Gundog Breeds

Aside from Labradors, Spaniels and Golden Retrievers, how many Gundog Breeds are you aware of?                                                                                  

There are a number of breeds within the UK that fall into the ‘Gundog’ category, Here is a list of those gundog breeds as recognised by the UK Kennel Club.

Retrievers (Gundog Group)

  1. Labrador Retriever

    • A highly versatile and popular breed, known for its intelligence, trainability, and excellent temperament. Often used in retrieving game and as family pets.

  2. Golden Retriever

    • Friendly, intelligent, and loyal. Golden Retrievers excel at retrieving in water and on land and are widely used in therapy and assistance work.

  3. Flat-Coated Retriever

    • Known for their glossy black or liver coats and exuberant personality. They are excellent retrievers and family companions.

  4. Curly-Coated Retriever

    • Recognisable for its tight curls, this breed is hardy, independent, and excels at waterfowl retrieval.

  5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    • Strong, resilient, and determined. This breed thrives in harsh conditions and is a specialist in retrieving from icy waters.

  6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

    • The smallest retriever breed. Intelligent and energetic, it excels in luring and retrieving waterfowl.

Spaniels (Gundog Group)

  1. English Springer Spaniel

    • A popular working gundog, known for its enthusiasm, stamina, and versatility in flushing and retrieving game.

  2. Welsh Springer Spaniel

    • A slightly smaller, red-and-white-coated spaniel. Loyal and energetic, it is ideal for both working and family life.

  3. Cocker Spaniel

    • Compact and energetic, Cockers are prized for their ability to flush game. They are also known for their affectionate and playful nature.

  4. Field Spaniel

    • A rare breed, with a calm and gentle temperament. They are adaptable and excel as working dogs and companions.

  5. Clumber Spaniel

    • The largest spaniel breed, known for its strength, endurance, and steady working pace. Often used for retrieving in dense cover.

  6. Sussex Spaniel

    • Low to the ground and sturdy, with a distinctive golden liver coat. Sussex Spaniels work at a slower pace but are thorough.

  7. Irish Water Spaniel

    • A curly-coated, water-loving spaniel with a lively, intelligent temperament. Great for waterfowl retrieval.

  8. American Cocker Spaniel

    • A smaller cousin of the English Cocker Spaniel, often kept as a companion but still capable of flushing game.

Pointers and Setters (Gundog Group)

  1. English Setter

    • Elegant and graceful, with a speckled coat. This breed is known for its gentle nature and skill in locating game.

  2. Irish Setter

    • A striking red-coated breed, energetic and enthusiastic. They excel in locating and pointing game.

  3. Gordon Setter

    • The heaviest of the setter breeds, with a black-and-tan coat. They are loyal, steady, and strong workers.

  4. Irish Red and White Setter

    • An ancient breed, with a distinctive red-and-white coat. Known for its stamina and excellent hunting abilities.

  5. Pointer

    • A sleek, athletic breed renowned for its ability to "point" game. Highly energetic and versatile in the field.

Hunt, Point and Retrieve (HPR)

  1. German Shorthaired Pointer

    • A versatile and energetic breed, excelling at hunting, pointing, and retrieving game on land and in water.

  2. German Wirehaired Pointer

    • Similar to the Shorthaired Pointer but with a dense, wiry coat for protection in rough terrain.

  3. Hungarian Vizsla

    • A sleek, rust-gold-coated breed, affectionate and intelligent. Versatile in hunting and pointing.

  4. Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

    • A sturdier, wire-haired version of the Vizsla. Equally versatile in hunting and pointing.

  5. Weimaraner

    • Known for its striking grey coat and athleticism. They are excellent all-purpose gundogs.

  6. Italian Spinone

    • A robust and friendly breed with a distinctive rough coat. Known for its steady and reliable work ethic.

  7. Brittany

    • A small, energetic pointing breed, originating from France. Great for hunting birds.

  8. Large Munsterlander

    • A versatile HPR breed, black-and-white in colour, known for its trainability and loyalty.

  9. Small Munsterlander

    • A smaller version of the Large Munsterlander, highly skilled at tracking and retrieving.

  10. Bracco Italiano

    • An ancient Italian breed with a strong, muscular build and excellent scenting ability.

  11. Korthals Griffon (Wirehaired Pointing Griffon)

    • A versatile breed with a wiry coat, excelling in rough terrain and water.

  12. Portuguese Pointer

    • A medium-sized, hardy hunting breed known for its close-working style.

  13. Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer

    • A sturdy, versatile HPR breed with a rough coat, ideal for hunting in varied terrain.

Water Dogs (Gundog Group)

  1. Lagotto Romagnolo

    • Known as a truffle hunter and water retriever. This curly-coated breed is intelligent and affectionate.

This list encompasses all gundog breeds recognised by the UK Kennel Club, divided into Retrievers, Spaniels, Pointers/Setters, and Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR) breeds. Each of these breeds excels in their respective roles in the field, with traits suited for retrieving, flushing, pointing, or all-round versatility.