Bird Dog Breeds That Are Superb Bird Hunters

You probably know that most dog breeds exist for a specific reason. As such we have shepherds. But, we also have bird dog breeds. These are bred for hunting birds. They can smell any bird and they can help you hunt all kinds of birds. Almost all of these breeds are fast, strong, and sturdy. They are special. Despite all of that, they are also great pets and some of these breeds are actually very common. Just don’t put them close to birds.

Anyway, let’s see some of the most interesting breeds of this kind.

7 Bird Dog Breeds

1. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay retriever is one of the dogs that come with the best history of them all. According to history or a legend, 2 puppies were saved from a shipwreck in the United States in the 1800s. They lived in different parts of the country and the owners bred them with different sports and also hunting dogs.

Eventually, we got a Chesapeake Bay retriever. Today, this is a medium-sized dog with a dark brown coat. The coat is thick and there are 2 layers. Thanks to this they can swim and like cold temperatures. They are one bird dog breed that can be ideal hunters and love spending time outside and love adventures. An interesting fact is that these dogs are great pets. They are calm and they love children. In addition, the breed is common as a service dog. 

2. Golden Retriever

You are probably surprised to see Golden Retriever on a list of this kind. Well, this dog breed is actually a bird dog. In Scotland, they are ordinary bird dogs and even today many people use them for this purpose. Today they are also common as rescue dogs, service dogs, and pets. It is probably the best-known thing about this breed.

Yes, they are the best pets of the time and many families enjoy having gone. Golden Retrievers are smart, loyal, extremely enjoyable, and love their family the most. The coat is problematic and will require a lot of grooming on a regular basis.

Sadly, not everything is great about these dogs. They have a high cancer risk, hip dysplasia, and also arthritis. You will have to know about this before you adopt one Golden Retriever. 

3. Boykin Spaniel

Boykin Spaniel is an official state puppy of South Carolina. They are great and beautiful dogs with cute eyes. The coat is always brown. Their personality is amazing. They are extremely affectionate pets and they are even better hunters. There are a few more things you need to know about this breed. First of all, it is possible and easy to train them.

They are very loyal as well. Thanks to double coats you will have to brush them all the time. This breed does shed more than you may believe. Last but not least is the fact these dogs must be active. They need a lot of physical activity every single day so it is not a wise idea to keep them in a small house or room. They really hate that.

4. English Setter

The unique color of the coat is amazing. It is a belton color and it is extremely rare. The dogs are large, fast, and strong. They are ideal bird dogs and they are stunning pets. We liked the intelligence, plenty of energy, and the fact you can play with one for days. Regular grooming is mandatory. Although one color is the most popular today, there are different shades.

Exercising every single day is something you must provide to your pet. This is important for their health and activity levels. You will have to keep him busy all the time. 

5. German Shorthaired Pointer

As you can assume this breed comes from Germany. These dogs have lived since the 1800s. Their fur is short and repels water. The dogs are excellent at hunting birds in the streams and also on the land.

A nice addition here is that the coat doesn’t shed so you won’t have any problems here. But, you will get a lot of interesting characteristics. These dogs are very intelligent and want to play all the time. They have tons of energy and they love exploring the areas around the house. They are not ideal to keep in an apartment. A house with a backyard is a different story.

6. Labrador Retriever

They are very appealing and desirable dogs in the United States today. They are one of the bird dogs and they are good at it. However, they started as fishing dogs in Canada and even today many people use them for this. As bird dogs they are great. The breed is smart, loyal, fast, and strong.

Labrador Retriever can help you hunt all the time and they will help you hunt all the birds you will like. If you don’t hunt, you can keep one as a family dog. They are easy to train and love to play. Your child will love one as well and will be your best friend. You will have to brush your pet on a daily basis. They shed a lot so be prepared for this. 

7. Cocker Spaniel

Today Cocker Spaniel are nice, clever, and beautiful house pets. They are extremely common in the United Kingdom and the United States. People love their massive ears and also silky coats. Not a lot of people know that this breed is ideal for bird hunting. Their name actually comes from woodcock, a bird that they used to flush out for hunters in the woods of the United Kingdom back in the 1800s. As a hunter’s dog, they are perfect and probably some of the best ones here. 

The Final Word

These bird dog breeds are special and you probably like most of them. They can be kept at home and be ideal pets. But, take one of them to the woods and start hunting birds and you will see their true nature. Of course, the training is essential and he must learn how to behave and hunt first. Luckily, this is an easy task due to the fact hunting birds is in their blood.