What is a gundog?

A gundog is a specialised breed of dog trained primarily for hunting and retrieving game, whether on land or in water.

Gundogs are typically categorised into three main groups: retrievers, spaniels, and pointing breeds, each with unique skills.

Retrievers, such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, excel in fetching game from water and land, while spaniels, like the Cocker spaniel, are great for locating and flushing birds from cover. 

Pointing breeds, including the English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer, are trained to indicate the location of game by “pointing” with their bodies.

With their intelligence, trainability, and strong instincts, gundogs are not only exceptional hunters but also beloved family pets that thrive on companionship and activity. 

Definition of a Gundog

A gundog is a dog that traditionally has worked alongside humans for the purpose of supporting shooting activities.

Within the gundog group, there are various dog breeds that are traditionally used for different types of work on the shoot.

Gundogs need proper gundog training to develop their natural abilities.

Many working gundogs have the important task of picking up game after it has been shot, while others will hunt and seek out the game, flushing it towards the guns.

While many gundogs excel in the field, they can also thrive as pet dogs, bringing joy to the family environment. 

Types of Gundogs

There are several types of gundogs within the gundog group, each serving a unique purpose in gundog work.

Popular gundog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, known for its versatility as a working dog and as a beloved pet gundog.

The retrievers are, as expected, dogs that are mainly used for the retrieval of game after it has been shot. The dog will range out, locating dead and injured game, retrieving it and taking it back to it’s handler.

Pointing dogs, such as Setters and Pointers, are often used in moorland areas where they range out and locate birds such as Grouse. The dog will ‘stand and point’ towards the bird allowing the gun to move forwards in readiness for a shot.

The spaniel breeds are predominantly used for hunting, working their way systematically through cover such as rushes, fallen trees and other areas that might ‘hold game’.

Upon finding the game the dog will ‘flush’ the bird, forcing it to fly, allowing the guns to take a shot.

Spaniels are among the most versatile of the gundog breeds and they often perform the role of retriever as well as hunter.