Bird Dogging

We’re going out today to learn about bird dogs.  They’re not dogs that fly, but working dogs. Dogs that actually go and hunt game birds like phesant, grouse, quail, ducks, and geese. In some parts of the country they are called gun dogs.  

Some examples of working bird dogs are Labrador Retrievers , Cocker Spaniels, Brittany Spaniels, Chesapeake Bays, English setters, Red setters, and German shorthair pointers. 

Bird dogs can be pointers, flushers, and retrievers. Pointers find the bird and point to it by holding completely still and sticking their tail out.  Some dogs also raise their leg in the direction of the bird.  Flushing dogs locate the bird and then flush it out so the owner can then down the bird. Just as it sounds, retrievers locate the down bird and retrieve the bird back to the owner.

Check out these two links to find out where you can explore more on bird dogs!
Edgewood Game Farm

Pheasants Forever