Blue Picardy Spaniel

Bracco Italiano

Braque du Bourbonnais

Braque d'Auvergne

Braque Francais

Braque Saint Germain

Brittany Spaniel

Cesky Fousek

Drentsche Patrijshond

English Setter

French Spaniel

German Longhair

German Shorthaired Pointer

German Wirehaired Pointer

Gordon Setter

Irish Red & White Setter

Irish Setter

Large Munsterlander

Picardy Spaniel

Perdiguero de Burgos

Pointer

Portuguese Pointer

Pudelpointer

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Small Munsterlander

Spinone

Stichelhaa

Vizsla

Weimaraner

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

Wirehaired Vizsla

Recognized Breeds of Versatile Hunting Dogs

The North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association defines the versatile dog as one “that is bred and trained to dependably hunt and point game, to retrieve on both land and water, and to track wounded game on both land and water.” ~ NAVHDA Aims, Programs, Test Rules

NAVHDA currently recognizes 31 different breeds of versatile hunting dogs. While each breed differs somewhat with respect to their physical characteristics and hunting styles, they all possess the versatility required to locate, point, and retrieve upland game, find and retrieve wounded waterfowl, and serve as well-mannered companions in the home. Click on any of the pictures below for a larger image.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Blue Picardy Spaniel

Loving / Friendly / Gentle / Intelligent / Loyal / Obedient / Quiet / Even-tempered / Sociable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Blue Picardy Spaniel (BP)

This small but beautiful French spaniel is renowned for its hardiness – which allows it to withstand extreme climates – its excellent response to the gun, its fine nose and firm point, and its innate compliance. Blue Picardy Spaniels are good with people, which makes them easy to train relatively quickly.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Bracco Italiano

intelligent / affectionate / enthusiastic

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Bracco Italiano (BI)

The Bracco Italiano is one of the oldest of the pointing breeds. Gentle in the home and tireless in the field. Tough and adapted to all types of hunting, the Bracco Italiano is reliable, intelligent, docile and easy to train. He has a powerful appearance, with lean limbs, well-developed muscles and a sculpted head. In English, he is the Italian Pointing Dog.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque du Bourbonnais

Affectionate / Kind / Intelligent / Cooperative / Calm / Agreeable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque du Bourbonnais (BB)

Pronounced brock-do-bor-bon-NAY, this pointer has a calm, gentle demeanor that is ideally suited for the foot hunter. The breed’s relatively small size and short coat well suits them as an ideal home companion for the family that hunts. He is kind and affectionate in the home and a serious, adaptable, intelligent hunter in the field.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque d'Auvergne

affectionate / gentle / adaptable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque d'Auvergne (BA)

The Braque d’Auvergne originates in the mountainous area of Cantal, in the province of Auvergne in the mid-south of France. This is a strong, substantial breed. The short, glossy coat is white with black mottling and this creates a blue impression. The head and ears are predominantly black.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque Francais

Sociable / Obedient / Athletic

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque Francais (BF)

The Braque Francais is a rare and unique breed in North America. They are a versatile hunting breed, which means, they will readily hunt upland birds or waterfowl. What sets them apart from many other breeds is their size, temperament and function.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque Saint Germain

Affectionate / Sociable / Companionable / Trainable / Familial

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Braque Saint Germain (BG)

The Braque Saint-Germain is a medium-large breed of dog, a versatile hunter used for hunting as a gun dog and pointer as well as for hunting other small game. Braque is a term meaning pointing dogs. The breed was created around 1830 by crossing English and French pointing type dogs.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Brittany Spaniel

Attentive / Intelligent / Agile / Happy / Quick / Adaptable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Brittany Spaniel (BS)

The Brittany Spaniel or Breton Spaniel is a French breed of gun dog of spaniel type, bred primarily for bird hunting. It developed between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries in Brittany in north-west France, and was officially recognized early in the twentieth.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Cesky Fousek

Keen / Loyal / Affectionate / Hard-Working / Eager / Adaptable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Cesky Fousek (CF)

The Český Fousek is a Czech breed of versatile hunting dog that was traditionally and currently used to hunt, point, and retrieve. A true multi-purpose breed, the Cesky Fousek can handle upland hunting, waterfowl hunting, and the task of being a good family pet.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Drentsche Patrijshond

loyal / intelligent / friendly

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Drentsche Patrijshond (DP)

The Drent is used to hunt a variety of terrain and game. His adaptability makes him suitable for all manner of game in the field as well as waterfowl. Moreover, his work after the shot is exceptional, and he is a good retriever.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

English Setter

friendly / mellow / merry

Versatile Hunting Dogs

English Setter (ES)

The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog of sweet temper and show-stopping good looks. It is one of the AKC’s four British setters created to work on the distinctly different terrains of England, Ireland, and Scotland.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

French Spaniel

balanced / frank / gentle / calm / docile

Versatile Hunting Dogs

French Spaniel (FS)

The French Spaniel is balanced, frank, gentle, calm and docile. He is an enthusiastic hunter, sociable with other dogs and an ideal companion in all circumstances. An excellent pointing dog, he also has a talent for retrieving.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Longhair

versatile / calm / family-oriented

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Longhair (GL)

German Longhaired Pointers are a gun dog and as such, they are expected to search, point, track and retrieve game. They can excel in all types of hunting situations: waterfowl hunting, searching for upland game birds, or retrieving furred game in the woods or prairies, typically rabbit and squirrel

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Shorthaired Pointer

friendly / smart / willing to please

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Shorthaired Pointer (GS)

The versatile, medium-sized German Shorthaired Pointer is an enthusiastic gundog of all trades who thrives on vigorous exercise, positive training, and a lot of love. GSP people call their aristocratic companions the ‘perfect pointer.’

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Wirehaired Pointer

affectionate / eager / enthusiastic

Versatile Hunting Dogs

German Wirehaired Pointer (GW)

With his sporty weatherproof coat and can-do attitude, the noble German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile, sturdy gundog who thrives on outdoor activity. The harsh wire coat protects against thorny underbrush and foul weather.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Gordon Setter

confident / affectionate / bold

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Gordon Setter (GO)

The Gordon Setter, the black avenger of the Highlands, is a substantial bird dog named for a Scottish aristocrat. Athletic and outdoorsy, Gordons are bold, confident, and resolute in the field, and sweetly affectionate by the fireside.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Irish Red & White Setter

courageous / spirited / determined

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Irish Red & White Setter (IR)

Sportsmen thrill at the sight of a noble Red and White frozen on point, motionless as a statue. These medium-to-large bird dogs are powerful, solid, and sinewy, with enough stamina and bird sense to get the job done any day of the week and twice on Sunday.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Irish Setter

active / sweet-natured / outgoing

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Irish Setter (IS)

These rambunctious redheads are big kids at heart, but they are eager to please and will respond to patient, positive training. They are said to be bold and rugged hunting partners, with a devil-may-care approach to their work.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Large Munsterlander

intelligent / affectionate / self-confident

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Large Munsterlander (LM)

A versatile gun dog, the Large Munsterlander must have all the facilities required of it for all work in the field, forest, and water both before and after the shot. This noble and tractable hunter applies an intelligent nose backed by a determined will to search, point, track, and retrieve upland birds, waterfowl, and furred game

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Picardy Spaniel

Friendly / Mellow / Merry

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Picardy Spaniel (PS)

Picardy Spaniels are playful, calm and friendly dogs. Though bred for hunting, they thrive on human companionship and are gentle and affectionate with children. This breed typically gets along with other dogs and pets making it a loyal family companion.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Perdiguero de Burgos

Hardy / Calm / Hardworking

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Perdiguero de Burgos (PB)

The Perdiguero de Burgos, or Spanish Pointer, is a hunting dog that has been around for about 500 years. It excels at hunting small game but has also been used to hunt deer. As with most Pointers, the Perdiguero de Burgos tends to be a mild-mannered and loyal dog.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Pointer

loyal / hardworking / even-tempered

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Pointer (PT)

The Pointer is the ultimate expression of canine power and grace. The breed’s name is its job description: Pointers point game birds, and they have been pointing for centuries. Pointers carry themselves proudly and are capable of great speed and agility.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Portuguese Pointer

energetic / affectionate / smart

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Portuguese Pointer (PO)

The Portuguese Pointer is a very old hunting breed bred to work closely with its handler. They are enthusiastic in their work and very dedicated to their owner. This breed is very hardy and is capable of great endurance and devotion.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Pudelpointer

friendly / smart / willing to please

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Pudelpointer (PP)

The Pudelpointer is a calm, self-controlled, versatile gun dog with a distinct hunting instinct and lacks game or gun shyness. In his native country of Germany, he has always ranked high in performance tests and in the field. This breed is enjoyed and valued for its desire and drive.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer

Obedient / Easy-to-Train / Energetic

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer (SH)

Slovakian Wirehaired Pointer is a dog of moderate strength, working type. Fit and able to work on the plain, in the woods and in the water, and especially to work after the shooting, searching and retrieving wounded game. He is obedient and easy to train.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Small Munsterlander

intelligent / devoted / self-confident

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Small Munsterlander (SM)

The Small Munsterlander is a versatile hunting dog and natural retriever with a medium range, solid pointing instinct, and strong desire for the water. It has excellent tracking abilities for all types of work after the shot. These qualities are enhanced by intelligence and trainability.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Spinone

sociable / patient / docilee

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Spinone (SP)

The Spinone Italiano, a densely-coated hunting dog, is sociable, docile, and patient, sometimes stubborn but always endearing. Of ancient Italian lineage, the Spinone is among the field dogs of Continental Europe famed for versatility.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Stichelhaa

affectionate / eager / enthusiastic

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Stichelhaa (ST)

With his sporty weatherproof coat and can-do attitude, the noble German Wirehaired Pointer is a versatile, sturdy gundog who thrives on outdoor activity. The harsh wire coat protects against thorny underbrush and foul weather.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Vizsla

energetic / affectionate / gentle

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Vizsla (VI)

The Vizsla is a versatile, red-coated gundog built for long days in the field. For centuries these rugged but elegant athletes have been the pride of Hungarian sportsmen, and their popularity in America increases with each passing year.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Weimaraner

friendly / fearless / obedient

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Weimaraner (WM)

The Weimaraner, Germany’s sleek and swift ‘Gray Ghost,’ is beloved by hunters and pet owners alike for their friendliness, obedience, and beauty. Easy grooming, trainability, a loving nature, and a can-do-attitude

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

friendly / devoted / trainable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (GR)

The hardworking Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, renowned as the ‘supreme gundog,’ is known for the harsh, low-shedding coat the breed is named for. Griffs are the very picture of an honest, hardworking sporting dog.

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Wirehaired Vizsla

loyal / gentle / trainable

Versatile Hunting Dogs

Wirehaired Vizsla (WV)

The Wirehaired Vizsla is an exuberant hunter on land or lake, whose dense, wiry coat distinguishes him from his close cousin, the Vizsla. Calm and gentle around the house, these upbeat Hungarians like running, swimming, and upbeat play.