Energetic Hunting Companions
↓ Skip directly to Sporting BreedsSporting breeds were developed as versatile hunting partners, specializing in locating and retrieving game birds and waterfowl. Known for their athleticism and keen intelligence, these dogs often excel in both fieldwork and active family homes.
Key Sporting Breed Characteristics
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- High energy levels that require regular, vigorous exercise
- Friendly, outgoing temperaments well-suited to active households
Ideal For
Many Sporting breeds can be a great choice for committed owners who can meet their exercise needs. Their combination of intelligence and willingness to learn makes them especially suitable for novice dog owners seeking an active companion.
Understanding Popularity Rankings
Popularity rankings often reflect availability and demand. Higher-ranked breeds such as the Labrador Retriever (#2) typically have more breeders than less common breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel (#177). This difference doesn’t indicate “better” quality—only current demand trends.
Global Perspective
Some breeds that are newly recognized or less common in North America may be well-established favorites in their countries of origin. Popularity can vary significantly by region and culture.
Browse Sporting Breeds By Popularity
Size Range: The lower end of each height/weight range represents typical female measurements, while the higher end reflects male averages.
Labrador Retriever
Origin: Canada
Purpose: Retrieving fishing nets & game
Height: 21.5-24.5"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #2
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Golden Retriever
Origin: Scotland
Purpose:Retrieving waterfowl
Height: 21.5-24"
Weight: 55-75 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #3
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German Short-haired Pointer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 21-25"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #10
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English Springer Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing ("springing") game
Height: 19-20"
Weight: 40-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #28
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Brittany
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 17.5-20.5"
Weight: 30-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #31
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Cocker Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Flushing woodcock
Height: 14.5-15.5"
Weight: 20-30 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #32
Note: CKC recognizes as 'American Cocker Spaniel'
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Vizsla
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving game
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 44-60 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #35
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English Cocker Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing woodcock
Height: 15-17"
Weight: 26-34 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #36
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Wire-haired Pointing Griffon
Origin: France/Netherlands
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 20-24"
Weight: 35-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #51
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Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Origin: United States
Purpose: Retrieving in icy waters
Height: 21-26"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #52
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Weimaraner
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Big game hunting
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 55-90 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #55
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German Wire-haired Pointer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: All-purpose hunting dog
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 50-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #61
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Boykin Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Turkey/waterfowl retrieval
Height: 14-18"
Weight: 25-40 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #65
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Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Origin: Canada
Purpose: Luring ("tolling") waterfowl
Height: 17-21"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #69
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Lagotto Romagnolo
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Water retrieval & truffle hunting
Height: 16-19"
Weight: 24-35 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #78
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Irish Setter
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Bird setting & retrieval
Height: 25-27"
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #85
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English Setter
Origin: England
Purpose: Locating game birds
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 45-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #93
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Flat-Coated Retriever
Origin: England
Purpose: General game retrieval
Height: 22-24.5"
Weight: 60-70 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #97
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Gordon Setter
Origin: Scotland
Purpose: Bird setting & retrieval
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 45-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #109
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Spinone Italiano
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Slow-paced hunting dog
Height: 22-27"
Weight: 61-85 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #120
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Pointer
Origin: England
Purpose: Pointing game birds
Height: 23-28"
Weight: 45-75 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #121
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Bracco Italiano
Origin: Italy
Purpose: Pointing game birds
Height: 21-27"
Weight: 55-90 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #132
Not CKC Reg'd
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Welsh Springer Spaniel
Origin: Wales
Purpose: Flushing game
Height: 17-19"
Weight: 35-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #138
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Barbet
Origin: France
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 19-24.5"
Weight: 35-65 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #142
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Clumber Spaniel
Origin: England/France
Purpose: Flushing game
Height: 17-20"
Weight: 55-85 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #149
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Wirehaired Vizsla
Origin: Hungary
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving
Height: 21.5-25"
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: #159
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Field Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing/Retrieving game
Height: 17-18"
Weight: 35-50 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #160
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Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
Origin: Netherlands
Purpose: Hunt ducks
Height: 14-16"
Weight: 20-25 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #161
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Curly-Coated Retriever
Origin: England
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 60-95 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #163
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American Water Spaniel
Origin: United States
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 15-18"
Weight: 25-45 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #167
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Irish Red and White Setter
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Hunt wild game
Height: 22.5-26"
Weight: 35-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #170
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Sussex Spaniel
Origin: England
Purpose: Flushing game
Height: 13-15"
Weight: 35-45 lbs
Energy: 3/5
AKC Popularity: #175
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Irish Water Spaniel
Origin: Ireland
Purpose: Waterfowl retrieval
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 45-65 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: #177
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Blue Picardy Spaniel
Origin: France
Purpose: Waterfowl hunting
Height: 22-24"
Weight: 45-55 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Braque d'Auvergne
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & tracking
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Braque Français Gascogne
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing game birds
Height: 23-27"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Braque Français Pyrenees
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing in mountains
Height: 18-23"
Weight: 40-55 lbs
Energy: 5/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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French Spaniel
Origin: France
Purpose: Pointing & retrieving
Height: 21-24"
Weight: 50-60 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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German Longhaired Pointer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 23-28"
Weight: 55-80 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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Pudelpointer
Origin: Germany
Purpose: Versatile hunting dog
Height: 22-26"
Weight: 45-70 lbs
Energy: 4/5
AKC Popularity: Not yet ranked
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