Hunter Safety & Ethics

Always remember, the most successful hunt is a safe and ethical hunt.

Hunter Safety

Pheasant hunting is a fun activity, but a very serious level of responsibility comes with taking to the field. Pheasant hunting, like most forms of hunting, is not inherently dangerous. But it can become dangerous - or worse - when firearm safety guidelines are compromised. That's why it's important for all hunters to go through a Firearm Safety and/or Hunter's Education course, no matter how old you are or if your state requires it. While pheasants are a great gamebird, our want to harvest a bird should never put into question firearm safety. Remember, there's no amount of apologizing that can make things right after a gun accident.

For even seasoned hunters, it's important to refresh the basics of gun safety before each hunting season:

1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded
2. Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction
3. Know your target and beyond
4. Pheasants Forever also reminds pheasant hunters to always wear hunter orange and be especially cautious when using blockers at the end of fields.

Hunter Ethics

Equally as important as following firearm safety is being an ethical hunter. Though it differs for each and every one of us, all hunters that take to the field have a personal code of ethics. Sometimes hunters are faced with situations that may be well within the hunting regulations but may push the boundaries of ethical hunting. Remember, the actions of one hunter can affect how non-hunters perceive all hunters. Follow Pheasants Forever's Code, and consult Jim Posewitz' timeless Beyond Fair Chase, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a safe and ethical hunter and part of a time-honored tradition.

 

Pheasants Forever's Code

As a member of Pheasants Forever, I believe in conserving wildlife and protecting the environment. I promise to leave the outdoors a little better than I found it. I will hunt safely and treat hunting on public and private land as a privilege. I will always ask permission before hunting private land.

Pheasant chicks in the spring

The pheasant, like many Americans, is an immigrant to North America. The first successful introduction of pheasants to this country occurred in 1881 when Judge Owen Nickerson Denny (US consul to China) shipped 30 Chinese ringnecks (26 survived the journey) to his home in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Eleven years later Oregon opened a 75-day season and hunters bagged 50,000 pheasants. They were subsequently released in 40 of the 50 states. The pheasant thrives in a farmland landscape with ample (20%+) undisturbed grassland habitat. Pheasant populations increased and reached all time highs in the mid-1900s before suffering severe population declines.

A Brief History

In a land rich in symbolism and imagery, the Chinese pheasant represented light, virtue, prosperity and good fortune. Good fortune indeed came upon one hunter in Burma who noticed a precious stone in the gizzard of his recent kill. The discovery inspired him to search for the origin of this stone, and after visiting the rooster's old stomping ground, sure enough, he found an emerald mine!

The pheasant was also associated with a 2000 B.C. emperor named Yu who was famed for developing a complex system of flood control. Similarly, references made to our endeared bird always place it next to important rivers (like its namesake, the Phasis). Perhaps a coincidence that the pheasant was associated with water, more likely it merely provided good habitat.

Thousands of years later in Europe, the pheasant was prized for its exotic beauty and tasty meat. The right-to-hunt pheasants was reserved for the upper class. Numerous attempts to bring pheasants to the "land of the free" failed. Ben Franklin's son-in-law, Richard Bach, released some pheasants in New Jersey. George Washington had some sent to his Mount Vernon estate during his first year of presidency, and the Governors of New Hampshire and New York also attempted to introduce the "old English blackneck" pheasant. Most of these pheasants were raised on game farms and were not hardy enough to survive. Therefore, these introductions proved unsuccessful.

 

Appearance

Male ring-necks feature a white ring around their neck and body plumage of gold, brown, green, purple, and white. The roosters head has blues, greens, and a distinctive red wattle. Females are much less showy with drab brown feathers.

Ecology

Pheasants are birds that can be found alone or in small flocks. Typically, a mother hen and her flock will stay together until early autumn. While pheasants are able to fly fast for short distances, they prefer to run. If startled however, they will burst to the sky in a "flush." Their flight speed is 27 to 38 mph when cruising but when chased they can fly up to 60 mph.

Pheasants spend almost their entire life on the ground, rarely ever being seen in trees. They eat a wide variety of foods; including, insects, seeds and leaves.

Roosters typically have a harem of several females during spring mating season. Hen pheasants nest on the ground, producing a clutch of around ten eggs over a two to three week period in April to June. The incubation period is about 23–26 days.

Pheasant Phacts

Weight: Male ring-necked pheasants average 2 to 3 pounds while their female (hen) counterparts average 2 pounds.
Length: Males measure 24 to 35 inches long with a rooster's tail often accounting for more than 20 inches of that length. Hens are smaller with a much shorter tail.
Flight Speed: 38-48 mph (but can reach up to 60 mph when chased)
Favorite Foods: corn, seeds, insects
Preferred Habitat: undisturbed grass
Average Nest Initiation: Early May
Average Incubation Start: Late May
Length of Incubation: 23 days
Average First Hatch: Mid June
Average Clutch Size: 12 eggs
Average Nest Success: 40-60%
Average Hen Success: 50-70%
Average Rate of Chick Survival: 50%
Major Nest Predators: fox, raccoon, skunk
Major Adult Predators: man, fox, hawk, owl
Survival Rate - mild winter, good habitat: 95%
Survival Rate - severe winter, good habitat: 50%
Survival Rate - mild winter, poor habitat: 80%
Survival Rate - severe winter, poor habitat: 20%

Bird dogs greatly increase pheasant hunting success, but more importantly provide hunters with companionship and instill in them a recognition to conserve the areas where hunting memories are made.

For many Pheasants Forever members and pheasant hunters, bird dogs are the link between hunting and conservation. In fact, many hunters find that spending quality time with their bird dogs, training them, watching them work in the field and witnessing their growth and success is much more rewarding than even their own performance.

Because bird dogs are important to upland hunters and conservationists, Pheasants Forever and Native Dog Food - the official dog food of Pheasants Forever – bring you the Bird Dog Bonanza, devoted entirely to bird dogs! The Bird Dog Bonanza presented by Native Dog Food is the place to build and share your passion for dogs, bird hunting and conservation.

 

UPLAND BIRD DOG BREEDS

Pheasants Forever Bird Dog Breeds

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.

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Breed: Boykin Spaniel
Type: Flusher

Hunting Style

The Boykin Spaniel will generally quarter at a moderate pace in front of the hunter to track birds by scent and sight. They are known for their hesitation while tracking before flushing aggressively. They are versatile hunters with very keen noses and a strong, natural desire to retrieve. Boykins are fantastic swimmers.

General Appearance

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium sizes breed with a coat that is generally dense and wavy in solid liver or brown. Their coat is somewhat shorter than other Spaniels and may be smooth in some cases. Tails are generally docked to 1/3 of full length.

Size

Height usually ranges from 14 to 18 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 25 and 40 pounds.

Disposition

The typical Boykin is friendly and affectionate and usually adjust easily to a family setting. They are enthusiastic playmates and will require activity to remain content.

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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.

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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.

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Breed: Curly-Coated Retriever
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style

Originating in the 1800's, the Curly-Coated Retriever is one of the oldest of the retriever breeds. They are versatile hunting retrievers that are well rounded multi-purpose gundogs equally adept on land or water. Like most retrieving breeds, the Curly will range in front of the hunter to flush upland birds within comfortable gun range.

General Appearance

The Curly-Coated Retriever is generally considered to be the tallest retriever breed and is somewhat "leggy" in appearance. The breed is very easily recognized by its short, thick coat of tight curls that is solid black or liver in color. Tails 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 60 and 80 pounds.

Disposition

Curly-Coated Retrievers are good companions that enjoy being part of family socialization. They will be calm indoors and energetic outdoors provided they get outdoor activity time. This breed does best living indoors with frequent opportunities to play outdoors.

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Breed: English Cocker Spaniel
Type: Flusher

Hunting Style

The English Cocker Spaniel is trained to quarter within comfortable gun range in front of the hunter to flush upland game birds. While small in stature, they were bred to penetrate and hunt dense upland cover. They are versatile hunters but generally prefer moderate temperatures for waterfowl hunting.

General Appearance

The English Cocker Spaniel is a medium size breed with a coat that is medium length and either flat or wavy in solid black, liver or red; or in combinations of white with black, liver or red ticking. Coats are generally shorter and ears smaller in the field bred lines. Tails are generally docked to 2/3 of full length on field lines.

Size

Height usually ranges from 15 to 18 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 25 and 35 pounds.

Disposition

The typical English Cocker is friendly and well known for a merry disposition. They tend to have moderate activity levels in a home environment and even field lines tend to avoid hyperactivity. They generally acclimate very well to a variety of home environments.

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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.

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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 "couch potato" mentality provided they are kept active when outdoors.

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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 "spring" 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.

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Breed: Flat-Coated Retriever
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style

Originating in the 1800's, the Flat-Coated Retriever became very popular as a "Gamekeeper's Dog". They are versatile hunting retrievers that are well rounded multi-purpose gundogs equally adept on land or water. Like most retrieving breeds, the Flat-Coat will quarter in front of the hunter to flush upland birds within comfortable gun range.

General Appearance

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a large breed with a thick, medium coat that is single layered and is solid black or liver in color. Although thick, the coat tends to be very smooth with feathering at the legs, tail and chest. Tails are left full.

Size

Height usually ranges from 22 to 25 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 55 and 75 pounds.

Disposition

Flat-Coated Retrievers are cheerful companions that are generally calm indoors and energetic outdoors. They are an intelligent breed that is easily trained although they tend to do best without harsh correction. Their social natures make them great companions and they tend to get along well with other animals. This breed does best living indoors with frequent opportunities to play outdoors.

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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.

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Breed: German Wirehaired Pointer
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style

The German Wirehaired Pointer is an all-around gun dog that is able to hunt many types of game on almost any terrain. It is a versatile hunter that will track, point, and retrieve on both land and water. They are sturdy dogs that are well muscled and tend to be very determined hunters.

General Appearance

The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large breed with a wiry coat that is the breed's most distinctive feature. Color should be liver and white or black and white, ticked or roan although an occasional solid liver color is possible. Tails are generally docked to roughly forty percent of full length.

Size

Height usually ranges from 22 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 55 and 70 pounds.

Disposition

The German Wirehaired Pointer is very affectionate and loyal to those it knows although they can be somewhat aloof to strangers. They are very loyal family and hunting companions but must be socialized at an early age and kept very active if kept in a home setting to avoid restlessness. GWPs are often the hunting breed of choice for people who suffer allergies to hair from dogs.

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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.

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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.

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Breed: Irish Red & White Setter
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style

The Irish Red & White Setter is a cousin to the Irish Setter. The Red & White is much more commonly used as a gundog than its cousin and has been revived for this use in recent years. They are known for a keen nose and can hunt a wide variety of terrain in any climate.

General Appearance

The Irish Red & White Setter is a large breed with a coat that is long and silky. Base color is mostly white with deep red patches and occasional flecking. Tails are left full. Field lines generally run smaller and leaner with somewhat shorter coats.

Size

Height usually ranges from 22 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 50 and 75 pounds.

Disposition

Red & Whites are very loyal and do well with children and other animals. They do best in an active household with plenty of opportunity to romp and play. Though not considered an extremely quick learner, the Red & White is a very swift hunter and makes a very good finished hunting companion.

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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 solid white, white and orange; orange roan with or without orange markings; white with brown markings, brown roan with or without brown markings. 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.

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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.

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Breed: Llewellin Setter
Type: Pointer

Hunting Style

The Llewellin Setter is an unrecognized (by the AKC) strain of English Setters with very similar hunting characteristics. While not a separate breed, the Llewellin Setter is a pure and distinct bloodline of the English Setter breed that was bred for superior performance in the field.

General Appearance

Build, coat length and color are generally not distinguishable from a standard English Setter.

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 the same gentle, inquisitive disposition appreciated in all English Setters. They do better in a home environment when they are kept active and allowed to spend time running outdoors.

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Breed: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retreiver
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (or "Tollers") are hunting retrievers well suited to cold hunting conditions. They are a compact and sturdy breed that is very active and agile. Tollers were bred to hunt by frolicking and retrieving along the bank to "toll", or lure, curious waterfowl. While excellent hunting companions, they are not generally considered for extensive use in upland hunting.

General Appearance

The Toller is a medium breed with a medium length, mostly straight, coat that is double layered and water-repellent. Color is various shades of red with lighter featherings and white markings on the tip of tail, feet, chest and blaze. The head should be wedge shaped with tails left full and slightly curved.

Size

Height usually ranges from 17 to 21 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 35 and 50 pounds.

Disposition

The Toller is somewhat more reserved than some other Retriever breeds but still makes an excellent family companion. They are intelligent, playful, eager to please and easily trained. They have a naturally inquisitive nature and generally get along very well with other pets.

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Breed: Poodle (Standard)
Type: Retriever

Hunting Style

Although not classified as a Sporting Breed, the Poodle (Standard) originated in Germany as a water retriever hundreds of years ago. While not generally used for hunting today, the breed retains many of the qualities that made it attractive to hunters. The Poodle is intelligent, very active and considered easy to train.

General Appearance

The Poodle has a coat that is dense, heavy and tightly curled or corded. The coat is hypoallergenic, and does not shed, but will require frequent and extensive grooming. Poodles sport a distinctive hair clip that, while considered stylish, originated as a means to keep vital body parts warm while providing a leaner profile to move easily through water. Poodles can be a variety of colors including white, black, brown, apricot and gray. Tails are often docked to half length but may be left full.

Size

Height usually ranges from 22 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders and weight usually ranges between 45 and 70 pounds.

Disposition

Poodles are generally sociable and will remain largely inactive while indoors. They do require outdoor exercise, however, as they are a naturally active breed. They generally get along well with people and other pets and have been known to do well as guard dogs.

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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.

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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.

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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 one third 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.

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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.

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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.