Bird dogs are a category of hunting dogs that are used to find and retrieve birds during a hunt. Some of the most popular breeds of bird dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Setters, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Brittany Spaniels. With their natural instincts for hunting and retrieving birds, bird dogs can make loyal and active companions when not out in the field. However, their high energy and exercise needs may make them better suited for an owner who is an avid hunter or active outdoorsman rather than the average pet owner. Here is an in-depth look at the pros and cons of owning a bird dog to help determine if they are the right pet for you.
The Pros of Owning a Bird Dog
For the right owner, there are many advantages to owning a bird dog as a pet:
- Expert hunting skills – If you are an avid birder or hunter, a bird dog is an invaluable asset in the field. Their natural ability to point and retrieve downed birds makes them far superior to other breeds when hunting upland game birds.
- Highly intelligent and trainable – Bird dogs like Labrador Retrievers are working dogs that are bred for intelligence and trainability. Their high intellect means they excel at hunting skills, obedience training, and performing mental tasks.
- Athleticism and stamina – A typical bird dog is very agile, fast, and has a high level of endurance. Their energy and stamina makes them ideal for all day hunts across rugged terrain in pursuit of birds.
- Gentle nature – Despite being used for hunting, most bird dogs have a very kind, gentle, and loyal nature, especially with their family members. They bond closely with their human pack.
- Minimal grooming needs – Breeds like German Shorthaired Pointers have short, dense coats that require very little grooming maintenance.
- Eager to please – Bird dogs aim to impress their owner and have an innate desire to please. Their high trainability and responsiveness makes obedience training very rewarding.
The Cons of Owning a Bird Dog
While bird dogs have many positive attributes, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider before getting one as a pet:
- High prey drive – Bird dogs have such a strong natural instinct to hunt that it can be difficult to train them to refrain from chasing birds and other small animals. Close supervision is required around any potential prey.
- Not suited to apartment living – These high energy hunting dogs require a significant amount of daily exercise and space to thrive. Apartment life does not suit their needs.
- Prone to wanderlust – If a bird dog catches a scent of prey, they are likely to wander off in pursuit and can cover large distances. Secure leashing or fenced areas are a must.
- Strong barking tendencies – The barking trait that makes them such great hunting dogs can become a nuisance in a residential neighborhood.
- May not get along with other pets – Some bird dogs have a high prey drive towards cats and pet birds in the home. Early socialization is key.
- Shedding – Moderate shedders like Golden Retrievers require regular brushing to manage loose hair.
- Demanding exercise needs – At least 1-2 hours of hard exercise every day is a requirement to prevent problem behaviors from boredom.
Good Qualities in a Bird Dog Owner
Bird dogs thrive when matched with owners who have the right lifestyle and personality traits to meet their needs:
- Physically active and outdoorsy – Bird dogs need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation. Owners should enjoy running, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits.
- Experienced dog trainer – First-time dog owners may become frustrated with the high intelligence and extensive training needs of a bird dog. The ideal owner will be familiar with positive reinforcement techniques.
- Patient and consistent – Bird dogs respond best to training that is built around patience, repetition, positive reinforcement, routine, and consistency.
- Acreage or large securely fenced yard – Bird dogs need room to run and explore safely. Small, escape-proof city yards often don’t suffice.
- Time for training and socializing – In their first year especially, bird dogs need extensive socialization and obedience training to shape good behavior.
- Tolerance for shedding and slobber – Moderate shedding and slobbering comes with the territory for most bird dog breeds.
- Hunting experience preferred – While not essential, an interest in upland game bird hunting allows you to fully engage in the work that bird dogs were bred for.
Best Bird Dog Breeds for Pets
While all bird dog breeds share common traits, some are better suited than others for life as a family pet:
Breed | Qualities |
---|---|
Labrador Retriever | gentle, eager to please, great for active families, easy to train, minimal grooming |
Golden Retriever | friendly, patient, playful, highly trainable, good with kids, moderate shedding |
Boykin Spaniel | outgoing, social, energetic, compact size good for apartments, low prey drive |
English Cocker Spaniel | affectionate, gentle, good family dog, moderate exercise needs, frequent grooming required |
English Setter | playful, sweet natured, lower energy level, moderately easy to train, tolerates alone time |
Breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and English Cocker Spaniels tend to be the best bird dogs for thriving as both hunting dogs and family pets. They have the perfect blend of trainability, gentle dispositions, manageable exercise needs, and compatibility with children and other pets.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation Needs
As working dogs bred for endurance, all bird dogs require a substantial amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation. A bored or under-exercised bird dog is likely to develop problem behaviors like destructiveness, excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression. At a minimum, most bird dogs need:
- 60-90 minutes per day of hard exercise like running, hiking, swimming, fetch, or other rigorous activity
- 30 minutes of training practice or engaging play that taxes the mind like retrieving games or learning new commands
- Opportunities to explore off leash in safe, enclosed areas as often as possible
- A large, securely fenced backyard for safe play and exercise
- Mental stimulation from food-dispensing puzzle toys and chew toys
- Interaction with people and other dogs for socialization
- Avoidance of repetitive training exercises that can bore an intelligent dog
Most non-hunting pet owners struggle to meet the demanding exercise requirements of a bird dog. These breeds do best with owners who are naturally active, outdoorsy, and able to integrate the dog into their lifestyle.
Common Health Issues
While generally hearty, purebred bird dogs are prone to certain genetic health conditions that prospective owners should be aware of:
Breed | Common Health Issues |
---|---|
Labrador Retriever | obesity, elbow and hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease |
Golden Retriever | hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, cancer |
German Shorthaired Pointer | gastric torsion, cancer, hypothyroidism, eye issues |
Brittany | hip dysplasia, ear infections, epilepsy |
English Springer Spaniel | hip dysplasia, eye issues, rage syndrome |
Responsible breeders will screen breeding stock for common inherited disorders. Purchasing from a reputable breeder and maintaining good preventative care can help minimize health problems.
Training Tips
Here are some key training tips for successfully raising a bird dog as a pet:
- Start training early and be consistent – Bird dogs are intelligent and respond best to training that starts early and maintains routine.
- Use positive reinforcement – Food rewards, praise, and play motivate bird dogs. Avoid punishment-based methods.
- Work on recall training – Their hunting instinct makes coming when called very important, but challenging.
- Socialize frequently – Introduce your bird dog to a wide variety of people, animals, places, sights and sounds to build good manners.
- Prevent chasing behaviors – Reinforce ignore cues around the house with pets and limit access to rooms with pet birds.
- Use crates for housetraining – Crate training utilizes a dog’s denning instinct for quick and effective housebreaking.
- Provide mental stimulation – Rotate puzzle toys and training activities to keep their agile minds engaged and challenged.
Professional group or private training courses can also help establish important skills like socialization, basic commands, walking on leash, and overcoming problem behaviors. The time invested will pay off with a well-trained four legged hunting partner and family companion.
Finding a Bird Dog
Looking for the perfect bird dog to add to your home? Here are some options to find a puppy or adult dog:
- Breeder – Reputable breeders emphasize health and temperament. Expect to pay $800-$1200 for a puppy.
- Bird dog association – Groups like the American Kennel Club have referral lists of registered breeders.
- Rescue/shelters – Adopting from a rescue group or shelter can cost $50-$400.
- Classified ads – Sites like Craigslist sometimes have bird dog puppies or adults available through private owners.
- Training kennels – Some hunting dog training kennels have trained adult dogs available for purchase/adoption.
- Hunting dog events – Networking at hunting competitions and field trials provides bird dog connections.
When possible, try to evaluate the temperament of the parents to your potential puppy or dog for predicting traits.
Cost of Bird Dog Ownership
Bird dogs are not an inexpensive breed to own and care for properly. Here are some estimated costs of bird dog ownership:
- Purchase price – $800 to $1200 for a purebred puppy from a good breeder
- Supplies – $350+ for crate, leash/collar, dishes, toys
- Training – $100 to $500+ for private or group obedience classes
- Vet care – $400 to $800 for first year including exams, vaccines, spay/neuter
- Pet insurance – $300 to $600 per year for accident/illness coverage
- Food – $250 to $400 annually for a high quality dog food
- Grooming – $150 to $300 per year if done professionally
- Boarding – $25 to $45 per day
Annual costs for a bird dog will range from $1500 to upwards of $4000 per year depending on individual needs. Budget accordingly for this energetic, active breed!
Are Bird Dogs the Right Pet for You?
While often bred primarily for hunting prowess, some bird dog breeds have temperaments well-suited for life as both a canine working partner and family companion. Bird dogs can thrive as pets in active households able to meet their demanding daily exercise and training needs. Their intelligence, enthusiasm, and loyalty allows them to shine in the field and at home. For the hunter, outdoorsman, or extremely active individual or family, few breeds can compare to a bird dog!