Purpose of Flushing Dogs

There are several breeds used as flushing dogs for hunting. A flushing dog is a gun dog used to flush game, primarily birds. Gun dogs are typically broken down into three different groups: Flushing dogs, pointing dogs or retrieving dogs. Flushing dogs are used to find game and then drive it out of it’s cover so a hunter can shoot or capture it. Pointing dogs are trained to stop when they are close to the game. The hunter then walks into flush the prey.

The primary game of flushing dogs are pheasants, grouse, chukars etc. Most breeds that are used for flushing are very friendly and sociable dogs. Flushing dogs are usually very adept at searching, trailing and then chasing their prey into the air.Hunters that use flushing dogs must sometimes walk at a fast pace if their dog gets on a bird that runs.  Game birds such as pheasants, particularly the male, (rooster) are leggy runners that will run a great distance to get away. Dogs must be able to trail their scent and the flush them into the air for hunters to shoot. During the course of the trailing the pheasant may run fast and the dog may trail fast to try and catch it. This is where hunters may have to walk fast in order to stay up to remain in shooting range of their target.

Dog Breeds Used for Flushing

Cocker Spaniel

Typical dog breeds associated with flushing are:
*English Springer Spaniels
*Cocker Spaniels
*Boykin Spaniels

One valuable trait of many spaniels is their ability to retrieve. Spaniels have a keen eye for marking and finding downed birds. Finding a spaniel that is bred to hunt is the key to your success. There are field dogs and show dogs. You don’t want to buy a pup from show stock if you are seeking a hunting companion. Although you may make it into a solid gun dog, it will be much easier if you just buy a pup that has already been bred for your intended purpose.

You may find some spaniel breeders on Buy and Sell Hunting Dogs. Call any and all to find out what they have to offer. You are more likely to get a good flushing dog from a hunting dog site than a show dog site. Think about the goals you have for your dog and then ask the breeders if they have dogs that match your interests.  If you are a dog breeder and want to be able to sell your pups, you can post an ad on Buy and Sell Hunting Dogs too. There are Free Ads as well as Featured Ads.

Labrador Retrievers are used as flushing dogs much of the time as well. Labs from hunting stock usually makes a versatile hunting dog for both upland birds as well as waterfowl.

Purpose of Flushing Dogs

There are several breeds used as flushing dogs for hunting. A flushing dog is a gun dog used to flush game, primarily birds. Gun dogs are typically broken down into three different groups: Flushing dogs, pointing dogs or retrieving dogs. Dogs used for flushing find game and then drive it out of it’s cover so a hunter can shoot or capture it. Pointing dogs are trained to stop when they are close to the game and then the hunter walks into flush the prey.

The primary game of flushing dogs are pheasants, grouse, chukars etc. Most breeds that are used for flushing are very friendly and sociable dogs. Their common traits are that they are usually very adept at searching, trailing and then chasing their prey into the air. Hunters that use dogs that flush must sometimes walk at a fast pace if their dog gets on a bird that runs.

Game birds such as pheasants, particularly the male, (rooster) are leggy runners that will run a great distance to get away. Dogs must be able to trail their scent and the flush them into the air for hunters to shoot. During the course of the trailing the pheasant may run fast and the dog may trail fast to try and catch it. This is where hunters may have to walk fast in order to stay up to remain in shooting range of their target.

Training Flushing Dogs

Training your flushing dog can be a very fun and interesting job. The joy you will get from seeing your dog develop into an excited hunter will be very rewarding. To read more about this read this informative article about Training Flushing Dogs.