Care guide
Caring for sporting dogs
Retrievers, spaniels, pointers and setters were bred to work alongside hunters all day. They're usually friendly and eager to please, and they need plenty of exercise and something to do.
Exercise
Most sporting breeds need an hour or more of real exercise every day once they're grown: running, swimming, fetching or long walks. Without it they can become restless and destructive.
Many love water. Rinse them after swimming and dry their ears well, since floppy ears trap moisture.
Training
They usually learn quickly and enjoy working with you. Retrieving games, scent work, field training and dock diving give them a job.
Teach a reliable recall early: many sporting dogs will follow a scent or a bird a long way.
Health to ask about
Ask the breeder about the parents' hip and elbow results, eye exams and any breed DNA tests. Some breeds also have heart tests recommended.
Sporting dogs love food; keep them lean to protect their joints.
Coat care
Coats range from short and easy to feathered and silky. Feathered breeds need brushing a few times a week to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and on the legs.
Further reading
General information to help you prepare, not veterinary advice. Every animal is different: ask an experienced vet about yours. Reviewed by PerfectPal on October 13, 2026.