Top Waterfowl Dog Breeds

Waterfowl dog breeds were bred to find waterfowl such as geese, startle them into moving so the hunter can shoot them, and then swim to the dead bird, retrieve it and bring it to the hunter. Waterfowl dog breeds are excellent swimmers, some with webbed feet to make swimming easier.

  1. Labrador Retriever

    • The Labrador retriever was the most popular dog from 1999 until 2009, according to the American Kennel Club. The Lab is a large dog, weighing between 55 and 75 pounds on average, although some males can reach 100 pounds or more. Originally from Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador retriever has webbed feet and a short, water-resistant coat, according to the Dog Breed Info Center. It is an energetic dog that makes a good family pet if sufficiently exercised. Labs are still used for retrieving waterfowl, and they also excel in tracking, police work, narcotics detection, guiding the blind, servicing the disabled, search and rescue, agility and competitive obedience.

    Golden Retriever

    • The golden retriever is a waterfowl hunting dog originally from Scotland. The original golden retriever was the result of a Scottish lord mixing his yellow retriever with a now extinct tweed water spaniel, according to the American Kennel Club. The present-day golden retriever also has Irish setter and bloodhound blood in its genes. The golden retriever has a long, water-repellent double coat and requires regular grooming. Some golden retrievers have webbed feet, especially those from long hunting lines.

    German Shorthaired Pointer

    • The German shorthaired pointer originated in Germany in the late 19th century. The idea was to create a type of all-purpose dog, according to the German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America. The dog was bred to point, retrieve, trail and hunt in low or heavy cover, or in water. The German shorthaired pointer is a good hunting dog, as well as a good companion dog. Provided the dog gets enough exercise, it is versatile and can adapt to a variety of situations.

    English Springer Spaniel

    • The English springer spaniel is trustworthy, loyal, intelligent, eager to please and willing to obey. It originates from Shropshire, England, and it was bred to hunt birds and waterfowl, according to English Springer Rescue America. It weighs between 40 and 50 pounds on average. Today, the English springer spaniel excels at hunting, tracking, agility, competitive obedience, performing tricks and acting as a watchdog.