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10 Best Sporting Dog Breeds (and 10 Best Terrier Breeds)

10 Best Sporting Dog Breeds (and 10 Best Terrier Breeds)

Sporting dogs are built for action.
Terriers? Born for chaos.

One group charges through wetlands to fetch fallen ducks.
The other dives headfirst into tunnels, ready to face off with whatever’s hiding underground.

Both are fearless. Both are fun. And both have been stealing hearts—and muddy shoes—for generations.

Whether you’re looking for a loyal jogging partner, a bird-hunting champ, or a tiny scrappy sidekick with the confidence of a lion, there’s a breed in this lineup for you.

Let’s meet the dogs who were made to move, chase, and live life at full volume.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retriever
© Wags to Wiskers

Labrador Retrievers are renowned for their friendly and outgoing nature. They thrive in active households and enjoy engaging in various activities, from fetching to swimming. Labs are known for their intelligence and ease of training, making them ideal family pets.

Their loyal and gentle demeanor endears them to children and adults alike. Often used as therapy dogs, Labrador Retrievers bring joy and comfort wherever they go. Their playful spirit and adaptability make them a favorite choice among sporting dog enthusiasts.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever
© Happy Paws

Golden Retrievers possess a heart full of loyalty and a love for adventure. Known for their golden coats and cheery disposition, they excel in family settings. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train for various roles.

In addition to being wonderful companions, Golden Retrievers are often seen working as guide dogs and in search-and-rescue missions. Their gentle nature and patience make them perfect for homes with children. Known for their strong work ethic, they enjoy participating in sporting activities.

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer
© Healthy Paws

With its sleek coat and athletic build, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunting companion. These dogs are full of energy and require ample exercise to keep their minds and bodies active. Their intelligence and keen sense of smell make them excellent hunters.

German Shorthaired Pointers bond closely with their families, showing loyalty and affection. They thrive in active households where they can participate in outdoor activities. Known for their versatility, these dogs excel in various canine sports, making them a favorite among hunting enthusiasts.

English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniel
© The Spruce Pets

English Springer Spaniels are known for their lively and cheerful personality. Their expressive eyes and long, feathered ears add to their charm. These dogs excel in fieldwork, known for their agility and keen hunting instincts.

They bond closely with their families and are known for their loving and affectionate nature. English Springer Spaniels enjoy being part of family activities and thrive in environments where they receive plenty of attention. Their playful nature and zest for life make them delightful companions.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
© Daily Paws

Cocker Spaniels are cherished for their cheerful nature and expressive eyes. Their luscious coats require regular grooming, adding to their charm. Known for their friendly disposition, they make excellent family pets.

These dogs enjoy being part of a loving household and are known for their playful antics. Cocker Spaniels thrive in environments where they can engage in play and exercise. Their inquisitive nature and gentle demeanor make them a favorite among sporting breeds, bringing joy to families worldwide.

Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel
© J.Klein Photos

Energetic and spirited, the Brittany Spaniel is a breed that thrives on activity. With a history rooted in hunting, they excel in fieldwork and are known for their agility and endurance. Their enthusiastic nature makes them a joy to be around.

These dogs are highly trainable and form strong bonds with their families. Brittany Spaniels enjoy participating in outdoor adventures and are happiest when they’re on the move. Their friendly disposition and ability to get along with other pets make them a wonderful addition to active households.

Vizsla

Vizsla
© Sportsman’s Pride

The Vizsla is known for its graceful appearance and energetic personality. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and bond deeply with their families. Their sleek, rust-colored coats and athletic build make them stand out among sporting breeds.

Vizslas require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They thrive in active households where they can engage in various activities. Known for their intelligence and trainability, Vizslas excel in obedience and agility training, making them a popular choice among dog enthusiasts.

Weimaraner

Weimaraner
© Horse & Hound

Weimaraners are known for their striking appearance and boundless energy. Their sleek, silver coats and expressive eyes give them a distinctive look. These dogs are affectionate and form strong bonds with their families.

Weimaraners require plenty of exercise and enjoy participating in outdoor activities. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them easy to train for various roles. Known for their loyalty, Weimaraners are protective of their loved ones, making them excellent companions for active families.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever
© Pheasants Forever

Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are known for their rugged appearance and determined personality. With a history rooted in waterfowl hunting, they excel in retrieving and are known for their endurance.

These dogs are highly intelligent and have a strong work ethic. They form close bonds with their families and are known for their protective nature. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers require plenty of exercise and enjoy participating in outdoor activities. Their loyal and steadfast personality makes them a favorite among sporting dog enthusiasts.

Irish Setter

Irish Setter
© Daily Paws

Irish Setters are known for their striking red coats and exuberant personalities. These dogs are full of energy and love to run, making them ideal companions for active families. Their friendly and outgoing nature endears them to everyone they meet.

Irish Setters require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Their intelligence and eagerness to learn make them easy to train for various activities. Known for their elegance and grace, Irish Setters thrive in environments where they can explore and engage in outdoor adventures.

Jack Russell Terrier

Jack Russell Terrier
© Southwest Ohio Parent Magazine

Jack Russell Terriers are bundles of energy with a fearless and adventurous spirit. Their small size belies their big personality, making them a favorite among terrier enthusiasts. Known for their intelligence and tenacity, they excel in various canine activities.

These terriers thrive in active households where they can participate in play and exploration. Jack Russell Terriers are known for their strong prey drive and agility, making them excellent hunters. Their spirited nature and quick wit ensure they are always the center of attention.

West Highland White Terrier

West Highland White Terrier
© Chewy.com

West Highland White Terriers, often called “Westies,” are known for their lively and curious nature. Their iconic white coats and bright eyes add to their charm. These terriers are bold and confident, always ready for an adventure.

Westies form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being part of daily activities. Known for their intelligence and independence, they are easily trained for various tasks. Their playful demeanor and affectionate nature make them wonderful companions for both families and individuals.

Scottish Terrier

Scottish Terrier
© Country Life

Scottish Terriers, known for their dignified and independent nature, are a classic terrier breed. Their distinctive appearance, complete with bushy eyebrows and a wiry coat, makes them easily recognizable.

These terriers are loyal and form strong bonds with their families. Scottish Terriers enjoy being part of family activities and are known for their playful yet reserved demeanor. Their intelligence and tenacity make them excellent watchdogs, always alert and protective of their loved ones.

Cairn Terrier

Cairn Terrier
© PetMD

Cairn Terriers are spirited and courageous, with a history rooted in hunting small game. Their shaggy coats and expressive eyes give them a charming appearance. Known for their intelligence and curiosity, they are always ready for an adventure.

These terriers thrive in environments where they can explore and play. Cairn Terriers form strong bonds with their families and enjoy participating in daily activities. Their playful nature and affectionate demeanor make them beloved companions for families and individuals alike.

Border Terrier

Border Terrier
© Border Terrier Club of America

Border Terriers are known for their affectionate and friendly nature. Their wiry coats and expressive eyes add to their appeal. These terriers are energetic and enjoy being part of family activities.

With their strong prey drive and intelligence, Border Terriers excel in various canine sports and activities. They form strong bonds with their families and are known for their loyalty and devotion. Their playful and adventurous spirit makes them ideal companions for active households.

Fox Terrier

Fox Terrier
© Scrumbles

Fox Terriers are known for their lively and energetic personality. Their distinctive appearance, complete with a sleek coat and bright eyes, makes them stand out in a crowd. These terriers are intelligent and curious, always eager to explore.

Fox Terriers form strong bonds with their families and enjoy participating in various activities. Known for their strong prey drive, they excel in hunting and agility sports. Their playful nature and adventurous spirit make them wonderful companions for active households.

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier
© megsyarb

Airedale Terriers, known as the “King of Terriers,” are the largest of the terrier breeds. Their distinctive appearance, with a wiry coat and expressive eyes, makes them stand out. Airedales are intelligent and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families.

These terriers enjoy participating in various activities and are known for their playful nature. Airedale Terriers are protective and make excellent watchdogs, always alert to their surroundings. Their adventurous spirit and affectionate demeanor make them beloved companions.

Norwich Terrier

Norwich Terrier
© PetMD

Norwich Terriers are small but mighty, with a cheerful and adventurous personality. Their compact size and wiry coats give them a charming appearance. Known for their intelligence and curiosity, they are always ready to explore.

These terriers form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being part of daily activities. Norwich Terriers are known for their playful and affectionate nature, making them wonderful companions for both families and individuals. Their spirited demeanor ensures they are always the center of attention.

Bull Terrier

Bull Terrier
© Wag!

Bull Terriers are known for their unique appearance and playful personality. Their egg-shaped heads and muscular build set them apart from other terrier breeds. These dogs are full of energy and thrive in active households.

Bull Terriers form strong bonds with their families and are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. Their intelligence and curiosity make them quick learners, excelling in various canine activities. With their spirited demeanor, Bull Terriers bring joy and laughter to any home.

Bedlington Terrier

Bedlington Terrier
© Chewy.com

Bedlington Terriers are known for their unique appearance, resembling a lamb with their curly coats and gentle curves. These terriers are intelligent and loyal, forming strong bonds with their families.

Bedlington Terriers thrive in environments where they can participate in activities and explore their surroundings. Their affectionate nature and playful spirit make them wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. Known for their versatility, they excel in various canine sports, bringing joy to all who know them.