Dog guides

Gundog Breeds: Complete Guide

Gundog breeds were developed to work alongside people during shooting and retrieving, which is why many remain sociable, trainable and active family dogs today. The group includes retrievers, spaniels, setters, pointers and versatile working breeds, with different coats, sizes and stamina levels. Many gundogs enjoy water, scent work, carrying toys and learning structured tasks, but they can also become restless without enough exercise and companionship. Their health themes often include ears, skin, joints, cruciate injuries and weight management, especially in larger or food-motivated breeds. This index links to every gundog breed guide so UK owners can compare temperament, grooming, exercise needs and pet insurance considerations before purchase or researching a breed.

Golden Retrievers running on grass

Browse gundog breeds

Bracco Italiano dog

Bracco Italiano

Italian pointing breed with a distinctive look and steady working heritage.

View Bracco Italiano guide
Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Strong retriever breed known for stamina, water work and a protective nature.

View Chesapeake Bay Retriever guide
Clumber Spaniel dog

Clumber Spaniel

Low-set spaniel breed known for a calm nature and steady working style.

View Clumber Spaniel guide
Cocker Spaniel dog

Cocker Spaniel

Friendly, energetic spaniel that thrives with company and regular exercise.

View Cocker Spaniel guide
Curly Coated Retriever dog

Curly Coated Retriever

Distinctive curly-coated retriever with an active, confident character.

View Curly Coated Retriever guide
English Setter dog

English Setter

Elegant setter breed known for its gentle temperament and athletic history.

View English Setter guide
English Springer Spaniel dog

English Springer Spaniel

Energetic, affectionate spaniel often suited to active homes.

View English Springer Spaniel guide
Flat Coated Retriever dog

Flat Coated Retriever

Cheerful retriever breed known for a sociable outlook and active lifestyle.

View Flat Coated Retriever guide
German Longhaired Pointer dog

German Longhaired Pointer

Versatile pointing breed with stamina, intelligence and a working background.

View German Longhaired Pointer guide
German Shorthaired Pointer dog

German Shorthaired Pointer

Popular athletic pointer known for energy, versatility and trainability.

View German Shorthaired Pointer guide
German Wirehaired Pointer dog

German Wirehaired Pointer

Robust, active pointing breed with a weather-resistant coat.

View German Wirehaired Pointer guide
Golden Retriever dog

Golden Retriever

Much-loved family breed known for a friendly nature and enthusiasm.

View Golden Retriever guide
Gordon Setter dog

Gordon Setter

Scottish setter breed known for loyalty, stamina and a striking black and tan coat.

View Gordon Setter guide
Hungarian Vizsla dog

Hungarian Vizsla

Affectionate, athletic gundog often known for close bonds with its family.

View Hungarian Vizsla guide
Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla dog

Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla

Active, affectionate wirehaired breed with a strong working background.

View Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla guide
Irish Red and White Setter dog

Irish Red and White Setter

Athletic setter breed with a friendly nature and distinctive coat.

View Irish Red and White Setter guide
Irish Setter dog

Irish Setter

Elegant, energetic setter known for its red coat and lively personality.

View Irish Setter guide
Italian Spinone dog

Italian Spinone

Gentle, robust Italian gundog with a distinctive rough coat.

View Italian Spinone guide
Kooikerhondje dog

Kooikerhondje

Small Dutch gundog breed known for intelligence and a lively nature.

View Kooikerhondje guide
Labrador Retriever dog

Labrador Retriever

One of the UK's most popular family breeds, known for loyalty and enthusiasm.

View Labrador Retriever guide
Lagotto Romagnolo dog

Lagotto Romagnolo

Curly-coated Italian breed known for intelligence and scenting ability.

View Lagotto Romagnolo guide
Large Munsterlander dog

Large Munsterlander

Versatile gundog breed known for stamina, trainability and a striking coat.

View Large Munsterlander guide
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever dog

Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Compact, energetic retriever known for intelligence and enthusiasm.

View Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever guide
Pointer dog

Pointer

Athletic pointing breed known for speed, stamina and elegance.

View Pointer guide
Small Munsterlander dog

Small Munsterlander

Versatile medium-sized gundog breed with a lively working heritage.

View Small Munsterlander guide
Spanish Water Dog dog

Spanish Water Dog

Curly-coated, intelligent breed with working roots and an active nature.

View Spanish Water Dog guide
Sussex Spaniel dog

Sussex Spaniel

Low-set spaniel breed known for a steady nature and distinctive golden liver coat.

View Sussex Spaniel guide
Weimaraner dog

Weimaraner

Elegant, athletic breed known for a close bond with its family and high activity needs.

View Weimaraner guide
Welsh Springer Spaniel dog

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Affectionate red and white spaniel breed with an active, loyal nature.

View Welsh Springer Spaniel guide

Gundog guide questions

Common questions about gundog breeds and insurance-aware breed research.

What is a gundog breed?

Gundogs were originally bred to work alongside people to find, flush, point or retrieve game. The group includes retrievers, spaniels, setters, pointers and several versatile working breeds.

Are gundogs good family dogs?

Many gundogs are popular family dogs because they are often sociable, trainable and active. The right fit still depends on the breed, individual dog, training, exercise and home environment.

What insurance points matter for gundogs?

Policy wording may include terms around ongoing conditions, ears, joints, cruciate ligament rules, vet fee limits, excesses and pre-existing condition exclusions.

Are these guides financial advice?

No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.