Mike Stewart and a German shorthaired pointer, near Granite, Colorado

The world of the versatile sporting dog is where we live daily at our facility.  Dogs capable of pricking waterfowl by morning, hunting upland birds in the afternoon, then possess the temperament to make a great family member that evening.  Today, many sportsmen hunt a variety of game in various locations across the country.  These enthusiasts also wish to have a companion for other outside pursuits and travel.  The one dog fits all objective is a tall order to fill for any animal, but there are breeds of sporting dogs and some select trainers producing just this type dog.

One of my clients, Joe Auteri, says of his lab Flynn, “He goes with my wife, Maria, when she drops off the kids at school riding in a red convertible VW bug.  With Flynn on the front seats, she says she gets more comments about the dog than she does about her prized car.”

Auteri says Flynn travels each year with his buddies to the Colorado River to hunt duck and fly fish.  “He’s a fantastic hunter, family dog, and patient in temperament.”  He hunts duck with enthusiasm and accompanies him on a float fishing trips, a true, versatile sporting companion.

There are five main categories of sporting dogs to consider, each with varying attributes:  pointers, retrievers, flushers, treers and trackers.  First, to understand versatility, keep in mind instinctive traits as opposed to skills trained in.  No single breed will perfectly match all the necessary skills one might wish for in versatility.  Pointers may lack a bit at retrieving ability.  Certainly spaniels , traditionally bred to flush birds, may be compromised as a pointer.  Select breeds based upon your primary desired utilization and keep expectations for other skills reasonable.
Next, match the energy level of the dog to yours and your lifestyle.  Performance-bred, competitive retrievers may prove to be a handful on a duck hunt or a hike.  A dog from show lines can be an attractive specimen but lack the natural gamefinding abilities and trainability for field pursuits.  Pointers and hound breeds are independent in nature and may not be enjoyable on a hike or a float trip.

In selection, think:
•    Desirable skills needed
•    Energy level and lifestyle considerations
•    Reasonable expectations

The Versatile Breeds:
•    Retrievers:  Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retriever, Nova Scotia Towler
•    Pointers:  German Shorthair Pointer, Hungarian Vizla, Brittany Spaniel, Wiemarener
•    Spaniels:  Field-Bred English Cocker, English Springer Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel