The Sporting Group: Listed by Breed Popularity
Energetic Hunting Companions
↓ Skip directly to Sporting BreedsSporting breeds were developed as multi-talented hunting partners, specializing in locating and retrieving game birds and waterfowl. Known for their athleticism and keen intelligence, these dogs excel in both field work and family life.
Key Sporting Breed Characteristics:
- Exceptional trainability and eagerness to please
- High energy levels requiring regular vigorous exercise
- Friendly, outgoing temperaments well-suited to active households
Ideal For:
These versatile dogs often make wonderful first pets for committed owners who can meet their exercise needs. Their combination of intelligence and willingness to
learn makes them particularly suitable for novice dog owners seeking an active companion.
What Popularity Means: Higher-ranked breeds such as the Labrador Retriever (#2), typically have more dedicated breeders than less common breeds such as the Irish Water Spaniel (#177). This availability difference doesn't indicate superior quality—only current demand trends.
Global Perspective: Many newly recognized breeds in North America may already be well-established favorites in their countries of origin. Popularity varies significantly by region and culture.
Browse Sporting Breeds By Popularity (#2-#120):
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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