by Annalyn Andriyenko

Created on: December 08, 2010

A bird dog is a breed of dog that has been extremely useful and helpful to humans when catching prey, hence the name, bird dog. These dogs excel in being a companion with a hunter and fetching the game that drops from the sky or is swimming in a body of water. These dogs are known as hunting dogs as well and they do not only catch birds but other small animals as well. Here are some of the most known breeds that fall under the bird dog category.

The English Setter –

This dog has great endurance and is and was always known to be very promising at a hunter’s side. These dogs make great family and companion dogs too, they are very active, love the attention of people and even children. They are good natured, very caring and gentle minded. These dogs were used in hunting for more than four hundred years, and they are still ongoing. They have interesting colorings on their coat which range from beige spotted, black and tan, and the more common white and black spotted, almost like a long haired Dalmatian.

The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever –

This dog has quite the mouthful of a name! They have a nickname which is tolling retriever. These dogs originated in their namesake of Nova Scotia, Canada and have been very adequate hunters. They are great fetchers of waterfowl and fallen game. A known fact about the Tolling retriever is that they are the smallest of the retriever types of dogs. These dogs have a high alert, are very friendly and get along great with people of all ages, which makes them another good family pet.

The Coonhound –

From the hound type of dogs, the coonhound is a very watchful and attentive breed. They have been the perfect bird hunting dog for many years all across America and are considered one of the best in the hound group. These hounds were used in Britain as well to hunt out foxes at the hunts, a game that is still going on today. They have excellent noses and can scent out any animal fro miles away. They are gentle, pliable, and love to gain confidence by following their master around. They come in many colors such as the black and tan, the red, and sometimes all black.

Bird dogs are usually a special type of dog group that handles hunting for small game better than other hunting dog breeds.   

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