As with all family dogs, children should be taught to handle dogs gently and to read body language to know when to leave the dog alone. They should also learn to crouch on the ground in a ball with hands and head protected when the family dog gets overexcited. While bite incidents are less frequent with some breeds, all dogs can bite if provoked.
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Pointing Breeds
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An English Pointer gets its name from its stance when finding prey. The English Setter works quickly and quietly on the hunt, getting its name by the way the dog crouches in almost a sitting position when finding prey. These dogs can be used for tracking, pointing or retrieving. They have calm temperaments and are good with children. Although they are active outdoors, they are relatively inactive when indoors and enjoy spending time with family.
The Irish Setter is a very intelligent and active dog. They make excellent bird hunting dogs with good noses and quick feet. This dog can find game and run back to alert its owner. These dogs also get along with other animals and children and make good family pets as long as they get adequate exercise.
The English Pointer is an energetic and enthusiastic hunter. It needs a lot of exercise or it can become destructive indoors. Loyal, intelligent and friendly, these dogs get along well with children and make good family pets.
Tracking Breeds
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Basset hounds can be useful for hunting and great family pets. Basset Hounds have an excellent sense of smell. They are used to hunt fox, hare, opossum and pheasant. Because they walk slowly, Bassets are best used for hunting on foot. They usually have a mild temperament and are affectionate with children.
Bloodhounds are patient, mild-mannered dogs that are gentle and affectionate with children. These dogs are so patient, it is important to make sure the children learn limits and not abuse the dog. Like the Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds have an excellent sense of smell and have been used to track game and find lost children.
Beagles are good trackers for hunting rabbits, hare, pheasant, quail and other small animals. They can hunt alone or in groups. Beagles are sociable and friendly, wagging their tails easily. They are usually excellent with children and other dogs, but because of their hunting instinct, should not be brought into a home with cats.
Retrieving Breeds
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Golden Retrievers are a popular family pet that can be an excellent bird dog. Golden Retrievers are a very popular breed because of their charm, intelligence and trainability. They make excellent bird dogs in the fields and in water. They also make great family pets because they enjoy pleasing their masters and are always gentle and patient with children.
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They have a patient, loyal and affectionate temperament and make excellent family dogs. They are also highly intelligent and want to please, so they make good working dogs that can excel at both tracking and retrieving game.
Spaniels are intelligent and trainable. They also make affectionate pets, especially the American Water Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel and English Springer Spaniel. These dogs are used to flush and retrieve quail, duck, pheasant, grouse and rabbit. Easygoing and affectionate, this dog is good with children.
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