Why a Brittany? Although it’s not unusual to be asked for guidance, the majority of buyers have already decided on their breed of choice, be it spaniel, retriever or HPR.…
David Tomlinson
Curing hard mouth: is it possible in a gundog?
Not many of us give a second thought to retrieving, as it’s simply what gundogs do. However, it’s not quite as natural as it may seem — though a dog…
How to keep your gundog safe on a shoot
We’re in the middle of the shooting season now and I thought it would be time to offer some advice on how to keep your gundog safe. Accidents, as we…
Striped labradors – yes they really are a thing apparently
Some breeders are now selling ‘striped labradors’. Skilled labrador breeders invariably have a detailed knowledge of their dogs and know which of their animals carry yellow or chocolate genes, selecting…
Dog walking facts – yes, taking your four-legged companions out does you both good
You would tend to think that for dogs, the dog walking benefit is more physical than mental, but a recent study, undertaken by Sarah Yarborough of the University of Washington,…
The Irish water spaniel
Hunt, point and retrieve (HPR) dogs are increasing in popularity but it’s unusual to see an Irish water spaniel in the field, although it could lay claim to being the…
Crossbreed gundogs: the rise of the working mongrel
Pennine pointer. It’s not a breed recognised by the Kennel Club and it’s not really a breed at all (like all crossbreed gundogs), but it is a tough, all-round gundog…
Have vets got too big?
Last month, a friend tried to take his dog to the vet as he was concerned about a fast-growing cyst. The dog is a German shorthaired pointer that has worked…
Ernest Hemingway – a remarkable Shot and author
It’s 60 years since Ernest Hemingway, one of America’s greatest writers and novelists, died. It’s an anniversary that has reminded many of his skills as an essayist, for his prose…
Should you clip your dog’s coat for the summer?
I own a working cocker spaniel that is 12 months old. Can you please give me advice on how to look after its coat, as some say you can cut…
Kennel Club registrations in 2020 – which dogs were most popular?
There was a great surge in dog ownership last year, but this didn’t benefit the Kennel Club registrations as much as you might expect. It seems that many of the…
Sprocker or cocker spaniel? How can you tell them apart?
Should you get a sprocker or cocker spaniel? I admit to being a fan of sprockers as I like their hybrid vigour. They are not a designer cross-breed like a…
Braque du bourbonnais – a dog with a genuine sporting pedigree
What’s a braque du Bourbonnais? It’s a question that braque owners are frequently asked and most will tell you that it’s a type of French gundog, one of a group…
Which breed would suit you better – a springer or a cocker spaniel?
So you’re looking for a spaniel, rather than a Labrador. But that’s just where the decision starts. What sort of spaniel would suit you best? What are you considering in…
Can a show-bred dog really be a working dog too?
There’s one piece of advice for the would-be gundog owner in every book I have: if you want a puppy to bring on as a gundog, make sure you buy…
Just how much time does the average dog spend sleeping and why?
Sleep dog times Dogs spend as much as half of their day asleep, while for around 30% of the time they will be awake but merely keeping an eye on…
Why the bracco Italiano has real flair and all-round working ability
Though the bracco Italiano is one of the most visually striking of gundogs, it is also one of the most rare. I was delighted to receive an email from Michelle…
What’s ahead for field trials in 2021?
All being well as we come out of the paralysis of lockdown, field trials for dogs will return once again. Pointer and setter handlers will have missed the early spring…
How to protect dogs from poisonous slug pellets
Dogs and slug pellets don’t mix and are in fact a lethal combination. Losing a fit and healthy dog through poisoning is dreadful, as illustrated by this story I heard.…
Italian gundogs – what are their strengths in the field?
I’ve written recently about both French and German gundogs. On the same theme, this is a piece about Italian gundogs, but it wasn’t one I was planning to write. However,…