DOGWOOD RESCUE SOCIETY specializes in the following breeds sometimes referred to as “sporting” or “gun dogs,” as well crosses of these breeds (highlighted breeds provide a link to their American Kennel Club breed profile).
English Pointers
German Short-haired Pointers
German Wire-haired Pointers
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons
Pudelpointers
Weimaraners
Retrievers
Setters
Vizslas
Spinoni Italianos
Bracco Italianos
Bracque Francais
Before you decide to adopt one of these breeds, doing your research in advance allows you to assess specific breed characteristics and compatibility with your existing life. There will of course sometimes be some variation due to the nature of the dog’s unique personality, but self-educating yourself through various avenues goes a long way to ensure the right fit for both you and the animal in the long-term. Some people tend to confuse “dog breed” with “dog brand” – but we strongly recommend that you honestly assess your lifestyle in addition to resources that the animal will need (medical, food, training and most importantly TIME).
Some ideas to help you get started in assessing a breed include:
Sporting dogs generally require a great deal of exercise (this is why some people love them so much) and sometimes specialized exercise due to their breed characteristics (agility and tracking). Dogs live for at least a decade and often longer, so this research is an investment in terms of long-term mutual care and companionship!
We suggest assessing the dog breed in relation to these characteristics and how they fare against your preferences:
Original Purpose of the Breed: instinctive activity (i.e. barking, protecting, hunting, retrieving, herding, etc.)
Temperament: obedience needs, level of independence or attachment/loyalty, dominant or passive nature, etc.
Energy Level and Size: space and exercise requirements.
Type of Coat: grooming needs and allergy factors.
If you can look at a dog and not feel vicarious excitement and affection, you must be a cat. ~Author Unknown