Five Bird Dogs for Today's Suburbs

by
posted on April 18, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (1)

Did you know legendary wingshooting author and field-trial judge Nash Buckingham spent most of his life in a Memphis apartment? If you are among the increasing number of hunters living in heavily populated suburban areas, here are some small- to medium-sized breeds that offer calm temperaments, versatility and other traits suited to suburbia.

American Brittany
Averaging 30-45 pounds, the Brittany is a trainable animal well-suited to the weekend warrior. One of the best retrieving pointing breeds, it has French origins and tends to be calmer than some German versatile breeds.

Boykin Spaniel
South Carolinians bred Boykins for two seemingly divergent tasks: fetching ducks from rivers and breaking up flocks of turkeys during fall seasons. The Boykin has since proven a competent upland hunter and weighs just 20-35 pounds.

German Shorthaired Pointer
Weighing 55-70 pounds, shorthairs push the limits of acceptable size, but they can make charming house pets. Just beware of any hyperactivity--shorthairs may not require as much exercise as English setters or pointers, but probably need more than any dog on this list.

Labrador Retriever

If Labs weren’t suited to a variety of living conditions, they wouldn’t be owned by millions of Americans. While many weigh 80 pounds, certain bloodlines produce smaller, slimmer Labs (they’re abhorred by traditionalists but worth considering by suburbanites). The Lab has a well-earned reputation as an all-around hunter (especially in the duck blind) and an easy-going family pet.

English Cocker Spaniel
English cockers excel on upland game, especially woodcock and grouse, and do well as duck dogs in the early and mid-season. These small flushing dogs weigh around 30 pounds.

Latest

Success
Success

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.