Retriever (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling)
A complicated name doesn’t mean a complicated dog: the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (“Toller” for short) is a rare breed. Thanks to her clever head and a lot of charm, she still has the potential to have a large fan base.
The character of the Toller: Smart and friendly
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever likes to spend his time playing. He is cheerful and very attentive. In addition, he is always careful not to miss the assignment for his next task. Retrieving on land and water is his great passion.
The breed is considered intelligent and docile. They are affectionate and friendly towards their owners. Towards strangers, Tollers can also be indifferent to reserved.
The toller is not aggressive, but can defend its territory by barking. The playful dogs tend neither to stray nor to poach.
Are Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Good for Beginners?
Anyone who owns a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever has a dog with a big will-to-please by their side. That means: The dog wants to please his human. This is a huge plus for training the dog, who enjoys following commands.
Even beginners can teach their toller obedience without any problems. But you should have the basic vocabulary of the dog language and consistency. The clever dog also likes to learn tricks.
With a clean line and no harshness, the Toller is easy to train. Of course, optimal support is provided by a dog school from puppyhood onwards.
Slovakian Rough-Haired Pointer
In the early days of breeding, the silver-grey pointing dog with the beard was called the wire-haired Weimaraner. While largely unknown in Europe, the hunting dog enjoys great popularity in its country of origin, Slovakia.
What was that dog that kicked the pheasant up there? Gray like a Weimaraner, rough like a Wirehaired Pointer? Unfortunately, there was no more opportunity to question the dog handler in question. Only some time later, purely by chance, did I discover a picture of this dog in a breed description of the wire-haired Weimaraner, which is actually called Slovenský hrubosrstý stavač, in English: Slovak wire-beard. However, a contact person for a puppy agency or a breeder in Germany could not be found. Only after further research did the search lead directly to the country of origin of this dog, Slovakia. The actual emergence of this breed began in the early 1950s. At that time several atypical puppies were born in litters of Bohemian Rauhbart (Český fousek). Although the puppies had the same rough-haired coat structure as the Fousek, they were grey. Today it is no longer possible to understand why.
One story says that this first rough-haired, gray puppy, male “Bobi Selle”, was born in a litter of breeder Ladislav Greznarik in Šaľa. This breeder was very active in the development of the Wirehaired Viszla at the time. It is therefore assumed that he also used pointing dogs of the breeds Bohemian Roughbeard, Wirehaired Pointer, or Weimaraner in his experimental matings. “Bobi Selle” was later mated to a Weimaraner bitch from Austria. Another male from this litter (“Hlas z. Karpat”) is said to have mated with another Austrian Weimaraner bitch.
Small Munsterlander
The Small Munsterlander Pointer is a fairly young dog breed that was only developed from old hunting and pointing dog breeds at the beginning of the 20th century. The breed standard, which was first written in 1921, is run by the FCI under number 102 in Group 7: Pointers, Section 1.2: Continental Pointers, Long-Haired Type (Epagneul), with a working test.
Origin and breed history
As the name suggests, the “Small Munsterlander” breed originally came from the North Rhine-Westphalian Munsterland. At least a first breeding club was founded here in 1912. In fact, it is thanks to the efforts of the forester Edmund Löns and his brother Rudolf that this new breed was created through targeted breeding from old hunting dogs, which were already used for bird hunting in the Middle Ages. At the beginning of the 20th century, Löns was looking for representatives of these old guard dogs, which had the best qualities in pointing and retrieving birds and small game. But they were thought to be almost extinct. So Löns found what he was looking for on farms and with hunters, especially in the Münster area and in Lower Saxony. He began breeding and since he worked as a forester in the Lüneburg Heath, he initially called his new breed “Heidewachtel”. These dogs were smaller, lighter and therefore more agile than the original Spaniels. In addition, they quickly found enthusiastic followers among hunters and farmers.
After the “Association for Small Munsterlanders (Heidewachtel)” was founded in 1912, it took nine years until 1921. Friedrich Jungklaus set an official breed standard on behalf of the association. The main features of this are still valid today, even though the association even split up temporarily in the Third Reich due to differing views on breeding goals.
Nature & character of the small Munsterlander
This smallest representative of the German pointer breeds is a very temperamental, active dog who is also very teachable due to his high intelligence and alert nature. He develops a close relationship with his handler and attentively awaits his instructions. Puppies and young dogs in particular need clear and consistent training in order to steer their innate hunting instinct and game sharpness in the right direction. This makes it suitable for locating and displaying game as well as for working after the shot. He has strong nerves and is very focused here. Retrieving is in his blood, which, combined with his fun in and around the water, makes him particularly well suited to hunting water fowl.
If the Small Munsterlander is allowed to let off steam sufficiently to exercise his urge to move and his willingness to work, he is a very balanced, pleasant companion at home and within the family. His love of playing and fetching makes him a great and friendly companion for the children in the household. He is very philanthropic and open-hearted. He also usually gets along very well with other dogs or animals living in the household if he gets used to them from the start.
But the Small Munsterlander is only in his element when he is really allowed to live out his innate passion for hunting. If you cannot offer this, you should not keep this breed to avoid dissatisfaction and frustration on both sides.
Is the Small Munsterlander right for me?
Before you decide to buy a Small Munsterlander, you should ask yourself a few basic questions:
Am I a hunter and want to use my dog for searching and pointing?
Do I have enough time to take care of the dog, train it properly and keep it busy?
Do all family members agree to a Small Munsterlander moving in?
Who takes care of the dog if I can’t?
Am I willing to plan my holiday with the dog as well?
Do I have enough financial resources to cover not only the purchase price for the puppy of around €1200 or more and the initial equipment with a leash, collar, dog bowl and dog bed, but also the running costs for high-quality food, visits to the vet, vaccinations and medication, dog school , dog tax and liability insurance to pay? After all, a dog costs about the same as a small car over the course of its lifetime!
If you have finally thought everything through and decided to bring in a Small Munsterlander as a new family member, you should first look for a reputable breeder. Important criteria for the fact that the breeder is really serious about breeding dogs are a manageable number of breeding animals and litters and the keeping of bitches and puppies within the family and with close contact to reference persons. A good breeder will ask questions of the prospect, wanting to know how and where their puppies will be kept and, if necessary, will refuse to sell a dog if the prospect’s answers are not satisfactory. In fact, most reputable breeders only sell a Small Munsterlander to hunters. Recommendations for feeding, information about veterinary treatments such as initial vaccinations and deworming and the offer to contact you after the purchase should be a matter of course for a good breeder. It is best to visit the breeder before you finally buy the puppy and take a look around.
You should never buy a puppy from a pet market or from the trunk of a shady dog dealer! Although these dogs are usually cheaper than from a reputable breeder, there is almost always unscrupulous and cruel animal cruelty behind them! The mother animals are kept under terrible conditions as pure “litter machines”, the puppies are neither vaccinated nor otherwise veterinary treated, often suffer from acute, at worst fatal diseases soon after purchase or remain a lifelong case for the vet – and that is under much more expensive than the puppy from a reputable and responsible breeder!
In addition to purchasing from a breeder, it may also be worth going to the local animal shelter – purebred dogs like the Small Munsterlander are always waiting to find a new and beautiful home here. Various animal welfare organizations have also dedicated themselves to helping Small Munsterlanders who are in need and are looking for suitable, loving owners for such dogs. Just ask.
So if you are looking for a loyal, passionate hunting dog that will tirelessly accompany you on your stalks in the woods and fields, attentively waiting for your instructions in order to then carry them out exactly and with strong nerves, then the Small Munsterlander is the right choice for you! And if you come home after hours of nature, he is a very pleasant, well-balanced and friendly family dog who still has enough power to play happily with your children – the main thing is that he is always there!
Spaniel (American Cocker)
What does an American Cocker Spaniel look like?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a variant of the well-known, original Cocker Spaniel. He has a cheerful, friendly, loving charisma. In contrast to the English Cocker, it has a round head that is clearly set off from the muzzle. The muzzle itself is rather short and points slightly upwards towards the front. The American has extremely long ears that are heavily feathered towards the bottom. On its sides it wears an extremely long coat of silky texture that reaches down to the ground. The eyebrow arches are very pronounced. While the standard states that his coat should not “obscure the Cocker Spaniel’s true lines, interfere with movement, or interfere with his appearance and duty as a moderately coated gundog,” the reality is very different. Due to the exaggerations of show breeding, this dog can usually no longer go outside in the rain or muddy weather, let alone fulfill its disposition as a hunting and scavenging dog. In addition, the extremely long ears and the long ears generally impair its health and zest for life. Various precisely defined colors and markings are permitted, and the official standard devotes a whole page to their detailed description.
Where is the American Cocker Spaniel originally from?
The American Cocker Spaniel is a modification of the English Cocker Spaniel bred in the USA. The former hunting dog Cocker Spaniel became a companion dog that was strongly oriented towards appearances in showmanship. This development began in the USA about 100 years ago. By 1930 at the latest, this new line had been developed to such an extent that American and English Cocker Spaniels were judged in different classes at exhibitions. The former hunter became a pure show dog. The Swiss cynologist Hans Räber summarizes this development in his encyclopedia of pedigree dogs:
the American Cocker Spaniel has become a pure show dog and is no longer suitable for hunting because of its lush coat.
His brother the English Cocker Spaniel has remained more of a hunting dog than the American, just like his ancestors hundreds of years earlier. Spaniels are originally hunting dogs, more precisely search dogs. These must track down the game in front of the hunter and let it fly or make it run away. This has to happen at a certain distance from the hunter so that he can get a good shot. After the shot he has to fetch it. This behavior is quite complex and yet has ancient roots in ancient times, among the Celts and Germans. The Cocker Spaniel was one of the first dog breeds of modern pedigree dog breeding and was recognized by the Kennel Club as early as 1873. The American was derived from it. In 1940, a separate standard was designed for him. In 1943, the American Kennel Club recognized the American Cocker Spaniel as a separate breed. In 1965 it was recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. In Germany, about 60 puppies per year fall under the umbrella of the VDH. A good ten years ago there were more than twice as many.
Spaniel (American Water)
Interested parties with and without hunting experience can also look forward to the American Water Spaniel: Although the American Water Spaniel is originally a hunting dog with a lot of energy, it is also suitable for beginners. Most hunting dogs are not. The breed portrait reveals why the American Water Spaniel can also spend its life with beginners and what owners have to consider. The American Water Spaniel breed belongs to the FCI group 8 of retrievers, search dogs and water dogs. She is assigned to Section 3.
Origin and breed history
The origin of the American Water Spaniel breed has not been finally clarified. The ancient British and Irish Water Spaniel breeds are said to be the ancestors of the American quadruped. Illustrations from the 19th century prove the existence of a variety of the breed. However, the American Water Spaniel could hardly survive. He was pushed too far away by the retriever.
From the beginning, however, the animal was used as a hunting companion for hunting waterfowl such as geese. Thanks to its medium size, the dog fitted perfectly into a boat from which it could fetch the waterfowl it had killed. Although the animal could also hunt in the fields, the competition from other dog breeds caused the Water Spaniel to lose importance. Official breeding only began in 1940.
However, the breed was rarely found. That has not changed to this day. For example, this is also reflected in the lack of breeders in Europe. Although the distribution of the American Water Spaniel is very small, he was able to gain a certain level of awareness in his home country. In the American state of Wisconsin, he is considered the state dog, also known as a state dog in English.
The American Water Spaniel was not able to spread widely in Europe either. The largest cynological umbrella organization FCI officially recognized the dog as a separate breed in 1979.
Spaniel (Clumber)
Is a Clumber Spaniel right for me?
This rare breed suits many dog lovers because it is rather undemanding. The Clumber can harmonize wonderfully with families, but also with individuals who like to spend a lot of time with their four-legged friends. Of course, like any dog, the Clumber Spaniel is happy about a house with a garden in the country. But he also gets along well in the city, as long as you give him plenty of opportunities to roam around in nature every day. Because this hunter prefers to be outside in wind and weather. Owners should therefore be keen to explore nature with them. He is an easygoing companion who is very social and also gets along well with cats – ideally he will be accustomed to velvet paws as a puppy if he is going to live with them. Because of course the hunting instinct is still dormant in the confident four-legged friend, which means that a squirrel can suddenly get some quiet clumbers going. The breed is therefore suitable for beginners, but they should deal with their hunting instinct and appropriate training before the dog moves in. Think about the holiday season before you move in: This dog can easily be taken on a hiking holiday – in this case you wouldn’t have to worry about other care.
Spaniel (Cocker)
The modern Cocker Spaniel is primarily the result of breeding in England, hence its full name “English Cocker Spaniel”. At the end of the 19th century, it was recognized as an independent breed – in fact, it has probably accompanied people on hunts for several centuries.
Dogs are described and presented in pictures, engravings and traditions, which clearly point to the Cocker Spaniel in their working methods and in their character. These representations go back to the 16th century. In several plays by William Shakespears, the term “spaniel” also appears more and more, which is an indication of the spread and popularity of this dog at that time. There are also numerous depictions by famous painters depicting the ancestors of the Cocker Spaniel. Dürer, Rubens, Rembrandt and many others have impressively documented the popularity of this breed with their works.
A healthy Cocker measures about the same from the withers to the ground as from the withers to the base of the tail. The average size of the dog breed is between 38 and 41 cm. Its fur is smooth, shiny and extremely silky. Color is not well defined as English Cockers come in a variety of colors. According to breed standards, however, white is not allowed in solid animals, except on the chest. However, the most striking feature of the animal, which has an average age of 14, are the long, low-set lop ears.
Man and cocker spaniel – living together with the family dog
With its exuberant nature and compact yet agile body shape, the English Cocker Spaniel is well suited as a family dog. However, before you buy one, you should consider that its roots are those of a hunting dog and it is therefore anything but a boring couch potato. The cocker spaniel was originally bred to hunt woodcocks. You can indulge your dog’s urge to move, for example, with long walks or by encouraging the dog to fetch or swim. Originally it was used as a scavenger dog to track down poultry and small game. Therefore, for example, the willingness to bark is a breed-specific trait that should be considered when keeping them in apartments. The Cocker Spaniel inspires not only as a family and hunting dog, but also as a service dog. Basically, living with this lively four-legged friend can be very pleasant. To do this, however, you must appreciate its individual character and adjust your upbringing accordingly.
Spaniel (English Springer)
The English Springer Spaniel is a search dog from Great Britain. It is a medium-sized active hunting dog that has a very friendly and open nature. Lovers of this breed describe the dogs as efficient and always in a good mood. Due to these positive characteristics, the English Springer Spaniel is also often kept as a spirited family dog. In the FCI standard, the English Springer Spaniel can be found in the FCI Group 8 Retrievers – Search Dogs – Water Dogs, Section 2 Search Dogs with Working Trial with the standard number 125.
Nature & character of the English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a reliable sleuth and hunting dog. When he is used as a hunting dog, he is highly concentrated and searches his tracks silently and precisely. He has a good nose and is very powerful. When they are not focused and alert at work, they are very playful and happy dogs. The English Springer Spaniel can be a real clown and has no aggressiveness or fear. He approaches new situations with curiosity and is easily guided by his owner, with whom he forms a close, trusting bond.
Like most spaniels, the English Springer Spaniel loves the water and is a real water rat. With a good upbringing, he is very easy to manage in everyday life and can behave calmly, but he still has a lot of energy and temperament. Without a good upbringing, he seems permanently hectic and hyper. He also possesses a great deal of charm and can easily wrap people around his finger. Therefore, it is very important to follow clear rules during training and not to let the dog influence you.
He is always happy about people, whether he already knows them or not. This makes him a very good family dog and a happy companion. Just keep in mind that the English Springer Spaniel is an active working dog. He needs a lot of exercise and also mental support. He doesn’t care much about his job, he gets enthusiastic about almost anything as long as his owner is there and he combines it with games or a reward. In everyday life, he can be a very pleasant companion with good training and he is a great playmate, especially for children. However, his hunting instinct should never be underestimated.
The English Springer Spaniel has very distinctive body language and facial expressions, which accounts for much of its charm. When it comes to dog sports, he is always fully committed and training with the happy dog is also very easy. If you pay close attention to the hunting instinct during training, free running is usually not a problem and the medium-sized dog also gets along with other dogs without any problems and likes to invite other dogs to play.
Spaniel (Field)
The Field Spaniel is a breed recognized by the FCI, the world governing body for purebred dogs. He is listed with the FCI standard no. 123 in group 8 among the retrievers, search dogs and water dogs. There he belongs to the search dogs in Section 2.
Nature & character of the Field Spaniel
The nature of the Field Spaniel combines interesting contrasts. The dog is known for its attachment and at the same time is considered to be very independent. In fact, despite his attachment, he has retained a certain independence. The dog breed is very people-oriented and gentle. Despite the genetic hunting instinct, the dog always stays close to its family.
His attachment is not as pronounced as with a Cocker Spaniel, for example. Field spaniels are also less lively than cockers. Especially in the house he likes to withdraw and relax. Nevertheless, he is immediately ready to play whenever he is asked to. He is very fond of children and loves to fetch.
Another pleasant characteristic of the Field Spaniel is its adaptability and even-tempered nature. He knows neither dominance towards conspecifics nor extreme territorial characteristics. The breed gets along very well with dogs, cats and other small animals. The Field Spaniel is:
- clingy
- playful
- energetic
- quiet when appropriate
- intelligent
- willing to hunt if the trait is encouraged
- obedient
- docile
- good-natured
- fond of children
- persevering
- robust
- balanced
Field Spaniels can be reserved with strangers at first. They like to decide for themselves who to contact.
Spaniel (Irish Water)
By default, water dogs are dogs that are suitable for water work when hunting or fishing. A common feature of all water dog breeds is their curly fur, which is mostly dark in color. The cynological umbrella organization FCI leads the following dog breeds in group 8 (retriever dogs, search dogs, water dogs), section 3 (water dogs). They are usually medium sized. You can find more medium-sized dog breeds in our breed directory.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a proud dog that is notable for its great intelligence and endurance. His temperament is marked by a bold bold eagerness, coupled with an enormous condition and devotion. Due to these positive characteristics, he is a good family dog, which is however suspicious of strangers. When hunting, he is so adaptable that he is suited to many of the duties of a hunting dog: he can hunt, point and readily retrieve from thick undergrowth. Traditionally, it is used as a helper when hunting game birds.
Sussex spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel originated in the English county of Sussex, where it was already popular in the early 19th century. Today, the calm and friendly retriever and scavenger dog is one of the rarest spaniel species. The FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale) lists the Sussex Spaniel under the standard no. 127 in Group 8 of retrievers, scavenger dogs and water dogs. As a search dog, it belongs to section 2. It is a working dog, for which the hunting test is intended as a working test.
Nature & character of the Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is considered the calmest representative of all spaniels, never showing aggressive behavior. He is characterized by a comfortable, rolling gait that makes him appear clumsy and lovable. With his friendly character, his sociable nature and his affectionate loyalty, he forms long-lasting and intensive bonds with people. He likes to run everywhere, discovers and learns at lightning speed and adapts to all circumstances. But despite his composure, there is also a lot of temperament in the stocky Briton. He always looks forward to physical and mental challenges, which he can master with particular endurance.
A Sussex Spaniel loves long walks, but in between his hunting fever can flare up at any time. Unlike other spaniels, however, he rarely escapes for long periods of time. His urge to be active is best satisfied through a combination of endurance sports and intelligent hidden object games. Bred specifically to follow a trail to prey and lead the hunter there, hounds have an extensive repertoire of sounds. They bark loudly and often when playing outdoors. In the house, however, their verbal communication is mostly limited to the joy of the start of the meal or the reunion with the family.
Spaniel (Welsh Springer)
The Welsh Springer Spaniel belongs to FCI Group 8, Section 2 (Browsing Dogs). This makes it an active and playful companion for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Nature and character of the Welsh Springer Spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniels are characterized by their extremely friendly and affectionate, but also very temperamental nature. Therefore, especially as puppies, these dogs need a lot of attention and assertiveness from their human friends. They have a slight tendency to be stubborn when they don’t get enough exercise, but are otherwise in a good mood – whatever the weather or outdoor environment.
If you give a Welsh Springer Spaniel the attention and freedom of movement it needs, you can look forward to having an absolutely loyal, good-natured, intelligent and playful companion at your side in return. As hunting dogs, these spaniels have a very keen sense of smell. They are also inquisitive, curious and very quick to learn.
When the dogs are older, they usually become calmer – with the right training – and can relax in the corner in front of the television at family evenings and just watch along.
Spanish Water Dog
A Spanish Water Dog, also known as the Perro de Agua Espanol or Perro for short in its homeland, is a breed of dog originating from Spain. The breed has been officially recognized by the FCI since 1999 and assigned to group 8, the retriever, scavenger and water dogs. The Spanish water dog, as its name suggests, belongs to Section 3, the water dogs.
Origin and breed history
Dogs that look similar to the Spanish Water Dog have existed in various European countries for many thousands of years. The Spanish Water Dog as we know it today comes from the swampy regions of Andalusia, where it has been used as a versatile companion for humans for many years. The breed was probably originally imported by the Moors and Turks, who traveled as traders and brought Merino sheep to Spain. They were accompanied by the ancestors of the Spanish water dog. Therefore, the nickname “Turkish dog” was long used for these dogs.
The multi-talented Spanish Water Dogs were often used by fishermen to help with fishing. But they are also good herding, hunting and tracking dogs. According to cynologists, the Spanish water dog shares its ancestors with the Portuguese water dog and the Puli, which originated in Hungary.
The targeted and controlled breeding of the Perro de Agua Espanol is not very old and only began around the 1970s. In 1981, near Malaga, the first Spanish Water Dogs bred according to selected standards were presented to enthusiasts and breeders at an exhibition and thus gained initial attention within the country. In 1999 the breed was recognized by the FCI. The level of awareness of the Spanish water dog is not very large to this day.
Nature and character of the Spanish Water Dog
The Spanish Water Dog is considered to be very friendly, outgoing, fun-loving and intelligent. He bonds closely to his family and is particularly fond of children, which is why he is slowly becoming more and more popular as a family dog. His intelligence and keen obedience make him an easily trainable companion. The active dogs need a lot of work in order to be able to present their great nature optimally. But then they also enjoy cozy hours in the house with extensive cuddles from their people.
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner, which is very eye-catching and imposing because of its special, silvery-grey color, is one of the pointing and retriever dogs and is mainly kept as a hunting dog. However, its appearance also makes it more and more interesting for dog owners who do not want to use it for hunting. The FCI lists the Weimaraner breed standard under No. 99 in Group 7: Pointers, Section 1.1: Continental pointers, “Braque” type, with a working test.
Nature and character of the Weimaraner
In Germany, the homeland of the Weimaraner, the focus of breeding has always been on the use of the dogs for hunting. Their high level of intelligence and willingness to work make them easy to lead and easy to train working dogs, provided they are sufficiently challenged and kept busy. Pointing, i.e. indicating game in the dense undergrowth, is in the blood of a Weimaraner. But the dog also does the tracking down of the prey or the search for the shot game with great perseverance and concentration. He retrieves the prey from undergrowth or from the water and brings it to his human.
In addition to a clearly pronounced sharpness towards the game, the Weimaraner is also characterized by a strong protective instinct and its alert and territorial defensive behavior. As the owner of such a dog, you have to be aware that your four-legged friend only tolerates other animals in your own household after very careful getting used to them, or not at all. And the willingness to defend the house and property or the individual family members must be steered in a regulated direction at an early stage through consistent education.
Within the family, a well-trained and well-trained Weimaraner is calm, sensitive and friendly with very close ties to his caregivers. The breeding club even describes the breed’s “sometimes almost obtrusive attachment” to its people, which “is appreciated by connoisseurs and lovers of the breed”, “but should definitely be known to interested parties before they intend to buy”. In order to prevent the feared problems caused by unsuitable owners, poor training, and inadequate keeping, the organized breeders give their puppies primarily to hunters, but at least only to experienced dog owners.
