Utility Gundogs

German Shorthaired Pointer

European in origin, Utility Gundogs developed as a result of the break-up of large estates after the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. Required to work in more confined areas than their ancestors, Utility Gundogs combine all the functions of the more specialised English Gundogs described in this section. Utility Gundogs are active, versatile and easy to train. So they are popular with people who love to participate in modern activities like Obedience, Agility and Tracking.

German Shorthaired Pointers

The German Shorthaired and Wirehaired Pointers are popular in Australia as the Rough Shooters' dog that can hunt, point and retrieve. Additionally they are able to track and mark wounded game both by foot-scent and air-scent. But not only are they staunch and steady in the field, they make obedient and lovable companions at home. »» Read more...

German Wirehaired Pointer

Although the German Wirehaired Pointer is considered here in detail, this chapter covers several other Wirehaired Utility Gundogs which work well both on land and in water. Selected 'through performance to type', they were developed as keen, working Gundogs which loved to track, search, point at any type of game, and were not gun shy. »» Read more...

Hungarian Vizsla and Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

The Hungarian Vizsla is one of Hungary's National dog breeds. His unique history began in Asia around 900 AD as the yellow hunting dog that accompanied Hungary's first settlers, the Magyar. Ever since, the pride of the Hungarian people has ensured this National dog survived political wars, turmoil, ever changing borders and other man made disasters to become the distinctive ... »» Read more...

Weimaraner and Weimaraner Longhair

The Weimaraner is an old European hunting breed. Probably descended directly from the ancient grey French Scent Hounds of the 13th Century, the modern pure breed Weimaraner and the Weimaraner Longhair have unbroken records which date back to the 1860's. Today, their distinctive grey colour and functional shape makes them unique among Gundogs. »» Read more...

Bracco Italiano and Italian Spinone

These two Italian breeds are ancient, they are recent additions to our Utility Gundog breeds. Today, the size and strength of the Spinone makes him a useful rough shooters dog to work in countryside where there are thorns and thick brambles. But the showy extended trot plus the high head carriage of the Bracco also makes him a flashy showdog ... »» Read more...

Large Munsterlander

The Large Munsterlander is a recent addition to our Utility Gundogs. Originating in Germany its counterparts are the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Wirehaired Pointer. But there is also a German Longhaired Pointer which does not exist here. In reality, the large Munsterlander is a black and white German Longhaired Pointer. »» Read more...

Brittany

Erroneously called a Brittany Spaniel as a direct translation of its French name, the Epagneul de Bretague, the Brittany is the only Gundog indigenous to France. But the Brittany is not your 'regular' Spaniel. Instead he has high set ears, a comparatively light but cobby build, and is the only Gundog that can be born tailless or with a very ... »» Read more...