Developed along the Chesapeake Bay and named the state dog of Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is a truly American sporting breed and the toughest water retriever.

One of the original nine breeds registered by the AKC, the clumber spaniel's long and low build is particularly unique among spaniels. Although not as speedy as other sporting dogs, the clumber spaniel will work all day, trotting along in his signature slow, rolling gait.

Exhibited in the U.S. since the 1880s, the cocker spaniel remains one of the most popular breeds, according to AKC registration statistics. This breed has a sturdy, compact body and a silky, flat, or wavy coat. It is a merry, well-balanced dog that is capable of considerable speed and great endurance.

Distinguished by its coat of small, tight, water-resistant, crisp curls, the curly-coated retriever is a strong, robust, agile breed. Developed to be a multipurpose hunting retriever, this dog will work for as long as there is work to be done.

An active sporting dog, the English cocker spaniel's compact, solid body practically vibrates with energy and enthusiasm, particularly when at work in the field. Although known for its soft, melting spaniel expression, the breed is a tough worker.

A graceful, elegant gundog, the English setter today excels in the show, obedience, and agility rings as well as in the field. Although similar in function to the Irish and Gordon setters, the English setter is a distinct breed, differing personality and appearance.

The English springer spaniel has been endowed with style, enthusiasm, and an eager-to-please quality common to most spaniels. It is recognized for its ability to keep going under adverse hunting conditions.

Known for its level-headedness and perseverance, the field spaniel is a medium-size flushing spaniel, built for activity and endurance in heavy cover and water. One of the rarest spaniel breeds, they nearly went extinct!

Although his tail never stops wagging, the flat-coated retriever is suited for hard work. Originally bred to flush and retrieve both upland game and waterfowl, he transfers his determination, desire, and verve on the hunting field to everyday life.

A versatile hunter and all-purpose gun dog, the German shorthaired pointer possesses keen scenting power and high intelligence. The breed is proficient with many different types of game and sport, including trailing, retrieving, and pointing.

When the Germans wanted a dog that could do it all, they created the German wirehaired pointer, a versatile, multipurpose hunting dog. Strong and medium-size, with a typical pointer personality, the breed's most distinctive feature is its functional wiry coat.

The golden retriever, with its intelligence and eager-to-please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC registration statistics. The working ability that has made the golden retriever such a useful hunting companion also makes him an ideal guide, assistance, and search-and-rescue dog.

The heaviest of the three setter breeds, the Gordon setter was originally bred as a personal bird dog, but they are equally at home as companion dogs, obedience competitors, and show dogs today. Sturdy and muscular, the Gordon suggests strength and stamina rather than extreme speed while on the move.

Despite its name, the Irish red and white setter is a distinct breed, not just a different colored version of the Irish setter. Bred primarily for the field, they should be strong, powerful and athletic, with a keen and intelligent attitude.

One of the most distinctive Sporting breeds, the mahogany-red Irish setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog. Over two feet tall at the shoulder, the Irish is known for his style, powerful movement, and clownlike personality.

The clown of the spaniel family, the Irish water spaniel will think of creative ways to accomplish even the slightest of tasks. Strong and intelligent, the tallest spaniel breed possesses several unique characteristics including its liver-colored curly coat and signature "rat tail."

The gentle, intelligent, and family-friendly Labrador retriever from Canada continues to be the most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC registration statistics. Because of their aptitude to please their masters, they excel as guide dogs for the blind, as part of search-and-rescue teams, or in narcotics detection with law enforcement.

Medium-size, powerful, and compact, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is the smallest of the retrievers. He developed in the early 19th century to toll, lure, and retrieve waterfowl.

A hard-driving hunting dog possessing stamina, courage, and the desire to go, the pointer is bred primarily for sport afield and definitely looks the part. He gives the impression of power and grace, with a noble carriage, an intelligent expression, and a muscular body.

An excellent retriever by nature and an experienced hunter on any terrain, the Spinone is robust, sociable, and docile. His wiry, dense coat and thick skin enable him to negotiate underbrush and endure cold water that would severely punish any dog not so naturally armored.

Despite its somber and serious expression, the Sussex is friendly, with a cheerful and tractable disposition. They enjoy walks with their families and are good with children and other dogs.

Originally from Hungary, the vizsla is a medium-size, short-coated hunting dog that is essentially pointer in type, although he combines characteristics of both pointer and retriever. An attractive golden rust in color, this "dual" dog is popular in both the field and the show ring due to his power and drive while hunting and his trainability in the home.

Often referred to as the grey ghost because of the distinctive color of its short, sleek coat, the Weimaraner is a graceful dog with aristocratic features. Bred for speed, good scenting ability, courage, and intelligence, he remains an excellent game hunter and active participant in other dog sports.

Active, loyal and possessing an even disposition, the Welsh springer spaniel is an excellent companion for families and hunters alike.

The griffon's easy trainability, devotion to family, and friendly temperament endear him to all. He thrives on human companionship and prefers to be house dog. The breed's wiry coat will not develop fully until the dog is about 2-3 years old and is maintained with regular brushing and stripping. This sporting dog needs plenty of exercise to keep it physically and mentally fit.