Sporting dogs have bags of energy and are excellent to use for hunting, search and rescue, or even as family dogs. They tend to be affectionate and intelligent, making them easy to train. Many sporting dog breeds are eager to please, too, happily fetching your paper or socks!
Sporting dogs are known for their energy, alertness, and instincts in the water and woods. Initially, they were bred to assist hunters in retrieving and locating the game. The American Kennel Club classes four basic types of dogs as sporting dogs: pointers, setters, retrievers, and spaniels.
Below are ten of the most popular sporting dog breeds in Australia, helping you decide which is the right choice for you.
Weight: 29 – 32 kg
Lifespan: 10-13 years
Temperament: Eafer to please, with a happy temperament. They are usually excited to play and interact with other people and dogs
Health issues:
It’s easy to spot a Golden Retriever with their golden coats and waggy tails. They are fantastic companions frequently used as service dogs or search and rescue dogs. Their lovable and playful nature makes them an ideal companion for everyone, provided they are properly socialised with other pets.
They are easy to train as they want to please you and don’t bark as much as other breeds. They do require a lot of brushing as they shed a lot, and you will find yourself constantly hoovering their hair!
Weight: 22.6 – 31.75 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: Gentle and friendly, happy to spend time with other animals and owners. They can become anxious when separated from their owners for too long
Health issues:
The Wirehead Pointing Griffon is ideal for any family. It’s friendly and playful, making it a hit with children. They benefit from a house where someone is around often, as they can develop separation anxiety. They are an intelligent breed, making them easy to train. Wirehead Pointing Griffons are known to bark for food and attention, but they don’t bark as often as other breeds.
Weight: 15 – 20 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Sensitive and affectionate, they struggle to be left alone for long periods.
Health issues:
The Sussex Spaniel is a sensitive soul that craves your love and affection. They don’t like to be alone for too long and are able to play well with children and other dogs. They do require some attention when grooming, as their hair sheds quickly. A Sussex Spaniel likes to make its voice heard, partly from its hunting roots. It will act as a watchdog barking and howling, but you can train them to reduce this.
Weight: 27 – 39 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: Friendly and gentle, with high mental stimulation levels that make them energetic
Health issues:
Spinone Italiano is a friendly breed that works well with other dogs and children. Their high stimulation levels allow you to take them out for hours on hikes or hunts without them tiring. Their gentle nature makes them a great family dog, and they are easy to train – provided you begin when they are a puppy!
They aren’t much of a barker, but they can express themselves when they are frustrated or spot something suspicious. Their coat does not need to be trimmed often, but their claws will need regular trimming.
Weight: 15 – 22 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Loyal, loving, intelligent, and calm
Health issues:
Korean Jindo is a loyal breed that is an excellent companion. They originated as hunting dogs and have a high prey instinct, where you might spot them chasing and herding other pets. They are a good addition to any home where they will be the only pet, with a calm and loving temperament. They are well-balanced and easy for most people to get along with.
They are easy to train and aren’t too vocal. You can expect them to bark at intruders, making them good guard dogs.
Weight: 25 – 31 kg
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Temperament: Calm and easygoing, with high levels of intelligence and loyalty. They are sociable and will get on well with other animals and people
Health issues:
A Labrador is very intelligent, allowing you to train them easily. They enjoy performing tasks and retrieving, meaning fetch games can last for hours. They are good for complex puzzles or search and rescue work, too. The sociable breed will play well with other pets and is a claiming presence around young children.
Weight: 20 – 25 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 15 kg
Temperament: Social, outgoing, active, intelligent, and honest. They can sometimes be stubborn and impulsive and do not like to be left alone for long
Health issues:
The Welsh Springer Spaniel is a loyal dog designed to be an excellent companion or family dog. They are very gentle, but they are prone to stubbornness and impulsive behaviours from time to time. They are not often aggressive unless there is an underlying condition that can usually be treated.
These social dogs do not like to be left alone for long and will be by your side all day. They are good with children and have lots of energy that requires burning off. Welsh Springer Spaniels usually can live with a cat, too.
Weight: 27 – 31 kg
Lifespan: 11 – 15 years
Temperament: Friendly, energetic, loving, and sometimes mischievous
Health issues:
Irish Setters remain puppylike for a few years, giving them an energetic temper, which can sometimes lead them to be mischievous. Their friendly nature makes them excellent therapy dogs or companion dogs for older children. They are very intelligent, but their mischievous streak can make training difficult. You will need lots of patience and consistency to train your dog.
Weight: 16 – 29 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Temperament: Calm, joyful, and goofy. Their friendly nature allows them to live with other pets and interact with other people easily
Health issues:
Barbets were bred as hunting dogs and now thrive as sporting dogs. You will often find Barbets working as gun dogs, search and rescue dogs, or even agility dogs. They are a good choice for experienced dog owners or families with children. Their joyful nature makes it easy for anyone to fall in love with them, and they will reciprocate that love with plenty of affection!
Weight: 15 – 20 kg
Lifespan: 12 – 15 years
Temperament: Curious, independent, affectionate, and playful. Their temperament can depend on their heritage and early training, so it is recommended that they meet one of their parents first.
Health issues:
Brittany dogs are energetic and very intelligent, needing lots of mental stimulation. Porvding you offer them plenty of entertainment and training, they will be friendly and loyal companions. They require lots of long walks and can play well with other children. As they are so energetic and enthusiastic, Britany dogs are better suited to older children.
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