Plenty of dogs are brought along to The Scottish Game Fair. It’s an excellent place to socialise puppies and there’s plenty of gundogs to watch being put through their paces (paws?) in the form of gundog trials like the Kronch Four Nations International Gundog Challenge, all age spaniel tests, all age retriever tests and junior handler competitions (read our full list of gundog competitions here.)

So which gundogs are you like to see and what are their characteristics?

Labradors

Labrador are one of the most popular gundog breeds, valued for their intelligence, versatility, and reliable temperament. Originating from Newfoundland, labradors were first brought to the UK in the 19th century, where they quickly found favour with hunters and gamekeepers for their exceptional retrieving abilities.

Labradors are particularly prized for their natural ability to retrieve game. With a large, soft mouth, they can carry birds like pheasants and geese without damaging them. Moreover, their calm temperament allows them to remain composed during long waits, making them ideal peg dogs.

Labradors are often used to retrieve birds from wetlands, mud, and open water, as they are strong swimmers capable of covering great distances. Their adaptability to various terrains—from thick woods to marshlands—makes them incredibly versatile for different types of shooting.

Labradors are also known for their sociable nature, which is essential for working in hunting groups. Their ability to get along well with other dogs ensures that they can function harmoniously in a multi-dog shoot setting, which is often required on larger estates.

With the right training, labradors become excellent all-around gundogs. Their loyalty, obedience, and keen desire to please their owners make them reliable hunting companions.  Overall, their combination of physical strength, intelligence, and steady disposition make them one of the best gundog breeds.

Is there much of a difference between black, chocolate, fox red and yellow labradors? Some gundog handlers think that yellow labs are less easy to train than black and then others will say that yellow labs are smarter than black labs. Who knows? At the end of the day you choose the colour you like best. Black dogs and chocolate labs are not as easy to photograph as fox-red or yellow labs, so if you want to be taking frequent photographs of your lab, then that’s something you might want to consider.

(Read more on training gundogs with this advice from Mordor gundogs here.)

Spaniels

A spaniel is not just a spaniel. There are working cocker spaniels, show cockers, springer spaniels, Clumber spaniels and then breeds like Sussex spaniels, Welsh spaniels and more.

The dog you’re most likely to see from working stock at The Scottish Game Fair is the working cocker. It is one of Britain’s smallest gundogs, with a vibrant personality. Whilst engaging, this is not a dog for a novice dog owner or somebody who wants a dog to settle down all day after a morning walk. Working cockers are known as ‘pocket rockets’ with good reason, because they are always on the go.

Cocker spaniels are distinguished by their compact bodies, silky coats, long, pendulous ears, and perpetually wagging tails. They come in a wide array of colors and markings, making them one of the most aesthetically appealing gundog breeds. Their bright, lively appearance is matched by their high energy levels and strong work ethic.

As working dogs, cocker spaniels are known for their stamina, agility, and keen sense of smell. These traits make them well-suited for various hunting tasks, including rough shooting, driven shooting, and retrieving game. Their compact size allows them to excel in dense cover where larger dogs might struggle, and their high energy makes them relentless in the field.

The breed’s friendly and affectionate nature has led to its popularity as a companion dog as well. With proper socialisation from an early age, cocker spaniels tend to get along well with people, children, and other dogs. They are also highly intelligent, which, combined with their strong desire to please, makes them highly trainable. They thrive in a range of activities, from hunting and retrieving to more modern dog sports and agility competitions.

 

Teckels

Teckel dogs are a small, versatile hunting breed originating from Germany. Historically bred for badger hunting, the Teckel’s low, elongated body allowed it to follow prey into narrow underground burrows, earning them the nickname “badger dogs” (the German word for badger is “Dachs”). Over time, they have proven to be adept at hunting various game, including rabbits, foxes, and even wild boar.

Despite their small size, Teckels possess immense courage and determination. Their strong sense of smell and natural instinct to follow a scent trail make them exceptional trackers. Teckels are also known for their loud, distinctive bark, which allows hunters to locate them when they are working in dense cover or underground.

Teckels can be smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. The breed has a lively, independent personality, which can sometimes make them stubborn. So they are probably not the dog for a novice owner to choose. However, they are also intelligent and trainable with consistent, positive reinforcement. While their hunting instincts remain strong, Teckels also make excellent companion animals due to their affectionate, loyal nature. They adapt well to family life, though they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them content.

In conclusion, Teckels are a small but tenacious breed, celebrated for their versatility in the field and their companionship at home. Their boldness, intelligence, and loyalty make them a cherished breed.