Waterfowl Hunting Dogs
As comfortable in the water as on your couch!
Dog breeds that are traditionally used for waterfowl hunting are also the most popular non-hunting dog breeds. While duck hunters will have their breed of choice, there are a variety of retrievers that have been field companions for centuries. Waterfowl dog breeds are made up of mostly retrievers but some pointer dog breeds make for great duck hunting dogs as well.
Best Duck Hunting Dog Breeds
Labrador Retriever
Labs have held the top spot of most popular breeds in America for 30 years now, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). While most Labradors are fine eating scraps thrown by toddlers and going to the river once in a while as a family pet, these dogs thrive when they are trained to retrieve downed ducks. With their water-resistant double coats and webbed feet, Labrador Retrievers are built to stay warm in cold water and swim after downed ducks all day.
Golden Retriever
Another popular non-hunting dog breed, Golden Retrievers may be the quintessential American family dog but they were born to go get downed waterfowl. While some bloodlines are more geared toward hunting instincts instead of house dogs, Golden Retrievers can be trained as great hunting companions.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chessies, like Labrador Retrievers, have double-layered coats which keep them warm on cold duck hunting mornings. While Chesapeake Bay Retrievers excel in the water, these dogs are smart enough to be trained to flush out pheasants, grouse, quail, and more game birds as well.
Curly-Coated Retriever
These clever retrievers stand a bit taller than a typical Labrador or Golden. The Curly-Coated Retriever is the original retriever. With its curly coat, this breed can sidle its way through thick brush and mucky swamps to bring ducks back to their handlers. As a big, durable gun dog, Curlies are tireless in the field but love their families just as much as other retrievers.
Standard Poodles
Yes, before they got the reputation as high-falutin show dogs poodles were originally bred as duck hunting companions. Poodles have thick, curly coats that keep them warm in the water and their intelligence and loyalty make them formidable hunting partners.
Pointing Breeds
Some pointing bird dog breeds are great at flushing and holding upland birds but can also retrieve waterfowl with the right dog training. These high-energy, versatile breeds make great companions for bird hunters and on duck hunts.
German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP)
Spaniels
Brittany Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
Irish Spaniel
Boykin Spaniel
American Water Spaniel
Weimaraner