Do I want a spaniel or labrador? | Shooting tips, gun dog training and field sports queries | Shooting UK

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Do I want a spaniel or a labrador?

The labrador breed has been developed for its retrieving skills.

Tuesday, 22 August 2006

I go rabbit and pigeon shooting, and now intend to get a gundog. I am not sure which breed to go for. A friend says Labradors are born half-trained and spaniels die half-trained! I ideally want a dog to flush game and to retrieve it. Any advice, please?

A:

An English springer spaniel from good working stock is an ideal choice for the one-dog roughshooter.

These dogs can be trained as competent shooting companions; to sit steadily in a pigeon shooter's hide, as well as to hunt to flush game and retrieve from all sorts of prickly, thick cover.

Your friend is obviously a labrador supporter and has probably never had the pleasure of owning a good English springer spaniel.

Labradors can, and do, make good roughshooting dogs, but they are not always placid companions and many of the top strains can be fast and need expert handling.

The labrador breed has been developed for its retrieving expertise first and foremost, whereas spaniels have been bred for hunting excellence and as the roughshooter's companion.

Whichever breed you choose, seek sound advice to make sure the animal is fully trained for life.