniels need lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retriever is valued by dog lovers due to its bright and happy disposition. They were originally bred to assist hunters in retrieving game such as waterfowl, ducks, and geese. Their obedient nature stems from their immense loyalty to their owners.
These loyal hunting companions are characterized by their versatility and strength. Having incredible endurance, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers make wonderful service dogs. These courageous canines are always willing to work, especially in or around water, explains WebMD.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are skilled swimmers and have a keen sense of smell. They are quite athletic and energetic dogs, but have a sensitive and independent nature, making them unsuitable for first-time owners.
These affectionate and devoted family dogs have a protective streak, due to which they are only moderately open to strangers.
6. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is a friendly, fearless, and obedient dog. It helped catch large game such as wild boars, bears, and deer. When big game hunting started to decline, hunters started using them for flushing out rabbits, foxes, and other small game.
This high-energy and athletic canine was originally bred in Germany as a hunting dog breed. Weimaraner needs lots of physical activity and mental stimulation every day to stay healthy and content.
These dogs need to be kept occupied; otherwise, they may exhibit destructive behaviors like digging or chewing. Weimaraners are well-suited for covering both long and short terrains, picking up pace when required for a sprint.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terrier is a small but mighty breed, loaded with bundles of energy. They were primarily bred to hunt vermin and foxes. Their strong legs and lean, muscular bodies enable them to excel in their role as a hunting dog breed.
Jack Russell Terriers are agile and robust dogs with an overall friendly nature. They love being entertained and are always up for adventures. With proper training, these pooches become the most obedient family dogs out there.
However, they have surprising stamina and a strong-willed personality, which can make them a bit hard to handle for first-time dog owners. Jack Russell Terriers make playful companions, but have a high prey drive, due to which they are not well-suited for homes with smaller pets.
Conclusion
Gun dogs were originally bred to work alongside guns. Their eager-to-please nature and high trainability enable them to serve as a versatile hunting dog. Some of them assist hunters by pointing upland birds, while others help by flushing them.
These hunting breeds make wonderful family pets due to their obedient nature and friendly demeanor. Hunting dog breeds are usually very active and athletic and require plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
