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Sporting Dog Breeds: Types, Traits, & Sizes

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black and white sporting dog laying in field with a tennis ball in its mouth — Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be sporting dogs, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.

39 Dog Breeds

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Slanted side view of a standing Munsterlander dog breed against a white background

Munsterlander

Sweet and calm, the Munsterlander is a sensitive dog that requires gentle leadership. They are intelligent and eager, making them highly trainable. They are enthusiastic without being boisterous and are friendly to those they know. Always down to play, they thrive on human companionship and love to be around their families. They are vigilant watchdogs, meaning that they aren’t afraid to bark. The Small Munsterlander is slightly more independent than the Large Munsterlander. 

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Mostly black Dachshund dog breed standing side view with face forward against a white background

Dachshund

Close to the ground, short and sassy Dachshunds aren’t built to win any canine races, but they are built to win hearts. Part cuddle bug and part tiny dictator, this pup can be a pinch stubborn but remains endearing even in its most frustrating moments. Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs since they are always on high alert for their surroundings.

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Close up of a Miniature Dachshund dog breed looking up against a white background

Miniature Dachshund

The pint-sized Miniature Dachshund dog is bold and curious, always ready for an adventure. They enjoy chasing, digging, and engaging in scent-related games or activities. While they can be independent, they love to join in on family activities whenever possible. Dachshunds are generally good with children in their own families, though some may need careful introductions to unfamiliar children.  They tend to be reserved with strangers, and some are prone to barking. The long-haired variety is often quieter and less terrier-like, while the wire-haired variety tends to be more outgoing. Some miniatures may be more timid.

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Chocolate Dachshund Long Haired dog breed laying down with tongue out looking at the camera

Long-Haired Dachshund

Low to the ground with short legs and a long snout and an outsized personality, the Long-Haired Dachshund is game for just about anything. They are enthusiastic dogs with mighty personalities and a glamorous coat to match. They are loyal and good-tempered with an occasional stubborn streak and love the outdoors as much as they do being inside as a house dog. Vigilant watchdogs, they like to make everyone aware of threats through barking, but their endearing nature more than makes up for the noise. 

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Dachshund Wire Haired dog breed laying with paws forward against a white background

Wire-Haired Dachshund

This bearded little buddy is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality. Bred as rugged workers, Wire-Haired Dachshunds retain the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed while loyal and good-tempered. They love nose work, so don’t be surprised if one takes off without you, ignoring commands until they find the source. Affectionate and enthusiastic, they also make good house dogs. There’s no need to hire a security system—these vigilant watchdogs like to make everyone aware of imminent threats through barking, but their endearing nature more than makes up for the noise. 

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Standing white and red American Cocker Spaniel looking up and to the right against a white background

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel breed is a playful and energetic companion. These cheerful pups are brimming with confidence and abundant intelligence. American Cockers thrive in families with plenty of love, exercise, and training.

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Brittany Spaniel dog breed laying down with paws outstretched against a white background

Brittany Spaniel

Exceptionally bright and curious, the Brittany Spaniel has heaps of energy. They love to run, sniff, play, and romp and might exhaust their owners. They hate being alone and become destructive if left too long by themselves. They can be sensitive. If they receive good mental and physical stimulation, they are an ideal combination of a hard-working dog and a loyal companion. 

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nova scotia duck tolling retreiver dog breed sitting with tongue out against a white background

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Duck Tollers possess boundless energy and a playful spirit that makes them a joy to have around. Whether you're training for agility competitions or simply enjoying a walk, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers give their all with infectious enthusiasm. These intelligent pups may surprise you with their "Toller scream" when particularly excited, but their friendly nature and trainability make them wonderful companions for active families and dog enthusiasts.

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side view of english cocker spaniel with tongue out standing in front of a white background

English Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniels are cheerful and active dogs who love nothing more than to be around their human companions. They are eager to please their owners and are deeply devoted and loyal to them, although they can also be sensitive. These social butterflies make great family pets as they get along well with kids and other animals. 

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`Boykin Spaniel dog breed running across the grass panting

Boykin Spaniel

Friendly, happy, and eager, the Boykin Spaniel dog breed loves a family adventure, especially outdoors. They are eager and easy to train, making them good dogs for novice owners who are active. The Boykin Spaniel gets along with other dogs and pets, doesn’t bark too much, and is well-behaved inside when they get enough exercise. 

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white and brown english springer spaniel standing in front of a white background

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are the straight-A students of the dog world. They’re busy dogs who are intelligent, quick-witted extroverts who aim to please. They are well-mannered and friendly. The English Springer Spaniel breed was developed to be around people so they thrive on human attention and company. As a result, they make excellent family pets who will want to join in on all the family fun. They are active and do well with equally active families. English Springer Spaniels will never be able to turn down an opportunity to play, find items, and carry objects in their mouth, so fetch is truly just the beginning! 

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Standing Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog breed against a white background

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Skilled at retrieving and pointing, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dog is independent yet friendly. They do well in family life and are devoted and trustworthy dogs with a good sense of humor. Their trusting nature extends beyond family—they’ve never met a stranger, whether human or animal. 

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Lagotto Romagnolo dog breed sitting with tongue hanging down against a white background

Lagotto Romagnolo

Although all Lagottos Romagnolo dogs have the potential to work, they are excellent family companions, originally bred to do both. They don’t stereotypically “yap,” but they are suspicious of strangers and take time to warm up to new people. They can, however, be barky and vocal when alerting their owners to suspicious activity and the presence of a stranger. Out and about, the Lagotto loves to use its formidable nose, excellent swimming skills, and of course, digging skills. 

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Bavarian Mountain Hound dog breed lying at slight angle in grass

Bavarian Mountain Hound

Courageous and calm, the Bavarian Mountain Hound embodies a blend of strength and serenity. These dogs are the epitome of dedication, yet their reserved nature around strangers speaks to their discerning character. Incredibly determined and with a nose for adventure, the Bavarian Mountain Hound thrives when given a purpose—particularly one that involves sniffing and tracking. When their natural instincts are engaged, they transform into wonderful companions at home, affectionate and loving towards their owners. With the right balance of activity and affection, the Bavarian Mountain Hound proves to be an exceptional and steadfast friend.

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Spanish Water dog breed standing and panting against a white background

Spanish Water Dog

Friendly, happy, and even-tempered, the Spanish Water Dog is a bright and active dog. They are known for being Energizer Bunnies in dog form, always ready to be mentally and physically challenged. When trained properly and stimulated properly, they can make excellent family dogs. They bond closely with their families, especially one or two members in particular. They can be alert, which means they might bark, but they’re only trying to protect their home and family.

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Black curly Barbet dog breed sitting looking at camera in front of white background

Barbet

Thanks to their love for the water, Barbets can be mud-magnets. They enjoy walking, swimming, and retrieving. They are eager to please, so they respond well to training. 

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Bracco Italiano dog breed standing against white background

Bracco Italiano

Don't be fooled by their muscles; these dogs have a goofy and playful side that loves to cuddle and clown around. Loyal, energetic, and affectionate, they'll follow you around the house like a furry shadow, always ready to offer a wet-nosed greeting and a happy tail wag. They're bursting with energy and love learning tricks (when they feel like it), but their gentle side shines through with positive training. Don’t be alarmed if their hunting instincts might make them freeze in a "pointing statue" pose. It’s just their centuries-old hunting instincts kicking in.

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Welsh Springer Spaniel dog breed laying down with head up against a white background

Welsh Springer Spaniel

The Welsh Springer Spaniel dog is easygoing and while less enthusiastic than other spaniel types, they still adore physical activity. Hiking, walking, and anything outdoors is a dream day for the Welsh Springer Spaniel. Devoted to their families, they can also have an independent streak. They may even be timid with strangers, but good socialization is key to helping them build confidence.

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side view of golden vizsla dog breed standing against a white background with tail raised

Vizsla

With its larger-than-life personality, the Vizsla is an affectionate and energetic companion. These sensitive souls crave activity and thrive on positive training sessions. Their strong bond with their family makes them natural protectors, but it also means they aren’t a fan of being left alone. Vizslas are brimming with energy, making them perfect for those who love getting active outdoors. While some Vizslas might exhibit stubbornness, shyness, or excitability, their overall temperament is gentle, affectionate, and eager to please.  

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