Group guide

Sporting Dogs

Browse sporting breeds and compare personality, trainability, exercise, and care needs in one place.

Browse 54 breed profiles and use filters to move from broad discovery to a tighter shortlist.

Built from reputable breed standards, veterinary guidance, and breed-specific references. Individual dogs still vary.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Low-shedding

54 breeds • Showing 12

Group: Sporting

3 photos

American Cocker Spaniel

SportingCommonUnited States

AffectionateCheerful

The American Cocker Spaniel is a small, affectionate dog known for its cheerful personality and beautiful coat. Originally bred for hunting, they thrive as family pets, requiring regular exercise and grooming.

Family-home friendlySteady movement

American Water Spaniel

SportingRareUnited States

AffectionateFriendly

The American Water Spaniel is a medium-sized, intelligent, and friendly breed known for its versatility as a hunting companion and family pet. With a love for water and a playful spirit, they thrive in active households.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routineEasier first month

60 min/day

5/54/5

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Barbet

SportingRareFrance

AffectionateIntelligent

The Barbet is a rare French water dog known for its curly coat and friendly nature. With a strong work drive and high exercise needs, they excel in hunting and as family companions.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routineEasier first month

60 min/day

4/54/5

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Blue Picardy Spaniel

SportingUncommonFrance

AffectionateGentle

The Blue Picardy Spaniel is a gentle and intelligent breed known for its striking blue-grey coat. Excellent with children, this versatile hunting dog thrives on exercise and companionship.

Family-home friendlyHigh-motion routineEasier first month

Boykin Spaniel

SportingUncommonUnited States

AffectionateEnergetic

The Boykin Spaniel is a medium-sized, friendly sporting dog known for its versatility in hunting and as a loving family companion. With a rich history in South Carolina, they excel in flushing and retrieving game, making them ideal for active families.

Family-home friendlyHigh-motion routineEasier first month

Bracco Italiano

SportingUncommonItaly

AffectionateEnergetic

The Bracco Italiano is a large, affectionate hunting dog known for its athletic build, gentle demeanor, and strong bond with families. With a rich history in Italy, this breed excels in hunting and retrieving while being a loving companion.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routine

Braque d'Auvergne

SportingUncommonFrance

AffectionateIntelligent

The Braque d'Auvergne is a medium-large French gundog known for its striking appearance and exceptional hunting skills. Affectionate and intelligent, this breed makes a wonderful family companion.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

90 min/day

4/54/5

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Braque du Bourbonnais

SportingUncommonFrance

AffectionateEnergetic

The Braque du Bourbonnais is a medium-sized, affectionate gundog known for its hunting skills and unique coat patterns. With a friendly temperament and a strong work drive, they thrive in active households.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

Braque Francais

SportingUncommonFrance

FriendlyGentle

The Braque Francais is a medium to large hunting dog from France, known for its friendly temperament and exceptional pointing abilities. With two distinct types, Gascogne and Pyrenees, they excel in various hunting tasks and make excellent companions for active families.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

Brittany

SportingCommonFrance

AffectionateCurious

The Brittany is a medium-sized, energetic sporting dog known for its exceptional hunting abilities and affectionate nature. With a striking coat and a friendly demeanor, they make excellent companions for active families.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

Burgos Pointer

SportingUncommonSpain

CalmEnergetic

The Burgos Pointer is a robust Spanish hunting breed known for its exceptional tracking abilities, gentle temperament, and need for ample exercise.

Child-friendly fitLighter cleanupHigh-motion routine

Cesky Fousek

SportingUncommonCzech Republic

AdaptableAffectionate

The Cesky Fousek is a versatile Czech hunting dog known for its wirehaired coat and friendly temperament. Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Child-friendly fitHigh-motion routineEasier first month

60 min/day

4/54/5

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Showing 12 of 54 breeds

42 more to explore

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What to compare within sporting breeds

Breeds in the same group can still feel very different in daily life. Use the filters and detail pages to compare energy, family fit, coat upkeep, and how much structure each breed usually needs.

Family-friendly Apartment-friendly Easy to train Active & playful