Flushing Dogs: The Best Flushing Breeds for Pheasant and Upland Hunting

Flushing dogs are among the most fun gun dogs to hunt behind. They work close, push hard into cover and put birds in the air within gun range. Here’s what flushing dogs do, how they compare with pointers and retrievers, and which breeds make the best flushers for pheasant and upland hunting.

Cocker Spaniel

What is a flushing dog?

Gun dogs generally fall into three groups:

• Pointing dogs find birds and freeze on point; the hunter walks in to flush.
• Flushing dogs find birds, trail them and drive them into the air for the hunter to shoot.
• Retrievers mark and fetch downed game, especially waterfowl. Many also flush upland birds.

A flushing dog quarters in front of the hunter, usually within 20–30 yards, so birds get up in shotgun range. Most flushing breeds are also excellent retrievers.

What do flushing dogs hunt?

Pheasants, ruffed grouse, chukar, quail and woodcock are all hunted over flushers. Pheasants are the classic example. Roosters are leggy runners that will sprint a long way to avoid flying. A good flushing dog has to trail that running bird and pressure it into the air, which means the hunter sometimes has to walk fast to stay in range.

The best flushing dog breeds

• English Springer Spaniel: the classic upland flusher, with drive, a great nose and natural retrieving ability. See springer spaniels for sale.
• English Cocker Spaniel: smaller, quick and merry in thick cover. See English cockers for sale.
• Boykin Spaniel: a compact, versatile flusher and retriever. Read our Boykin spaniel breed guide.
• Labrador Retriever: a Lab from hunting stock makes an outstanding pheasant flusher as well as a duck dog. See Labs for sale.
• Welsh Springer Spaniel and golden retrievers also make good flushers.

Field lines vs. show lines

Many spaniel and retriever breeds have separate field (hunting) and show lines. If you want a hunting companion, buy from field-bred parents. You might turn a show-bred pup into a gun dog, but it’s much easier to start with a pup bred for the job. Ask breeders about their dogs’ hunting experience, hunt test titles and health clearances.

Next: training your flushing dog

Training a flusher to quarter close and stay in range is the key to success. Read our step-by-step guide on how to train a flushing dog.