Sporting Group Dogs

The AKC started the Sporting Group in 1924. Dogs included in the Sporting Group are hunters that work closely with their human companions. Dogs in this group are good family pets. These dogs vary in size and color, so you will likely find one that meets your needs. However, these dogs are active, so most will need plenty of exercises. Sporting Group Dogs fall into four categories: spaniels, pointers, setters, and retrievers.

American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel (AWS) is the state dog of Wisconsin, where it originated. Its ancestors include the Irish and English Water Spaniels.

The AWS is a happy land and water retriever who loves to hunt. Breeders have worked on its temperament, which is suitable for a family pet.

Barbet

The Barbet is a medium-sized French water dog whose name is French for “beard.” Its coat comes in several colors, but most show dogs are black.

The Barbet could be the poster dog for a shaggy dog story. It is a loyal and affectionate dog. It is a rare dog breed.

Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is the state dog of South Carolina. Its name comes from the South Carolina family instrumental in starting the breed. It is medium size spaniel whose coats come in various shades of brown.

Boykin Spaniels are hunting dogs that will flush and retrieve game birds. The Boykin is a friendly, social dog that makes a good family pet.

Brittany

The Brittany is a versatile hunting dog whose primary hunting was for hunting and retrieving birds. It is a tireless hunter and is easy to train.

Brittany can compete in dog competition events such as agility, flyball, and dock diving. It is a good family dog, especially for families who love the outdoors.

Although they are commonly called “Brittany Spaniels,” they are not technically a spaniel breed.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are descendants of two dogs that survived a shipwreck in Maryland  in 1807. Those shipwrecked dogs were working and hunting dogs that retrieved waterfowl and pulled fishing nets for commercial hunters.

Chessies are medium to large size dogs that make great hunting companions.

Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel, the largest of spaniels, was developed in the Nottinghamshire of the United Kingdom. Their coat is white with brown, lemon, or orange markings. It was one of the AKC’s charter breeds recognized in 1884.

They are great with children and make sturdy playmates. However, they shed a lot and are known to snore loudly.

Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel was America’s favorite dog breed during the 1950s. One of the more famous Cockers was President Richard Nixon’s dog, Checkers (dog), who he mentioned in one of his speeches.

The Cocker Spaniel is an American variation of the English Cocker Spaniel. It is an all-around great and loveable family pet.

Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is the tallest dog of the Sporting Group Dogs and hunts birds and waterfowl. Its name comes from its coat of tight curls that cover its body.

Curlies are affectionate but a bit more independent. They are lively companion dogs and perhaps better watchdogs than some other retrievers.

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog known simply as the Cocker Spaniel in countries other than the United States. Cocker comes from its early use to hunt woodcock.

Cockers are friendly, easy-going dogs that make excellent family companion dogs. They tend to bond closely with one member of the family, usually the one who feeds it.

English Setter

The English Setter is one of a group of setter dogs from England that hunt birds such as pheasant, grouse, and quail. They are medium-sized dogs with speckled coats of lemon, orange, liver, and other colors.

English Setters get along well with other dogs and people. They are happy family companion dogs.

English Springer Spaniel

The English Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized dog, 19 to 20 inches tall and weighing 40 to 50 pounds. Their common ancestor closely resembles the Cocker Spaniel and the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

English Springer Spaniels are excellent family dogs. They are affectionate, friendly, eager to please, and thrive on human companionship. Springers become attached to one person and stick as close to them as possible. This breed does well with children and other family pets.

The AKC recognized the English Springer Spaniel in 1910 and included the breed in the Sporting Group.

Field Spaniel

The Field Spaniel was initially a show dog with a black coat. During the 20th century, breeders modified the breed, so it also performed as a hunting dog.

Field Spaniels closely resemble Cocker Spaniels and make good family pets. They are friendly, playful, and very tolerant of children.

Flat-Coated Retriever

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an excellent dog to choose if you want a happy dog. They were bred to be gun dogs and, in England, became a favorite of gamekeepers.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an active dog and should have lots of space to get the exercise it needs. Some owners swear that the Flat-Coated Retriever never grows up and retains its puppy attitude throughout life.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is an all-around hunting dog that does well hunting on land or water. They are affectionate family dogs and rank among the most popular AKC breeds.

The GSP is an excellent hunter and consistently ranks at or near the top in competitive hunting events.

German Wirehaired Pointer

A medium to large-sized griffon-type breed of dog, the German Wirehaired Pointer was created in Germany in the 19th century for adaptable hunting.

German Wirehaired Pointer is the English translation of the German breed name, Deutsch-Drahthaar.

In the latter decades of the 20th century, it rose to prominence as a gun dog in Germany. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, German Shorthaired Pointer, German Roughhaired Pointer, and the hunting Pudelpointer were carefully combined and crossed in the late 19th century to produce it.

Golden Retriever

Scottish retriever dogs of medium size include the Golden Retriever. It is one of the most frequently recognized breeds in several Western nations and is regularly kept as a pet. It often participates in dog competitions and obedience tests, is employed as a gundog and can be trained to work as a guiding dog. In the late nineteenth century,

Sir Dudley Marjoribanks developed the breed at his Scottish farm Guisachan. With more Red Setter, Labrador Retriever, and Bloodhound fusions, he crossed Flat-coated Retrievers and Tweed Water Spaniels. After becoming recognized by the Kennel Club in 1913, the breed became popular worldwide throughout the interwar.

Irish Red and White Setter

The Irish name for the Red and White Setter dog breed is An Sotar Rua Agus Bán. It is a gundog in the UK, as is the case with all setters, and is a member of the sporting group in the US and Canada.

Although it is almost identical in temperament and function to the Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, and English Setter, this breed is more common.

Gordon Setter

Irish Setter

The Irish Setter is a beautiful and energetic dog that originated in Ireland. They are known for their long, silky red coats and friendly and outgoing personalities. Irish Setters are highly active.

They are often used as hunting dogs but also make great family pets due to their loyal and affectionate nature. Overall, the Irish Setter is a loving and lively companion that brings joy to any home.

Irish Water Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel is a unique and distinctive dog breed from Ireland. This medium-sized dog is instantly recognizable by its curly, waterproof coat, which ranges in color from the liver to dark brown. The breed was originally developed as a hunting dog, specifically for retrieving game from the water.

Irish Water Spaniels are highly intelligent and desire to please their owners, making them very trainable. They are also known for their loyalty and affectionate personalities, making them great family pets. 

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever often referred to simply as “Labrador” or “Lab,” is a beloved and popular breed of dog that originated in Newfoundland, Canada. Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, and their high intelligence and trainability make them excellent family pets, guide dogs, and service animals.

They are medium to large, with short, dense coats in various colors, including black, yellow, and chocolate. 

They are also known for their loyalty and affectionate natures, making them excellent companions for families with children or other pets. Overall, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile and loyal companion that brings joy and love to any home.

 Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is a charming and unique breed of dog that originated in Italy. This medium-sized dog is known for its distinctive curly coat, which is waterproof and often comes in shades of brown or gray.

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Lagotto Romagnolo is now more commonly used as a companion and family pet due to its friendly and affectionate personality.

Lagotto Romagnolos are also hypoallergenic, making them ideal pets for those with allergies. However, they do require regular grooming to maintain their curly coats. Overall, the Lagotto Romagnolo is a loyal and lovable companion well-suited to families or individuals seeking a unique and low-allergen pet.

Nederlandse Kooikerhondje

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, also known as the Dutch Kooiker Dog, is a small and lively breed that originated in the Netherlands. Historically used for hunting, the Kooikerhondje is now more commonly kept as a family pet due to its friendly and outgoing personality.

They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train and a good fit for active families. Overall, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a delightful breed that will bring joy and companionship to any home.

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever often called the Toller, is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Nova Scotia, Canada. Tollers are known for their unique hunting technique, which involves luring ducks within range of the hunter by playing in the water.

They are friendly and outgoing dogs that make great family pets due to their loyal and affectionate nature. Tollers have a distinctive reddish-gold coat that is dense and waterproof, making them well-suited to cold and wet conditions. 

Tollers are also intelligent and trainable, making them excellent candidates for obedience and agility competitions. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a charming and versatile breed that brings joy and companionship to any home.

Pointer

The Pointer originated in England and is known for its athletic ability and excellent hunting skills. Pointers are medium to large and have short, sleek coats in various colors, including liver, black, and white.

Pointers are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent hunting companions and candidates for various dog sports like agility and obedience competitions. They are known for their loyalty and affectionate natures, making them great family pets. However, Pointers can be high-energy and may not be suitable for households with very young children or elderly individuals. 

Spinone Italiano

The Spinone Italiano is a friendly and loyal breed of dog that hails from Italy. This medium to a large-sized dog is known for its distinctive wiry coat, which can come in shades of white, orange, or brown. Initially bred for hunting, the Spinone Italiano is now more commonly kept as a companion and family pet due to its gentle and affectionate nature. They are brilliant and trainable but stubborn sometimes, so early and consistent training is essential.

They are highly social dogs that thrive on human companionship, making them great companions for families or individuals seeking a loyal and loving pet. 

Sussex Spaniel

Vizsla

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner, also known as the “Gray Ghost,” is a sleek and athletic breed of dog that originated in Germany. This large breed is known for its distinctive gray coat and piercing blue or amber eyes. They are intelligent and trainable but stubborn sometimes, so early and consistent training is important.

Weimaraners were originally bred for hunting and still possess strong instincts, making them excellent hunting companions. They are also loyal and affectionate pets that make great family companions. However, due to their high energy levels, Weimaraners may not be suitable for households with very young children or elderly individuals. 

Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Wales. This charming breed is known for its distinctive red and white coat and friendly and outgoing personality. 

They are also intelligent and trainable, making them excellent candidates for obedience and agility competitions.

Welsh Springer Spaniels were initially bred for hunting and still possess strong instincts, but they also make great family pets due to their loyal and affectionate nature. They are great with children and other pets, making them a good fit for families. 

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, also known as the “Korthals Griffon,” is a medium to large-sized breed that originated in France. This versatile breed is known for its distinctive wirehaired coat and excellent hunting skills.

They are also intelligent and trainable, making them excellent hunting companions and candidates for various dog sports like agility and obedience competitions.

Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are also loyal and affectionate pets that make great family companions. They are great with children and other pets, making them a good fit for families. 

Wirehaired Vizsla

The Wirehaired Vizsla is a medium-sized breed of dog that originated in Hungary. This versatile breed is known for its distinctive wirehaired coat and excellent hunting skills. 

They are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent hunting companions and candidates for various dog sports like agility and obedience competitions. Wirehaired Vizslas are also loyal and affectionate pets that make great family companions.

They are great with children and other pets, making them a good fit for families. The Wirehaired Vizsla is a versatile and loyal breed that excels in various activities and brings joy and companionship to any home.