Pheasants Forever Bird Dog Breeds

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When researching a breed for compatibility, there needs to be an understanding of what makes a breed strong as well as the variation within each breed as traits were selected to improve lines within a breeding program. It should be noted that there can be nearly as much variation within a breed as there is between breeds. Doing your research on both the breed and the specific breeder line will allow you to better meet your needs based on how each dog will behave in both social and hunting situations.

Breed: Brittany
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Brittany is a close working pointer with natural hunting and retrieving ability. While not large in stature, they have the speed and agility to cover a lot of ground. They are a tough and durable breed with skin and coat built to resist punctures and tears in thick cover.
General Appearance
The Brittany is a medium size breed with a coat that is generally dense and wavy in orange and white or liver and white patterns; often with some ticking. Tri-colors are also found as liver and white dogs with orange markings on eyebrows, muzzle, cheeks and under the tail. Tails are often docked either completely or to a length of no more than approximately four inches.
Size
Height usually ranges from 17 to 21 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 30 and 40 pounds.
Disposition
Generally, the breed produces a very active and alert dog with a good disposition. A very outgoing nature makes the Brittany an excellent upland hunting companion. They will make good house dogs provided they have sufficient exercise.
Breed: Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a tough breed with skin and coat built to resist quite low temperatures in icy water. They are a powerful versatile hunting breed with natural retrieving ability that should stay within range. Jaws are large and powerful for retrieval of large game birds.
General Appearance
A large breed with a coat that is generally thick and short with a heavy undercoat that is well suited to wet, cold conditions. Color usually ranges from dark sedge to lighter brown shades and hair coat is slightly wavy. Tails are left full.
Size
Height usually ranges from 21 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 55 and 80 pounds.
Disposition
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are usually bright and happy dogs with a great love for water. While fairly large in stature, they should remain fairly lean and agile. The breed is generally very loyal and protective of its home and family. Obedience training is genuinely considered essential with this breed as they are prone to exhibiting alpha characteristics.
Breed: English Pointer
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Pointer is very hard driving hunter and known to be a tireless worker with great work ethics. They are independent and enthusiastic hunters with great range that work well in the field with other dogs. They generally exhibit natural hunting instincts at a very young age and have to abilities to cover larger areas of ground. Pointers are generally bred for upland hunting in warmer climates with a need to cover larger areas.
General Appearance
The English Pointer (aka Pointer) is a large breed with a coat that is generally very short and smooth. Color is primarily white with liver, orange, black or lemon patches or speckles. They are generally lean but very well muscled. Tails are rarely docked and provide distinction when on point.
Size
Height usually ranges from 21 to 24 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 45 and 75 pounds. Field lines tend to run larger than show lines.
Disposition
They are very loyal and tend to make excellent companions but must be kept active. While loyal and affectionate, field bred lines may exhibit restless traits that make them less than ideal as indoor pets unless exercised extensively.
Breed: English Setter
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The English Setter (aka Setter) is a quick and efficient worker with an excellent nose and ground speed that was bred specifically for upland bird hunting. They are graceful hunters that combine agility with stamina to cover a lot of ground. They are energetic dogs from a long, rich history of finding and pointing upland birds.
General Appearance
The English Setter is a large breed with a coat that is generally long with feathering at the ears, tail and underside. Base color is usually white with secondary colors including orange belton (speckling), blue (black) belton, liver belton and yellow belton. Tri-color belton are also found as blue belton dogs with tan markings on muzzle, eyes and legs. Tails are generally left full. English Setters generally produce fewer Dual Champions since the more effective field sizes, colors and coat characteristics tend to vary from desired show characteristics.
Size
Height usually ranges from 23 to 27 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 45 and 75 pounds.
Disposition
They are a gentle and affectionate breed with a very mild disposition that tend to train better with positive reinforcement. They do well in a home environment as they tend to mellow indoors and take on a friendly âcouch potatoâ mentality provided they are kept active when outdoors.
Breed: English Springer Spaniel
Type: Flusher

Hunting Style
The English Springer Spaniel will generally quarter in a zig-zag pattern in front of the hunter to âspringâ and flush upland game birds. They should stay within comfortable gun range and will retrieve to hand. The English Springer breed is noted for both upland and waterfowl hunting.
General Appearance
The English Springer Spaniel is a medium size breed with a coat that is generally dense and wavy in black and white or liver and white patterns; often with ticking. Tri-colors are also found with the addition of tan markings on eyebrows and on the muzzle. Tails are fully docked in show lines but are generally docked only a few inches on field lines.
Size
Height usually ranges from 18 to 21 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 40 and 50 pounds.
Disposition
The typical Springer is friendly and affectionate and usually easy to acclimate in a family setting. They are very energetic and generally exhibit more speed than other Spaniel breeds. Their playful nature combined with great stamina make them excellent sporting companions.
Breed: German Shorthaired Pointer
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The German Shorthaired Pointer should range and hunt within a comfortable distance from the hunter. They work well with other dogs in the field and should honor instinctively. They are a versatile and popular hunting choice due to their ability to hunt enthusiastically on both land and water.
General Appearance
The GSP is a large breed with a coat that is generally very short, sleek and dense. Color should be liver, liver and white or black and white, solid, patched and ticked or roan. They are generally lean but very well muscled. Tails are generally docked to roughly forty percent of full length.
Size
Height usually ranges from 21 to 25 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 45 and 70 pounds.
Disposition
The German Shorthaired Pointer is very energetic, smart and eager to please. They are very loyal and make excellent family and hunting companions provided they are kept active. They exhibit excellent speed and natural hunting instincts.
Breed: Golden Retriever
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style
Golden Retrievers are versatile hunting retrievers that are well suited to cold hunting conditions due to an outer coat that is dense and water repellent. They are a tough and durable breed with good speed and agility and a great love of water. Goldens will quarter in front of the hunter to flush upland birds and should stay within comfortable gun range. They live to retrieve.
General Appearance
The Golden Retriever is a large breed with a medium length, feathered coat that is double layered and generally ranges from cream to golden in color with red hues possible. A deeper red color is also possible but not preferred. Tails are left full and should be straight.
Size
Height usually ranges from 20 to 24 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 50 and 80 pounds.
Disposition
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular family companions in the world due to their exceptionally social nature. Their popularity as pets has resulted in some deviation from hunting roots so the search for a hunting companion should focus on clear hunting lines. They are intelligent, very eager to please and easily trained. While not aggressive, they can be good watchdogs because they will raise an alarm with the arrival of strangers.
Breed: Gordon Setter
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Gordon Setter should range and hunt independently some distance from the hunter. They are not generally fast but are patient and have very good stamina. They exhibit natural abilities to point and retrieve and are well suited to hunt in adverse weather conditions.
General Appearance
The Gordon Setter is a large breed with a coat that is generally glossy, soft and wavy and is black and tan in color. It differs from other Setters in its more robust stature and is the only black and tan. Tails are well feathered and are left full.
Size
Height usually ranges from 23 to 27 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 50 and 80 pounds.
Disposition
Gordon Setters are energetic working dogs that tend to be calm household companions when properly exercised. They are somewhat slow to mature and will exhibit puppy characteristics beyond three years of age. They are generally good with children and other pets.
Breed: Italian Spinone
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Italian Spinone (aka Spinone Italiano) is a large, rugged gun dog with a thick, wiry coat that is well suited for protection in dense upland grasses or cold water. They are sturdy and determined hunters with a close-working, deliberate style. While not fast or flashy, the breed will naturally point and retrieve and is gaining popularity due to its unique appearance and reliability in the field.
General Appearance
The Spinone is a large breed with a very distinctive appearance. Color should be white, brown, white and orange, white and brown, liver and white or black and white. Most color combinations are ticked or roan although an occasional solid liver color is possible. Tails are generally docked to roughly fifty percent of full length.
Size
Height usually ranges from 22 to 27 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 60 and 85 pounds.
Disposition
The Spinone is extremely mild mannered and make excellent companions. They are intelligent and easily trained although they can be stubborn and may need a firm training hand. Spinones are very calm indoors and transition easily from house to hunt.
Breed: Labrador Retriever
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style
Labrador Retrievers, or Labs, are versatile hunting retrievers that are well suited to adverse weather conditions and very cold water. They are a tough and durable breed combining a sturdy build with good speed and agility. Labs will quarter in front of the hunter to flush upland birds and should stay within comfortable gun range.
General Appearance
The Labrador Retriever is a large breed with a smooth, short coat that is double layered and is solid black, yellow or chocolate in color. Claims are made of labs that are silver in color but this is not recognized by the AKC and is considered to be simply a shade of chocolate. Tails are left full.
Size
Height usually ranges from 21 to 25 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 55 and 85 pounds.
Disposition
The Labrador Retriever is the most popularly registered breed in the world. This is generally attributed to their extreme versatility combined with their exceptional social skills. They are an intelligent breed with a strong work ethic that tends to be easily trained. Their social natures make them great companions but less capable guardians.
Breed: Pudelpointer
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunter bred for a combination of a very good nose plus speed, endurance and hunting desire. They will exhibit natural pointing and hunting instincts and will enthusiastically retrieve on land and water.
General Appearance
The Pudelpointer is a large breed with a dense, wiry coat that is known for very limited shedding. Color should be liver or chestnut but black is also seen on occasion. Tails are generally docked to roughly 2/3 of the original full length.
Size
Height usually ranges from 21 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 44 and 66 pounds.
Disposition
While not a popular breed in the United States, the Pudelpointer is becoming more widely recognized due to its combination of hunting ability and disposition. The breed is generally viewed as an excellent companion in a home environment and is easily trained.
Breed: Small Munsterlander
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Small Munsterlander is a very versatile hunter that will flush, point, and retrieve on land and water. Their numbers are small in the United States but they are much sought after by hunters that perceive them to be one of the most versatile and easily trained gundog breeds.
General Appearance
The Small Munsterlander is of medium size with a soft, medium length coat that provides protection during the hunt but may require grooming after. Color is generally large patches of brown or black on a ticked or solid white background. Tails are generally left full.
Size
Height usually ranges from 18 to 22 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 35 and 55 pounds.
Disposition
The Small Munsterlander is very quick study in training that generally performs best for a patient trainer with a very consistent approach. They can be strong willed but are excellent companions and easily make the transition from house pet to driven field hunter. Small Munsterlanders usually get along well with other pets provided they are given the freedom for play.
Breed: Vizsla
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
Vizsla's are very energetic working dogs that are robust but rather lightly built. They exhibit natural abilities to point and retrieve and show a genuine love of water. They do not have an undercoat, however, and are not particularly well suited for very low temperatures.
General Appearance
The Vizsla is a medium sized breed with a coat that is generally short and smooth in a golden rust color although they can tend toward a deeper red. Tails are generally docked to a length of roughly two thirds of the natural length. They are generally lean but well muscled.
Size
Height usually ranges from 20 to 25 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 45 and 65 pounds.
Disposition
Vizsla's tend to be very bright and social dogs that thrive on attention and affection. Known as a one owner dog because of their loyalty. They take training well but must be handled carefully as they generally exhibit sensitive personalities. They are poorly suited to be outdoor dogs but will thrive indoors provided they are sufficiently exercised.
Breed: Weimaraner
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Weimaraner is a good all purpose gun dog that is able to hunt many types of game. It is a versatile hunter that was originally bred for hunting large game but became more focused on upland game as the popularity for large game hunting declined. Prey drive is strong and instinctive and training should begin at a young age to shape their general hunting instincts.
General Appearance
The Weimaraner is a large breed with a coat that is generally short and smooth in a mouse-gray or silver-grey color. Tails are generally docked early to a length to no more than one third of the natural length.
Size
Height usually ranges from 23 to 27 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 55 and 80 pounds.
Disposition
A fast and powerful breed, Weimaraners are very active and are known for their stamina so must be kept active in a family setting. They tend to be less social toward strangers and can be very protective. They can also be territorial and should be socialized early to avoid aggression.
Breed: Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an all-around gun dog that is able to hunt many types of game from rabbits to quail. It is a deliberate hunter that will track, point, and retrieve on land and water and stay within easy range of the hunter. Their thick, heavy coat is well suited to hunting in very cold temperatures and they tend to prefer cooler hunting climates.
General Appearance
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is a medium breed with a thick, wiry coat that is very distinctive. Color should be steel gray with brown, orange, white or, occasionally, black markings. Tails are generally docked to roughly forty percent of full length.
Size
Height usually ranges from 20 to 24 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 40 and 60 pounds.
Disposition
The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is an affectionate and loyal to the immediate family but can be standoffish with strangers. They make very good watchdogs. They must be socialized early and kept very active in a home setting to avoid restless behavior. Their coat will shed very little but must be stripped to encourage new hair growth.