Popular Sporting Dog Breeds

Originally bred for hunting, Sporting dog breeds are athletic, energetic, and friendly. If properly cared for and exercised, they can make wonderful pets, outdoor companions, and hunting partners. If you are considering looking considering  Sporting dog breeds, it is important to consider whether one of these dogs would be a good fit for you and your family.

Different types of hunting led to the development of many different breeds of Sporting dogs. Setters and Pointers were generally used to find, scare, or point out game to the hunter. Retrievers, such as Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers, were bred to fetch game after it had been shot and return it to the hunter.

If you are looking for good-natured, spirited dog, a Golden Retriever might be a good option. Golden Retrievers are generally large and energetic, so they do well in an environment with sufficient space and freedom. They enjoy human interaction, so they would not do well at home alone all day. Additionally, these dogs tend to do better with families if they receive formal behavioral training.

Another breed of Sporting you might consider is a Vizsla. These hunting dogs, slightly smaller than Golden Retrievers, have beautiful smooth rust-colored coats and light eyes. Vizslas are loving, intelligent, and highly trainable, but need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. Gentle yet playful, Vizslas can be wonderful playmates for energetic children. With the proper amount of exercise and training, a Vizsla can be the perfect canine companion.

Furthermore, you should consider whether your home would be appropriate for any breed in the Sporting Group family. Many Sporting dogs are more calm and well-behaved if they have space to run around and frequent socialization. A small apartment and many hours alone can lead to behavioral issues in these types of dogs. If you believe your lifestyle and home would be suitable for a Sporting dog, then finding your perfect canine companion will be the beginning of a long, loyal, beautiful friendship!

Nutrition Sporting Dogs Need for Peak Performance

Sporting dogs are a breed group of dogs that are typically used for hunting small game or birds. Not all kennel clubs list the same breeds in the sporting group for show, but pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniels are usually classified in this list. If you are considering getting a sporting dog, you should understand that these dogs are very energetic and require a lot of exercise.

Sporting dogs have different nutritional needs than your average pet dog. These types of dogs are like canine athletes. They work hard during hunting season and need to be at their peak performance. Flushing out and retrieving small game requires concentration and agility. When they are in the field, they may not have the opportunity to eat and get water like a pet might.

Human athletes use carbohydrates to load up before a big event. Hunting dogs use fat as a major source of energy, and it is recommended they get up to 60% of their calories from fat, with another 30-35% of their intake coming from protein. This supports their athleticism needs. When hunting dogs do not have the nutritional support they require, they can seem tired and listless when you need them to work.

High performance dogs can also use nutritional supplements to encourage joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are natural products that promote mobility when jumping and running. The nutrient L-carnitine will help metabolize the fat for optimum performance.

Dogs who work on the farm or hunt daily require many calories than the average pet. An all-purpose dog food will not harm the dog, but your dog will require more of it to get the calories they need. On the other hand, you should not feed a house pet a formula for high performance dogs. The extra calories will lead to many health problems.

Take care of your sporting dogs by providing them with the nutrition that meets their extra needs. They will feel better and hunt more efficiently for you.