Understanding the Energetic and Friendly Sporting Breeds
Sporting Group dogs are some of the most popular and well known breeds, think about the friendly Labrador, or the elegant Golden Retriever. Loads of energy, ready to play fetch with you the entire day! If you’re looking for a companion to do outdoor activities with, but who is also very family friendly. The sporting group dogs are something to look into for you.
What is a Sporting Group Dog breed?
Lets start at the beginning, originally bred to assist hunters in catching the next meal. Primary focused on locating, flushing (Getting animals to leave their hiding spot) and retrieving small animals. They love to be outside and having a job is no punishment for them. Most of the breeds have water resistant coats, as they had to retrieve the animals from the water from time to time.
The collective traits of a Sporting Group dog breed.
Sporting dogs are known for their active behavior, natural alertness and high energy levels. Most of them love to swim and play fetch in the water. They do take a dominant spot in the agility and obedience contest world, winning contest after contest!
- High energy level: Since these type of dogs have such a high energy level it’s important to understand that they need daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A big garden where they can run, play or train together with you is almost a must. A small flat in the city wouldn’t give them enough space to release their energy.
- Cuddles and Kisses: The sporting dog looooooves everything, humans, kids and other dogs. This is what makes them a good fit for a active family with young children.
- Smart and Easy to work with: They WANT to learn. So training them should be relatively easy. Learning with these dogs is also necessary to make the mentally tired, and guess what? It will tire you out as well.
- Natural Hunters: This is a little bit of a pro and a con at the same time. As they have been bred to hunt, they will hunt. This means if you do not train them properly it’s possible they might run off when they smell a bunny on the road. Of course this natural instinct is very fun to play catch with, as they will give the stick back to you and not run away from you as Shiva sometimes does.
Considerations Before Getting a Sporting Dog
They do sound like an all round good breed, but these breed are not for every one. Some key factors you’ll have to consider are:
- Their high exercise needs: These breeds do require you to have some spare time which you want to invest in your dog. If you can’t commit to the daily exercise; long walks, runs, or playing fetch. They might become bored and this way they will develop bad behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.
- The Mental Stimulation: Walking and hikes alone isn’t enough. Next to their physical needs they also require mental stimulation. Things like daily training sessions or interactive dog toys will keep them occupied and prevent boredom.
- Providing Space: It is possible to keep a sporting dog inside an apartment, as they will adapt, but they thrive way better if they have a yard or some outdoor space where they can release their energy freely. If you decide to have them in a smaller space, you’ll have to leave the house with them at least 3 times a day for some exercise.
- Time to time grooming: Some sporting breeds have long coats that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.
Popular Sporting Group Breeds
Here are some of the most popular breeds in the Sporting Group:
Labrador Retriever
This might be the most beloved breed on this planet. The Labrador is so friendly and easy to train. Their soft nature makes them the perfect family dog. My previous dog was actually a Labrador, Nena, and i wouldn’t mind having more in the future. You can go for big hikes or a lazy day at home (once in a while), all is fine for this sweet dog breed.
Golden Retriever
Friendly, smart, very loyal and very good at making silly faces from time to time. They love to play with you, to swim and go for longer hikes. Their furry coat makes them less heat resistance then, for example, the Labrador, but none the less the Golden Retriever is an amazing family dog.
Cocker Spaniel
Rather a smaller dog with the same qualities? Maybe the Cocker Spaniel is something for you. Gentle and affectionate dogs with a very developed nose, while still maintaining a high energy level. They love to wander around and explore new area’s.
English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel will do whatever it takes to please you. As long as you help them release their energy and go for nice long walks or hikes. Also great as family does as they’re very kind and social towards kids and dogs.
Vizsla
Back to a bigger dog, the Hungarian Vizsla. Maybe from these 5 dogs they are the least likely to be a ‘good’ family dog, as they are more focused on creating a great bond with their owner. The Vizsla will thrive in a very active household, don’t worry about the length of the hikes, better try to keep up with them.
Is a Sporting Dog Right for You?
If you or your family is very active, love to spend time outside in nature and have enough spare time, meaning you’re willing to train them consistently and are motivated to do so, to keep these dogs active and happy. Then a sporting dog could be an amazing fit for you. A big open space, like a big garden, where they can be free and release their energy is a big plus for these breeds. See these breeds as an new hobby you’re going to engage with. As training, physical and mental stimulation is required. Take them with you when you go running, biking or hiking and they will give you a friend for life.
Conclusion
So, the sporting group dogs are kind, very active, and have a high need for training and occupation. Fulfilling these needs they will provide you with an amazing kind family dog. If you’re looking for a dog who’s always ready to rumble, you have found your breed.
If you would like to read more about different kind of groups, read our blog about different groups of breeds.
Are you still complete clueless about which dog would suit you best? Take a look at our Find Your Breed Guide!
Hopefully this blog was useful for you and your path to finding your perfect breed.
There’s a dog waiting for you.
