. Sporting Group The sporting group breeds are considered to include some of the most beautiful breeds. These breeds are usually medium-to-large size dogs that were developed to help their masters hunt game birds like ducks, dove and pheasant. There are basically three types of sporting dogs: setters and spaniels, pointers and retrievers. Setters and spaniels are also referred to as "couchers" for the manner in which they "couch," or creep slowly along the ground, scenting birds. When game is located, they indicate by staying low, giving the hunter a clear line of fire to the target. Spaniels, which are derived from setters, have the advantage of being able to pivot easily, something large setters cannot do. Short-haired breeds, such as the German Shorthaired pointer or Weimeraner "point" toward game. The dog will sniff along the ground and when a pheasant of quail is located, will assume a point posture with its head up and a foreleg upraised and bent. When the hunter gives the command, the dog startles the game into flight so it can be shot. Retrievers, such as the Labrador Retriever, aid their master by flushing out game and then retrieving it -- even if this means swimming in icy cold water. Retrievers were bred to be hearty, strong dogs that could withstand freezing water and push their way through heavy vegetation to find game. All sporting breeds are athletic, high energy animals that love to run. They enjoy retrieving just about anything. A game of "toss the ball" can go on for hours. Sporting breeds have relatively steady temperaments. They are easy going, friendly and like children. Unfortunately since some sporting dogs are very popular as pets, some breeds have been irresponsibly bred, leading to hyperactivity and other temperament problems. Genetically linked defects such as hip dysplasia and PRA are found in some breeds. Dogs in the group have a highly developed sense of sight and smell. They tend to be quiet by need daily exercise in order to stay mentally and physically healthy. The Labrador Retriever, a member of the Sporting Group, is the most popular breed of dog in the United States. Other popular sporting dogs include the American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Irish Setter. The Cocker Spaniel is considered to be the furthest removed from its bird dog roots. Most dogs in the sporting group have easy-care coats except for long-coated Spaniels and Setters which need daily brushing in order to avoid tangles and mats. Types of Sporting Dogs American Water Spaniel Brittany Chesapeake Bay Retriever Clumber Spaniel Cocker Spaniel Curly Coated Retriever English Cocker Spaniel English Springer Spaniel Field Spaniel German Shorthaired Pointer German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Retriever Gordon Setter Irish Water Spaniel Labrador Retriever Pointer Spinone Italiano Sussex Spaniel Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Wirehaired Pointing Griffon   Send to a friend   Sommario Headline . .

e-mail l advertise l pubblicità l partners l credit l Disclaimers