1. Golden Retriever
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The Golden was developed to be a “gentleman’s hunting companion”, and still retains the many highly desired qualities of a great family dog that have made it so popular. Friendly, sweet, calm and tolerant, Goldens are highly social and very affectionate. They typically are good with children, other dogs and strangers. Their high sociability means they need to be included in family activities; they are members of the family and are not well suited to spending long periods alone. They want to go along camping, hiking, or on a family evening walk.
Learn more about the Golden Retriever.
2. Bracco Italiano
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Bred as a hunting dog in Italy, the Bracco Italiano is also a sweet, loving, and affectionate family companion. However, hunting is in the Bracco Italiano’s blood to the extent that many breeders will not sell this breed to a family who does not plan to utilize his hunting skills in some fashion. The Bracco Italiano is not well-suited to life in an apartment due to his exercise needs and love of running freely. It is also important to note that a non-hunting Bracco is typically an unhappy Bracco. At the very least, he should be involved in some kind of agility, tracking, or pointing activity to fulfill his desire to hunt.
Learn more about the Bracco Italiano.
3. English Cocker Spaniel
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he English Cocker Spaniel has a diverse personality with, what pet owners would consider, upsides and downsides. Where he can be protective, intelligent, and alert, he can also be snippy, grumpy, and wary. Where he can be obedient, strong, and faithful, he can also be greedy, destructive, and aggressive. Most of the downsides to the English Cocker Spaniel can be suppressed with proper training and socialization, but these pups also boast a natural stubbornness and need for independence that will always be prevalent in their daily activities and interactions.
Learn more about the English Cocker Spaniel.
4. Poodle
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The Poodle is a very old breed, established in Germany, not France as is often thought. They were developed to retrieve downed waterfowl in marshlands. This elegant and clever breed has been used to develop many breeds, including the Irish Water Spaniel, the Curly-Coated Retriever, the Pudelpointer, and more recently, Labradoodle and Goldendoodle, not to mention many other “doodles”. Poodles embody the traits of a fine working retriever; an athletic, strong swimmer that is fond of people with a natural desire to work with people.
Learn more about the Poodle.
5. American Cocker Spaniel
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The Cocker Spaniel has been one of the most popular breeds for decades, with good reason. Sweet and gentle with an amenable and cheerful temperament, they are sturdy enough for children, and typically make wonderful family pets. The smallest of the sporting breeds, Cockers require regular exercise but are easily satisfied with some play time in the yard and one or two 30-minute walks a day.
Learn more about the Cocker Spaniel.
6. English Setter
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Bred to be a hunting and instinct-driven purebred, the English Setter is an energetic pup with an overall calm exterior that melts away when small animals are in sight. Socialization is important for the English Setter from a young age because these dogs often look at smaller pups as inferior and larger dogs as challengers. They also have a low tolerance for the rowdiness of younger children.
Learn more about the English Setter.
7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
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The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is considered an outgoing pup who is friendly and also quite trustworthy. You can expect your pup to be near your side, but not under your feet, as you walk around the house. Your puppy will want to be treated as a companion and will be very loyal to you and those in your family.
Learn more about the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.
8. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
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Also known as Chessies, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a headstrong and powerful dog with an overall friendly, even-tempered nature. However, these pups can be intolerant of small children and yappy little dogs. Both kids and small pups are rambunctious and loud, which most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers find annoying and unacceptable. Your small dogs should already be trained to be less noisy and more obedient.
Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
9. Pointer
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The Pointer is a wonderful family dog that is brave and loyal. You will find that your Pointer has an even temper and you can depend on him or her to work well and play even better. This breed makes for a terrific pet and loves everyone in the family. You do not have to worry about aggression problems, as he or she will get along well with your children and other pets in the home. It is important to make sure you socialize your pup with other pets to help subdue the natural hunting instincts within them.
Learn more about the Pointer.
10. Gordon Setter
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The Gordon Setter is a bold, confident, and energetic breed. They are also affectionate, loyal, and gentle. Bred as bird dogs, they are extremely active and love to hunt, swim, and play. Any Gordon Setter owner must be prepared to meet his dog’s exercise needs. A one-hour minimum of walking, running, or playing is required daily. A home with a large yard would be best for a Gordon Setter, and they should not live in apartments. A home in the countryside with plenty of room to run would be the Gordon Setter’s ideal home, as they love the outdoors.
Learn more about the Gordon Setter.
11. Field Spaniel
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The Field Spaniel is a sweet, sensitive, and people-oriented family companion. He is playful and smart, and he is an active dog who needs plenty of exercise. He is a good hunting dog who can also compete in events such as agility, obedience, conformation, hunt tests, rally, and tracking. This energetic breed should not live in an apartment, and a home with a large yard is recommended. The Field Spaniel needs a minimum of sixty minutes of exercise daily. He is an excellent choice for an active, outdoorsy owner because he enjoys long walks, hiking, camping, running, biking, and swimming.
Learn more about the Field Spaniel.
12. Curly-Coated Retriever
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The Curly-Coated Retriever is lively and extremely intelligent. He is a determined and motivated hunting dog who is both confident and proud, and he makes a good-natured, loyal family companion. The Curly needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep him from becoming bored and destructive, as well as barking a great deal. At least half an hour to an hour of exercise, training, and play daily is a must. He enjoys activities such as jogging, hunting, camping, swimming, and fishing, making him an excellent choice for an active, outdoorsy family.
Learn more about the Curly-Coated Retriever.