Field Spaniel

A Field Spaniel is a working dog, or bird dog that is used to flush out game and is ideally used in upland hunting.  It is believed to be a cross between several different types of Spaniels, all of which originated as gun dogs.

 

History Of The Field Spaniel

 

History of the Field Spaniel reverts back to a time when dogs were beginning to be developed for showing.  The original purpose of breeding the Field Spaniel was to get an all black dog for showing.  Because of the short legs and relatively long body, there is a theory that it was first developed as a cross between the Sussex Spaniel and the Basset Hound.  This cross produced health problems and the breed began to be crossed with the English Springer Spaniel to restore the Field Spaniel as a breed and save it from extinction.  Today, the Field Spaniel is considered a rare breed, although it is still popular as a show dog and works well as a hunting companion in the field. 

 

Appearance Of The Field Spaniel

 

The Field Spaniel has a dark coat of usually solid colors of black or brown.  Although not as short and long as the first Field Spaniels, the dog is long in proportion to height which is about 17 inches for a working dog.  A good Field Spaniel weighs about 40 pounds.  The long coat makes it ideal for hunting in various types of weather and allows for the dog to be adaptable to just about any type of lifestyle.  Hunters who live in small quarters often like the Field Spaniel as a hunting companion because of the smaller size of this animal. 

 

Use Of The Field Spaniel

 

Like most Spaniels, the Field Spaniel is an ideal flushing dog that is used for upland hunting.  This breed works well with not only hunting upland birds, but also small game such as rabbits.  It is not a difficult animal to train and can be less stubborn than other Spaniels, such as the English Cocker Spaniel.  In addition, it is a very sociable animal and will bond with other members of the family and can get along well with other pets, provided they are not the natural prey of the dog such as rabbits, birds or rodents.  Hunters that want a small dog that will be able to flush out game and can be taught to retrieve like the Field Spaniel as a hunting companion. 

 

Grooming of the Field Spaniel takes some doing and this breed can be prone to ear infections because of their long coat.  Nails must also be clipped regularly on this dog.  While the Field Spaniel is an ideal hunting companion with an easy going nature, care of the animal may present a problem to some hunters who do not want to spend a lot of time grooming the animal. 

 

The Field Spaniel is mostly seen in the United Kingdom, but it is also used as a gun dog in the United States, although not with as much frequency.  This breed makes a good all around hunting companion for those who hunt upland and small game, are looking for a more compact dog that flushes and can be taught to retrieve. 

English Cocker Spaniel

The English Cocker Spaniel are gun dogs that looks similar to an America Cocker Spaniel.  In other parts of the world outside of the United States, the English Cocker Spaniel breed is simply known as the Cocker Spaniel.  There is a great distinction between field dogs and show dogs in this breed.  The field dogs are used as an upland flushing dog. 

 

History Of The English Cocker Spaniel

 

Before WWII, the English Cocker Spaniel was more of a show dog than a working dog.  However, the breed has become increasingly used in the field.  The breed has been recognized by the AKC since the beginning of the early part of the 20^th Century, although they were the most registered breed.  They were considered to be largely show dogs until after WWII when they began once again being used in the field as a hunting dog.  Prior to that, the dogs were used for hunting to flush game in the mid 1800s.  The breed known today as the English Cocker Spaniel was recognized in 1874.  Because they were smaller dogs with a good disposition, they began being bred primarily as show dogs until post WWII.  Since then, they have gradually increased in popularity with hunters who are looking for a good, but compact, flushing dog. 

 

Appearance Of The English Cocker Spaniel

 

Field Cocker Spaniels differ greatly in appearance from show dogs as field dogs are bred to become hunting companions and the lines between show and field are rarely crossed in breeding these animals.  The coat on the field English Cocker Spaniel is shorter than the long coat on a show dog and the ears are also shorter.  Coloring of the coat is different as well.  Field English Cocker Spaniels are usually black and white or tan and white, making them easier to see in the field. 

 

A field English Cocker Spaniel will be about 15 inches high and weight about 28 pounds with females being slightly smaller.  Many hunters enjoy them as hunting companions because of their compact size. 

 

Use Of The English Cocker Spaniel

 

The English Cocker Spaniel is primarily a flushing dog that hunts upland birds and game.  It  is also taught to retrieve to hand.  In addition to hunting and retrieving, the English Cocker Spaniel must also be able to quarter and follow hand signals while pursuing wild game.  When used for flushing, he should also know how to perform steady to wing and shot and be able to sit when the gun is fired.  In upland bird hunting, the English Cocker Spaniel is an ideal hunting companion because he can not only assist in the hunt, but he can be taught to retrieve the bird as well. 

 

The negative aspects to hunting with an English Cocker Spaniel is that they can be stubborn.  They also tend to bond with one person in the family and are known as a “one man dog.”  Dogs that have more red or gold in their coat have been known to be more aggressive than those with more black or white in the coat.   Despite having a somewhat stubborn personality, they are intelligent animals and once trained, can be valuable all around hunting companions. 

Curly Coat Retriever

The Curly coat Retriever, or Curly Coated Retriever, is a upland gun dog that can also be used for hunting waterfowl.  They are large hunting dogs that are used most often in the United Kingdom and is distinguished by its coat,  that consists of dense tight curls all over its body. 

 

History Of The Curly Coat Retriever

 

The Curly Coated Retriever was one of the first recognized types of retrievers in the United Kingdom and the breed was firmly established as far back as the 1860s.  The other type of retriever that was recognized at this time was the flat coat retriever.  This gun dog was widely used in the United Kingdom and is also used as a gun dog in the United States as well, although it is not as popular as the other retriever types.  It is the tallest of all of the types of retriever and was developed to hunt waterfowl as well as upland birds.  Because they like the water, they are eager to cross streams and do whatever it takes to retrieve. 

 

Appearance Of The Curly Coat Retriever

 

The Curly Coat Retriever field dog is usually smaller that the show variety of this dog that stands about 25 inches height, with females being slightly smaller.  The weight of the Curly Coat Retriever is about 60 pounds, but can be less in field dogs.  The coat of the Curly Coated Retriever should be dark brown or black with some traces of yellow.  The nose of the breed should match that of the coat.  There should be no white patches on the coat of this breed as it indicates a flaw in the breeding of the dog.  When choosing a Curly Coat retriever, look for a dog that has no traces of white and that has a large nose that matches the color of his coat. 

 

Use Of The Curly Coat Retriever

 

Curly Coated Retrievers are used as hunting companions for upland birds as well as waterfowl.  They like the water and are adept at swimming.  They do well over large areas of ground and have been bred for hunting and retrieving, thus making it relatively easy to train the dog for these activities.  Because they enjoy running and swimming, they make for great gun dogs when hunting duck, geese or other waterfowl.  Like Golden Retrievers, they love the water and are excellent swimmers.  They are also very intelligent dogs and very athletic in the field. 

 

Drawbacks in hunting with the Curly Coat Retriever is that they can get bored easily and need stimulation.  If you rely on repetitive training to train the Curly, the dog may grow bored, making it difficult to train the dog in this manner.  The Curly Coat Retriever also requires quite a bit of exercise, but this can be done in the field or at home.  They are exuberant dogs and will not sit still for long in the hunt, unlike other retrievers that can stand still for longer periods of time.  In the home, the dog will usually be calm and, like most retrievers, is good around family members and even other pets. 

 

The Curly Coat Retriever generally exhibits good health and has a coat that is easy to maintain.  They are an ideal gun dog for someone who lives in a climate where there are extremes in temperature as they do well in both cold and hot weather. 

Clumber Spaniel

The Clumber Spaniel is a member of the spaniel family and are popular hunting dogs in the United Kingdom, where the breed originated.  It is distinctive for having a large head and is used for tracking in the hunt, especially in dense areas such as bushes or wooded areas.  There are advantages and disadvantages to hunting with the Clumber Spaniel who are used as tracking and flushing dogs. 

 

History Of The Clumber Spaniel

 

Like many breeds of dogs, the Clumber Spaniel has an uncertain origin.  Some believe that the breed formed during the French Revolution and has origins in France.  There are various theories of how this dog came to become a distinct breed of spaniel.  What is know for certain is that the Clumber Spaniel was used in the mid 1800s in the United Kingdom and was even mentioned in the diaries of Queen Victoria as this breed was used by her husband, Prince Albert, in hunting small game. 

 

The Clumber Spaniel was not known in the United States until the later part of the 20^th Century, despite being recognized by the AKC in the late 1800s.  In 1996, a Clumber Spaniel won the Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. 

 

Appearance Of The Clumber Spaniel 

 

The Clumber Spaniel is somewhat short and has a very heavy body, weighing on the average 68 pounds but being only 18 inches in height.  It is known to have somewhat of a hound expression on its face and a very deep muzzle.  The ears are very low set and the Clumber Spaniel has a very dense coat that makes it easy to use the dog when hunting in inclement weather.  The Clumber Spaniel coats are usually white with markings of yellow or orange in some cases.  The hunting variety of this dog matches the appearance of the show variety, although markings are not important when choosing a Clumber Spaniel as a hunting companion. 

 

What is important is that the nose is large and square.  Because the Clumber Spaniel is a dog that relies on scent to track and flush, it is important that the breed have a large nose.  You will notice that the legs are somewhat short and the tail is long. 

 

Use Of Clumber Spaniel

 

The Clumber Spaniel is a very good gundog when it comes to upland hunting.  This breed can also be trained to retrieve game.  One of the best aspects about hunting with this breed is that they are virtually unstoppable, once they get going.  They have been bred to press on with the hunt and not let anything get in their way.  They can do this due to their massive head and thick, soft coat. 

 

The size and short legs of the Clumber Spaniel, however, tend to slow the animal down during the hunt.  It is not a very fast dog and is not useful when it comes to hunting birds such as pheasants.  It is best to hunt birds that will flush or small game rather than birds that are apt to run.  The Clumber Spaniel also sheds quite a bit and drools.  This breed of dog can easily be lazy, but will work hard once you get them in the field.  They will often want to sit on your lap and have you stroke them, but cannot jump as they are prone to hip disorders.  They are good dogs for those who hunt upland in dense areas and want a solid hunting companion with a very easy going temperament that is not very fast, but is reliable. 

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog that is named after the Chesapeake Bay where it was bred.  It is known for being a gun dog that will hunt in all types of weather and can even break through the ice to retrieve game.  The nickname given to this breed of dog is the Chessie. 

 

History of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was first bred for being a water dog in the early part of the 1800s.  According to information obtained by the Chesapeake Bay Retriever Club, the dog has a history linked with the Newfoundland dogs that were rescued from a ship in the very early part of the 1800s.  The two dogs that were found were bred and the result was dogs that were very strong, had an excellent muscular carriage and a broad frame.  The dogs were well known along the eastern shore and were soon named after the Bay where they were founded.  The early history of this breed was called the Chesapeake Bay Ducking Dog because of its ability to retrieve ducks in all types of water, including the cold waters of the north. 

 

It is considered to be the official dog of the state of Maryland and has been bred in the United States for over 200 years. 

 

Appearance Of The Chesapeake Bay Retriever

 

This breed of dog has a large carriage and has a distinctive coat that is may feel oily that helps with water repellence.  The coat of the dog usually is a variation of several shades of brown.  There is usually a reddish hue to the coat that can vary from a yellowish red to a deep chestnut shade.  The breed has a broad head that is very round and has small ears.  The short and distinctive coat of the breed as well as a long tail make it distinctive from other types of retrievers, mainly the Labrador. 

 

Use of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever

 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a dog that makes an excellent retrieving dog in inclement weather.  Because of its powerful strength, it has been known to even break through the ice to retrieve water foul.  It makes an excellent and powerful retrieving dog with the only drawback being the fact that the slightly oily coat can sometimes give off a somewhat musky type odor.  The breed can live peacefully with the family, although you may find that this dog is a bit more protective and slightly more aggressive than other retrievers.  Some dogs are more assertive and can be willful, but others are much more outgoing with other people.  The Chesapeake Bay Retriever should be trained in similarity with other retriever dogs and will train just as easily as labs or goldens. 

 

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever loves water and swimming and can bear cold weather better than most retriever dogs.  It is a breed that is recognized by the AKC in the sporting dog category.  In Field Training, the dog is in Group 8.  The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is known as an excellent gun dog that likes to swim and can work well in cold weather.  A hunter who is seeking a hunting companion to retrieve in the cold weather can do well with the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Brittany Spaniel

Brittany Spaniel

 

The Brittany Spaniel is a gun dog that is used for bird hunting.  Although it is a member of the spaniel group, it is often compared to a pointer or a setter in its hunting capabilities.  Unlike other spaniels that are normally smaller in stature, the Brittany Spaniel is a larger dog that is just a bit smaller than the size of a pointer or retriever. 

 

History Of Brittany Spaniel

 

The Brittany Spaniel hails from France and is also known under other names such as the Brittany Pointer as well as the American Brittany.  The breed is recognized by the AKC although the breed is often referred to as an American Brittany instead of the Brittany Spaniel.  The breed of dog has been popular with hunters in France, the United Kingdom and in the United States for centuries and is said to be a cross between a Spaniel and a Pointer at one time.  The Brittany Spaniel is most often found in the United Kingdom and in France where they are used in hunting, although they are also used as gun dogs in the United States. 

 

Appearance Of The Brittany Spaniel

 

The Brittany Spaniel is about 20 inches high and males may be a bit taller.  The weight of the dog is about 40 pounds.  It is a mid sized dog with long hair, characteristic of a spaniel.  The ears of the Brittany Spaniel are large and floppy, with hair on the outside, also very characteristic of a spaniel.  It is an ideal gun dog for someone who wants a compact dog that can also cover a lot of ground.  Brittany Spaniels have long legs and have much energy, similar to a setter.  American Brittany Spaniels often are orange and white although you will also find them in various shades of orange to brown.  Field dogs generally have more variety in their coat than show dogs to make them stand out in the field.  Field dogs and show dogs of the Brittany Spaniel do not differentiate in size, although some hunters will cut the hair on the Brittany Spaniel in the summer to relieve it of its long coat, a luxury not afforded to show dogs.

 

Use Of Brittany Spaniel

 

Unlike other spaniels that are used to flush out game, the Brittany Spaniel is distinctive because it points.  The breed is a very intelligent breed that can be taught to flush out prey and hunts very similar in the manner of a setter.  They are ideal for hunting birds and upland game. They can also be taught to retrieve game as well. They are the ideal hunting companion for someone who wants a dog that is intelligent, compact and can point, flush and retrieve, although they are more inclined to point and must be taught the latter two skills. 

 

When you train a Brittany Spaniel, remember that it is a dog that has a very good nature and will learn best by positive reinforcement training methods.  They do not react well to training with electronic collars.  In addition to being excellent all around hunting companions, the Brittany Spaniel will get along with other members of the family, is good with children and even gets along well with other animals. They are very active animals so they do need to have plenty of exercise and very much enjoy hunting in a wide open field.  

The Boykin Spaniel

The Boykin Spaniel is a member of the spaniel group and is a medium sized bird dog.  It is believed to have originated in South Carolina in the early 1900s and is often used to hunt wild turkeys. 

 

History of the Boykin Spaniel

 

The Boykin Spaniel is named after Whit Boykin who named the breed after a single dog that was brought to him in the early 1900s.  Boykin noticed that the dog that appeared to be a Spaniel, was an excellent hunter.  He bred the dog with a female dog and the result was a breed of dog that appeared to be adept at hunting.  He named the breed the Boykin Spaniel and other hunters began breeding their gun dogs with the Boykin Breed.  The Boykin Spaniel was not recognized by the AKC until 2005, after many years of various clubs trying unsuccessfully to get the breed registered.  Over the years, the Boykin Spaniel became a distinct breed of gun dog that excelled at tracking, rallying and proved to be a very agile dog.  The breed is allowed to participate in AKC hunting tests, but is not fully registered with the AKC, although this is expected within 5 years.

 

Appearance of the Boykin Spaniel 

 

The Boykin Spaniel resembles the English Cocker Spaniel with some differences.  The Boykin Spaniel is larger than the Cocker Spaniel breed with the average male weighing between 30 to 40 pounds and being between 15 ½ inches to 18 inches in height.  Female Boykin Spaniels are slightly smaller than males.  The Boykin Spaniel has a chocolate colored coat that can also come in liver color.  It is small enough to take on a hunting trip where it can retain balance.  It is better suited for a warm climate and it is advisable to have the dog wear a neoprene jacket if hunting in a cold climate. 

 

Use of the Boykin Spaniel

 

The Boykin Spaniel is a natural hunting dog that works well with upland hunting.  It will naturally be able to quarter and flush game but must work within gun range of the hunter.  In warm water, the Boykin Spaniel is ideal for duck hunting as this breed loves water and can easily swim.  In order to make sure that the coat of the dog is conditioned for water fowl hunting and prevent the long coat from matting. 

 

Because it is so agile, it is adaptable for various types of hunting.  In addition to being an excellent hunter, the Boykin Spaniel is also a very obedient dog.  Many hunters enjoy using the Boykin Spaniel as a hunting companion because they are not only instinctive hunters when it comes to flushing out game, but also because they are easy to train.  Hey have a desire to please and an easy going temperament. 

 

The Boykin Spaniel is a breed of gun dog popular for use in the south, but is also a diligent hunting companion in the north with proper precautions.  Hunters who hunt in cold weather may find that the Boykin Spaniel is unsuited for this task and they are much more popular as hunting companions in the south.

 

Because this breed is very lively, they do require exercise on a daily basis and proper grooming to keep their long coat from getting matted.  They can get along well with members of the family and are good companions for the home as they prefer to be within a family environment. 

 

The Beagle

The Beagle is a hunting dog that uses scent to track game.  It is a member of the hound group and in addition to being hunting dogs used to track game such as rabbit and other small game, they are also used for their keen sense of smell as scent hounds at airports to detected prohibited products being imported from other countries. 

 

History of the Beagle

 

Although the Beagle as we know it today began being bred in the United Kingdom in the 1830 as a combination of other breeds of the hound group, including the Talbot Hound, it is believed that the Beagle has been used for its sense of scent for over 2000 years.  There are traces of the Beagle breed to as far back as ancient Greece and the dogs have been depicted in paintings, books and even on film since the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.   The Beagle was a very popular dog bred in England and became recognized by the AKC in 1884.  Early depictions of the Beagle in paintings do not resemble the image of the modern day Beagle. 

 

Appearance of the Beagle 

 

The Beagle is said to look quite a bit like the Foxhound although the muzzle of the Beagle is shorter.   It is a smaller breed hound that is about 14 inches high and will weight around 25 pounds on the average.  They have a large nose and their eyes are usually large and wide.  The coloring of the Beagle is usually a mixture of black, tan and white.  Field dogs will be smaller than dogs that are bred for show and the spotting will not matter as much on the field dog. 

 

There are several different varieties of Beagles and crossbreeds of the Beagle have been used as far back as the 1850s as hunting companions with the Beagle often being cross bread with a terrier so that it could retrieve.  There is a distinction between the English and the American Beagle with the English Beagle being slightly larger than the American version of this breed. 

 

Use Of Beagle 

 

Beagles were mostly used for hunting small game such as rabbits.  They were considered to be the ideal hunting companion for those who were just beginning hunting.  When hunting in the undergrowth, they are often preferred over spaniel.  Many hunters who hunt rabbit and other small game will hunt with more than one dog and the Beagle will stay with the pack, which can be very helpful if you are expecting a long hunt.  For the most part, the Beagle is ideal for rabbit hunting as it is quick and can easily flush out the rabbit due to its agility and remarkable sense of smell.  They have always been popular with those who wish to follow behind during the hunt, such as beginning hunters or those on horseback, because they will not stray yet will actively seek to flush out game. 

They are not used for hunting waterfowl and are most often used for upland hunting.  They will flush out game to assist the hunter, but do not retrieve. 

 

In temperament, the Beagle is a good companion dog and easy to train.  It is not known to be an aggressive dog at all, is very amiable and will get along with family members as well as other dogs. 

American Water Spaniel

The American Water Spaniel is a type of Spaniel that is used to hunt birds and other small game by flushing them out.   Although it is a flushing dog, it can be used to retrieve as well and loves the water.  Because of its small size, it is considered to be a good breed of gun dog for anyone hunting on the water in a small boat or even a canoe. 

 

History Of The American Water Spaniel

 

The exact history of the American Water Spaniel is relatively unknown.  There are those who say that the breed developed from a cross between the English Water Spaniel and the Curly Coated Retriever.  Others believe that it may be a cross between the English Spaniel and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.  

 

The breed was recognized by AKC in 1940 and is bred primarily as a hunting dog.  The peak of the popularity for this breed of dog was in the early part of the last century.  The American Water Spaniel is often called the “Forgotten American” because it is not shown much anymore, although there are enough fans of this breed to make sure that the breed line of this gun dog does not go anywhere soon.  There are very active associations for this breed including the American Water Spaniel Field Association. 

 

Appearance Of The American Water Spaniel

 

The American Water Spaniel is distinct in appearance because of its curly marcelled coat.  It is usually a very dark brown in color, although it can often have a black coat.  The coat is very thick and allows the dog to be able to resist many types of inclement weather, including the cold.  This dense and sculpted coat also allows the dog to swim easily.  The ears of the Water Spaniel are floppy like other spaniels but the coat is very short and curly.  The dogs weight from 25 to 45 pounds with males weighing a bit more.  They are about 16 inches in height. 

 

Use Of The American Water Spaniel

 

This breed is seen as a field dog.  It is used for hunting game in the field as well as water.   They will easily flush out game and can be trained to return the game to you.  The American Water Spaniel is used as a hunting companion for hunters who are often out in inclement weather and are looking for a dog that can swim and flush out as well as retrieve game.  They can be used to hunt upland birds as well as water fowl.  The compact size of the American Water Spaniel makes them an ideal hunting companion for anyone living in smaller quarters as they do not need a lot of room to be happy.  Consistence should be used when you are training the American Water Spaniel and you should avoid harsh training techniques when you are trying to train your dog as these can cause the dog to become aggressive or even shy away from you. 

 

The American Water Spaniel is an ideal hunting dog for those who are looking for a smaller gun dog that enjoys the water and can flush out and retrieve small game, upland birds or waterfowl.   

American Cocker Spaniel

The American Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog that is used in hunting wild birds and small game.  Like many other gun dogs, there is the show variety of the breed as well as the hunting variety.  In some cases, the dogs can cross over as hunting runs strong in the blood of the American Cocker Spaniel. 

 

History of The American Cocker Spaniel

 

The American Cocker Spaniel has been recognized by the AKC in the 1940s.  Despite its name, the breed originated in the United Kingdom where it was then brought to the Untied States at the end of the 19^th century.  There are considered to be a sporting breed.  The American Cocker Spaniel is often known as just the “Cocker Spaniel” and is distinct from the English Spaniel in that it is considerably smaller in appearance. 

 

The breed was established by the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed fro the English Cocker Spaniel in 1947.  At this time, it was recognized by the AKC as a breed apart from the English variety.  The name “cocker” came from the fact that Spaniels hunted for woodcock in England.  Although the breed that we know today as the American Cocker Spaniel was not officially recognized by the AKC until the 1940s and did not appear in the United States until the late 1800s, Spaniels of other varieties have been imported to the United States since the 1600s. 

 

Appearance of the American Cocker Spaniel

 

The American Cocker Spaniel is a long haired dog that is somewhat small in stature.  The average American Cocker Spaniel weighs around 23 pounds.   The colors vary including black and tan, tan, and black and white dogs.  The American Cocker Spaniel used in the field can be any color,  although most field dogs are a mixture of black and white, making it easier to spot them in the field.  Purely sable colored American Cocker Spaniels are not desired by hunters for fear that they can blend in with their surroundings. 

 

The long coat on the American Cocker Spaniel will shed twice a year.  In hunting dogs, many owners have the dog puppy cut in the summer months to make it more comfortable for the animal.  Field dogs of this breed tend to be smaller than the show variety with the average male being about 13 inches in height and about 20 pounds in weight. 

 

Use Of American Cocker Spaniel In Field

 

The American Cocker Spaniel is seen as a flushing dog and is ideal for hunting upland birds and small game.  Because of its small stature, it is ideal for flushing out prey in the field.  Spaniels are not natural retrievers, although they can be trained to retrieve with a good deal of patience.  Some hunters will use a Spaniel and a Retriever as hunting companions.   

 

Training your American Cocker Spaniel to hunt should be done without the use of harsh training.  They are a very lively dog and very easily excited, which can be distracting to some hunters.  However,  they have a very deep need to please, making them relatively easy to train.  Their small size makes it easy to keep the dog in the house when you are not hunting and they have a good temperament to get along with the rest of the family as well as other animals.  They are intelligent animals and have a lifespan of about 10 years, although smaller dogs tend to live longer.