A rugged, harsh-coated versatile gundog that points and retrieves on land and in water. Known as a deliberate, biddable 'supreme gundog' and an affectionate, people-loving family companion for active homes.
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Educational only. KinStation content is reviewed by licensed veterinarians but cannot replace an in-person exam. Always consult a licensed veterinarian or board-certified specialist for diagnosis, treatment, or any decision affecting your pet's health.
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From the minimum an animal needs to be kept humanely, up to the ideal setup. Bigger is almost always better — minimums are floors, not targets.
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Minimum
House with yard + serious daily exercise
House + secure yard + 60–90 min exercise
A large dog can adjust to apartment life only with an athletic owner; most do better in a house with a secure yard and 60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily. Crate-train and supervise free-roam until reliably mannered.
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Recommended
Suburban home + ¼-acre fence + 90 min exercise
House + ¼-acre fenced yard + 90 min exercise
A suburban property with a quarter-acre or larger securely fenced yard, 90 minutes of daily exercise split across walks and off-lead time, and consistent training. Most large breeds peak in this setting. High-drive working breed — the recommended tier still demands daily structured mental work (training, scent games, herding ball, fetch with rules), not just walks.
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Ideal
Rural / acreage home + sport or working role
Acreage + secure fencing + canine sport / working role
Versatile gundog — field bird work satisfies the heritage. — ideal is acreage or rural property paired with a daily job or canine sport: herding stock, scent detection, agility, protection sport, sledding, gundog field work, or a structured working role. Without that outlet, expect destructive behaviour, reactivity, and welfare-relevant frustration.
Life & growth stages
How this animal changes through its life — each stage often has its own care, diet and space needs.
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Newborn
Newborn mammals are nursed on their mother's milk. Many are born helpless — blind, deaf, and sparsely furred (altricial, as in dogs, cats, and rodents) — while others stand and follow within hours (precocial, as in hoofed livestock).
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Juvenile
After weaning, juveniles grow quickly and become increasingly active, playful, and independent. Adult coat, proportions, and (in many species) the permanent teeth come in as they approach full size.
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Adult
Adults reach full body size and sexual maturity, with the species' mature coat and build. Sexual dimorphism — differences in size, mane, horns, or markings — is pronounced in some mammals and subtle in others.
Senior
Senior animals show aging signs such as graying fur, reduced activity, and a greater need for veterinary monitoring of joints, teeth, and organ function. Lifespan and the onset of old age vary widely by species and size.
Color & pattern variants
Natural variants occur in the wild; selectively bred (man-made) variants were developed in captivity.
Not an apartment breed for most owners — needs a home with space and, ideally, a securely fenced yard. Requires substantial daily exercise (60-90+ minutes of running, hiking, swimming or field work) plus mental engagement. Thrives with an active, outdoorsy family and access to water; under-exercised dogs become restless.
Diet
Quality active-sporting-dog diet matched to workload. As a larger, deep-chested breed, feed measured meals and avoid heavy exercise right after eating to reduce bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) risk. Keep lean to protect hips and joints; raise food/water access if advised for large deep-chested dogs.
Behavior & temperament
Gentle, eager to please, sociable and trainable — one of the more biddable pointing breeds. Calm and methodical in the field but energetic and playful at home. Excellent with children and generally good with other dogs; bred to work with people so it bonds closely and dislikes being isolated. Needs a job or it can become bored. Moderate prey drive directed at game.
Health
Generally sound. Watch for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye conditions (entropion, ectropion, cataracts), ear infections (drop ears + water work), hypothyroidism, and as a deep-chested breed, bloat/GDV. Recommended screening: OFA/PennHIP hips, elbows, eye (CAER) and thyroid evaluation per parent club guidance.
Tips, DIY & hacks
The harsh, wiry weatherproof double coat is low-shedding and ideally maintained by hand-stripping; weekly brushing prevents matting in the beard, eyebrows and legs. Clean and dry ears after swimming to prevent infections. Bathe only as needed. Provide field work, retrieving, swimming or canine sports to satisfy its drive, and plenty of human companionship.
