Page 115 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

Chapter 6 Introduction to Animals 99

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

FIGURE 6.5 Sporting group: (a) Irish Setter, (b) Labrador Retriever, (c) Vizsla, and (d) English Springer Spaniel. Source: Wikime-
dia Commons. Used under CC BY‐SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Can_Setter_dog_GFDL.jpg; https://commons.
wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Perfect_Side_View_Of_Black_Labrador_North_East_England.JPG; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/
File:Vizsla_r%C3%A1h%C3%BAz_a_vadra.jpg; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:English‐Springer‐Spaniel.jpg.

Weimaraner, Vizsla, and German Shorthair to name a will immediately become friends with almost everyone.
few. They indicate an upland bird (pheasant or grouse) Of course, this is a general statement as there will be
in the bush by “pointing” with their nose, often with a some individuals that do not like strangers or are
front leg bent and tail straight out. This is an instinctual unapproachable.
behavior that was created by humans using selective
breeding. The fourth type of sporting dog is the Spaniel.
These are medium‐sized dogs that usually have a thick Terrier Group
wavy or straight coat although there is one with a short
coat. The group is made up of the English Springer, The Terrier group of dogs was bred to take care of vermin
English Cocker, American Cocker, and Brittany Spaniels like mice, rats, and weasels (Figure 6.6). They are tena-
to name the most common breeds. They are good at cious dogs that are intelligent, tend to have a mind of
retrieving both upland birds and waterfowl; however, their own, and will frustrate the novice owner! This group
they have mostly been relegated to family pet, but many has it all from large to small in stature, and your choice of
retain the instinct to search for birds. Spaniels usually short, wire, or long hair coats. They can be friendly and
have their tails docked and require professional groom- outgoing or reserved and aloof until they know you are
ing to keep the hair coat in check. family or friend. They like to bark, making them good
Sporting dogs are very friendly and want to please watch dogs. They can be full of energy with some seem-
their owners. They are gregarious dogs that like everyone ing to have springs for legs like the Fox Terrier! Some of
including children, although Spaniels have a history of the best family dogs are found in the Terrier group and
being snappish in old age. They will bark at strangers but these would be the West Highland (Westy), Scottish