Gundog breeds have typically been bred in the past to help hunters find game prey and retrieve it once it’d been struck down. Some people tend to steer away from gundog breeds because of this, but these dogs are plenty loveable and can also make amazing pets. As long as they’re trained properly, their hunting instincts shouldn’t come out unless you command them to. In fact, gundog breeds are often described as the perfect family dog – they love cats, children, and even other dogs, too.
A gundog is largely associated with the preservation of the aristocratic shooting set, so most of them will originate in either England or Europe, with a few US breeds thrown in. They were originally bred to help hunt game with guns, so they needed to be responsive, agile, intelligent, and hard-working.
Gundogs tend to be on the bigger side with high energy levels. There are plenty of different traits a gundog could have, such as being a good swimmer and being used for hunting waterfowl. This means that lots of breeds fit under the umbrella term ‘gundog breeds’.
There are plenty of breeds that can fit within the category of ‘gundog’, so if you’re looking to introduce one into your family, then you’re in luck. They’re very active and often intelligent, so would work best for households with big gardens and lots of land for them to explore. Here are ten of the most popular gundog breeds in Australia:
Weight: 15.8 to 18 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
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The American Water Spaniel generally has a great temperament and loves spending time with their family, but they’re quite sensitive when they don’t get what they want. A sociable dog by nature, the AWS can become stubborn and manipulative if you spend too much time away from them – especially if you’re the one family member they’ve latched onto. They need to be socialised and trained from an early age to make sure they don’t become aggressive towards other dogs, so make sure you have enough time to give them.
Weight: 16 to 29 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
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When you ask a Barbet owner what they like most about this dog breed, it’ll be difficult for them to pick just one thing – many owners fall in love with their personalities from the get-go! Even as a puppy, when they’re at their goofiest, they’re still calm enough for the majority of families. These dogs are perfect mixers for any other pets you might have, and even other dog breeds. Dog experts say it’s unlikely that you could find a friendlier dog than a Barbet, especially in the gundog category!
Weight: 20 to 25 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
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The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound was originally bred to be a hunting dog, so expect them to have a high prey drive. They’ll do best with large open spaces that they can access at all times to get their zoomies out, but be mindful that they’ll probably chase smaller animals – so keep an eye on them! The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound loves playing games and being sociable, and they’ll quickly become devoted to their owners. They’ll be protective of any children at home too, so they might be a great option if you’re looking for a proactive watchdog.
Weight: 25 to 34 kg
Lifespan: 9 to 15 years
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The Clumber Spaniel is incredibly intelligent and highly trainable thanks to their gundog nature, but you also can’t miss their sweet, agreeable nature that makes them great around kids. They’ll develop strong familial bonds quickly, which can lead to separation anxiety if you’re out for long stretches of the day. Their large size makes this a slightly higher concern, so we wouldn’t recommend a Clumber Spaniel if you’re away from home a lot. Despite being bred as working and hunting dogs, this breed hasn’t retained its high prey instinct.
Weight: 33 to 40 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
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English Setters are gorgeously happy dogs that love being around their families, whether that’s at home to snuggle, in the park to play, or at the beach chasing waves. They’re very lively with lots of energy to burn off each day, and you’ll often find that they’re the first ones up and ready in the mornings. Just make sure you properly socialise and train them as early as possible to keep their temperament friendly, as otherwise you might see adverse personality traits shining through.
Weight: 30 to 32 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
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The German Wirehaired Pointer is considered an even-tempered dog, but they’re also known for being very protective of their owners. When you’re out and about it’s best to keep them on a lead so they don’t start becoming aggressive with other dogs who look at you. GWPs have lots of energy and can run for hours without getting tired, so they’re best suited to homes with lots of ground to run whenever they want to. These versatile gundogs make very loyal companions, but due to their occasional aggressive behaviour, they’re not considered best for families with kids or other small pets.
Weight: 25 to 31 kg
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
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As their name suggests, Labrador Retrievers were originally bred to retrieve things, making them perfect gundogs to help hunters. This means that they love a good, long game of catch – but they can be rough, so make sure you have plenty of balls on hand to switch out. Labs are highly intelligent and therefore very easy to train, but this also means that they need lots of mental stimulation to keep them happy and docile. Without mental and physical stimulation, Labs can become bored and destructive.
Weight: 15 to 20 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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Sussex Spaniels are super affectionate and sensitive with their owners, so they don’t take well to being left alone for long periods. They need an owner who has plenty of time to shower them with affection whenever they want it but also leave them alone when they’re feeling more independent, too. Learning your Sussex Spaniel’s social needs is the key to its heart, and you can rest assured that they’ll reciprocate all of the love they get back to you. These dogs are great with other dogs and kids – as long as they don’t play too rough. The Sussex Spaniel’s sensitive nature might not be hardy enough for any roughhousing.
Weight: 20 to 25 kg
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
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The Welsh Springer Spaniel is known for its active, safe, and intelligent personality, which makes it a perfect addition to any family unit. They’re often very gentle, making them excellent for families with kids, but they can also get moody at times when they don’t get their way. They also have high energy levels and intelligent brains that need to be exercised every single day. Welshies are super social and outgoing, but they can also get stubborn and impulsive from time to time. They’ll want to be by your side whenever possible.
Weight: 27 to 31 kg
Lifespan: 11 to 15 years
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Irish Settlers, despite their start as gundogs, are now widely used as therapy dogs thanks to their friendly demeanour and positive attitude. That doesn’t mean that they’re not plenty energetic and love a good playtime though, so they’re excellent pets in households with older children. Irish Settlers do often have a mischievous side and can remain in that ‘puppy phase’ for a few years before finally outgrowing it, so bear this in mind if you have lots of nice items around your home that you don’t want ruined. Early training can help stop this trait from becoming too much of an issue.
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