The Braque Francais Pyrenean (also known as the Small French Pointer) is a clever and outgoing breed that is eager to please. The smaller of the two Braque Francais breeds, this individual is medium sized while his close cousin is a larger dog. While he may also look similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer, he is actually the predecessor of not only that breed, but all modern shorthaired pointing breeds.

The Francais Pyrenean isn’t just a pointing dog, but also can retrieve both on land and in water. He also has a great nose for tracking and does particularly well hunting in any type of weather (although prefers hot weather over the extreme cold). He is quicker than his larger French counterpart, and very agile. This is an enthusiastic hunter that can easily live in the home as well, provided he is given exercise. Homes with fenced yards where the dog can explore and play (when not walking or hunting) are definitely recommended for these active dogs.

The Braque Francais Pyrenean tends to be amiable in nature, with a temperament that often leans toward submissiveness. He is soft and gentle toward people, including children. This, combined with his easy grooming requirements and low-shedding coat, makes him great for first-time dog owners…. that is, as long as they are prepared to spend a lot of time exercising the dog! Perhaps the most demanding aspect of Pyrenean ownership is their high energy and large need for exercise. When their energy is expended each day, they are calm and easy to live with in the house.

The Francais Pyrenean takes very well to training, often learning quickly, although harsh methods should never be used. This soft dog can more easily shut down than other breeds, so make sure to keep training fun and enthusiastic! Because the breed can suffer from separation anxiety, it is recommended to get him used to being alone for periods of time while he’s still a puppy. While he shouldn’t be left alone for long periods on a regular basis, it is important to expose him to alone-time (in a crate) so he can see it’s not the end of the world. In terms of training, while the breed is still rare here in the United States, he can occasionally be seen competing in obedience, rally and agility. These dog sports are great fits for this people-pleasing pointer!

The Braque Francais Pyrenean usually has no problem getting along with other dogs. Because of his hunting instincts, he might not make the best companion for people with pocket pets that roam the house, however. Free-roaming birds in the living room might be too tempting for this pointing breed. Cats may or may not be an issue, depending upon the individual dog (and cat). When it comes to humans, his jovial and social nature means that he loves all people and doesn’t make the best watchdog – this breed isn’t even a big barker, provided his needs are met. He’s a lover and not a fighter!

Photo By Pleple2000

The Braque du Bourbonnais is one of several French pointing breeds, and one of the oldest – he was created in the 15th century. This easy-going, gentle soul has a loving temperament and enjoys being outside with his humans – whether hunting or just taking a casual stroll. Although still considered a rare breed, there are breeders and many fanciers in the United States, most all of them hunters who appreciate his serious nature when it comes to the hunt! This is a thinking breed which can adapt to all sorts of situations while out in the field – virtues that are prized by knowledgeable hunters.

The Bourbonnais loves people (including kids) and doesn’t do well when kept outside or alone in the house all day. He can suffer from extreme separation anxiety when left on his own for long periods of time. Neither does he fare well when kept in an apartment. He tends to get along well with other dogs but this does not mean that a canine companion can take the place of a human! An ideal owner is someone who lives in a home with a large yard, and who is able to spend plenty of time exercising the dog’s body and mind. Being a hunter isn’t a necessity but it is an extra perk! While not an excessively energetic dog, this is still a hunting breed that needs a long walk at least once a day. Once exercised, they are able to be calm members of the family.

The smooth, low-shedding coat of the Bourbonnais makes him very simple to groom. The occasional bath combined with a weekly brush should keep the coat shiny and healthy.  There are two characteristics which make the breed unique and one of them is the unusual ticked coat pattern. This flecking or ticking can be either brown (called wine dregs) or fawn (called peach blossom) and is made up of very small flecks of color on a white background which give him his unique and beautiful pattern. The second characteristic is the short, stubby tail that is almost always natural (although occasionally a dog will be born with a long tail which is usually docked).

The Braque du Bourbonnais is generally very easy to train provided that the trainer uses gentle tactics to teach the dog. He is very sensitive and even empathic to the moods of the people around him, so if you are having a bad day you might want to hold off training until you are able to get your feelings under control! This is not to say that the dog should be coddled – like all dogs, they still need firm yet fair leadership and plenty of consistency. It is said that although this is a “softer” breed to train, they tend to take only a little bit longer than other pointing breeds but can ultimately become more reliable and balanced than many of their cousins.

Braque du Bourbonnais do not make good watchdogs (fairly quiet, they aren’t big on barking) and they especially are not guard dogs! Their love of people – even those whom they’ve never met – is far too big. They may try to give chase to the family cat, however. After all, they are a multi-purpose hunting breed. Raising a puppy around a cat may help the dog accept the animal as part of the family, but the prey drive depends on the individual dog and the line from which he comes from.

Photo CC BY-SA 2.5

The Stabyhoun is a Dutch breed whose name roughly translates to “stand by me”. The phrase alludes to the fact that the breed was (and still is) multi-faceted and used to work with man in a number of different ways – albeit in an independent fashion. Dutch farmers wanted a dog that didn’t have to rely on his owners 24/7 while he did his job. Originally the dogs were used for hunting moles, rats and hare, killing pests around the home, retrieving birds, and serving as watchdogs.  Today, this alert worker has a curious nature and go-get-it attitude! He may end up getting himself in trouble if not provided with training and a job.

Because of his independent nature, the Staby needs consistent training and an experienced upbringing. In the hands of a novice, this dog may end up being quite difficult to own. Under experienced leadership, however, he can become a great dog very capable of learning and working! He is intelligent and learns quickly as long as the owner puts the work in and understands that this is not a push-button obedience breed. Furthermore, harsh training will get a trainer/owner nowhere – the breed will not work unless the trainer is being fair. There is a fine line between being a pushover and being too harsh – it is vital that a Staby owner understand that “sweet spot”.

The Staby can be a sensitive breed who doesn’t do well in loud or rowdy households. A home where couples have frequent screaming fights or even weekly football parties might be too much for this breed. If you can’t provide a generally calm household, it’s best to look elsewhere. In addition, neat freaks may want to pass on this breed as well. Although the coat will shed dirt and mud when dry, it will also shed fur on a moderately frequent basis (moreso twice a year during shedding season). An owner should either not mind dog hair, or be ready for frequent vacuuming!

Stabyhouns are gentle dogs who make affectionate companions. A “velcro” breed, he wants to be wherever his owner is… and usually as close as possible. While he might not necessarily love everyone he meets (in terms of strangers) he is usually friendly to all. He is also patient with children, whether they be family or acquaintances, although he will most likely let the child know when a boundary has been crossed! This can be a quiet breed, although one which will bark when someone comes to the door. Some members are more vocal than others, and those who aren’t given enough things to do are almost always extra loud.

The active Staby needs regular exercise, both physically as well as mentally, for at least an hour a day. Ideally, along with walks/hiking/swimming (or a combination of all!) the dog is also given a job which makes him use his mind just as much as his body. Taking him hunting, introducing him to lure coursing, running in agility and/or teaching him scent games are all great choices for this gundog breed. Without these outlets he may become destructive, loud, and exceptionally frustrating to live with. Furthermore, like many breeds the Stabyhoun is social and needs to be around people. He doesn’t do well in homes where he is left alone for most of the day.

As he was originally used as a hunting breed, the Stabyhoun has a hunting instinct that most likely will show up whether or not he is used for this task! Digging up the garden looking for critters and/or chasing after squirrels and other small animals should be expected. As long as he has been socialized to cats, he can live uneventfully with them in the house although may chase that same cat if outside. While he can be “busy” outdoors, he tends to be an easygoing companion in the house – provided he is given physical and mental exercise, that is.  The Stabyhoun is not as headstrong as some hunting breeds and tends to think before he acts. This cautious temperament is normal, although he should be completely socialized as a young puppy so that he doesn’t become too shy.

The Staby is a rare breed and a prospective owner will likely have to wait a while in order to get one. Currently, breeders are trying hard to increase the diversity in the gene pool and generally improve the health while retaining good temperaments. This means that owners interested in breeding are a high priority – assuming they are willing to learn and breed responsibly for the betterment of the Staby, and do so under strict guidelines. The preservation of the Staby as a breed is just as important to matching the right dogs to the right owners.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

The German Longhaired Pointer is a versatile gun dog able to work both in water and on land. They will retrieve both furred and feathered game, and are also skilled at blood-tracking. As this breed has been strictly bred with hunting in mind, most have the instincts to be valuable hunting dogs – they have even been called “the Ferrari of the gun dog world”. Although they are hard workers in the field, they have a calm and collected temperament in the home. They are social and loving with their families and can make wonderful pets in the right households.

The German Longhaired Pointer is a very social dog who strongly prefers to be around his people as much as possible. If left alone for long hours, he may become bored and destructive. He is in his element when he is around people – this is a friendly, outgoing, affectionate type who simply wants to be loved and give love in return. The breed also gets along well with other dogs as well as children. He may be less reliable toward cats and small pets. It should be noted that the GLP needs to be extensively socialized while still young to avoid timidity. While some can take a little while to warm up to new people, extreme shyness is often due to poor early socialization.

Longhaired Pointers are generally not noisy dogs, provided that they aren’t left home alone all day. Those who are left to fend for themselves in the house or backyard can become nuisance barkers. When this isn’t the case, they tend to only bark when something is amiss or someone is at the door – they make fine watchdogs. Depending upon the dog and the situation, the bark may either be a warning or a welcome.

The German Longhair doesn’t require a ton of grooming however his upkeep must be kept on a schedule and not forgotten about – especially if he hunts or plays outside frequently. Burrs, grass and other debris can get caught in the coat and encourage tangles. Nails and teeth need regular care. And the long ears need regular maintenance and cleaning. Outside of grooming, health care is normally very easy as these dogs have no known congenital problems. 

Longhaired Pointers, like most sporting breeds, have vast amounts of energy combined with very high hunting drives. Unlike many sporting breeds, however, they have not branched off into show lines vs. working lines. Practically all members of the breed have great desires to hunt and won’t do well in homes that don’t allow them to… well, hunt! Even “occasional hunters” might be in over their heads unless they find a puppy with a lower hunting drive to match their infrequent outings! If hunting is out of the question, it is possible to keep one as a companion but it will involve a tremendous amount of time dedicated to higher-impact exercise and frequent mental stimulation.

The GLP is a highly intelligent dog that is very trainable. They are very eager to please their owners. Be aware that this is an intense breed with a lot more power than he may look to have – a young exuberant dog may be much harder to train for a frail or elderly owner. He needs lots of consistency and an owner who can be firm when needed. Some members of the breed can get pushy or even downright aggressive when placed with the wrong type of owner. As this German pointer needs a job to do in order to be happy, obedience training is non-negotiable. After learning the basics of obedience, the GLP becomes an excellent candidate for dog sport competitions such as field trials, agility, dock diving, rally and/or flyball.

It should be obvious, but German Longhairs are not good candidates for apartments – they need lots of room to run and exercise. The best home is a rural or semi-rural home with a fenced yard, owned by an active, experienced dog person (preferably a hunter). Since these web-footed dogs also love to swim, access to lakes or streams are a plus! Clearly, many American families/homes would not make the cut.

The Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is used as a working gun dog in his home country of Slovakia. While he may look like his cousin the Weimaraner in terms of color and shape, his harsh wirehaired coat sets him apart. The coat is easy to care for and requires little effort to keep up with. This is a healthy breed that rarely inherits health problems. Although hip dysplasia and idiopathic epilepsy are occasionally seen, it is uncommon.

The Slovakian is considered easy to train as he is amenable to learning new things and loves to please! A combination of smarts and energy make him a great choice for performance events, but be aware that he can get bored easily. Keep training sessions short and interesting, and make sure to mix it up to keep him on his toes. While sessions should be primarily fun (after all, he does have a sensitive nature), don’t skimp on rule enforcement! The breed does require proper boundaries and firm, yet fair corrections for bad behavior. Young puppies should also be crate trained early and taught how to cope when owners aren’t around – the breed is known for developing separation anxiety.

Slovakian Wirehairs are frequently upbeat and happy, with an outgoing nature towards everyone they meet (provided they have been socialized properly). They are the life of the party – not only in terms of their sparkling personalities but also in terms of their vigorous and lively natures. Young dogs and dogs who haven’t been given enough training may be prone to knocking people and objects over – be forewarned! With their owners, Slovakians are extremely loyal, affectionate and tend to develop deep bonds. They are good with other dogs as well as children, although small humans or canines can get unintentionally injured from their exuberance. Keep this in mind before adding the breed to a family that has one or the other. 

Like most gun dogs, the Slovakian does require a lot of exercise and particularly enjoys having regular outdoor adventures with his owner. The high exercise requirement is probably the single-most “fault” of the breed for the majority of homes – it is difficult for all but the most active families to give them the amount that they need. This gun dog not only needs to lots and lots of physical exercise, but mental as well. They do best in homes that can give them a full-time job such as regular hunt outings, but also do well with people that compete in events such as agility and/or obedience. When these needs are met, they can be fairly calm and well-behaved in the home. When the needs are not met… they can be destructive.

Slovakian Wirehairs do best in larger homes with property because of their high energy levels. Because they also have a strong hunting instinct, a fenced yard is a must to keep them from pursuing prey. While some will just stand and point at the animal rather than running off, others will race towards it and off the property. For obvious reasons, they are not recommended for apartment life.

The Drentsche Patrijshond (also known as the Dutch Partridge Dog) is one of the rarest pointing breeds in North America but known for being an excellent family dog, farm dog and hunting dog. This Dutch pointer does everything with enthusiasm and happiness and is incredibly versatile. Loved by hunters for his versatility and family for his loving and extra-devoted nature, the breed would be much more popular if he was more well-known. Many owners have commented on the breed’s hyper-awareness of their feelings and emotions, almost as if the dog has a better understanding of their emotions than they do!

Like most hunting breeds, the Drent is active and needs plenty of regular exercise, even when the weather is bad! Along with a daily walk, he should be given at least an hour of free running. Jogging and hiking are other great activities which he much appreciates. Without it, he may become destructive and difficult to live with. Along with physical exercise, the breed also requires mental stimulation in the form of training or other thinking activities, as well as spending lots of quality time with his owner or family. This social breed does not make a good kennel dog since he loves people too much.

The Drentsche Patrijhond is usually reserved towards strangers until he gets to know them, and will bark when unfamiliar people come to the door. This is not a guard dog, rather a “reporting an arrival” dog. The breed gets along well with children, both from the family as well as visiting children, as long as he has been raised with and socialized to them. They also tend to get along well with other dogs.

The Drentsche is soft-tempered and doesn’t do well with harsh training methods. All dogs need to be treated fairly but this breed requires extra thought in this department! Although very intelligent, he can be stubborn at times and can get bored when training is too repetitive. When training is fun and upbeat, he is usually very responsive as he really enjoys pleasing his owner. This pointing breed loves all sorts of activities and, once trained, is happy to engage in dog sports such as hunting, agility, tracking, bikejoring… even sledding and skijoring! As a breed, he tends to think for himself and may try to put his own spin on things – patience and a sense of humor are good attributes for an owner to have! This is especially true for younger members of the breed.

The Patrijshond has a very high prey drive and will likely spend a lot of his free time searching out small animals while outside. First-time owners are often surprised when their gentle Drent turns into a hunting fanatic in the backyard! While most members of the breed can live with a cat, they should be raised from puppy-hood with that cat so they can learn that chasing is off limits. Some may still chase a cat indoors from time to time, however (and most will chase that same cat when outside).

The medium-length coat of the Drent is a single coat, yet is prone to shedding heavily twice per year. Owners will need to invest in several grooming tools to keep the coat in good condition, as well as setting aside time each week to keep up with the coat during these shedding seasons. During the times that the dog isn’t actively losing a lot of coat, grooming won’t need to happen as frequently but the weekly session can still help keep the coat in tip-top shape!

Photo By Eric Broeksma

The Portuguese Pointer is a lively and enthusiastic hunting dog with a loving personality and can make a great companion in the right home. This ancient breed originated on the Iberian Peninsula and was originally only owned by royals. His original task was working with falconers (a task he still does today in Portugal)! In the 19th century the population of the breed began a decline but efforts were made to keep the lines alive. Today they are a rare breed here in America but cherished by those who know and own them.

The Portuguese Pointer is very active and should only be kept by those willing and able to meet his exercise needs. The breed has a ton of endurance and is very hardy – they don’t like taking breaks and prefer to spend plenty of time outdoors. Owners who are able to provide this will be rewarded with a wonderful friend for many years to come (they are fairly long-lived, with lifespans averaging 13-14 years). When given regular exercise, they tend to be calm and easy in the home. Without this exercise, they can become very destructive – prospective owners must seriously consider if they are up for the task!

It should come as no surprise that the Portuguese Pointer loves hunting and is often happiest in a home with a hunter. If this isn’t an option, however, he can be given other jobs to do that will stimulate his mind.  The worst home for this breed is one in which he not given enough to do or enough time spent with his humans. Known to have separation anxiety, he does best with owners who are frequently home and ready to engage in many active adventures with the dog!

This medium-sized breed is very loyal and devoted to his family or master – almost to the extreme. Once a Portuguese Pointer is part of the family, he takes his role as “family dog” very seriously. While social with people and very good with kids, Portuguese Pointers love to play and can be entertained with a game of ball for hours! Most are also very good with other dogs and pets, although they may or may not be as playful with fellow canines than they are with humans.

Portuguese Pointers are quite clever and tend to be easy to train since they were bred to work with people. They naturally like to work close to their owners. The breed doesn’t tend to need hard corrections, and a “softer touch” is usually required to keep them from shutting down. Once trained, they are very reliable dogs to work with. Because of their hunting drive, they may get distracted doing obedience outside while birds and other animals move about so plenty of proofing in those situations is recommended!

Portuguese Pointers don’t require very much grooming, but a good brushing is always appreciated! This is in addition to dental and nail care, and ear cleaning (the regular routines for most dogs). Because their coat tends to repel dirt, they don’t need frequent bathing. Along with the perk of easy grooming, the breed also enjoys very good health for the most part, with no health problems seen on a frequent basis (although responsible breeders still screen for certain disorders to keep the breed healthy).

Portuguese Pointers can make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert when someone arrives. While brave, they are not great guard dogs as they are far too social and people-loving to actually be threatening. When there is nothing around to bark at, they are fairly quiet. While some people may think their quiet nature would make them great apartment dogs, those people should think again! The Portuguese Pointer is not the most adaptable of dogs and does require a fair amount of space. Apartment-dwellers will have a hard time giving this breed the physical exercise that they need.

Photo by Afonso Silva

Not only is the Bracco Italiano a clever and animated breed with a loving personality, but he is also one of the oldest pointing breeds. This Italian pointer is fantastic in the field and gentle in the home. He doesn’t tend to be overly rambunctious (unless out hunting) and can make a reliable companion and friend. Furthermore, he requires very little grooming aside from occasional brushing, baths and regular ear cleanings – the long ears are very prone to collecting dirt.

Bracci tend to be intelligent and easy to train – albeit sensitive, as long as the trainer is patient. As they tend to have an independent streak and distractable nature (they follow their nose frequently), a trainer must be strict about holding up rules while still keeping things interesting and fair. Bracci also tend to mature slowly, oftentimes taking up to three years before fully developed. This is worth noting when working with these dogs as they may retain puppy-ish behavior for longer than other breeds! They tend to love to please, so as long as things remain positive and fun they will have a good time! The breed needs a job to do, and obedience can serve as one of these jobs. Hunting is another great option, although other dog sports can be substituted if the owner isn’t a hunter.

The Bracco Italiano does have a ton of energy and requires plenty of exercise – more so than many breeds. A prospective owner must make sure they have time to dedicate not only to exercise daily, but also additional time for mental stimulation as well. This hunting breed does not make a good couch potato and instead must work, run, play and learn on a regular basis. Without these things they can become fairly bored and destructive – and the mental stimulation is often even more important than physical, so regular training is non-negotiable! One exercise caveat – while they are still young, this heavy-boned breed shouldn’t be over-exercised. When it comes to large puppies such as the Bracco, still-forming joints can be damaged by too much repeated or high-impact activity.

All purebred and mixed breeds can suffer from health issues throughout their lives, but with purebred dogs it is more likely to know what health conditions might happen. Issues that are more commonly seen in the Bracco include hip and elbow dysplasia as well as eye problems such as entropian, ectropian and cherry eye. Responsible breeders seek to minimize the risk of these problems in their litters as much as possible. Make sure to buy a puppy from a breeder who does health tests and understands their lines! When healthy, many Bracci live around 11-12 years.

While many have been captivated by this breed, there are several shortcomings that must be examined before acquiring a Bracco Italiano. First, as might be imagined from their droopy jowls, the Bracco is a drooler! Second, big dogs require big pocketbooks when it comes to care. Both dog food and vet bills are much higher than with smaller breeds! Finally, this is a very social dog who does best when there is a person around the house most of the day. They don’t like to be left to themselves on a regular basis.

The Bracco tends to love children and gets along just fine with them in a household, often due to their gentle nature. In fact, aggression of any sort is not typical of this breed whatsoever. While they make poor guard dogs, some will alert to danger. This hunting breed also gets along with other dogs and pets – although smaller pets such as cats may need to be supervised around the more prey-driven members of the breed.

The Pudelpointer is a versatile hunting breed, created in Germany in the late 1800’s. While they can make fine pets, they are especially sought out by serious hunters and valued for their high drive and bird-sense. This is a large breed whose coat is harsh and wiry (a good source of protection in thick brush, which also happens to be hypo-allergenic) that comes in various shades of brown as well as black. They have a love of water, a strong pointing instinct combined with a natural know-how for retrieving, and possess plenty of endurance. Many also have very strong noses and a good ability to track.

Pudelpointers are intelligent and generally easy to train. They love pleasing their owners and are capable of giving lots of focus when asked. While they excel in hunting and hunting competitions, they can be very talented in obedience competitions as well. Some are also used in Search and Rescue – their skills attributed to their talented noses and attentive nature. With obedience, just make sure to stay consistent and give plenty of praise! It is also highly recommended to socialize them early so that they will keep their natural confidence when practicing outside the home. This is a breed that needs to work which means that without any training they may become destructive and frustrating to live with.

The Pudelpointer should be a “sane” dog in the home, with a sound and friendly temperament being characteristic of most members. They love giving and receiving affection, and tend to be gentle. Random aggression or shyness is not normally seen in the breed, provided they’ve been socialized. Some people are surprised to learn that although this is an active dog that is capable of hunting all day, they are normally calm and polite in the house! Most don’t require a massive amount of exercise either, rather a medium-level of regular walks and outings. Some require more exercise, however, so prospective buyers should research the lines of litters they may be interested in to find a dog that is a good match for them. Even low-key Pudelpointers are not couch-potato dogs, though. This is not a breed for the very sedentary household.

A fence is an important thing to have for a Pudelpointer as they have a strong desire to wander off the property. This is due to their high hunting instincts and prey drive. Their prey drive also means they might be difficult to keep with small pets and cats, although many are ok with direct supervision. The breed is great with kids as well as other dogs, however.

Pudelpointers are not big barkers, however they will bark to announce guests or strangers coming to the door. Don’t rely on them as guard dogs though, they are far too social for this task! As some are prone to separation anxiety, they may bark up a storm if left home alone or in a crate. It is highly recommend to start them getting used to spending time alone while they are still young so it won’t be a big deal for them.

Pudelpointers are fairly healthy dogs that often live between 13-14 years. The most common health issue that is seen in the breed is hip dysplasia, but even that isn’t super common. In Germany there are very strict health, temperament, conformation and even hunting ability tests that need to be cleared before the dogs can be bred which means that most puppies are healthy and sound. Sound too good to be true for a prospective owner? Well, the downside is that the Pudelpointer is a rare breed in America and may require getting on a waiting list.

Photo By Fifat

The multi-talented German Spaniel (also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog) is serious and strong-minded when it comes to hunting, but friendly and social when he’s just hanging out. This medium-sized breed has one of the best noses in the canine world and is able to track wounded game even on very old tracks. He is also talented at hunting both on land as well as water. Despite his skills, the breed is not well known even in his home country of Germany. Instead, he is a secret known mostly by serious German hunters.

The German Spaniel is an affectionate companion dog for families, but he is first and foremost a retriever, flusher and hunter of both furred and feathered game. As almost all German Spaniels that are used for breeding must first pass hunting requirements, the hunting instinct is very intact. In Germany, dogs must also pass strict health clearances before being bred so there are very few health issues in the breed. As it is impossible to eliminate all health issues, elbow disease is sometime seen in certain lines, however.

Most German Spaniels get along well with other dogs as well as older children (they’re too boisterous for younger ones). These retrievers are a social bunch and welcoming of new people. They are also adaptable to many different situations, although they were never meant to live in apartments or sit around doing nothing. They need active, physical jobs in which they can utilize their noses and hunting instincts. As they have an excess of bravery and courage, they are even comfortable hunting large prey (in Canada, they are used to locate and flush out bears!).

German Spaniels learn very quickly and as such can be great obedience dogs when their owners are firm, yet fair. Their happy natures mean that they can be a pleasure to train! Do make sure to train a solid recall, however – as they can get easily distracted by strong scents and wander. When not being supervised, it is strongly advisable to keep them in a fenced yard. Their hunt drive may also kick in around small animals, which makes a fence doubly important. Don’t misunderstand… this dog is very trainable, however unsupervised he may get caught up in the excitement of the hunt – his first passion.

German Spaniels come in two main colors – brown schimmel or solid brown. Both patterns can range from dark chocolate to a red color. Dogs falling outside of this color scheme are not allowed to be bred in Germany. The medium-length double coat can be wavy or even curly, but it should always be very thick in order to protect the dog from heavy brush while hunting. This coat should be brushed and/or combed on a weekly basis. Take note, the breed does shed seasonally! Other grooming considerations are ear cleaning (long hanging ears are more likely to get dirt trapped inside), regular dental care and routine nail trimming.