27-Oct-2026
Ask ten shooters which dog to get and you will hear eleven opinions. The truth is that the “best” hunting dog depends far less on breed reputation and far more on the shooting you do, the space you have at home, and how much time you can put into training. A superb picking-up Labrador would be miserable in a flat with no exercise, and a keen springer will happily wear out a family that expected a quiet companion.
This is a general guide for people who are weighing up the three gundogs most commonly seen on UK shoots: the Labrador retriever, the English Springer Spaniel and the Cocker Spaniel. We keep to broad characteristics, because every dog is an individual, and a well-bred, well-trained example of any of these can do the job. If you are earlier in the process, our hunting dog guide and our gundog overview are good places to start.
Start with the job, not the breed
Before you meet a single puppy, write down what you want the dog to do. Is it to retrieve shot birds on a driven day, to push out game in thick cover on a rough shoot, to work in water for wildfowl, or to be a calm companion that comes to the peg and sits quietly? Many people want some of each, and that is fine, but knowing your priority makes the choice much clearer.
Think honestly about your own shooting season too. If you shoot three or four days a year, a dog that needs a great deal of daily work to stay settled may not suit you. If you are out most weekends, a high-energy working dog could be ideal.
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The Labrador retriever
The Labrador is the classic retriever and still the most common sight at the end of a drive in the UK. Labradors are known for steady temperament, willingness to please and a strong love of water, which makes them a natural choice for picking up and for wildfowling. Many are calm enough to wait at the peg or on the bank for hours.
The caveats are mostly about suitability. A Labrador bred from working lines will be a different animal from one bred largely for the show ring or as a family pet, so ask about parentage, and be prepared for the exercise and mental work any retriever needs. They also have a reputation for loving food, so keep an eye on their weight through the season.
Best for: driven days, picking up, wildfowl and anyone wanting a steady, trainable dog.
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The English springer spaniel
The Springer is a flushing dog: its job is to quarter the ground in front of the guns, find game and push it into the air. That calls for drive, nose and boundless energy, and springers deliver all three. For rough shooting, hedgerow work and walked-up days, a good springer is hard to beat, and many are also excellent retrievers.
The flip side is that a springer is typically a dog that needs a purpose. Without regular exercise and training it can become frustrated, noisy, or destructive. Early work on steadiness and recall matters, because a keen dog that will not stop when asked can be a safety problem as well as an annoyance.
Best for: rough shooting, walked-up days, beating and anyone who enjoys working a dog hard.
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The cocker spaniel
The working Cocker is smaller than the Springer, but do not mistake size for lack of drive. Cockers are quick, agile and tireless in cover that would stop a bigger dog, and their compact size makes them very popular with people who also want a dog that fits in the car and the house. Many shooters find the working cocker an engaging, affectionate companion as well as a capable gundog.
Like the springer, the cocker rewards early training and plenty of activity. Working-bred cockers can be very energetic and sensitive, so they suit people who are patient and consistent. If you want a dog mainly for the shooting field, look for a litter from proven working lines rather than a show or pet line.
Best for: rough shooting, pigeon and rabbit days, smaller households and handlers who enjoy training.
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What about other breeds?
People regularly ask whether other breeds make good hunting dogs, and the answer is that many do. Pointers and setters excel on moorland, hunt-point-retrieve breeds suit those who want an all-rounder, and some terriers and lurchers have their own roles. A dog from a non-traditional gundog breed can work well, but it is worth talking to people who have trained that breed for your type of shooting first.
Whatever you choose, buy from a reputable breeder, see the parents working if you can, and ask about health testing. A good start in life makes a big difference. Our guides to choosing a gundog puppy and bringing a gundog puppy home cover the early weeks in more detail.
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Kit, training and care
Whichever breed you pick, a few things apply. Start training early and keep sessions short and positive. Socialise the dog with gunfire gradually, never rushing it. Keep a dog first aid kit in the car and know the basics, and have a proper way to keep the dog warm and dry after a wet day. Our dog first aid guide is worth a read before the season starts.
You will also want practical kit: a good lead and whistle, a waterproof coat or drying towel, and a secure travel crate. Rightgun.uk carries dog-related equipment alongside shotguns, rifles and accessories, so you can build the whole picture in one place.
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FAQ
What is the best hunting dog for a beginner? Many first-time owners find a Labrador from working lines the most forgiving, thanks to its steady temperament, though any dog needs consistent training.
Are Springer Spaniels good for rough shooting? Yes. The springer’s drive and nose make it a favourite for walked-up and rough shooting, provided it gets enough exercise and training.
Are German shepherds good hunting dogs? They can be trained for various jobs, but they are not a traditional UK gundog. If you want a dog for the shooting field, a retriever or spaniel from working lines is usually the more straightforward path.
How much exercise does a working gundog need? Working-bred gundogs generally need substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation, so be realistic about the time you can commit before choosing.
Find the kit you need
Once you have chosen your dog, make sure you are properly equipped for the season ahead. Browse dog equipment, shotguns and accessories on Rightgun.uk, and if you have kit you no longer use, list it for other shooters to find.
Further reading: Hunting dog guide, Gundog overview, Choosing a gundog puppy, Dog first aid, and How to shoot a crossing pheasant.
