Dogs are such special creatures that people consider them a part of their family instead of just treating them like animals. Their loyalty, friendship, and playfulness are the reasons behind that approach. Those characteristics vary by breed, with some displaying more of one or two than the rest. This variation makes different breeds suited to different situations. By far, the most popular dog breeds are those that come under the sporting or hunter category.
The term “hunting dog” refers to an unparalleled ability to sniff out and chase the intended target. These dogs possess the strength and agility to carry out that task as well. When trained well, these dogs are loyal to a fault.
Their hunting-friendly characteristics also make them excellent in canine sporting activities. Fetching objects, jumping through hoops, gymnastics, etc., are easily accomplished by them. Their physiology makes them adaptable to multiple environments without affecting their ability to carry out their tasks, making them a versatile choice as a pet.
Fetching Your Special Sporting Breed
The presence of many types of sporting dog breeds means you get to choose the one that suits your needs best. While they may not vary in the amount of love they give you, their other characteristics tend to adapt well to some environments over others. Therefore, selecting one from the most popular dog breeds should be done after some homework from your end about its eventual home environment.
Labrador Retriever
A staple among active dog owners, the Labrador Retriever, has a long history of supporting their owners in hunts to great success. Their acute intelligence, pleasing attitude, kid-friendly nature, athleticism, and more make them a popular choice for many.
Their moderately thick coat makes them suitable for warm to cold climates. They adapt well to both indoor and outdoor life and work hard towards keeping their beloved humans happy.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The name says it all. You point this breed towards an objective, and you can consider it done. GSPs are considered the epitome of a hunting dog because of that quality.
They are agile, quick, intelligent, loyal, obedient, and enduring. But most of all, it’s the determination that sets them apart. There is no shaking the dog once it sets its mind on something. Its superior strength helps it accompany its owners on long hunting trips and retrieve birds of large sizes. This ability makes them a great competitor at dog shows.
Bloodhound
It’s a name that can send shivers down spines. And its bark certainly does so to the birds that it’s helping hunt.
The name comes from the fact that these dogs’ noses are the finest at sniffing scent for tracking purposes. Add to that their uncompromising fortitude when tracking things, and you’ve got a formidable ally for many kinds of activities. Its moderate demeanor is a bonus on top.
It’s little surprise, then, that this breed is found in police squads to help find missing people or sniff out contraband substances.
Boykin Spaniel
Spaniels tend to elicit emotions of compassion and affection in people. Such is their reputation. They are found in city parks strutting beside their owners. What that scene belies is the breed’s excellent sportiveness and sharp intellect.
The Boykin spaniel is particularly good at hunting turkey and duck. On the sporting side, they can catch flying hoops without a sweat. Getting them to do that is also just as easy since they are trainable very effortlessly.
They are native to the American south coastal area, so they perform best in bushlands and wetlands, where the temperature stays on the hotter side most of the time.
Dogs will always be good at giving love and having fun. And the most popular dog breeds come with those in plenty while being great at sporting and hunting.