16 Bird Dog Breeds for Avid Hunters

From Brittanys to vizslas

Bird dog breeds harken back generations to the time when we primarily bred dogs to help us work. Namely, to assist in hunting birds like ducks, geese, and pheasants.

These bird dogs were bred to work, whether that's pointing out prey, flushing the birds into the open, or retrieving them once they've been shot. They're each athletic and possess plenty of energy, and many of them will form a strong bond with their owners and families.

Learn more about these 16 bird dog breeds.

Tip

If you plan on adopting one of these bird dogs—as a hunter or not—always make sure they have plenty to keep them occupied. These are all smart, active, and athletic dogs who love a job, so they can become troublemakers if they're bored.

Breed Characteristics

Generally, these dogs are medium-sized, athletic, and intelligent. Many were bred to retrieve waterfowl, so they like a nice swim. They're obviously suited best for owners and families who hunt, but many of them will excel as regular dogs at home (who get plenty of exercise and activity) with the kids.

Brittany

The athletic Brittany is a pointer, though these dogs have no problem retrieving the downed birds either. They're great gun dogs, but they'll need plenty of socialization, exercise, and positive-reinforcement training for a successful life as a family dog. Without that, they could develop separation anxiety or destructive behavior out of boredom.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting (AKC)

Height: 17.5–20.5 inches

Weight: 30–40 pounds

Temperament: Attentive, happy, quick, agile, adaptable, needy

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Double coat; white, orange/reddish-brown in clear or roan patterns

Life Span: 12–14 years

Boykin Spaniel

These South Carolina dogs are loyal companions, making the perfect waterfowl hunting partners in the state's lakes and swamps. Boykin spaniels are quick learners who live to please their owners. Their popularity has since grown outside S.C., and now the spaniels even make for lovely family dogs. They love kids—just make sure they have enough to do.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 14–18 inches

Weight: 25–40 pounds

Temperament: Smart, loyal, active, friendly

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Double coat; liver

Life Span: 14–16 years

Bracco Italiano

The Bracco is popular in their native Italy, but these large pointers are rare in the United States (the breed only earned American Kennel Club recognition in 2022). They're larger dogs with powerful noses, and they hunt deliberately. At home, they need lots of exercise and training—and some patience for occasional drooling.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 21–27 inches

Weight: 55–90 pounds

Temperament: Loving, stubborn, smart

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short coat; white, white and orange, or white and chestnut

Life Span: 10–14 years

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The only American-bred retrievers plied their crafts in their native Chesapeake Bay. The cold water helped perfect the Chessie's thick, water-resistant coat. With the insulating fur and boundless energy, they're companions who can hunt for hours on end. When they're not in the field, they'll still need plenty of exercise and training, so they should only join active families.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 21–26 inches

Weight: 55–80 pounds

Temperament: Active, loyal, independent

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Wiry, wavy, dense; brown, tan, sedge, deadgrass

Life Span: 10–13 years

English Setter

These striking dogs, with their feathered, flecked coats, excel as family dogs when they're not hunting. They treasure companionship with adults and kids alike, so much so that they risk separation anxiety if they're left alone for too long. Just make sure you have a good brush for that feathered fur.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 23–27 inches

Weight: 45–80 pounds

Temperament: Friendly, playful, smart

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Feathered coat; white, with flecks or roan in orange or black

Life Span: 10–12 years

English Springer Spaniel

These flushing and retrieving dogs are usually lovely options for families, too. They're considered a "Velcro" breed, meaning they'll follow their humans just about everywhere. If you're not a hunter, these pups will also enjoy a variety of canine sports like flyball or dock diving. (Boy do they love to swim.)

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 19–20 inches

Weight: 40–50 pounds

Temperament: Active, intelligent, fun

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Double coat with feathering on legs and chest; combinations of white, brown, and black

Life Span: 12–14 years

German Shorthaired Pointer

GSPs love a job, whether that's duck hunting or dock diving. When you're not hunting, you'll still need to find something for your ever-active GSP to do. Daily exercise is a must, and if you can provide that daily stimulation, they make for excellent family dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 23–25 inches

Weight: 45–70 pounds

Temperament: Smart, energetic, playful

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Liver and white or solid liver, often in roan or ticked patterns

Life Span: 12–14 years

German Wirehaired Pointer

The cousins of the GSP, these dogs have webbed feet and hearty coats to retrieve fallen fowl from colder water. They're also eager to please and love to play, so a nice puzzle toy will do wonders for them. You might just have to clean food from their beards every so often (and be prepared for them to drip water everywhere).

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 22–26 inches

Weight: 50–70 pounds

Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, intelligence

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Medium-length and wiry; liver, liver and white

Life Span: 14–16 years

Golden Retriever

These girls and boys hardly need any introduction. They're more famously companion dogs these days, but goldens were originally trained as bird dogs and can still serve that purpose. At home, they're great with kids and simply love being involved with anything their family is doing.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 21–24 inches

Weight: 55–75 pounds

Temperament: Loyal, playful, silly

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Long coat; golden, cream, or bronze

Life Span: 10–12 years

Gordon Setter

Named for a former Duke of Gordon, the Gordon setter shares lineage with the English setter, though these dogs are black and tan. They're also heavier—better suited for Scotland's harsh weather and landscape. They're excellent hunting dogs in cold locales, just make sure you can keep up with all the coat brushing.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 23–27 inches

Weight: 45–80 pounds

Temperament: Active, courageous, sweet

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Medium length; black and tan

Life Span: 12–13 years

Irish Setter

Another stunning setter, the red Irish setter is another dog who excels both in the field and as a family dog. They were bred in Ireland as dogs who can flush and retrieve birds while still doing their owners' bidding. They're also especially friendly, which is why some Irish setters serve only as family dogs.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 25–27 inches

Weight: 60–70 pounds

Temperament: Sweet, athletic, smart

Energy Level: Medium

Coat and Color: Long coats that are red or copper

Life Span: 12–15 years

Labrador Retriever

Another breed that's now more famous as a family dog, the Lab is the second most-popular breed in the United States (after three decades at the top). Their background is hunting, however, and they're easy to train and love seeing you each day.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 21–25 inches

Weight: 65–80 pounds

Temperament: Sweet, active, willing

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short hair; yellow, black, or chocolate

Life Span: 10–12 years

Pointer

When they locate prey, you know exactly what pointers will do. They're yet another hunting dog who always needs something to do—or else they might cause a little bit of mayhem at home. For example, they need around two hours of exercise daily, and not every dog owner can provide that.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 23–28 inches

Weight: 45–75 pounds

Temperament: Active, eager-to-please, sweet

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short coat; variety of colors—black, white, liver, orange—and patterns

Life Span: 12–17 years

Poodle

You might think they're fancy Parisian dogs, but poodles—who actually hail from Germany—are born hunting dogs. In fact, their supposedly high-class haircut is designed to insulate their joints while they're swimming in a chilly lake or pond. Speaking of their hair: Poodles shed very little, making them a popular dog for allergy sufferers. They may not be as popular for hunters these days, but don't let that stop you.

Breed Overview

Group: Non-Sporting

Height: Over 15 inches

Weight: 40-70 pounds

Temperament: Smart, active, sweet

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Heavy coat; brown, black, white, cream

Life Span: 10–18 years

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

These smaller dogs—Tollers—have a pretty self-explanatory name. They were bred to retrieve ducks in the waters of Nova Scotia, but they love spending all their other time with their owners, too. Playtime is their favorite, whether it's with you, your kids, or your other dogs. If you don't have kids or other dogs, make sure they're getting enough enrichment and exercise.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 17–21 inches

Weight: 35–50 pounds

Temperament: Outgoing, playful, active

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Medium length; red, red-gold, or buff

Life Span: 12–14 years

Vizsla

This Hungarian breed forms strong bonds with family members, which is, in part, why they make good bird dogs (as long as it's not too cold out). They've got the drive and athleticism to stay by your side for hours, which is another reason they can suffer from separation anxiety if you're gone for long.

Breed Overview

Group: Sporting

Height: 21–24 inches

Weight: 44–60 pounds

Temperament: Loyal, energetic, loving

Energy Level: High

Coat and Color: Short; rust-colored

Life Span: 12–14 years