European Gundogs

European Breeds - An Eclectic Mix

The list of European gundog breeds is, seemingly, inexhaustible with every country in Western and Central Europe laying claim to its own particular breed.  In reality, many of the European breeds of working gundogs are variations on two or three themes.

In Ireland, the European breeds are often referred to as the Hunt, Point & Retrieve gundogs because that is exactly what they are required to do.  Many of the breeds are similar in appearance to one and other,  and  indeed, to some of the British and Irish breeds of dogs.  They hunt up game like a spaniel, hold it like pointers or setters and then retrieve it like a conventional retriever.  Utility gundogs?  It can be argued that they are or are not?  

They are without doubt some of the most attractive and interesting gundogs in the world.  The following pages contain a variety of European breeds of gundogs.  All are designed to hunt, point or retrieve the game found in their native lands.  Some may be familiar, others seen and described here for the first time.