Sporting Dog BreedsSporting dog breeds are animals that have been bred to retrieve, flush game or point to where the game is hiding.
Retrievers Labrador Retriever 
This is the most popular dog in the U.S. His origins are in Newfoundland and was bred as a hunting dog and water dog. The Lab is a large dog, very strong and agile. Big intelligent eyes, long ears and water repellent coat make this dog a wonderful animal in all areas. Coat colors are black, tan or chocolate. A great dog for families and kids, easy to train and loves everybody. Size varies from 21-25 inches and weight 50-80 pounds.
Another popular dog in the U.S., the origins of this breed come from England. As with the Lab, the Golden was bred as a water and hunting dog. He is a large dog with long double coat, large eyes and drooping ears. Grooming every other day is recommended to keep the coat tangle free. A highly intelligent dog, the Golden is easy to train, loves people and is a great companion. These dogs make excellent family pets. Many years ago we adopted an adult Golden Retriever. He was a wonderful, loving, happy dog who always made us laugh. A great addition to our family. Size is 21-24 inches and weight is 50-75 pounds.
Spaniels Cocker Spaniel
His coat is short but double and comes in colors of black, tan or parti-colored (tri colored). He has long, drooping ears, alert, dark eyes and a docked tail. This dog is very friendly and intelligent and easy to train. He gets along great with everybody and is a joy to own. Size range from 14-16 inches and weight from 18-25 pounds.
The origins of this dog are from England. He was bred to find and flush birds for hunters. He came to the U.S. in the early 1900's. This dog is medium sized, sturdy with bright eyes and long drooping ears. The coat is wavy or flat and easy to take care of. Colors are brown and white and black and white with spots on the face and legs. An affectionate and easily trainable dog, the Springer makes a great family pet. Size from 18-20 inches and weight from 40-50 pounds.
Setters Irish Setter 
Oliver, photo by Just Jo
Originating in Ireland, this breed was hunting birds centuries ago. Descended from spaniels and pointers, this is an all around sporting dog. A large dog with a flowing red coat and eyes that show intense concentration, he is friendly and playful. A great family pet, he gets on with everyone and easy to train. Size from 25-27 inches and weight from 60-70 pounds.
Riley, photo by rjseg1
Originating in Scotland, this breed was developed as a gun dog to hunt birds. He arrived in the U.S. in the mid 1800's. This is one of our oldest sporting dog breeds. A medium sized dog, he is very muscular with a long muzzle and deep brown eyes. His ears are long a drooping with feathering and the black coat is slightly wavy with tan markings. This is another great family dog. He is devoted to his family, happy and playful and gets along with everyone. Size range 22-27 inches and weight 50-80 pounds.
Pointers German Shorthaired Pointer 
photo by monkeyking2009
These dogs originated in Germany and were all around gun dogs for centuries. There are three varieties, Longhair, Shorthair and Wirehair. All have the same characteristics. A large dog that is well balanced with droop ears and and long muzzle, this is an all business dog. He thrives on activity and needs an experienced dog owner to meet his enthusiastic needs. This breed gets along well with children, but be cautious about his excitability around kids. Size range from 22-26 inches and weighs 50-70 pounds.
Another dog of German origins, they were royal dogs and trained to hunt large game. This dog is large, lanky and solidly built. The coat is grey and short, easy to manage. The head is angular with drooping ears and interesting eyes. The eyes can be amber, grey or blueish. The Weimaraner is a highly intelligent and easy to train dog. However, he can be a little hard headed. He is happy and loyal and gets along well with all. Size range 23-27 inches with a weight of 60-85 pounds.
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