The Barbet, also known as the French Water Dog, is a happy-go-lucky gun dog originally used for hunting game in water. While rare, this breed is actually behind many modern breeds that have become more well known than their originator (for example, the Poodle). For those people whom have discovered this “secret”, they are fortunate to share their lives with this intelligent, loyal and affectionate dog. Owners are happy to show off their Barbet’s many abilities and talents – for these water dogs are actually incredibly versatile!

The Barbet has a soft mouth and is an excellent retriever. He can also point, flush, and (of course) work in water. This means that while he specializes in water retrieval he is actually a multipurpose hunting dog. Furthermore his medium size makes him big enough to work while not being too cumbersome to travel with. As with all active sporting dogs, the Barbet must be given regular exercise every day. If he is a companion rather than a hunting dog, he appreciates long walks, vigorous jogs and swimming field trips! When given enough exercise he should be fairly calm indoors and easy to live with.

The name Barbet actually translates to “beard” and obviously references the shaggy mop of hair that these dogs carry under their chins. Potential owners must be prepared not only for the soggy mess that will constantly drip from these beards, but also the long heavy coat over the whole dog that will carry in mud, leaves and other bits of nature constantly. These thick, curly coats were designed to protect the dog from water but are not the cleanest or easiest upkeep. While the breed is actually non-shedding (and hypoallergenic), that translates to more grooming because any dead hair must be brushed out regularly. Not only does he require lots of brushing and combing, but his coat must also be trimmed regularly since it grows continuously. 

Because he is so friendly and fun-loving, the Barbet gets along well with others, including children, the elderly, other dogs as well as cats (when raised with them). He makes a great family dog and his clownish sense of humor affords him many friends. He enjoys activities with his owners, especially when those activities allow him to meet new friends (this is a great dog to bring hiking and other outdoor excursions where people tend to gather). Being so social also means that he is prone to separation anxiety when left alone, as his natural inclination is to be right next to his owner at all times.

The Barbet tends to learn quickly when taught obedience and is overall an intelligent breed. That said, they can also become bored more easily than other dogs and some have massive stubborn streaks that they will pull out when they tire of the same training routine. These sensitive dogs also must be trained without unnecessary force or they may shut down. This means that training the Barbet can be a mixed bag and an owner or trainer should put thought into their actions when it comes to teaching. Not training is not an option – the breed can and will subtly start to take over the household if not given guidance in the form of obedience training. When taught in an appropriate way, however, these dogs can compete and excel in many dog sports including obedience, rally, agility and dock diving.

The Barbet can make a good watchdog as he will bark to alert when someone comes to the door. That said, these friendly dogs will quickly accept strangers into the home, especially if the owner approves. No need to worry about this breed becoming unnecessarily noisy as they normally only bark when there is a reason to do so (such as alerting to the presence of people). Keep in mind that visiting children may be bowled over by this excitable dog, so toddler-age and below will require extra supervision.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting breed and valued companion. Bred not only to point, but also to retrieve on land or water, hunt large and small game, and trail wounded game – as well as get along with both children and adults in the home – this is a dog with many talents. These large dogs are healthy and athletic, and often live between 11-12 years. No wonder they are one of the most popular breeds in the United States! This said, they are certainly not the dog for everyone as their requirements are steeper than many people are prepared to give.

As a very active breed, the GSP requires an owner willing to give this high energy dog lots of exercise several times a day! Jogging, ball-chasing and swimming are all great activities. Not only do they have tons of energy but they are also surprisingly strong. Without training, they can easily overpower a frail owner. Without regular exercise they will become destructive and frustrating to live with. An owner must therefore be able to provide both mental and physical stimulus daily. Crate training is recommended as one of the first skills they should learn so that their curious nature won’t get them into trouble while owner is away (adolescent GSPs especially), but crates are never a substitute for exercise.

The Shorthair can live in a kennel or outside if need be, but only if they are taken out frequently and given lots of human contact. If delegated to outside life without plenty of human interaction, behavior problems such as digging, barking and chewing will often ensue. The same can be said for an inside-dog that is not given the same. GSPs need a job to do, and as they were bred to work with people, they need to do that job with you! Hunting is not necessary, there are many type of activities a Shorthair can participate in including (but not limited to) tracking, search and rescue, therapy, conformation, coursing, flyball, obedience, water trials, agility, CGC, dock diving, flyball or rally. Some even become hearing-ear dogs or service dogs!

The Shorthair is highly trainable, especially if training is started from a young age (although GSPs of any age are very capable of learning). The breed is quite eager to please. Some learn astonishingly quickly while others will require a bit more patience on the side of the owner, although in general they tend to have a higher-than-average aptitude for learning. Consistency is key, as well as keeping lessons short and simple. Some tend to get “creative” with the commands, trying to put their own spin on things so make sure to only reinforce what you want! Remember, also, that GSPs are sensitive creatures and may get spooked or alarmed with quick arm movements. Be prepared to work them through any anxieties they may have. 

Although the coat of the German Shorthair is (like the name) short, it is thick and somewhat harsh to the touch. This coat helps to protect them in the cold elements as well as from the thickets and brush of the outdoors. This said, they may still require a coat when outdoors in extreme cold temperatures, especially if they haven’t grown accustomed to the weather. This German breed does indeed shed, and the short length of each hair means that it will embed itself into furniture and carpeting and be generally difficult to vacuum out! Be prepared to brush and bathe the coat in order to keep the shedding to a minimum.

Most German Shorthairs enjoying a good game of fetch, and may also try to “fetch” everyday objects in the house! Teach the dog early on what he is and isn’t allowed to grab. They also may be keen on trying to hunt the family cat… the level of prey drive differs depending on the line, the individual dog, and the amount of socialization they had with cats as puppies. Many are not able to live with the smaller species. One other trait that many Shorthairs seem to have is an affinity for escaping the yard. Thus, these too-smart-for-their-own-good dogs may need a more secure yard than usual!

GSPs are friendly and devoted to their owners, with some becoming almost dependent. Separation anxiety can be an issue for many members of the breed. Many love the children of the family just as much as the adults – although their enthusiasm and tendency to bounce around means they’re ill-suited living with very young kids. Among their many talents, they also make fine watchdogs as they hold their owner’s safety in high regard.

The Irish Setter, with his deep red coat and soulful expression, is truly a beautiful dog. In addition to great looks, this Irish breed has a great personality to boot! Playful, happy and loving – these dogs make wonderful companions for those who can meet their needs. Furthermore, they make great hunting companions and even therapy dogs in nursing homes. Their high prey drive, high energy and cold-weather-ready coats makes them fantastic in the field, but less so in an urban environment.

Irish Setter puppies have a lot of energy and a stubborn temperament – they need plenty of training and exercise in order to mature into the gentle dogs they will eventually become. As the breed can take a while to fully mature, an owner should be prepared to deal with a lot of mischief in the meantime! This may include a propensity for nabbing your belongings or just general destructiveness. On the bright side, most puppies can be housebroken without too much trouble, however. When that mischievous puppy eventually grows up, he will still need lots of exercise throughout his life as this is a high-energy breed. Having a large fenced yard and/or being prepared to give the dog plenty of outdoor activity should be a requirement for ownership. This is not the best match for someone in an apartment.

Irish Setters are intelligent but can have short attention spans, so when it comes to training the owner should know what they are doing. They can alternate between wanting to please and deciding that they would rather go do something else during training time. It is the trainer’s job to keep them focused and motivated in a firm but fair (and fun) way. Like all sporting breeds, the Irish thrives when he has a job to do, and obedience training is one such job that will keep him happy and fulfilled. Once the basics of obedience are taught, an owner can move into other dog sports if desired – Irish Setters do great at hunting, dock diving, tracking, agility, rally and flyball – just to name a few!

Irish Setters are extremely social animals who want to be around “their people” as much as possible (they don’t make good outdoor-only dogs for this reason). They love adults and children alike, as well as other dogs. Some have issues with cats, and some are too rambunctious to be around very small kids. They are outgoing with strangers and love making new friends! They will announce visitors to the home with great vigor, although they are too friendly to be relied upon as guard dogs. While some members of the breed have protected their owners from dangerous individuals, this is usually only in the most extreme of circumstances.

The Irish Setter does shed, and he needs a fair amount of grooming upkeep. Brushing the coat twice a week and giving him regular baths will help keep him in good shape. Show dogs sport an understated traditional clip, which means an owner should be prepared to learn or pay a groomer if they want their dog to have the particular “show look” of an Irish Setter. Finally – ears, teeth and nails will all need regular grooming as well.

Irish Setters adore visiting new places and tend to bring their enthusiasm with them wherever they go! Calm in the car, once they reach their destination they are likely to bounce out ready for adventure once the car door is opened. These athletic, playful dogs love anything that involves activity, wildlife and other people. On the flip side, an Irish Setter that is constantly left at home by himself is likely to develop separation anxiety.

The Golden Retriever was developed in Scotland but is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, thanks to their easy-going temperaments and biddable natures. This said, no single breed is perfect for everybody and anyone interested in acquiring this retrieving breed should be aware of their downsides as well – most notably their energy level, but also their propensity to shed. Goldens must be brushed regularly to keep the shedding down and the dog comfortable. Regular baths and employment of a good forced air dryer (dog dryer) will also help to blow out dead hair.

Like most sporting dogs, the Golden has a lot of energy to burn and requires a substantial amount of exercise, and just throwing the dog outside by himself will not cut it. Many bored Goldens have resorted to escape artist tactics – chewing through or jumping over their fence to find something more entertaining. Most “hyperactive” or destructive Goldens simply haven’t been given enough exercise. This is particularly true for younger dogs under the age of 2. Once most Goldens begin to mature they will start to calm down (although they still definitely require exercise). Swimming is a great way to channel their energy, as well as play dates with other dogs, dog sport activities, jogging and (of course) games of retrieve with a ball or frisbee.

While some Golden Retrievers will bark when someone comes to the door, many others are quiet and apt to just wag their tail furiously. This makes them poor watchdogs in general, and horrible guard dogs. A break-in will probably result in the dog just wanting to say hello to the robber! These gold dogs are lovers and not fighters. In keeping with their playful natures, Goldens are always up to play – which means they might shove a slobbery ball in your (or your friend’s) lap at the most inopportune times. When not asking to play, their affectionate nature means they probably want to be petted or at least be by your side at every waking moment. These are not independent dogs by any means!

Golden Retrievers are often touted as one of the best family dogs as they get along well with children. This said, owners with very young kids should evaluate their schedules and circumstances to determine if they have enough time to take care of both a toddler as well as a puppy! Unfortunately many people obtain a Golden because of the breed’s kid-friendly reputation but quickly find out that they don’t have enough time to take care of both properly. Busier individuals may want to opt for a slightly older dog, or wait until their child grows up a little and/or their schedule eases up. 

Goldens are extremely social dogs and generally want to be around their owners as much as possible. This means they must live inside with the family and should never be relegated to “outside dog status”. Dogs which are left alone all day or outside all of the time are prone to becoming problem chewers, constant barkers and/or destructive diggers. Some dogs will be ok if they live with a housemate, however double the number of dogs also means double the amount of time one must dedicate to training and care! While Goldens tend to get along well with other dogs, without any training or rules an owner may find themselves in over their head!

Goldens are intelligent and tend to be easy to train. Most work very well for food, although because they are so people-oriented, many love praise just as much! This versatile breed is willing and able to compete in almost any type of dog sport, if an owner is so-inclined. Goldens do need to be mentally stimulated by way of training and/or a regular job to do, so do not get one unless you are able to put in consistent work! Once they have completed the basics of obedience training, most turn into well-behaved, trustworthy companions.

Because they were bred to retrieve, Golden Retrievers are very orally fixated and are always trying to put their mouths on something. Most of the time they will stick to their toys, however younger Goldens are apt to also grab your clothing, the remote control, etc, etc. Training will help this frustrating trait, as will providing them with enough of their own “stuff” to grab. Fortunately they are known for having a “soft mouth” which means they aren’t likely to damage your stuff – they just want to carry it around!

Goldens do have a variety of health problems that they are prone to including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disease and heart disease. A prospective buyer can mitigate these risks by steering clear of pet shops and only buying a dog from a reputable breeder who does extensive health tests. As with all popular breeds, there are more backyard breeders who don’t know what they are doing and so a buyer must be extra careful. A note about the “rare English Cream” variety – these dogs are no more healthy than any other Golden (and some are much less so). A healthy Golden should live between 10 and 12 years.

The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is a relatively new breed to the AKC although the breed itself goes back to the 16th century. This red and white spaniel-type dog was bred in the Netherlands to lure ducks into traps, although he makes an excellent ratter around the house as well. The breed is happy and attentive to his master and a great working/companion dog. Kooikerjondjes are gentle yet athletic, and are quite adaptable to many different living situations although they do best when not in a constantly chaotic environment.

The Kooikerhondje, when well exercised, is quiet and peaceful in the house but always ready for fun! Despite his small size he makes a great jogging companion as he has enough energy and endurance to keep up. Remember that this sporting dog was bred to work outdoors and has the grit, agility and stamina to enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, including swimming. This said, he is not a super high energy breed and can adapt to live in an apartment. This breed can take a lot of exercise, or very little. He is very adaptable. Just don’t keep him crated all day, every day with little human contact. Such a situation simply wouldn’t be fair.

Many Kooikers are shy and reserved when meeting new people or other dogs but will warm up with time. Rude children or dogs may elicit a reactive response. Early socialization is highly recommended to keep them from becoming overly fearful. As the breed is often alert, they make good watchdogs. When it comes to their own family, Kooikers are friendly, loyal and overall easy-going. They tend to get along well with other animals whom they live with, cats and other dogs alike (although pocket pets should be kept safely in cages). They can also get along with polite, older children.

Nederlandse Kooikerjondjes do tend to shed quite a bit and benefit from being brushed weekly. An occasional bath when they get dirty will not only help to keep the coat clean but also to pull out the dead hair and allow new coat to grow in. The coat is actually waterproof and so it may take just a bit longer to ensure the water penetrates all the way to the skin! As with all dogs, nails must be trimmed regularly and teeth must be kept clean. The ears should be cleaned weekly. There is no special trimming that needs to be done and, all-in-all, these dogs are fairly easy to groom.

Kooikerhondjes are intelligent little dogs. When it comes to training, watch out that you don’t feed too many treats as they have a tendency to put on weight easily! They are also very sensitive to tone of voice so there’s no need to shout or scream at them. Just treat them fairly and don’t let them walk all over you. The breed is eager to please but has the potential to take on the leadership role if no rules or boundaries are put into place, making them a poor choice for a first-time dog owner. Although the breed is fairly well-behaved naturally, all dogs benefit from obedience training and the Kooiker is no exception. Trained Kooikers are great at dog sports such as obedience, flyball and agility!

Kooikers are affectionate yet they do have an independent side. They don’t need their owner to be by their side, helping them out all of the time. Many will find ways to entertain themselves! However these retrieving spaniels prefer to play games and enjoy fun activities with their owners, particularly fetch. Bonus points if it’s a good game of retrieve in the water! Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes are exceptionally healthy dogs that aren’t known for having too many health issues – which means they can romp and play well into their senior years.

Photo By Burner83

The Boykin Spaniel was developed here in the United States, and is in fact the state dog of South Carolina. This retrieving and flushing spaniel is not only prized for his enthusiasm in the field, but also his devoted nature and loyalty. These friendly dogs are small, yet athletic. They are quite capable of putting in long hours while out hunting or doing other work. They were bred to be compact enough to fit on a boat, if needed, and in fact they are built to retrieve both in the water and on land. Because of their past history, most Boykins love the water! Boykin Spaniels are adaptable to many different living situations, but most have a hard time adapting to apartment life without a ton of exercise.

Boykins love spending time with the family and are happiest when they are able to do so. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, they do not become better hunting dogs if they are kept in kennels with minimal human contact. When left alone by themselves day-in and day-out, some can get frustrated or bored and may be more prone to chew or other destructive tendencies. The same is true when they aren’t given enough exercise. The Boykin Spaniel is a high-level dog when it comes to energy. He is not a couch potato breed and needs an owner or a family that is just as athletic as he is! Ideally he will go on frequent hikes, jogs and water activities with his owner several times a week.

Boykin Spaniels are generally easy to train as long as the owner puts in the time to do so. They are both intelligent and curious – traits that lend themselves well to training. They also love attention, and obedience can definitely fulfill this need! If using food to train, keep in mind that these little brown dogs are prone to packing on the pounds with ease. It may be helpful to use the dog’s own food for training treats, or substitute fatty treats with something healthy and low-calorie. Once the dog is trained in basic obedience, their boundless energy lends well to competitions in other arenas such as flyball, hunt tests, agility or rally.

While most Boykins are healthy dogs, it is important to only buy from a reputable breeder who health-test their dog before breeding. Health issues that come up more frequently in this breed include Exercise-Induced Collapse, Cataracts, Degenerative Myelopathy and Hip Dysplasia. One is much more likely to end up with a healthy dog if a person avoids pet shops and backyard breeders, and instead goes to a knowledgeable responsible breeder. When healthy, Boykins are quite hardy and will likely live from 10-15 years of age.

Most Boykins get along well with other dogs as long as they were socialized early. They love to play! In fact, many owners have multiple Boykin Spaniels that all live together harmoniously. They also tend to get along well with children, although supervision is recommended with very young children. Some Boykins get fed up easily when/if they are treated roughly, so they might not be best in a house with a toddler. With well-behaved children or adults, however, they are infinitely pleasant and social. Most are friendly even to strangers, as well as to cats!

Boykin Spaniels will bark when someone comes to the door although they are not generally considered to be nuisance barkers. If someone were to break in, they might say hello but aren’t likely to defend the house. They are not known for their protective abilities, but instead are beloved for their hunting and athletic abilities (which they demonstrate often with enthusiasm and wild abandon).

The wavy coat of the Boykin tends to shed quite a bit so they do need to be brushed on a weekly basis (if not 2-3 times a week). If the dog is used for hunting, they should also be checked for ticks after each hunting expedition – the dark coat can hide these pesky critters! Furthermore, the ears need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Pendulous ears that have a lot of hair (like most spaniels have) are more likely to get infected if not checked and cleaned on schedule. Bathe when needed and keep the nails clipped, and that all will serve to keep the Boykin clean and happy.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is one of 6 retriever breeds – one which was developed right here in the United States. They are not related to Labs or Goldens and have very different temperaments than what most people are used to when they think of a retriever. These large dogs love swimming more than anything else in life and will not hesitate to jump into even a freezing-temperature pond. These are loyal, loving and sensitive companions that make just as great of a pet as they do a hunting companion, as long as their unique needs are met.

Chessies are quite expressive, known to smile when they are happy (which is quite often). Many will talk and grunt when excited. Most love to be in the middle of the action, whether it be a family game outside or a quiet evening in front of the tv. This breed does well with either single people or in large families, provided they have been socialized. When small kids are involved, it is important to teach the children how to respect the dog. They don’t do well when left home alone every day and therefore don’t make great pets for those who are always at work. Although most are polite to strangers, they are usually fairly indifferent to other people (as well as other dogs).

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. In fact, too much brushing or bathing can wreck their normally oily, waterproof coat. A once-weekly brushing and occasional bath should be enough to keep the coat in good condition. Keeping nails short and ears cleaned are two of the most important grooming tasks for these retrievers. Keep in mind that the wavy coat does shed, and twice a year it is common to have brown tumbleweeds blowing across the house!

The majority of care for a Chessie comes not from grooming sessions, but from exercise. Chessies are not lazy couch potatoes and do require a moderate to high amount of daily exertion. While some may do just fine exercising themselves in a fenced yard, more active individuals benefit from long walks or jogs with their owner. Fit adults love to run alongside a bike, although this should only be reserved for mature dogs and not growing puppies.

Chessies are usually very willing to please and therefore are a delight to train. They love learning new things and working alongside their owners, and are usually quite intelligent although they do have a stubborn side! Despite their generally amiable nature, these big strong dogs need obedience training to keep from becoming too much to handle. Furthermore, many Chessies tend toward being more dominant than other breeds of dog and will take advantage of a lax household. The breed needs a job to do and obedience is one such job, which can be combined with duties such as tracking, hunting or agility. Chesapeakes are happiest when being given a task. Just letting them “be” in a household without any rules runs counterintuitive to the way that their brains are wired.

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever tends to be more protective than the other retriever breeds. Naturally territorial, he will not only protect his owner but also his home and even car. It is important that owners socialize early and train throughout the dog’s life to keep this from getting out of control, but most of the time these dogs don’t have aggression problems. Normally, the breed has a good sense about who is friend or foe, and there have been many stories of devoted Chessies protecting their owners from dangerous threats. A well-bred Chessie should be confident without being aggressive or shy, but it does take work to make sure they reach their full potential.

Although they love their people, Chessies are not overly demonstrative dogs. Unlike some of their retriever cousins, they are not prone to extreme excitement behaviors such as jumping up or licking their owners to death. They prefer to stay near their “person” quietly and politely. Furthermore, their sensitive nature means that they will pick up on the emotions of their owner and respond accordingly. Living with a Chesapeake has been compared to living with a loyal, yet reserved friend.

Photo By Nevilley

The Flat-Coated Retriever is a delightful companion and hunting dog, perfect for the owner who wants a retrieving-obsessed working pet. Like most retriever breeds, the Flat-Coat tends to be very orally fixated and will find things to pick up and carry around – including shoes or other non-dog items. He will need to be trained to play only with his own things, as well as given plenty of fetch-type games to satisfy this impulse.

The Flat-Coat is a dog for an owner who doesn’t mind shedding, as he does tend to shed quite a bit. Regular brushing will be required at couple times a week – and keep in mind that even though their tail might never stop wagging, it still needs a good combing out! Some members of the breed don’t care much about being clean and will gladly roll in mud puddles or even manure. Others have a cleaner sensibility, but most can’t resist a dip in the pool or ocean. Depending on the dog and the owner’s living situation, they usually require a moderate amount of grooming care.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are great at obedience, but also tend to have a sense of humor. They are well-known for behaving perfectly at obedience practices, and then acting as though they’ve never been trained once they get to a competition! This is partially because they stay playful and even puppy-ish well into middle age. It is for this reason that obedience is definitely a necessity. Even though they take a long time to mature, it is much easier to live with a Flat-Coat who has been taught basic rules than one who has not. Those who have never been taught any rules tend to chew things up, become problem barkers and hole-diggers, among exhibiting other problem behaviors. They can be more destructive than other retriever breeds and therefore must be given more mental and physical outlets.

Flat-Coats are, first and foremost, hunting dogs. As such, they are keenly interested in finding game and may try to jump over a short fence in order to go after it. A tall, secure fence is therefore recommended. It has been said that a Flat-Coat will only hunt for someone whom he respects. If he doesn’t value his owner or trainer, than he will hunt for himself. He needs an owner that loves and respects him as well, and provides him with plenty of attention. Flat-Coats left to fend for themselves all day can develop separation anxiety. On the other hand, a well-taken care of Flat-Coat will be supremely loyal and faithful to his owner for his entire life.

The Flat-Coated Retriever is an active dog who requires plenty of daily exercise. He can adapt to city life but does need more attention to his physical needs than many other breeds. He enjoys his daily outings because he loves spending time with his owners and meeting new people – this is quite a social breed. Flat-Coats are easier to live with in the home as long as they are given these frequent outings. Without enough exercise they tend to jump on guests and small children, and have too much pent-up energy in general. A well-exercised Flat-Coat, on the other hand, is an active but happy member of the family – good with older children and friendly with guests (after a quick bark to alert). This is a very affectionate and cheerful breed who requires an active owner.

Most Flat-Coats get along very well with other pets as they are optimistic and happy in general – lovers and not fighters. They make great companions for other breeds both larger and smaller than they are! This said, an old frail dog that is tiny in size may accidentally be hurt by a bouncing Flat-Coat – so keep this in mind before adding this breed to your household.

Flat-Coated Retrievers are almost always exuberant, and their tails are usually in a perpetual wag! For this reason, they may not be the best choice for someone who keeps lots of delicate items on display. Flat-Coat tails are well-known for clearing coffee tables. The breed is also known for “counter-surfing” AKA stealing food or items atop the stove or countertops. This latter behavior can be managed through training, but their tails cannot be trained to stop wagging. Therefore, they don’t make the best matches for cluttered or small living spaces.

The Brittany is a medium-sized gun dog with a happy-go-lucky personality. This pointing/retrieving dog is generally easy to care for, possessing a coat that protects from the elements while remaining a breeze to groom. This makes him appealing to many hunters who want a dog which will go all-out in the field without needing endless coat care. The Brittany also makes a great companion dog with his friendly, easygoing temperament, although potential owners should be aware of his exercise needs. Unlike some gun dog breeds which have been divided into “show” and “hunting” lines, many Britts compete in both arenas successfully.

Britts are high-energy dogs who may prove too much to handle for a laid-back household. They do best in homes where they are given a job to do, preferably hunting although other dog sports can be substituted.  In addition, he needs regular exercise every single day. Assuming that he is given enough exercise, he should be calm in the house and not overly rowdy. Because of his medium size, a Britt can live in an apartment but only if all of his physical and mental needs are met – which will often mean more work than someone who lives on a bigger property. There is also some variation in different lines as to how much exercise the dog may need so it is paramount to research breeders if you are looking for a particular activity level.

Brittanys take very well to obedience training and usually need only mild corrections (when corrections need to be given). They are generally very eager to please and catch on quite quickly when taught something new. The breed does have a naughty, impish side that can come out from time to time. They may try to make training into a game with their own rules. A sense of humor is therefore always good to have!

The Britt tends to be gentle and patient with children, while still retaining a fun-loving playfulness. As with all dogs, however, they should be socialized to kids (ideally when still a puppy) in order to ensure the best results. The breed also tends to get along very well with other dogs – most never meet another dog that they don’t like! While it can happen, aggression issues are very uncommon. Finally, if raised with cats then the breed can get along with them. If not raised with cats… a Britt may be heavily inclined to chase one. This is a hunting breed, after all!

Brittanys do shed year-round, although not in copious amounts. Keeping the dog brushed out on a regular schedule (two or three times a week) will help this issue, and the relatively short coat is easy to groom. Some members of the breed have longer feathering on their legs which may need to be combed more often than the rest of the coat. Nails need to be clipped every couple of weeks, and the teeth need to be brushed regularly. Baths only need to be given when the dog gets dirty, or slightly more often if the dog has a show.

While the Britt is a French breed, there is a distinction between American lines and French lines – and the lines are no longer crossed by most breeders. In fact, the French Brittany is now considered a separate breed. American Brittanys are leggier and have a racier build than their European counterparts, they also are not allowed to have black in the coat. To make matters confusing, however, French Brittanys can be registered by the AKC although they may or may not be able to become show dogs. Although it is the same breed genetically, some people feel that the two types are different enough to separate them.

The Brittany does not make a good kennel dog as he needs plenty of attention throughout the day. This is a breed that lives  12-14 years – make sure you are able to dedicate enough time every day, for the rest of the dog’s life! Some individual dogs will be ok in homes where the owner works all day, but usually only if a friend or pet professional is enlisted in caring for the dog daily (a pet sitter or dog walker, for example). While your Britt would really prefer you, this breed tends to love everyone and will generally be ok as long as they are being given enough attention by someone.

Photo By Pharaoh Hound

The most unique features of the Curly-Coated Retriever are his small, crisp curls! This water-resistant coat separates him from his better-known retriever cousins. There is no undercoat in the breed – one feature which makes him easy to groom (he does shed, however). These large hunting dogs are both strong and agile – able to work tirelessly in the field each day. They make great hunting companions as well as fantastic family pets. Curlies are smart, confident and loyal. The breed is also trustworthy and reliable (assuming the owner puts in the work).

Like all retrievers, the Curly is very active and needs plenty of exercise each day. Swimming is a favorite pastime, but regular walks, jogs and hikes will also suffice. Obviously most Curlies would choose to hunt if they had the choice! If not given enough to do, they have the potential to become very destructive and noisy. Neither do they make good kennel dogs unless they are frequently invited to hunt – this is yet another breed that does much better when living indoors. Because of their very active nature, this breed is not normally recommended for first-time dog owners.

The Curly can be a destructive chewer when not given enough to do and can end up destroying anything that they can get their mouths onto! It is for this reason that they must be given plenty of outdoor exercise with their owner – running around a backyard will not cut it. This isn’t a lawn ornament, nor is it a couch potato content to sleep all day. Anyone who thinks otherwise risks their furniture and other possessions! In addition to exercise and regular obedience, most Curlies do best when given a job to do such as hunting, tracking or agility.

The Curly is generally an eager-to-please dog and can be trained in a wide variety of dog sports if the owner is so inclined. The breed is also intelligent and quick to learn, although some have a mischievous side that may come out from time to time – they can definitely have a sense of humor! Training should be positive and fun, but also firm yet fair. Ideally, Curlies should be started in training while they are still young because they take a while to mature. When training a Curly, mix it up with the lessons and keep things interesting – this breed can get bored if the “game” gets too easy.

The Curly-Coated Retriever should be friendly toward strangers and never shy, although some members of the breed can be slightly aloof. Many are also very sensitive when compared to Labs and Goldens – they might take an extra minute to “take it all in” when meeting a new person. A Curly that is acting overly shy was probably not socialized enough as a young puppy. Overall, however, this breed is not as demonstrative as other retriever breeds and instead, most are quietly affectionate. This said, there is variation in personalities and some Curlies can be quite boisterous and super-friendly.

The Curly-Coated Retriever is usually fantastic with children, although some adolescents may accidentally knock over a very small child. Young dogs who haven’t had enough training also tend to jump up a lot, making them not only bad matches for toddlers, but also the elderly. On the other hand, mature dogs are gentle and fun-loving with kids and often love to play with them.

Curly-Coated Retrievers make good watchdogs as they will alert to a knock on the door or a ringing doorbell. Some will even protect their families in a dangerous situation, although this is not the norm for every individual. Their true courage is most evident when they are hunting – these dogs will jump into any lake or bound into any brush without hesitation! They are not deterred by cold weather or even freezing water.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0