Getting to know your... Gun Dog

Get to know your dog

These enthusiastic, outgoing, and sometimes impulsive breeds are known for their intelligence, affection, and strong drive to learn. They were selectively bred during the middle ages for specific traits to assist in hunting. Nowadays, their primary function is to work alongside people and in cooperation with them, often making them an ideal family dog.

Gun Dogs include but are not limited to breeds such as: American Water Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Clumber Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Pointer, English Setter, English Springer Spaniel, Field Spaniel, Flat-Coated Retriever, German Shorthair Pointer, German Wirehair Pointer, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Labrador Retriever, Munsterlander, Portuguese Water Dog, Spinone Italiano, Standard Poodle, Sussex Spaniel, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and more!

Sometimes classified as Sporting Dogs, the Gun Dog is categorized as such due to their originally bred purpose and is based in the ground breaking work done by Applied Ethologist Kim Brophey. For more information, please visit FamilyDogMediation.com or check out Kim’s book, Meet Your Dog. If you’re not sure if your dog qualifies as a Gun Dog or Gun Dog mix, please visit The Dog Key to find out!

It's not all in the Genes

It’s important to remember that all dogs are unique, and while a breed's general characteristics can provide some insight into their behavior, it's important to remember that individual dogs will vary. It’s crucial to take into consideration all four L.E.G.S.© - Learning, Environment, Genetics, and Self - when understanding and training your sporting dog. You can learn more about the L.E.G.S.© framework here.

The History of Gun Dog

The history of Gun Dogs is deeply rooted in hunting and retrieving.

These dogs were bred to find, access, distract, and even move waterfowl, fish, and game birds. Their function was to work in harmony with their human counterparts, often in physically demanding environments.

This historical background has shaped the Gun dogs we know and love today, even if they drive us a little nuts as well!

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Gun Dogs in the Modern World

In the modern world, you'll likely notice several key traits in Gun Dogs.

They often exhibit what has been termed the "Peter Pan Complex," which means they retain their youthful behaviors well into adulthood. This is due to a characteristic known as neoteny - the retention of immature characteristics in adulthood.

​This can result in behaviors such as excessive attention-seeking, immaturity, oral fixations, sensitivity to loud noises, and a generally aloof or laid-back attitude.

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Strengths of Gun Dogs

Gun Dogs are best known for their enthusiasm, social nature, intelligence, and affectionate demeanor.

They have a strong drive to learn which makes them highly trainable. They also have a cooperative nature, which means they are great at working in teams, whether that's with people or other dogs.

​These strengths CAN make them a wonderful addition to active, outgoing families.

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What Gun Dogs Need From Their People

Caring for a Gun Dog requires regular indoor and outdoor adventures, as well as the introduction of novelty into their daily routine.

They also need help regulating their emotions due to their enthusiastic and impulsive nature.

​This requires lots of patience from their humans, as well as a commitment to educating them and setting clear and consistent boundaries.

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Potential Challenges with Gun Dogs

While Gun Dogs are known for their positive traits, they may also exhibit behaviors that require special attention when those needs aren’t met.

​These may include resource guarding, excessive attention-seeking, excessive chewing, and separation or isolation issues. Due to their high energy levels, these dogs can also exhibit hyperactivity if they are not provided with enough physical and mental stimulation.

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Enrichment Activities for Gun Dogs

Gun Dogs thrive on physical and mental stimulation. They love activities such as chasing, hiking, toy play, dog-dog play, Rally, sniff walks, agility, Nosework & tracking, retrieving, and playing games with their humans. They also enjoy puzzle games and problem-solving activities, which can help to keep their minds sharp and engaged.

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Gun Dogs are enthusiastic, intelligent, and affectionate companions with a rich history and a strong drive to learn. They require an active lifestyle, plenty of mental stimulation, and a patient and understanding owner. With the right care and training, a Gun Dog can make a wonderful addition to any family.

Do you have a Gun Dog? 

Which traits do you find most endearing and which are the hardest to live with?