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.
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.

Italian pointing breed with a distinctive look and steady working heritage.
View Bracco Italiano guide
Strong retriever breed known for stamina, water work and a protective nature.
View Chesapeake Bay Retriever guide
Low-set spaniel breed known for a calm nature and steady working style.
View Clumber Spaniel guide
Friendly, energetic spaniel that thrives with company and regular exercise.
View Cocker Spaniel guide
Distinctive curly-coated retriever with an active, confident character.
View Curly Coated Retriever guide
Elegant setter breed known for its gentle temperament and athletic history.
View English Setter guide
Energetic, affectionate spaniel often suited to active homes.
View English Springer Spaniel guide
Cheerful retriever breed known for a sociable outlook and active lifestyle.
View Flat Coated Retriever guide
Versatile pointing breed with stamina, intelligence and a working background.
View German Longhaired Pointer guide
Popular athletic pointer known for energy, versatility and trainability.
View German Shorthaired Pointer guide
Robust, active pointing breed with a weather-resistant coat.
View German Wirehaired Pointer guide
Much-loved family breed known for a friendly nature and enthusiasm.
View Golden Retriever guide
Scottish setter breed known for loyalty, stamina and a striking black and tan coat.
View Gordon Setter guide
Affectionate, athletic gundog often known for close bonds with its family.
View Hungarian Vizsla guide
Active, affectionate wirehaired breed with a strong working background.
View Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla guide
Athletic setter breed with a friendly nature and distinctive coat.
View Irish Red and White Setter guide
Elegant, energetic setter known for its red coat and lively personality.
View Irish Setter guide
Gentle, robust Italian gundog with a distinctive rough coat.
View Italian Spinone guide
Small Dutch gundog breed known for intelligence and a lively nature.
View Kooikerhondje guide
One of the UK's most popular family breeds, known for loyalty and enthusiasm.
View Labrador Retriever guide
Curly-coated Italian breed known for intelligence and scenting ability.
View Lagotto Romagnolo guide
Versatile gundog breed known for stamina, trainability and a striking coat.
View Large Munsterlander guide
Compact, energetic retriever known for intelligence and enthusiasm.
View Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever guide
Athletic pointing breed known for speed, stamina and elegance.
View Pointer guide
Versatile medium-sized gundog breed with a lively working heritage.
View Small Munsterlander guide
Curly-coated, intelligent breed with working roots and an active nature.
View Spanish Water Dog guide
Low-set spaniel breed known for a steady nature and distinctive golden liver coat.
View Sussex Spaniel guide
Elegant, athletic breed known for a close bond with its family and high activity needs.
View Weimaraner guide
Affectionate red and white spaniel breed with an active, loyal nature.
View Welsh Springer Spaniel guideCommon questions about gundog breeds and insurance-aware breed research.
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.
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.
Policy wording may include terms around ongoing conditions, ears, joints, cruciate ligament rules, vet fee limits, excesses and pre-existing condition exclusions.
No. These guides provide general information and education. They do not recommend an insurer, policy or level of cover.