Bird Gun Hunting Dog Breeds and Pointer Hunting Dogs
Setters, Pointers and other breeds: While there are a large number of breeds that fall into the category of pointers we will be delving into a few that for many reasons are the best of the pointers. It is also true that some bird hunting dog breeds that are not specifically considered pointers do in fact easily learn to perform this task while out on the hunt. To aid in a more in depth look at pointers we will be breaking them down into four groups: setters, pointers, griffons, spaniels and retrievers.
Setters: There are three well defined and distinct types of setters: Irish, Scottish (also known as the Gordon) and English. It seems that the origins of these three varieties are common and are all attached to continental spaniels. The term setter is actually a derivation of the old sitting spaniel and at the same time precedent of the work "sit" due to the way these breeds behave while hunting; they sit or lie before remaining still or immobile when finding their prey. Although the variety of setters date from centuries ago and their precedents and origins are somewhat confusing, it is known that in there are writings from the XVI century that give details about this breed. It seems that this breed was selected in France and then improved and revalued in England. England has, in one way or another intervened with the creation of several of the best breeds that exist today. Obviously because of this, the setter is a typical British dog. Obviously this breed is an excellent show dog because of their beauty and aspect and because of the docility that characterizes this breed. For this reason many English aristocrats adopted this breed and it became the in thing of that day. Rich people of those days used to have their own pack of this breed and used to have them trained according to the particular taste of the rich owners and this is why there are now variations of the English setter.
