Dog Breeds: Understanding The Sporting Group

If you are an active person who loves the outdoors and enjoys a good run on the beach, you will find that a dog breed from the sporting group the perfect outdoor companion. Dogs in this group were originally bred to aid man in hunting and gathering wild birds, on land and in water. There are four types of dogs in the sporting group: Retrievers, spaniels, setters, and pointers.

RetrieversRetrievers are large dogs with a strong, robust, well-built body. They are smart, loyal, affectionate to their owners and get along very well with children. They generally accept strangers and other dogs. Their easy-going and playful nature makes them an excellent family pet. These dogs do not do well in prolonged isolation. They may display destructive behavior such as excessive barking, chewing, and digging when left alone for a long period of time. They are very active and need plenty of exercise and a job to do to keep them busy.Examples of retrievers are: Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Curly-Coated Retrievers, and Flat-Coated Retrievers.

SpanielsSpaniels were bred to hunt and flush birds. They are loyal, good with children, and affectionate to their owners. They need daily exercise and fit in perfectly with an active family. Spaniels do not like being left alone for long periods of time. Isolation and lack of training will cause them to whine and become timid.Examples of spaniels are: Clumber Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, American Water Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Sussex Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, English Springer Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Setters Setters are hunting dogs. They are very active and energetic, qualities that make them an excellent jogging partner. They need plenty of exercise and a job to do such as hunting and agility work. Lack of exercise makes them nervous and high-strung. They are bright and loyal dogs who thrive human companionship. Examples of setters are: Gordon Setter, Irish Setter, English Setter, and Brittany.

PointersPointers are large, energetic dogs who love to stay busy. With their long legs, they were originally used to spend many hours running the fields in search for fowls. They get along with children and create a strong bond with their families. If not given enough exercise, these dogs may display destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, and excessive barking.Examples of pointers are: Pointer, Vizsla, Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and German Wirehaired Pointer.