I recently had a long chat with a spaniel enthusiast who argued, quite convincingly, that the only spaniels we need are cockers and springers, and that all the others are…
Gundogs
The different colours of gundogs
It’s long been argued that a good horse can’t be a bad colour, and I reckon that’s generally true with gundogs, too. However, most of us have preferences, so when…
The Sealyham terrier
On a slight bend in the road to the ferry ports for Ireland in Pembrokeshire, a small sign indicates a village destination a few miles distant. It may mean nothing…
History of the Kennel Club
Picture this: you are a tourist in the middle of Mayfair, perhaps staying in the Sheraton Park Lane or The Ritz if you are lucky. You cross the road from…
The sporting dogs helping to protect endangered species
Many sporting dogs are helping with conservation and helping to protect endangered species such as bats and water voles in the UK. Earlier this winter, I was walking my spaniel…
French beagles
The hounds had been speaking to the line for at least two minutes, and every second their baying became louder and more excited: there was no doubt about it, they…
The best gundog breeds from overseas
While we will never tire of championing all things British in fieldsports, there is a wealth of gundog breeds around the world that give our home-bred stock a run for…
Training a gundog – the theory and practice
In theory, you can train a gundog by using a manual. In practice, the dog’s behaviour won’t be textbook. Be patient and creative with your teaching, suggests Janet Menzies…
Alternative gundogs: a puppy for shoot or sofa
So what are alternative gundogs? One of the soundest pieces of advice you will get when looking for a gundog puppy is to buy one from working stock. Conversely, if…
How to keep your dogs suffering from the cold
ONE of the great attractions of fieldsports is that, generally speaking, they are not affected too much by the weather. Bad light never stops play, and rarely does bad weather.…