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Gundogs! This OP is a work in progress. In the future, there will be more detailed health, hunting, and general information. In the meantime, I'll use the following posts to give brief information on specific breeds. With pictures!
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| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:17 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 07:38 |
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 Spaniels are known for being energetic, playful, and eager to please. Excelling as both working dogs and family pets, spaniels are well-rounded dogs with the popularity to prove it. They have a rich history as the favorites of nobles and common hunter alike, the result of their balanced temperament and physical strengths. As the name implies, they are thought to have originated in Spain, but the breeds we know today have been developed in many countries. Despite the title, I have included information on some of the non-sporting spaniels – regardless of their ability to hunt (or breathe), they are still close cousins with the others. Breeds American Cocker Spaniel In brief: The American Cocker Spaniel has no working type, unlike his English cousin. However, they make a very popular family pet, due to their friendly disposition and relatively low energy needs (compared to the working spaniels). Due to their high popularity and smaller size, they are a popular choice for puppy mills and BYBs, especially lately with the trendiness of designer dogs (think “cockapoo”). As a result, they’re not an especially healthy dog, though conformationally speaking, they could be worse off. Size: Height: 13-15 in (33-38 cm) Weight: 24-29 lb (11-13 kg) Health:
   Boykin Spaniel In brief: This breed was developed in South Carolina in the 20th century as a hunting dog. It is still typically a working dog today, having only recently been added as a recognized breed to the AKC. They are eager to work, very energetic, and stable around dogs and children. Size: Height: 15-18 in (38-46 cm) Weight: 25-45 lb (11-20 kg) Health:
   Cavalier King Charles Spaniel In brief: The Cavalier was developed in the 1920s from the King Charles spaniel (English Toy), in an attempt to get toy spaniels “of the old type”. While Cavaliers are physically more moderate looking than the ET, they suffer from many of the same genetic ailments. Temperamentally, they’re more lively, playful, and social, more in line with the cocker than with the ET. Size: Height: 12-13 in (30-33 cm) Weight: 13-18 lb (5.9-8.2 kg) Health:
    Clumber SpanielIn brief: The largest of the spaniels, the Clumber is built solidly and lower to the ground. They’re a relatively rare breed, especially in the US, but have experienced a resurgence since the mid-80s as a working dog in the UK. The show-bred Clumbers (virtually all in the US and Canada) are poorly built dogs tending towards the extreme, with the health problems that follow. They’re listed by the Kennel Club as one of fifteen “high profile breeds” for health problems due to conformation. Clumbers have a typical spaniel personality, but tend to be slow in the field and often more sedate than other breeds. Size: Height: 17-20 in (43-51 cm) Weight: 55-85 lb (25-39 kg) Health:
   English Cocker Spaniel Size: Height: 15-17 in (38-43 cm) Weight: 26-34 lb (12-15 kg) In brief: The English cocker spaniel is moderate in size – slightly larger than the American cocker, but smaller than the English springer. Unlike the American, the show strains English breed has kept some of his hunting instincts, and the field strains are a common hunting dog. Health:
   English Springer Spaniel In brief: The English springer is closely related to the English cocker, and have only semi-recently diverged as separate breeds (rather than as just different sizes). The field and show types are very distinct, with the show type being taller and with a longer coat. The field type is longer, with more moderate features, and a somewhat scrappy appearance. As is typical for divisions of this type, the working version is higher energy with a greater hunting instinct, as well as less ailments resulting from conformation. The show strain, however, is still a relatively sound and useful dog, working frequently as a sniffer dog, and can excel at some sports. Due to its pleasant nature, they can also make excellent therapy dogs. Size: Height: 19-20 in (48-51 cm) Weight: 40-50 lb (18-23 kg) Health:
   Field Spaniel In brief: Despite the name, this breed has no history in the field, as it was developed purely for the show ring in the late 19th/early 20th century. Since its initial development, however, it has actually been repurposed as a hunting dog, though it remains a rare breed in its native UK. They are a bit more independent and relaxed than other spaniels, but still makes a good family pet. Size: Height: 17-18 in (43-46 cm) Weight: 35-50 lb (16-23 kg) Health:
   Irish Water Spaniel In brief: One of the few breeds to not have the typical silky spaniel coat, the Irish water spaniel is distinctive due to its dense, curly coat. As the name implies, they have been bred to flush and retrieve in the water. A versatile breed, they excel at many disciplines and sports beyond field work, and can make an excellent pet if exercised mentally and physically. Size: Height: 21-24 in (53-61 cm) Weight: 45-65 lb (20-29 kg) Health:
   English Toy Spaniel (King Charles Spaniel) In brief: The English Toy spaniel is a pleasant lapdog – quiet, friendly, and low energy. Toy spaniels have a long history of being popular “comforters” of the upper class ladies. Their standard calls for an underbite, giving them a “distinctive” look compared to the Cavalier. Size: Height: 9-10 in (23-25 cm) Weight: 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg) Health:
   Papillon and Phalène (Continental Toy Spaniel) In brief: Papillons are very intelligent and active dogs, despite their status as a toy and companion breed. While never a hunting dog, they excel at agility and other dog sports. The phalène, considered a separate breed by some, is simply a drop-eared variant. They are generally a healthy, long-lived breed. Size: Height: 8-11 in (20-28 cm) Weight: 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg) Health:
      Sussex Spaniel In brief: The Sussex spaniel is similar in appearance to the Clumber, although is smaller and lays lower to the ground. Their coat color is distinctive and unique to the breed. A happy, easygoing breed, they are also lower in energy and somewhat stubborn. While not commonly used as a hunting dog, they can prove themselves in the field – and are known for being the only spaniel to howl. Size: Height: 13-15 in (33-38 cm) Weight: 25-34 lb (16-25 kg) Health:
   Welsh Springer Spaniel In brief: The ancestors of the modern day Welsh Springer Spaniel go back at least as far as the mid-1500’s, and likely earlier. It has also been known as the Welsh Starter and the Welsh Spaniel. They were first recognized by the Kennel Club in 1902 as the Welsh Springer Spaniel. World War I decimated the population and left no pedigreed dogs remaining – the breed was built back up from non-pedigreed individuals, and remains quite rare today. While similar to the English Springer Spaniel, one major difference between the two is a lack of a major field/show divide – partly due to the small numbers of the Welsh Springer. Size: Height: 17-19 in (43-48 cm) Weight: 35-45 lb (16-20 kg) Health:
   Invalid Octopus fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 21:00 |
| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:17 |
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 Retrievers make up some of the most popular breeds around the world. Labradors, Goldens, and Poodles are all in the top 10 most registered breeds in the US. They are similar hunters to spaniels, often used interchangeably, but they are larger and without the characteristic silky spaniel coat. Breeds Chesapeake Bay Retriever In brief: They are described as ideally having “a bright and happy disposition with an intelligent expression. Courage, willingness to work, alertness, nose, intelligence, love of water, general quality...”. In 1807 two puppies, likely St. John’s water dogs, were rescued from a ship in Maryland – these would be the founders of the breed. In a century, the breed had been established and recognized by the AKC. Size: Height: 23-27 in (58-69 cm) Weight: 65-80 lb (29-36 kg) Health:
   Curly-Coated Retriever In brief: The Curly was one of the first recognized retriever breeds, established in 1860 and originally from England. As its coat indicates, this breed loves water. In comparison to the other retrievers, some find the Curly aloof or independent, but he makes a close bond to his family. Size: Height: 21-26 in (53-66 cm) Weight: 55-80 lb (25-36 kg) Health:
   Flat-Coated Retriever In brief: The flatcoat originated in the same time and place as its curly cousin. It likely developed out of the St. John’s Water Dog, as did several of the retrievers. By 1873 it had become a “stable type”. While its popularity has been eclipsed by the Golden and Labrador retrievers, it remains an appreciated multi-purpose companion. Size: Height: 22-24 in (56-61 cm) Weight: 55-79 lb (25-36 kg) Health:
   Golden Retriever In brief: The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds, used frequently as a service, hunting, drug-detecting, and search and rescue dog. Although it is known that the breed originated in Scotland in the mid-1700s, not all of the contributing breeds are known. They are intelligent, active, obedient dogs, known for their friendly personality that extends to family and strangers alike. Size: Height: 21-24 in (53-61 cm) Weight: 60-75 lb (27-34 kg) Health:
    Labrador Retriever In brief: The Labrador is the most popular breed in the US, UK, and Canada. Like the Golden, it is a common service and working dog, though most spend their time simply as family pets. The leftmost picture below illustrates the head/muzzle differences between the American/field (left) and English/show (right) types. With regards to their temperament, they typify the retriever – enthusiastic, biddable, and friendly. Due to their popularity, however, there are many labs that do not fit the standard, either in appearance or personality. Size: Height: 21-25 in (53-63 cm) Weight: 60-88 lb (27-40 kg) Health:
    Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever In brief: The tolling in the name refers to the dog’s ability to toll, or lure, waterfowl into shooting range by splashing and frolicking in the water. The Toller is the smallest, as well as the most active, retriever. They retain their working drive, keen on retrieving, birds, and water. Size: Height: 18-20 in (45-51 cm) Weight: 37-51 lb (17-23 kg) Health:
   Poodle In brief: The Poodle was first developed as a water dog, in what is now considered the standard size. While there are smaller sizes of poodles recognized as distinct breeds, only the standard has ever worked as a hunting dog. The distinctive coat of the poodle provides protection against the water, though now serves primarily as a creative outlet for the owner. It used to be quite common to see poodles with a corded coat like the komondor, but that has fallen into rarity. Size: Height: Over 15 in (38 cm) Weight: 45-70 lb (20-32 kg) Health:
  
Invalid Octopus fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 20:50 |
| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:17 |
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 The Setter developed from the spaniel roughly 400 years ago, and still bear a physical resemblance to them; however, their hunting style aligns them with the pointers. They are happy, energetic dogs with long, silky coats. Breeds English Setter In brief: English setters are strong-willed, energetic, and suited as a family pet. Despite their intelligence, they are easily distracted outdoors and very sensitive in disposition. The Llewellin setter, a specific line of working setter, officially diverged from the English setter in 1902. Though it is common to hear any field-bred English setter referred to as Llewellin, this is incorrect. The show bred English setter differs from the field bred variety much in the same way as the spaniels – it has a longer coat, ears, and flew. Size: Height: 23-27 in (58-69 cm) Weight: 45-80 lb (20-36 kg) Health:
   Gordon Setter In brief: The Gordon Setter is described as “alert, interested, and confident. He is fearless and willing, intelligent, and capable. He is loyal and affectionate, and strong-minded enough to stand to the rigors of training.” Gordons, like other setters, are high energy and sensitive. They are also one of the slowest to mature breeds. Size: Height: 23-27 in (58-69 cm) Weight: 45-80 lb (20-36 kg) Health:
   Irish Setter (Red Setter) In brief: Irish Setters are enthusiastic, affectionate companions, though even show strains retain some hunting instinct. Though intelligent, they are not especially biddable dogs. Like the others, they are sensitive and dependent on interaction with their family. This breed is the furthest removed from the others, sharing characteristics with pointers. Size: Height: 24-28 in (61-71 cm) Weight: 60-70 lb (27-32 kg) Health:
   Irish Red and White Setter In brief: Like the other setters, the Irish Red and White is a high energy and loyal, if often stubborn, dog. They are slightly lighter of build than the other setters, with the show strains having somewhat else tendency towards extremes. It is a rare breed, only recently fully recognized by the AKC, though it has grown in popularity since the 1970s. Size: Height: 22.5-26 in (57-66 cm) Weight: 50-70 lb (23-32 kg) Health:
  
Invalid Octopus fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 20:53 |
| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:18 |
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 The other pointing breeds are much more diverse in history than the setters. Many pointers are dual-champions in the field and ring. Breeds Brittany In brief: Though often considered a spaniel, the Brittany has characteristics more akin to pointers and setters. They are sensitive, high energy, sound dogs. In the US, the Brittany has more dual champions (individuals that succeed in both conformation and field trials) than any other breed, meaning that a strong hunting instinct is preserved throughout the breed. Size: Height: 17.5-20.5 in (44-52 cm) Weight: 30-40 lb (14-18 kg) Health:
   Pointer (English Pointer) In brief: Pointers are an active sporting breed, though content to be a couch potato indoors when exercised appropriately. While not typically aggressive towards humans or other dogs, their size and bark can be intimidating. Historically they go back as far as at least the 17th century, and the four main breeds in its original makeup are the greyhound, foxhound, bloodhound, and bull terrier. Size: Height: 23-28 in (58-70 cm) Weight: 45-75 lb (20-34 kg) Health:
   German Shorthaired Pointer In brief: The German shorthaired pointer likely developed out of the now-extinct German bird dog, as well as the English pointer and other German breeds. Temperamentally speaking, the Shorthair is described by the AKC as “friendly, intelligent, and willing to please. The first impression is that of a keen enthusiasm for work without indication of nervous or flightly character.” Size: Height: 21-25 in (53-63 cm) Weight: 45-70 lb (20-32 kg) Health:
   German Wirehaired Pointer In brief: The Wirehaired pointer developed out of the Shorthaired, as well as from the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Pudelpointer, Stichelhaar, and Deutscher-Kurzhaar. The coat they are named for is their most distinctive feature. The AKC describes their temperament as follows: “Of sound, reliable temperament, the German Wirehaired Pointer is at times aloof but not unfriendly toward strangers; a loyal and affectionate companion who is eager to please and enthusiastic to learn.” Size: Height: 22-26 in (56-66 cm) Weight: 60-70 lb (27-32 kg) Health:
   Vizsla In brief: The ancestors of the Vizsla were found in Hungary as early as the 10th century, and the breed itself was first recorded in the 14th. As the Hungarians say, “If you own a Vizsla, it lives on top of your head”, which communicates their velcro nature. While intelligent and active, they are a slow maturing breed. Size: Height: 21-25 in (53-63 cm) Weight: 40-66 lb (18-30 kg) Health:
   Weimaraner In brief: Dogs bearing resemblance to the modern Weimaraner existed as far back as the 13th century in France. The dog was developed by nobles in Weimar, Germany as a big-game dog, though its purpose has shifted to that of a bird-dog. Size: Height: 23-27 in (58-68 cm) Weight: 55-80 lb (25-36 kg) Health:
   Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (Korthals Griffon) In brief: The WPG was developed in the 1800s in the Netherlands. The goal was to create the “ultimate walking hunter’s gun dog”. It has been bred as an all-around, adaptable gundog. Griffs keep a puppy attitude into adulthood, and are known for being excitable, intelligent, and eager to please. Size: Height: 20-24 in (51-61 cm) Weight: 50-60 lb (23-27 kg) Health:
  
Invalid Octopus fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 20:56 |
| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:18 |
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Reserved for future use
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| # ? Feb 12, 2013 23:19 |
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Yay huntin' dawgs  Field spaniel people will froth at the mouth about how their dogs totally were originally working dog! Really for real! Even though they were basically like modern show Sussex spaniels, heavy long and ridiculous, who were only bred because solid black and liver dogs were winning more in the show ring. That said the modern Field spaniel has really impressed me by actually becoming more moderate and functional over time. Many breeders are active in hunting, if only hunting trials and not real hunting, as well as a wide variety of other sports. In a time where so many breeds are getting more overdone and less active in what they were bred to do I really like the effort all the field spaniel folks seem to put in to the breed. These are my favorites: GCH CH CT Killara's Here Comes The Sun VCD2 RE GN MX MXJ XF SH, WDX   AKC/CKC/UKC MBIS GCh Winfarthing Pride & Prejudice SH WD CGN TDI TT   And some historical paintings of the original field spaniel from the William Secord Gallery which has a nice collection of hunting dog art.    
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| # ? Feb 13, 2013 00:24 |
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Do you mind if I write up a thing about Welsh Springer Spaniels? I grew up with a Welsh and I'm pretty enthusiastic about the breed! They're fairly rare in the US and are eclipsed by (and often confused with) English Springers pretty much everywhere (possibly except Wales?), but they're such a lovely little bird-hunting dawg.
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| # ? Feb 13, 2013 07:40 |
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Teetotalitarian posted:Do you mind if I write up a thing about Welsh Springer Spaniels? I grew up with a Welsh and I'm pretty enthusiastic about the breed! They're fairly rare in the US and are eclipsed by (and often confused with) English Springers pretty much everywhere (possibly except Wales?), but they're such a lovely little bird-hunting dawg. Please do! I didn't include them because I thought things were getting a bit long, but they are neat dogs and should be included, length be damned! e: I might add a little blurb in the OP about them after all, but a more in-depth post would be great! Invalid Octopus fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 16:16 |
| # ? Feb 13, 2013 16:11 |
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I really like the OP. I love old timey photos of working dogs, and the comparison between field and show is always really interesting. I'm just going to use this opportunity to post some photos of my friend's Toller. She's a tiny little thing out of working lines, and she's the dog I wish my dog could be. She competes in field trials, obedience (utility), rally (she just got her RAE), agility and probably more. She's always "on" and always actively working. She's just delightful.    Edit. Whoops. Done messed up my image links. Sorry. a life less fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 16:38 |
| # ? Feb 13, 2013 16:13 |
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Yaay welshies  The Welsh Springer Spaniel was first shown in 1901 as a "Welsh Cocker", and the breed was registered in 1902 as Welsh Springer Spaniel. However, the breed has a long history in Wales, as descriptions matching the breed date back as far as the 18th century. They are generally thought to originate from a breed called the Land Spaniel, which is considered to be overall quite similar to the modern Welsh Springer. References to land spaniels go back as far as the late 16th century, being described as "Spaniels whose skynnes are white and if marked with any spottes they are commonly red". The Welsh Springer is often confused for an English Springer; however, there are a few key differences between the two. Welsh Springers sit right between English Springers and Cocker Spaniels in terms of size. Unlike the English Springer, which is typically some combination of liver, white and/or black, the Welsh is always red and white – any pattern is accepted, and white areas may be ticked with red. Moreover, the Welsh Springer head diverges from other spaniel breeds in that it is expected to be free from any sort of exaggeration: well-proportioned, slightly wedge-shaped, and with close-fitting skin lacking any excess folds in the flew, neck, or face, to avoid the dog being hindered or harmed when hunting. As a result, the Welsh Springer tends to look sleeker and somewhat more fox-ish compared to the heavier, more jowly English Springer. Some believe that the Brittany Spaniel and the Welsh Springer are related breeds, as they look quite similar. However, the Brittany is much leggier, with a shorter coat, compared to the more stout and rectangular, longer-coated Welsh Springer. They have a fairly long and luxurious coat if left to their own devices, with a silky top coat that tends to get wavy on the ears, and a fan-like tail and feathered legs and chest. When used for showing or hunting, the ears tend to be trimmed quite close, and the feathering should also be kept to a manageable length. In the US, however, they are typically a cropped tail breed. Though the breed is now used for retrieving, the original purpose of the dog was to flush out or "spring" prey, which is reflected in the breed's original Welsh name: tarfgi, meaning "starter". Unlike most other spaniels, Welsh Springers are not divided into working and show lines, and the breed standards reflect a working dog rather than a show dog: The dog should be "obviously built for hard work and endurance", with a coat that is dense enough to protect the dog from the underbrush without hindering its work, and should always be shown in a hard muscled working condition. They are slightly off-square and should be somewhat longer than they are tall, but the standards call for a dog that is proportionate, sturdy and balanced, of sound working build, and "never refined or overly elegant". The breed is considered generally of sound health, though somewhat prone to hip dysplasia, eye disorders and epilepsy. As a hunting dog, they are eager, strong, intelligent and energetic. As a sporting dog, they tend to do well with agility, nosework, and from personal experience, skijoring. There is nothing quite like being pulled along the trails by an 18", 45lbs fluffy spaniel (and nothing quite like the looks you get!). They also make excellent family dogs, as they are patient, affectionate and friendly (and known for being velcro dogs) towards adults, children, and other pets alike.They do, however, require adequate exercise and mental stimulation. They are typically more stubborn and less biddable than the English Springer, and do well with NILIF and positive reinforcement - to the point where most breed standards highlight the need for "kind but firm" training methods. They are merry, inquisitive dogs, and though they may be reserved or aloof with strangers, the breed does not tend toward aggression or anxiety when meeting new people and animals. Overall, they're clever, stubborn little things that love to love and be loved on. When I was a kid, my boy Waldemar would come into my bedroom every morning and stand by my bed wagging his tail until I got up  In sum, from the WSSCA Breed standard: quote:The Welsh Springer is sometimes sensitive, sometimes protective, sometimes stubborn and persistent, but he is always loyal and intelligent with a wealth of energy and stamina. This, coupled with his strong scenting ability, his desire to please, and his sense of humor, makes for a dog that can win in the show ring one day, work in the field the next day, and cuddle on the sofa with the family the day after that. Links: Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of America WSSCA Illustrated Breed Standard PDF The Welsh Springer Spaniel Club (UK) AKC Welsh Springer Spaniel Page And here is the reward for slogging through me dog-sperging about my favorite breed:     AM CH Trystyn Statesman Cactus Blue   And my favorite of the bunch, because it looks so much like Waldemar did: 
Teetotalitarian fucked around with this message at Feb 13, 2013 around 18:34 |
| # ? Feb 13, 2013 18:25 |
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Nice OP! I grew up with purely working gundogs, I'm very fond of them. All the Labs there are big jowly barrels though! Are there no fast, leggy Labs with waists in the US?
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| # ? Feb 13, 2013 19:07 |
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^^Field labs in the US are way less bulky than show labs, but I think they're still a little more bulky than UK field labs, at least from the poking around I've done^^Teetotalitarian posted:Yaay welshies Great post! I added the WSS to the OP and included a direct link to it  Thanks!
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| # ? Feb 13, 2013 20:07 |
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz_DrJeeLoY Here's a vid of my fav clumber breeder going out hunting with Bobo . Thought I should add that this thread, despite the name, is not just for hunting dogs! There's a thread for hunting dogs already. Please feel free to post about your spaniels, etc, regardless!
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| # ? Feb 23, 2013 20:39 |
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My parents dog-sat for a very sweet, well-trained Vizsla a couple summers back but I had no idea that's what her breed was until I saw it here, so thanks.
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| # ? Feb 24, 2013 17:24 |
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My neighbor had a field cocker type spaniel dumped in his yard last year and I am wildly jealous. Buddy is an awesome little dog and even Major, who hates dogs that even think of walking near my property, is totally in love with him. Major will sit at the fence line and whine and whine trying to call Buddy over to say hi. Why does no one dump working spaniels in my yard 
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| # ? Feb 24, 2013 17:29 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 07:38 |
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Despite the lack of diversity and issues seen with that, I don't think I will ever be without a Toller now that I have owned one. Pippa is broken as all hell and is still an absolutely amazing and biddable dog with a great on/off switch. To me it's the perfect blend of sass and obedience - she doesn't blindly obey all the time and makes me laugh a lot but seems to 'get' when it's important to follow. And I think the scream is very endearing. 
Topoisomerase fucked around with this message at Feb 25, 2013 around 20:56 |
| # ? Feb 25, 2013 20:52 |
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