The most popular dog breeds among guns

According to the 2020 Game Shooting Census, carried out by GunsOnPegs in association with Lycetts, nearly 70% of game shots own at least one dog, and it is a good bet that a fair proportion of the remainder probably dream of owning one in the future. But what are the most popular dog breeds among those who shoot?

1. Labrador

43% of those who said they have a dog own a lab, which is perhaps no surprise. Labradors are born half-trained, as the saying goes. They’re versatile, biddable and with natural retrieving instincts, they’re the obvious choice for many. Imported from Canada in the 19th century, they were initially prized as wildfowling dogs, but their intelligence, energy and the ease with which they can be trained saw them become increasingly popular for other forms of shooting. Although they’re among the biggest of traditional gundog species they generally have good temperaments and make good household pets. Labradors are among the most food-motivated breeds around, so getting their nutrition right is vital to keep them fit and healthy.

2. Cocker Spaniel

In second place, owned by around a quarter of dog owners, come the cockers. They’re a different proposition to the labrador - the second half of the saying mentioned above is that spaniels die half trained. They’re incredibly energetic and they’ll work all day long if you let them. They’ll also go where other dogs won’t, gleefully diving into thorny bramble patches in search of a bird where labradors might shy away. All spaniels are affectionate and their smaller stature makes them popular pets among game shots and non-shooters alike.

3. English Springer Spaniel

Hot on the heels of his close cousin, is the springer spaniel. Once upon a time, cockers and springers were considered to be one breed, the larger animals from a litter were called springers and the smaller ones, cockers. Today, they are recognised as different breeds but the size difference remains, with springers being slightly longer in the leg. Springers also have the classic two-tone coat, whereas cockers tend to be largely one colour. Again, they need plenty of exercise, and as such they make great dogs for days of walked-up shooting. Their name comes from their original purpose of flushing, or ‘springing’ game. With the demand for exercise comes the need for a good, balanced diet to ensure they are getting the fuel that they need.

4. Jack Russell

Originally bred as a fox terrier, they are characterised by a tenacious attitude which makes them well suited to the beating line, something that their smaller build also helps with by allowing them to get into spaces where even a cocker would struggle. Although small, they are full of energy and drive, are fearless, and often hugely entertaining to have around.

5. Border Terrier

Whilst Border Terriers may not make the best peg dogs due to their smaller size and lack of a real retrieving instinct, they’re machines in the beating line. Border Terriers, or “Terrorists” as they are sometimes affectionately known, are full of character and possess a certain bullet-headed charm that makes them an endless source of amusement. Whilst terriers might not have the stature of labs or spaniels, getting their nutrition right is just as important given their high energy levels and work loads.

No matter which breed you own - or dream of owning - all working dogs need careful management, from training through to nutrition to keep them fit, healthy, happy and, perhaps most importantly, able to work at their best in the field.