For families or individuals hoping to find a dog that is easy to train and fun to live with, they should consider one from the Sporting Group classification. Dogs in this group include: pointers, retrievers, setters, and spaniels.

The extraordinary bond between Sporting breeds and people is virtually magical. Being exceptionally docile, Sporting breeds thrive on challenges and interactions, working with and pleasing their people.

Dogs in this group are known for their intelligence, energy, pleasant disposition, and willingness to do whatever it takes to please you. This makes them easier to train than most dogs. They have been bred for their tireless drive to work and their desire for human companionship.

Canine behaviorists consider their neoteny, that is, retaining their juvenile characteristics even as adults, as one of their most endearing characteristics. This is what makes the Sporting dog group particularly suitable for families with energetic children. Their enthusiasm, playfulness, responsiveness to positive reinforcement, devotion, loyalty, affection combined with proportionate protection makes them an amazing family pet.

Ideally, starting with a fresh board is what many people would prefer. For them the puppy stage is important. It is highly recommended that your puppy get off to a good start. Enroll in a positive reinforcement, non-punishment puppy kindergarten as soon as possible. Generally, the puppies in this group are easier to train than most…however, the real goal of signing up for a class is to teach you how to successfully communicate with your pup.

The positive side of dogs of any age in this group is almost instinctively, they bond immediately with their new people. It is remarkable how quickly most adjust to their new home, environment and family. His gratitude for being part of a pack is touching. Enrolling in a non-punishment, positive reinforcement obedience class would help strengthen the relationship.

It should be noted that these dogs are not for inactive, homebound families. They need and thrive on human company and most need plenty of exercise. They are intelligent, so they must be constantly kept busy and challenged; otherwise, they can get bored and get into trouble.

Popular Family Pet Breeds for Sporting Groups

The breeds below are not a complete list. However, it will give you an idea of ​​the size, personality, and temperament of some of the more popular breeds.

American Cocker Spaniel/English Cocker Spaniel – Smaller than most in the Sporting group, Cockers are intelligent, loyal, playful, protective and easy to train. They do well with children and other dogs. Cocker Spaniels are a great pet for a moderately active family that enjoys water sports.

Brittany Spaniel: They are also known simply as Brittany. Medium size. She’s alert, smart, and happiest when she’s included in a family that stays busy with outdoor activities and smart challenges.

Boykin Spaniel – Thrives on human company. Medium size. He gets along well with children and other dogs. This loyal, intelligent and fun-loving dog makes a great family pet.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever – Would do best with a family that loves outdoor activities, especially anything to do with water! Medium size. Smart, active and tough!

English Setter – a friendly, obedient and friendly family dog. They range from medium to large. This breed does not do well when left alone for too long. They need and thrive on human company and vigorous outdoor activities.

English Springer Spaniel – An excellent and intelligent family dog ​​of medium size. He loves to please people, obedient, easy to train, prefers to stay close to you and keep himself busy.

German Shorthaired Pointer – An intelligent, even-tempered, medium-sized athlete and watchdog that thrives best when interacting with an active family that enjoys the outdoors. They are a breed that needs to be kept busy, or they will find something, usually inappropriate, to amuse themselves with!

German Wirehaired Pointer – A high-energy, affectionate and intelligent dog who is devoted to his human companions. Like his shorthaired cousins, this is a dog that needs to be kept busy. They are an excellent dog for an energetic family.

Golden Retriever – The dog with the eternal puppy face! Larger than spaniels, this friendly, affectionate and loyal dog is regularly found in the Top Ten of America’s most popular breeds. They are an amazing family pet.

Gordon Setter – Also known as Black & Tan, this is the heaviest of the Setter breed. They are intelligent, active and devoted to their families. His nickname “The Thinker” should give you a clue. They are strong-minded, sometimes even stubborn! This breed is not recommended for an inexperienced dog owner. Positive reinforcement, non-punishment training is strongly recommended. They are an amazing pet for the right family.

Irish/Red Setter: A tall, friendly and energetic breed. There is nothing they love more than having their families laugh at their silly antics! He’s not as easy to train as most others, but he’s a beautiful and fun-loving pet. He hopes to amuse you with his affection and his antics!

Labrador Retriever – America’s Most Popular Dog! Labs can range in size from medium to large. More American families share their lives with Labrador Retrievers than any other breed…that should tell you something. Labs come in three colors, black, chocolate, and yellow. They are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, eager to please, cheerful, alert, and the list goes on and on. An amazing family dog!

Pointer: Between medium and large, this is an intelligent, affectionate and full of energy dog ​​that gets along with everyone. Get ready to spend a lot of time exercising your Pointer! This is not the dog for a laid-back, easy-going family! They thrive on vigorous activity. A bored Pointer will have no trouble finding trouble!

Weimaraner: Also known as the gray ghost, it can range in size from medium to large. An amazing family pet, this is a fearless, handsome, easy to train and friendly dog ​​who loves being around his people. They are known for his speed, courage and intelligence. This is a dog that is especially good with active children.

Bottom line: if you are an active person or family looking for an intelligent, alert, friendly and devoted dog that can keep up with you; investigate the Sporting Group. There is sure to be one perfect for you and your family. Keep in mind; This group needs lots of action, constant positive reinforcement, intellectual and physical challenges, and a family that wants to share their outdoor adventures with their canine best friend.