Unlikely Retrievers: The Most Unusual Picking-Up Dogs

When it comes to picking-up dogs in the field, trusty Labradors and Spaniels are the go-to images. But as shown in the 2024 Game Shooting Census, sponsored by Lycetts, there’s a whole cast of quirky canines shaking things up.

1. Sausage Dogs: Proving Once Again that Size Doesn't Matter

Dachshunds, affectionately dubbed “Sausage Dogs,” were a crowd favorite in the census. Despite their size, multiple respondents described them confidently nudging ducks to shore or lugging game that seemed way too big for their little bodies. But it wasn’t just the Dachshunds making waves - their hardworking cousin, the Teckel, got plenty of mentions, too. One respondent mentioned seeing a Dachshund-Labrador hybrid, which is certainly a mix not seen every day in the field!

2. Collies: From Herding Sheep to Rounding Up Game

Collies and sheepdogs made several appearances in the census, proving their versatility goes far beyond rounding up sheep. Known for their intelligence, obedience, and boundless energy, they were spotted darting through drives with the same precision they use on the farm. It turns out these dogs can outsmart more than just livestock - they may even end up running the whole shoot if left to their own devices!

3. Huskies: Snow Dogs Gone Rogue

Huskies are typically more at home pulling sleds than retrieving game birds, but that didn’t stop them from making an appearance in the field. With their “built for winter” coats and boundless energy, they seem tailor-made for a frosty shoot day. Let’s just hope they don't try to pull their handlers to the Arctic mid-drive!

4. Rhodesian Ridgebacks: Need I say More?

Rhodesian Ridgebacks - known for their African lion-hunting roots - made a few surprise cameos in the field. While their power and stamina are undeniable, we can only hope they don't accidentally scare off the birds in the wrong direction - I know I'd be thinking twice...!

5. The Whippet Wonders

Fast and graceful, Whippets made repeat appearances on the list. Whether pure Whippet or crossed with Lurchers or Labradors, they impressed with their speed and agility. Long associated with the “cloth cap and Whippet” image, it turns out both the cap and the dog are equally well-suited to the shooting field. Lightweight, streamlined, and built for speed, pop a warm jacket on them and they're ready to go (though you might want to brace yourself for a few ribbings from your shooting pals on the jacket front - it’s not mollycoddling, it’s practicality!).

6. Spinone Italiano: The Bearded Gundog Pro

Spinone Italianos - burly, bearded, and brimming with energy - were bred for hunting work, and it shows. With their thick coats and muscular builds, they can power through dense undergrowth without breaking a sweat. However, their zest for food occasionally gets in the way - one Spinone was reportedly caught sampling the game. We’ll chalk that up to Italian enthusiasm for fine dining.

7. Scooby-Doo Cameo?

One field spotter claimed they saw “Scooby-Doo” in action. Whether it was a Great Dane (which had a fair few mentions) or just a nickname remains unclear, but the mental image is priceless. If Scooby were picking up, snacks would definitely play a central role.

8. Three-Legged Champs

Heartwarming mentions of three-legged dogs showed up often. From a “three-legged Vizsla” to several three-legged Spaniels and Cockers, these resilient pups proved that missing a limb is no obstacle to getting the job done. In fact, with their unwavering determination and knack for retrieving, it’s fair to say they put the “peg” in peg leg.

9. Terriers Galore

If there’s one thing we learned, it’s that Terriers bring their trademark stubbornness to the field. Jack Russells were repeatedly mentioned, as were Scotties, Sealyhams, and mixed-breed “working terriers.” One particularly memorable entry simply described a Terrier with a “bad day at Longleat.” We can only imagine.

Honorable Mentions: The Truly Unexpected

Yorkshire Terriers: A tiny size didn’t stop a Yorkie or two from trying to help.
Samoyeds: More suited to pulling sleds than picking up, but several sightings prove they’re up for anything.
Wolfhounds: Towering over the birds, and guns, with undeniable dignity.
Toy Poodles: Fashionistas or not, they’re highly intelligent and apparently game for fieldwork too.
“The Wife’s Jack Russell”: A relatable entry.
Schnauzers: From miniature to standard size, Schnauzers were mentioned for their gusto.
Salukis and Lurchers: Elegant and speedy, they brought grace to the field.
Many-a-mongrel: Jack-of-all-trades and masters of improvisation, they bring endless enthusiasm to any job in the field.

A Noah’s Ark

We couldn’t possibly write about every dog mentioned in the census - there were just too many! There were smaller dogs like Westies, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Corgis, all pitching in to retrieve (or at least making a good effort!). Bigger breeds like Newfoundlands, Munsterlanders, Greyhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Dalmatians, Rottweilers, Alsatians, and even Beagles joined the fun, each bringing their own unique charm.

The Takeaway: Never Underestimate the Underdog

Whether it’s a Dachshund, a Husky, or a “random mongrel”, the census proves that heart and enthusiasm count for more than pedigree in the field. The next time you’re out, keep an eye out for the unusual pickers. Who knows? You may even spot a Chihuahua getting in on the action - they had a handful of mentions, with one participant mentioning Rachel Carrie’s (instagram @rachelcarriehunting) Chihuahua, Ferdinand II - spotted here being very helpful indeed!

Thank you again to Lycetts for sponsoring the 2024 Game Shooting Census, and do let us know which breeds we're missing in the comments...