Gundogs are primarily grouped into 3 main groups, based around the work they are most suited to in the shooting field. Traditionally, these would be Pointers, Flushing Dogs and Retrievers .
Another common way to group them is in terms of Retriever, Hunting Retriever and Hunt Point Retrieve (HPR’s).

The Kennel Club defines the following breeds of dog to be grouped under the gundog category. In the shooting field however, you will find a number of other cross breeds or breeds unrecognised by The Kennel Club.

Traditionally, you would expect to see Spaniels, Retrievers and Pointers performing specific jobs in the field. However, some will act as ‘all rounders’, flushing birds as well as retrieving shot game.

Jobs on the shooting field

Gundogs play a very important role on the shooting field and can be used for a variety of tasks.

Beating
Beating is often performed by dogs bred specifically for the hunt, and is most often done by a spaniel. Spaniels have a great work ethic and their ability to quarter ground, scent and flush birds is second to none. On flushing a bird, it is important the dog remains steady to avoid having a dog running through the shooting field, chasing a single flushed bird.

Picking-Up
Picking up is one of the most important jobs on the shooting field. Any bird missed is a great loss and should always be avoided if possible. The picking up teams will often contain a mixture of breeds (generally a combination of retrievers and spaniels) and this varies dependant on the terrain being worked. It is important that dogs picking up can mark fallen birds as well as being steered into an area to hunt for fallen game.

Peg Dog
Although controversial, peg dogs can be seen at some shoots. They are often more of a companion dog and may only get the odd easier retrieve, although this varies between shoots.

Wildfowling
A dog is very important for wildfowlers; birds are shot and will often land in the water. The dogs are used solely for retrieving. This is often done from or over bodies of water. The Labrador is generally the dog of choice due to the thick double coat and great retrieving ability.

Rough shooting
When rough shooting, the dogs will perform a hunt and retrieve role. They will quarter the ground close to the gun and should be steady to the flush, this is important as the gun is shooting over the dog. The role of a rough shooting dog is often performed by a spaniel.