gundogs

Pointers and spaniels

Gundogs are dogs bred and trained to assist hunters, particularly in locating and retrieving game birds.

The category includes retrievers, spaniels, pointers, and setters—each developed for specific tasks like flushing birds from cover or fetching downed waterfowl.

She raised Labrador retrievers as gundogs for duck hunters.

Also called bird dogs or sporting dogs.

breeds

labrador

Common retriever breed

retrieverDog trained to fetch game
spanielFloppy-eared gun dog
pointerReference to memory location

setter · springer · cocker · griffon · golden · wirehaired

hunting

flushing

Washing by water surge

pointingDirecting attention somewhere
retrievingRecovering something sent away
quarryPit for extracting rock

gamebirds · waterfowl · upland · pheasant · grouse · partridge · duck · goose · quail · woodcock

temperament

loyal

Firm in allegiance

devotedLoyally and lovingly attached
faithfulConsistently loyal and true
biddableReadily obeying commands

eager · trustworthy · attentive · steady · calm · gentle · energetic · keen · willing · obedient

fieldwork

cover

Protect by overlaying

hedgerowsRows of dense shrubs
moorlandOpen uncultivated upland
marshesWaterlogged land with grasses

wetlands · stubble · bracken · undergrowth · terrain · beating · quartering · range · pattern · wind

training

obedience

Compliance with authority

commandsAuthoritative orders given
heelFoot's rear underside
sitRest on a seat

stay · recall · whistle · steadiness · gunfire · socialization · reinforcement · handler · delivery · memory

Opposites

working dog function

gundogsherding dogs

Canines that manage livestock

sheepdogs · lap dogs · toy dogs · cattle dogs · guard dogs

relationship to hunting/prey

gundogsshepherd dogs

Breeds that manage flocks

relationship to prey/game

gundogshounds

Dogs bred to track

sighthounds · scenthounds · terriers · lurchers

Family

gundog

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G