Sporting Breeds

Dogs in the sporting breed group are easy to train and care for, and often seem to be perpetually young. They enjoy the attention of well-behaved children and will usually put up with some bratty behavior.

If you are active, then these dogs may be appropriate for you due to their highly energetic and active nature. Dogs in the sporting group include the setters, pointers, spaniels, retrievers and a handful of others, all bred to hunt game birds.

Some of them work in water, others on land or both. However, if you don't want to train your sporting breed, forget about the Weimaraner or Chesapeake Bay Retriever, for these breeds can be domineering if not taught to toe the line. If you have boisterous or overzealous children, cross the Cocker Spaniel off the list, for Cockers will not abide rough handling or teasing.

If you cannot keep your dog confined in a securely fenced yard when he's not under direct supervision, choose a breed that is more willing to be a homebody; the sporting dogs were bred to hunt, and most will take advantage of every opportunity to follow their noses up hill and down dale.