10 Top Sporting Dogs

Sporting dogs as a group seemed grouped to include many that hunt birds. For someone who is looking for a dog to hunt with as well as a dog that's a pet at home these breeds hold the ideal combination and the best possibility for being able to do both. Look for working or trial dogs - select one from lines that hunt and you're more likely to get a dog that can do the same. While some show people hunt their dogs many don't - the field conditions can damage coats on setters and spaniels and affect their winning ways.

1. Irish Setter - A big dog long on endurance. I've found field lines aren't as heavy coated as the show lines - but there are exceptions. Even an untrained dog on instinct can snap to a point when he senses a covey of quail - tuning that and additional training can mean finding and getting the birds. The consistent red coat on these dogs is attractive as well. There is a breed called the Irish Red and White setter - similar and for those in conditions the white might be needed to stand out is an alternative. The Irish is solid red and 60-70 pounds.

2. English Setter - Often not as big nor as heavy in coat as the Irish the English setter's coat stands out in grassy fields. Beautiful dogs that aren't quite as large - which could be a factor at your house for an inside dog. They're white with black, lemon, orange or liver ticking or tri-color. They're normally lighter coat and smaller than the Irish.

3. Welsh Springer spaniel - A hard working go-all-day dog the Welsh springer are about 18-20 inches at the shoulder and 35-45 pounds with a red and white coat. Often confused with the English Springer they are a distinct breed.

4. English Springer spaniel - These aren't as large as the setters, can be quite the water dog as well. Males are 19-21 inches with females slightly smaller. They can be liver or black and white, tricolor or roan in the blue or liver. Like other sporting breeds they need care of the coat.

5. Brittany - One of the smaller dogs this beautiful mild mannered dog is a wonderful hunting companion as well as a family dog. Not quite as popular as some of the other breeds which is a shame - very nice dogs.