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in 2010 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
http://www.archive.org/details/birddogsinsporic42yeat
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY
CIRCULAR 42
STATE OF ILLINOIS
DWIGHT H. GREEN, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION
FRANK G. THOMPSON, Director
Bird Dogs in Sport
and Conservation
RALPH} E---YEATTER
Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois
NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
HARLOW B. MILLS, Chief
Circular 42 Urbana December, 1948
THE LIBRARY OF THE
JAN 19 1949
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
S77 AE hae EaOLes
Dwicur H. Green, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION
Frank G. TuHompson, Director
BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
Frank G. THompson, Chairman
A. E. Emerson, Ph.D., Biology
L. H. Tirrany, Ph.D., Forestry
L. R. Howson, B.S.C.E., C.E.,
Engineering
Georce D. Sropparp, Ph.D., Litt.D., L.H./
LL.D., President of the University of Iilin
Wa trter H. Newuouse, Ph.D., Geology
Rocer Apams, Ph.D., D.Se., Chemistry
NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
Urbana, Illinois
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL STAFF
Hartow B. Mitts, Ph.D., Chtef
Bessie B. Henverson, M.S., Assistant to the Chief
Section cf Economic Entomology
Georce C. Decker, Ph.D., Entomologist
and Flead ~
J. H. Biccer, M.S., Entomologist
L. L. Encutsu, Ph.D., Entomologist
C. J. Weinman, Ph.D., Entomologist
S. C. Cuanpier, B.S., Associate Entomolo-
gist
James W.
mologist
Wiiiis N. Bruce, M.A., Assistant Ento-
mologist
Joun M.
mologist
H. B. Perry, M.A., Associate in Entomolo-
gy Extension
Georce F. Lupvik, M.A., Special Research
Assistant
Joun E. Porter, M.S., Laboratory Assistant
Associate Ento-
M.S.,
APPLE,
Wricut, B.A., Assistant Ento-
Section of Faunistic Surveys and Insect
Identification
H. H. Ross, Ph.D., Systematic Entomologist
and Head
Mitron W. Sanperson, Ph.D., Associate
Taxonomist
B. D. Burks, Ph.D., Associate Taxonomist
Lewis J. SrannarpD, Jr., M.S., Assistant
Taxonomist
Leonora K. Groyp, M.S., Laboratory Assist-
ant
Puitip W. Smiru, B.S., Laboratory Assistant
Dorotuy A. Mouton, Technical Assistant
Section of Applied Botany and Plant Pa-
thology
Leo R. Tenon, Ph.D., Botanist and Head
J. Cepric Carter, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist
J. L. Forsperc, M.S., Associate Plant Pa-
thologist
G. H. Borwr, M.S., Assistant Plant Pa-
thologist
Rosert A. Evers, M.S., Assistant Botanist
Consuttrant 1n Herrerotocy: Hosarr M. Situ, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Zoology, Univers
of Illinois.
This paper is a contribution from the Section of Game Research and Management
(65811—10M—9-48) Sc Gao 2
Section of Forestry
Witter N. Wanpe i, M.F., Forester @
Head
Lawson B. Cutver, B.S., Associate in F
estry Extension ;
Section of Aquatic Biology
Georce W. Bennett, Ph.D., Aquatic i
ologist and Head
Witiram C. Srarrett, Ph.D., Associate Agu
ic Biologist
D. F. Hansen, Ph.D., Assistant Agua
Biologist
R. We.tvon Larimore, M.S., Research Assi
ant
Jacos H. Lemon, Field Assistant
DanteL Avery, Field Assistant
Section of Game Research and Manag
ment
Rarpy E. Yeatrer, Ph.D., Game Specias
Frank C. Bettrose, B.S., dssociate Ga
Specialist
Haro.tp C. Hanson, M.S., Assistant Ga
Specialist
Section of Publications and Public
lations
James S. Ayars, B.S., Technical Editor a
Head
BiancHe P. Younc, B.A., Assistant Te
nical Editor
Cuar es L. Scott, B.S., Assistant Technt
Photographer
Technical Library
MarcuerirE Simmons, M.A., M.S., Te
nical Librarian
Cooperative Wildlife Research
Pau. J. Moors, B.S., Project Leader
Georce C. Arruur, B.S., Project Leader
Lyste R. Pretscn, M.F., Project Leader
A. B. Cowan, B.S.F., Assistant Project Lea
WAAS LIE, ,
CONTENTS
Role of Trained Bird Dogs
Value to Sport
Reducing Crippling Losses i Sear
In Wildlife Research Peed ate:
Selecting a Bird
Dog
Breeds and Classes 1 ee i IRE ae Bae
Rnineearaimed: DOL. ... 42.5.0: uss snes
Buvmera Yvoune Dos. 5... =: Ra oe tg Te
MesiraplesC@haracteristics.....°:......-4.....-
CUSPOUG) On) ULNA ee Be ee
SenenaleeGonsideratvions: .°.9)... «2. seeks soe
The Amateu
re, AMS a RS tne oo Le eA oF
PAIN OVNSLEMS ha ae eee oo ee
rane Glasseshy hahaa. cals Pod Sen oe
Planted Gam
(Pouca crane «Co qatho Des Oke ie) O8O.@ 3 ch oGendoedl cl ooo o enn Sar aiond, 1 ep
FITC MOUN OD OO enh AIS ea eke tn gee SE
BDU GARNI Gye: Sie eric: cuss cacee Wee Satie
ES HLIESSONS Si ase wee rae tens beet eek ad ae a cde
FOU EUEER MEE Gr eIKL@ bays RE ewe BOM cae en es, Mera RE hire atl
INatubaleRetrie vines... 4. 4 siete ns ee siren otathe Lt EL eae
Horces breaking tosRetnleve. 044. ee ee ci ae Re Bee
Freedom in the Field...
Accustoming
to Firing of Gan. : Oe Ae ae nc ee
Means Win Gass Ol sD ier w ah a © Sys tausl = aerate ewe onto one ea ee eee
REVIGWAO Leahy nOd oy Obes HIP erin thio caer ae ae Se 2 See Se ee
Coming Promptly to Call.......... So Be oh RPP. he
Latenrpa lt SFr eee ae cc ON paris LR ete xl Aenea Nn tel te ONY ery ui, oe
Wavanced @vande Lrainine: v.44. h ewe pee re ech las aie at etm
Field Training
meheachinea Doreto, Quarters. =.=. ..22 30+ See ee Oe see eee nes
Steadinession: Loint and) to. Wins, and) Shot... .2.25--.----..---4.-
Training the
Rheasante Dot Ahr tt tee a ess eee re
Uvennandline Und esiraplee cu. 5 5 cck wy here caw BeSug sens
Important Breeds of Bird Dogs
The Pointing Breeds
ESI CUAILVee S DANG lites core rere ote. Re re ees wee
English Setter
Gard re: SRYGHIGIES Sta ii oe et ean ee
Wire-Haired
The Sporting Spaniels...
Clumber Spaniel. ....
Cocker Spaniel......
Pointing Griffon r. «0 obs ie os. -~
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel. .
Sussex Spaniel
The Retrievers ;
American Water Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curly-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever. .
Or or or Ot OF oT OI O11
Co G0 GO DD hm hm WO WwW LO
ane
ss
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever 62
Literature Cited 64
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece. English Springer Spaniel, F. T. Ch. Bing of Roe. Winner in
various field trials and third in First National Amateur Field Trials for
English Springer Spaniels at Craborchard Lake, Illinois, December 12-14.
1947. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Quirk, Greenwich, Conn., owners. Photo by
Evelyn Shafer.
Page 3. Pointer, Sport. Dr. E. F. Greer, Vandalia, Ill., owner. Photo from
Beb Becker.
Page 4. Chesapeake Bay Retriever, F. T. Ch. Tiger of Clipper City. Dr.
George H. Gardner, Evanston, Ill., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 5. Golden Retriever, F. T. Ch. King Midas of Woodend. Winner of
First National Championship, held in 1941. E. N. Dodge, Wayzata, Minn..
owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 5. Cocker Spaniel, F. F. Ch. Cinar Spot ef Earlsmoor. Connecticut
Spaniel Field Trial, Saybrook, Conn., November 17-18, 1944. Dr. Samuel
Milbank, owner-handler. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 6. Black Labrador Retriever. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 7. Yellow Labrador Retriever, Mac of Greencroft. Russell Wilcox,
Horicon, Wis., owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 8. English Setter, Huntstone Felicia. Bob Becker, Chicago, Ill..
owner. Photo from owner.
Page 9. Labrador Retrievers, F. T. Ch. Glenairlie Rocket, right, and F. T.
Ch. Glenairlie Rover. F. T. Ch. Glenairlie Rocket (Mrs. Frances Morgan
Garlock, Brockport, N. Y., present owner; Glenairlie Kennels, Barrington,
Ill., former owner) is said to have won more points in field trials up to
1948 than any other Labrador. F. T. Ch. Glenairlie Rover, his sire, was
formerly a widely known field trial winner. F. F. Garlock, owner. Photo
from owner.
Page 10. English Setters, F. T. Ch. Susie, left, and Sal. Susie was cham-
pion in puppy class in northern Illinois field trials held at Downers Grove.
March, 1948, and placed second in derby at Asa B. Wallace Memorial Field
Trials at Weldon Springs, Mo., November 1, 1948. Paul Sabo, Jr., Cham-
paign, Ill., owner. Photo by Paul Sabo, Jr.
Page 12. Pointers. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 13. American Water Spaniel, Ch. Grant’s Red. Theodore Grant,
Downers Grove, Ill., owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 15. Brittany Spaniel, Ch. Avono Happy. Judged best in breed at 1946
National Brittany Spaniel Specialty Show, and winner in various field
trials. Jack L. Whitworth, Avon, Ohio, owner. Photo from owner.
Page 16. Irish Water Spaniel, Bog’s Jiggs. Thomas C. Marshall, Fairfield,
Conn., owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 18. English Setter. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 21. Irish Setter in training by Clifford Wallace. Photo from Bob
Becker.
Page 26. Labrador Retriever, Shot of Barrington, being trained to retrieve
by Martin Hogan. V. Merkle, Chicago, Ill., owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 28. English Springer Spaniel and trainers. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 31. Weimaraner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 32. German Shorthaired Pointer. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 35. Brittany Spaniel, Gwennes’ Passy the Second. Tommy Thompson,
Ferndale, Mich., owner. Photo from Bob Becker.
Page 37. Brittany Spaniel, Ch. Mac of Paradise. Judged best in breed at
1947 National Brittany Specialty Show, and best in breed at Chicago Inter-
national, 1948. W.S. Oberlin, De Kalb, Ill., owner. Photo by George W.
Bennett.
Page 39. English Setter, Int. Ch. Silvermine Wagabond. Mr. and Mrs.
Davis H. Tuck, Redding Ridge, Conn., owners. Photo by R. W. Tauskey.
Page 40. Gordon Setter, Ch. Blakeen Saegryte. George W. Thompson,
Baltimore, Md., owner. Phote by William Brown.
Page 41. Irish Setter, Bryan of Tyronne. Edward H. Brown, Waltham,
Mass., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 43. Pointer. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 44. German Shorthaired Pointer, Ch. Sue von Schwarenberg. Jack
Shattuck, Jr., Minneapolis, Minn., owner. Photo from G. D. Goodwin.
Page 46. Weimaraner, Ch. Silver Blue Luke. Charles S. Hartung, Chevy
Chase, Md., owner. Photo by Brooks Studio, Washington, D. C.
Page 48. Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon. Max McGraw, Fin’n Feather Farm,
Dundee, Ill., owner. Photo from owner.
Page 49. Clumber Spaniel, Squirrel Run Ree. Hallock Du Pont, Wilming-
ton, Del., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 50. American Cocker Spaniel. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 51. English Cocker Spaniel. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 52. English Springer Spaniel, F. T. Ch. Russet of Middlefield. Cham-
pion at First National Amateur Trials for English Springer Spaniels at
Craborchard Lake, Ill., December 12-14, 1947. Dr. C. G. Sabin, Portland,
Ore., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 54. Sussex Spaniel, Hornshill Russet. Mrs. Brewster Sewall, New
Hartford, Conn., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 55. American Water Spaniel. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 57. Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Ch. The Second Cocoa. F. A. Bunte,
Chicago, Ill., owner. Photo by Allison-Lighthall, Chicago, Il.
Page 58. Curly-Coated Retriever, Sarona Jacob of Marvadel. J. Gould
Remick, Cedarhurst, N. Y., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 59. Flat-Coated Retriever, Black Royal. Mrs. Robert Boggs, New
York, N. Y., owner. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 60. Golden Retriever. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Page 61. Irish Water Spaniel, Ch. Handsome Mahoney. Sire of numerous
champion Irish Water Spaniels. R. G. Lindsay, Milwaukee, Wis., owner.
Photo from owner.
Page 63. Labrador Retriever. Photo by Evelyn Shafer.
Note.—The author regrets that names or winnings of some dogs pictured in this
circular have been necessarily omitted because of inability to obtain full identifica-
tions.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The writer is indebted to numerous persons and organizations for
assistance in preparation of this circular. Special thanks are due to Charles
S. Goodall for advice on training and for critical reading of the manuscript;
to Bob Becker for permission to quote from his publications and for the loan
of a number of photographs used in this circular; and to Robert Cary, artist,
for the crayon drawing used on the cover.
The writer wishes to thank members of the Natural History Survey
staff for their cooperation, especially Dr. Harlow B. Mills, Chief, for advice
and interest; Dr. Leo R. Tehon, who proposed this circular and encouraged
its writing; Dr. George W. Bennett for constructive criticisms and photog-
raphy; Willet N. Wandell for making available unpublished material; and
James S. Ayars for counsel on numerous occasions during the writing of
the manuscript.
Appreciation is expressed to the American Kennel Club for permission
to use material from its publications. The Complete Dog Book (1947) is
the source of much of the material on breeds.
The writer is grateful to the late Professor Howard M. Wight for
pointing out the value of bird dogs in game studies, and to Dean S. T. Dana
of the University of Michigan School of Forestry and Conservation for
permission to quote from Professor Wight’s unpublished manuscript on the
pheasant dog.
Thanks are due many others who cooperated with the writer in various
ways. Unfortunately the list is too long to be published in full. The follow-
ing assisted in obtaining material for the text or furnished photographs:
F. A. Bunte, Chicago, Ill.; Rune Clark, Champaign, Ill.; H. B. Conover,
Chicago, Ill.; Dean H. Ecke, Denver, Colo.; F. Fletcher Garlock, Chicago, II1.;
G. D. Goodwin, Secretary, German Shorthaired Pointer Club of America,
Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.; Mrs. H. W. Glassen, Secretary, the English Setter
Association, Lansing, Mich.; Robert E. Hesselschwerdt, Urbana, Ill.; Roland
Kilbon, Editorial Department, Sun, New York, N. Y.; R. G. Lindsay, Mil-
waukee, Wis.; Max McGraw, Dundee, IIl.; Beatrice E. Peterson, Librarian,
American Kennel Club, New York, N. Y.; Darwin Morse, Secretary-Treas-
urer, the Weimaraner Club of America, Richmond, Mass.; Dr. Charles G.
Sabin, President, Northwest English Springer Spaniel Club, Inc., Portland,
Ore.; Miriam L. Steyer, Secretary, Gordon Setter Club of America, Bronx,
N. Y.; Joseph C. Quirk, Secretary-Treasurer, English Springer Spaniel Field
Trial Association, Inc., New York, N. Y.; and Jack L. Whitworth, Secretary,
American Brittany Club, Avon, Ohio.
An English Springer Spaniel with a cock pheasant he has just retrieved.
Trained retrieving dogs recover many thousands of crippled game birds and
animals annually, thus conserving game that would otherwise be lost.
MD DOGS Ai conservation
RALP Rice. 7 EAE be
IRD DOGS have enjoyed wide popularity among Illinois hunt-
B ers for many years. During the period of settlement, the
open prairies proved well adapted to dog work, and even then
hunters imported and bred pointers and setters to aid in hunting
upland game birds. Later, retrievers became well known in the
extensive waterfowl hunting areas of the Illinois and Mississippi
river valleys. Since the ring-necked pheasant was added to the
list of Illinois game birds about 30 years ago, spaniels have become
popular as upland game dogs. The recent marked increase in
hunting as a recreation has brought an increase in the numbers
of bird dogs of all kinds, and today one or more breeds can be
seen in nearly every community in the state.
Indicative of the interest in bird dogs shown by sportsmen
and other outdoor enthusiasts of Illinois is the number of major
field trials held in the state annually. Other organized efforts
that indicate an interest in bird-dog breeds and help to ad-
vance them include the activities of specialty clubs. Many of
these clubs have good-sized membership lists. However, in Illi-
nois, as elsewhere, by far the largest number of backers of bird
dogs is found in the host of unorganized owners who value these
dogs for their services afield, as well as for their friendliness,
intelligence, and beauty, qualities that make them, as a class,
excellent family dogs.
This circular discusses pointing dogs, spaniels, and retriev-
ers, referred to collectively here as bird dogs, in relation to hunt-
ing and wildlife conservation in Illinois. Although it was written
chiefly with a view to giving information for the benefit of pros-
pective owners and owners who plan to train their own dogs, it is
hoped that it will be of some value to everyone who likes to hunt
and is interested in the welfare of Illinois wildlife.
A suggestion made to the Illinois Natural History Survey
by Bob Becker was in large measure responsible for the writing
of this circular. Mr. Becker, as one of the directors of the Illinois
State Museum, urged the Survey to undertake a study of the
[1]
2 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
place of bird dogs in Illinois conservation, particularly from the
standpoint of reducing crippling losses of upland game and water-
fowl. The following discussion of the important values of these
hunting dogs is based on studies in Illinois and elsewhere.
ROLE OF TRAINED BIRD DOGS
At the present time, trained bird dogs in Illinois serve in
three important capacities. Not only do they continue in their
historic role as companions of the hunt; they also help to con-
serve dwindling game resources by reducing crippling losses and
they aid in wildlife research.
Value te Sport
Illinois ranks high among states in the proportion of land
devoted to agriculture. In the northern half of Illinois, where
the great bulk of the state’s 8,000,000 inhabitants live, intensive
farming and pasturing make upland game cover very scarce.
Illinois hunters include about 400,000 residents who buy
hunting licenses annually and, in addition, many farm owners,
tenants, and farm boys who hunt on their home acres without
being required to purchase licenses. The total number of hunters
in the state each year is undoubtedly well over a half million.
Although the cottontail rabbit, in point of numbers taken,
is by far the most important game species in Illinois, the game
birds, particularly quails and pheasants, provide the favorite sport
of many hunters. In bird hunting, trained dogs play an especially
important role. Well-trained bird dogs increase materially the
opportunities of bagging game. They are especially important
to the average bird hunter, whose time in the field is limited to
a few trips or a few hours annually, and whose annual game bag
is relatively small. Many hunters who do not own dogs hunt
with friends who do. Thus, the thousands of trained bird dogs
in the state help to distribute the opportunities of harvesting
game among a large number of hunters.
The fact that trained hunting dogs tend to increase hunting
success often overshadows other important values of these dogs.
Not the least of these values is that, for most people, hunting
with a dog greatly increases the enjoyment of the sport. The use
of bird dogs frequently diverts emphasis from large game bags
to enjoyment of hunting as a recreation. Voluntary limiting of
co
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION
the kill is commendable, since most kinds of game birds are no
longer numerous enough to meet the heavy and growing demands
of hunters.
The value of the trained bird dog to the average hunter is
well expressed by Bob Becker (1945): “In our estimation, the
The rigid point and tense expression of this pointer mean quails just
ahead. Skillful handling and retrieving of birds by well-trained dogs add
much to the enjoyment of any hunt.
most potent reason for using a hunting dog, aside from the
humane angle of finding wounded birds, is the FUN of getting
your game with the aid of a devoted canine partner. And he
doesn’t have to be a purebred with a pedigree a mile long to give
the owner a lot of fun in the hunting field. If the pooch has a nose
and will get those cripples he can’t help but add a lot of fun to
any hunt. In fact, a hunter who doesn’t use a dog misses about
80 per cent of the fun of a hunt.”
Reducing Crippling Losses
It is now recognized that retrievers and other hunting dogs
that are trained to retrieve have an important place in game
management. By capturing wounded birds and mammals that
would otherwise escape the hunter, these dogs reduce materially
a serious wastage of wildlife. A high percentage of game partially
or wholly disabled by shot will eventually die of wounds or be
killed by natural enemies. Game lost by crippling means more
4 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
game killed or crippled by hunters in an effort to complete the
hunting bag.
Crippling losses of upland game and waterfowl have become
a cause of grave concern on the part of conservation officials and
thoughtful sportsmen. The extent of these losses is indicated
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed originated on the eastern seaboard.
Dogs of this breed, for several years numerically strong in the Mississippi
River valley, have retrieved many ducks annually.
by studies in various states. In Minnesota, for example, crippling
losses of ducks were found to vary from 11 to 54 per cent of the
total number bagged plus birds known to be crippled, and the
losses by pheasant hunters to vary from 6 to 48 per cent (Nelson
& Swanson 1941). The percentage of crippling was influenced
by the type of shooting and the experience of the hunters. In a
detailed study in Pennsylvania, the crippling losses of pheasants
averaged 30.4 per cent of the number bagged and crippled (Ran-
dall 1939). Hawkins & Bellrose (19389) estimated the crippling
losses of dabbling ducks on the Illinois River to be at least one-
third of the annual bag, and of diving ducks more than one-half
the bag.
The effectiveness of retrievers in reducing crippling losses
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION
v1
A Golden Retriever brings in a duck. Estimates of the number of ducks
wounded or killed and not recovered in Illinois range from one-third to one-
half the number bagged. Greater use of trained retrievers could materially
reduce this loss.
A Cocker Spaniel retrieves a wounded pheasant. Despite small size, the
hunting strains of Cockers are splendid field dogs.
G ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
is illustrated graphically by a tally of hunters’ bags carried on
throughout the 1946 hunting season on two check areas in north-
ern Illinois, one in Kendall County and one in Winnebago County.
Several kinds of retrievers are well known in the Illinois waterfowl] fly-
ways. Here a black Labrador retrieves a duck shot by a hunter from a nearby
blind.
On these areas the hunters who hunted without dogs shot 88
pheasants, of which 19, or 21.6 per cent, were crippled birds that
were able to escape. Hunters with dogs shot 81 birds, of which
only 8, or 9.9 per cent, were so lost.*
Similar reductions of crippling losses when dogs were used
were found in the previously mentioned Pennsylvania pheasant
study (Randall 1939). Here it was found that hunters of all
classes who hunted without dogs had an average crippling loss
of 39.8 per cent, while those who hunted with dogs lost only 20.1
per cent of their birds. The losses reported by all the Pennsyl-
vania hunters were high, but the number of birds lost by crippling
was reduced to approximately half by retrieving dogs, as was the
ease in Illinois.
In the Pennsylvania study, the hunters were classified in
three groups, novice, average, and veteran. Novice hunters were
*Unpublished data contributed by Illinois Pheasant Research Project (PR-30)
conducted cooperatively by the Illinois Natural History Survey, the Illinois Depart-
ment of Conservation, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 7
found to have higher crippling losses than average or veteran
hunters, owing partly to such causes as shooting at birds that were
out of range and using too small or too large shot. Nevertheless,
the losses of even veteran hunters were reduced by more than
40 per cent by the use of retrieving dogs.
The true retriever breeds, such as the Chesapeake, Labra-
dor, Golden, and the water spaniels, were developed primarily as
waterfowl retrievers, but today many of these dogs are being
used on upland game. In upland game hunting they have been
teamed frequently with pointing dogs as “non-slip” retrievers
(that is, kept at heel except when retrieving). However, their
services are not confined to retrieving; often they can be trained
to hunt pheasants and other game ahead of the gun. The Ameri-
can Water Spaniel is a notable example of a retriever that can
easily be trained to hunt upland game. Labradors, Chesapeakes,
and doubtless other retriever breeds seem to possess considerable
ability as hunters.
Speaking of Labradors, Becker (19470) says: “Another point
about the Labrador which the average duck and pheasant hunter
will be interested in is the breed’s ability to be trained something
Retrievers are becoming more popular in upland game hunting, where
they are often teamed with pointing dogs or sporting spaniels. In some
cases, retrievers, like this pointing yellow Labrador, are trained to quest
for pheasants.
8 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
like a spaniel and work ahead of the gun to flush game. It’s qui.e
possible that not all Labradors will do this. We owned one Labra-
dor (Dawn of Kezar) who, after being broken as a retriever, was
taught in a few weeks to take hand signals and quarter her
ground back and forth ahead of the gun. No one watching her
valuable work would pretend that she crashed the weed thickets
with the speed and dash of a Springer. . . . But this Lab loved
to quest for game. To the ‘hunt ’em up’ command and a wave
of the hand she would bang into the brush and tall weeds to find
pheasants for us, always staying within easy gun range.”
Most upland bird hunting is, of course, done with the point-
ing and sporting spaniel breeds, and in these dogs ability to
retrieve is especially important from the standpoint of reducing
crippling losses of upland game. Many of the pointing dogs and
sporting spaniels owned by Illinois hunters are trained for the
dual purpose of finding and retrieving. In the case of the spaniels,
training to retrieve is doubtless given considerable impetus by
the fact that they are expected to retrieve in field trials. Retriev-
ing is not included in field trials for the pointing breeds. In regard
to trials for pointing dogs, the late Professor Howard M. Wight
Although trained on upland game birds, setters occasionally fill in as
waterfowl retrievers. This English Setter served as pick-up dog during a
shoot on a duck pass in North Dakota pheasant country.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 9
of the University of Michigan School of Forestry and Conserva-
tion (unpublished) wrote:
“It seems to me that field trials emphasize both speed and
range too much, for while both are worthy of attention, they are
|
> 45
ae,
O24a LR
A pair of champion Labrador Retrievers owned by an Illinois sports-
man. Field trials stimulate the improvement of the bird-dog breeds.
now quite well beyond any particularly practical use, and such
factors as the ability to retrieve may well be given a more pro-
nounced place in trials designed to improve the bird dog.”
In Wildlife Research
Increasingly stringent legal restrictions on hunting seasons,
game bags, and other improvised conservation measures have, in
most instances, failed to halt the downward trend of upland game,
waterfowl, furbearers, and other wildlife. This failure has
brought a tardy recognition of the importance of preserving and
restoring wildlife habitats. Unfortunately, wasteful land man-
agement practices, including a general intensification of farming
and grazing, regardless of land types, and wholesale draining,
have already caused tremendous losses of soil, water, forests,
and wildlife.
10 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The past two decades have seen a remarkable growth of
research in the field of wildlife conservation. Throughout the
country, biologists in colleges, in universities, and in state and
federal conservation agencies are gathering facts on the basic
requirements and behavior of game and other wildlife. This
Two English Setters spect a pheasant in a central Illinois stubble field.
The rear deg has stopped short te honor the other’s point. Trained bird
dogs such as these are of much value in game studies.
information is necessary before wildlife management can find
and maintain its proper place in the whole conservation move-
ment.
Game research has created a new field of usefulness for the
talents of various breeds of hunting dogs in the United States.
Several years ago, Professor Wight conducted extensive studies
of pheasant populations in Michigan with the’aid of his setters,
Max and Max Barry, and thus drew attention to the value of
trained dogs in wildlife investigations. Since then, hunting dogs
have given valuable aid to field men engaged in game population
studies, in life history studies, and in other kinds of game re-
search and management work.
SELECTING A BIRD DOG
Picking the right dog for a hunting companion depends in
large measure on the sportsman’s hunting preferences, on his
knowledge of the work of the different breeds, and on the sound-
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 1a
ness of his appraisal of the hunting potentialities of the particu-
lar dog or dogs in which he is interested.
Breeds and Classes
The bird dogs may be conveniently classified into three
groups: (1) the pointing breeds, (2) the sporting spaniels, and
(3) the retrievers. The chief breeds are given in the following
list.
The Brittany Spaniel, the only spaniel that points game, is
here listed with the pointing dogs. Two spaniels, the American
Water Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel, are well-known re-
trievers and compete with the other retrievers in field trials. All
of the breeds of sporting spaniels and pointing dogs can, of course,
be trained to retrieve.
BREEDS AND CLASSES OF BIRD DOGS
CLASSIFICATION BREED
Pointing Dogs Brittany Spaniel
English Setter
German Shorthaired Pointer
Gordon Setter
Irish Setter
Pointer
Weimaraner
Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon
Sporting Spaniels Clumber Spaniel
Cocker Spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
Field Spaniel
Sussex Spaniel
Retrievers American Water Spaniel
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Curly-Coated Retriever
Flat-Coated Retriever
Golden Retriever
Irish Water Spaniel
Labrador Retriever
The hunting breeds in the above list that are best known in
Illinois are probably the Pointer, English Setter, English Springer
~
12 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The leading Pointer has just retrieved a quail and is holding it in his
mouth while he points another bird. The well-trained companion is honoring
his brace mate’s point.
Spaniel, Irish Setter, Chesapeake Bay, Labrador, and Golden re-
trievers. The Brittany Spaniel, Gordon Setter, German Short-
haired Pointer, and American Water Spaniel are fairly well
known. The Cocker Spaniel is probably the most popular of all
family dogs, but is used much less for hunting in Illinois than
the Springer Spaniel. Although most people know the Irish
Water Spaniel, it is overshadowed by some of the better known
breeds of retrievers and ranks as one of the rarer hunting dogs
in this state. The other bird dogs are rare or known to but few
Illinois hunters. The rarity of these breeds in no way detracts
from their merit.
Buying a Trained Dog
The prospective purchaser of a hunting dog may be faced
with the problem of training his dog for work in the field. The
sportsman who is able to buy a fully trained dog does not have
this problem, but he should remember that training methods
differ. For best results he should know how the dog has been
worked in the past. This statement applies also to the owner
who has had his dog trained by a professional. Although dis-
satisfaction between a dog buyer and a reputable dealer or trainer
is usually due to differences in handling and knowledge, the buyer
should not lose sight of the fact that there is a certain number of
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 1
dishonest dealers who advertise ‘‘trained” dogs that are of little
or no value as hunting dogs. He should make sure that he is deal-
ing with a reputable seller (Stringer 1946).
Buying a Young Dog
A 3-months-old puppy will probably give little evidence of
his potential ability as a hunting dog. Hence, it is to the advan-
tage of the purchaser to learn as much as possible of the ancestry
of the prospect. The buyer of a registered puppy has the ad-
vantage of records kept over a number of years. Familiarity
with the families of the breed that have produced outstanding
field trial dogs is helpful in making a choice. Although there are
many bird dogs of uncertain ancestry that do good work in the
field, buying a purebred puppy of proved hunting ancestry in-
creases considerably the probability of getting a good performer.
A puppy should not be taken from its mother before the
age of 2 months. If it is to be shipped far, it should be at least
TARE
Aes
A sturdy and eager retriever despite his small size, the American Water
Spaniel continues to win friends among Illinois sportsmen. It is at home in
upland as well as marsh hunting.
14 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
3 to 4 months old, and preferably 4 to 6 months. The strain of
shipping may give a younger puppy a setback from which it will
recover slowly, if ever (Lytle 1934).
Dogs can now be shipped by plane from New York to Cali-
fornia in about 16 hours. It will usually be well to investigate
the possibility of air transportation for the newly purchased
puppy or grown dog to reduce the time and strain of shipping.
Air express rates on dogs, as a rule, compare favorably with rail-
road express rates.
The breeder of good hunting dogs must charge prices for
puppies commensurate with their breeding and potential hunting
ability, and the care they have been given. This fact does not
mean, however, that a sportsman must pay an exorbitant price
to obtain a good bird dog.
Desirable Characteristics
Perhaps the leading qualifications of the potentially good
hunting dog are hunting instinct, intelligence, health, vigor,
amenability to training, and a good nose. Since for the great
majority of sportsmen the hunting dog will be the family dog,
good disposition also is desirable.
The nose of the bird dog has been developed by many gen-
erations of breeding to a high degree of efficiency in detecting
even faint scents. Nevertheless, individuals, whatever their
breeding, show considerable variation in the keenness of their
scenting powers. If his nose is faulty, a dog will be handicapped
in the field regardless of his other natural qualifications and his
training.
Well-trained bird dogs hunt while running at full speed, with
head held high, and seek the scent of game birds in the air. This
habit is in contrast to the ground trailing of the hound working
on rabbits or other “fur’’; the hound follows the scent left on the
soil and vegetation in the path of the quarry. As discussed later,
ground trailing is a fault in bird dogs.
The behavior of the bird dog working on game will doubtless
be made more understandable by a brief discussion of scent emis-
sion by game animals. Stoddard (1932) has aptly described game
scent by comparing it to a smoke or a vapor that is visible to
the eye. When a bird moves about or shakes its feathers, it gives
off a heavy cloud of scent, or “smoke.” If a breeze is blowing,
the “smoke” is constantly carried downwind. If the atmosphere
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 15
is still and moist, the “‘smoke” spreads out in all directions, but
lies close to the ground.
If a quail, for example, is flushed, it flies away swiftly, leav-
ing an air-borne “smoke trail” behind it, which terminates where
the quail alights and crouches. The bird can be located easily
by the bird dog that arrives before the “‘smoke trail” is dissipated.
If the bird remains motionless for some time, the trail of scent
disappears and its “body scent” is largely withheld by the tightly
compressed feathers. Then the dog will probably have difficulty
in finding the bird.
The scenting ability of the dog and scent emission by game
are affected by a number of conditions that are only partially
understood. It remains something of a mystery why dogs with
keen scenting powers can sometimes locate game birds with ease
and at other times fail to find them. Doubtless the conflicting
odors given off by moldy vegetation, the different degrees of
moisture and temperature of the air and soil, the physical condi-
tion of the dog, and other factors play an important part.
HINTS ON TRAINING
Undoubtedly one of the most valuable assets of the success-
ful dog trainer is his understanding, usually acquired by experi-
In a bird dog, the nose counts. Field-trial champions, such as this male
Brittany Spaniel, excel in scenting ability as well as in other hunting quali-
ties, and their offspring is in demand as hunting and breeding stock.
16 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
ence, of the nature of a dog’s mental equipment and mental proc-
esses. Lack of space precludes enlargement on this subject here,
but an informative discussion, in understandable terms, of the
Formerly, Illinois market hunters used Irish Water Spaniels extensively
on waterfowl to conserve powder and shot. Less numerous now, these dogs
still rank high in ability as retrievers.
mental reactions and behavior of dogs can be found in H. W.
Carlton’s book, Spaniels: Their Breaking for Sport and Field
Trials, Chapter XI, “Psychology and Dog-Breaking.” This book
is listed under “Literature Cited,” page 64.
General Considerations
The Amateur Trainer.—Sportsmen who buy trained dogs
or have young dogs fully trained by professionals are relatively
few compared with those who buy young dogs and train them
during spare time. That numerous capable hunting dogs in the
state have been trained by their owners speaks well, on the whole,
for amateur trainers. Nevertheless, many dogs develop bad hunt-
ing habits that might have been avoided or minimized if the
owners had been better informed on training.
There are numerous books on the subject of training hunt-
ing dogs. Unfortunately for the average reader, authors some-
times fail to bridge the wide gap between the professional trainer
and the amateur and they outline rough training methods which,
in the hands of the beginner, may ruin the dog as a hunter.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 17
In the section “‘Literature Cited” are listed some publications
on training that, in our opinion, are especially helpful to the am-
ateur trainer. A considerable number of other books might have
been listed; the reader’s own interests will guide him to other
sources of material suited to his needs. The publications men-
tioned have been drawn on in writing this section on training.
It is obvious that the subject of training cannot be presented
fully in a publication of this kind. We have attempted to give
only a brief outline of some of the more important steps in train-
ing, in the hope that as training problems arise the reader will
turn to authoritative books and articles on this subject.
Most dogs are by nature anxious to please their masters,
but they cannot do things they do not understand. Lessons need
to be repeated until they are thoroughly mastered. Patience on
the part of the trainer, whether natural or acquired, is the first
requisite in successful training (Moffit 1937).
Obedience training is an essential part of the education of
the dog, whatever his breed. In hunting dogs, this is especially
important, since the disobedient dog hunts mostly for himself
and takes most of the owner’s time in trying to keep up with him
or to find him. The obedient dog, which responds to directions
and hunts for his owner, stands a good chance to find as many
birds within gun range as the wild, disobedient dog will find for
himself a mile away (Becker 1945).
The successful amateur trainer develops a knack of teach-
ing obedience without cowing or alienating his hunting companion.
The following quotation from a widely known English authority
on spaniels (Carlton 1945) can well serve as a guide when the
puppy’s obedience training is begun:
“One should no doubt teach the puppy his name, which may
be done by calling his name and patting him or giving him a
piece of biscuit. One should also, no doubt, make the puppy
gallop up to one on his name being called—which may be done
in much the same way. And one should make him go to his
kennel when desired. This presents more difficulty. Personally,
if a puppy is recalcitrant in this respect, I generally get him to
me, and either pick him up and carry him in or put on him a
collar with a short light cord attached and make him comply by
an admixture of cajolery and gentle force, and end up with a
reward.
“Tn these early lessons, as with all other lessons during early
puppyhood, the four cardinal principles are:
18 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
“(1) Never give an order without seeing that the puppy
complies with it; he has got to learn to obey you always, not
sometimes.
“(2) Always be absolutely gentle, both in voice and action
—when you come to work in the field, you want a bold, keen dog,
not a cowed and listless wreck.
“(3) Never give an order with which you cannot secure
compliance without a display of harshness.
““(4) Never persist in any lesson which is becoming a bore
to the puppy.
“The nearer these early lessons can be approximated to a
game, in the puppy’s eyes, the better.”
As the puppy develops and learns to take directions, you ~
should become accustomed to giving them in a firm, distinct
voice, making sure that each command is understood and carried
out. The commands should be short, and the same words should
An English Setter points a covey of quails. The many setters, pointers,
and spaniels trained to retrieve game help to reduce crippling losses among
upland game birds.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 19
always be used for each response expected. Be sure each com-
mand is audible, but do not get into the habit of raising your
voice, or the pupil will probably think he does not need to mind
unless you shout.
Teach a few basic things well rather than attempt a large
number, which may be only half learned.
At each step of training, make every effort to see that the
dog understands what you want, and, whenever possible, why
you want it. When the lesson is learned, it should be practiced
until response becomes habitual. This is the background of obedi-
ence training. Such training calls for ingenuity, common sense,
and much patience in getting the lessons over to the dog. Harsh
treatment and punishment not understood have permanently
intimidated many promising hunting dogs. The dog’s span of
attention is short. Lessons should be only 4 or 5 minutes long
for the young dog. They should not be prolonged until the dog
becomes bored or sour, and the trainer loses patience.
Dogs vary in intelligence and temperament just as do
humans. This variation calls for study of the individual charac-
teristics of the pupil and adaptation as far as possible of the
training program to his needs. Some dogs need more rehearsals
of each step than others. Some must be praised and encouraged
more than others (Becker 1947a).
Although considerable emphasis has been laid on the prepa-
ration of the trainer, there is no need to overrate the difficulties
of training a hunting dog. Most boys can teach their dogs any
number of tricks by the simple method of showing the pupil
what is wanted, practicing it until well learned, and rewarding
the dog’s progress with praise. The amateur trainer who stresses
the development of companionship with his dog, and encourages
his inborn desire to do things to please his master, paves the
way for progress in training.
The man who likes hunting dogs and dog work and who is
willing to acquaint himself with the fundamentals of training
can usually do at least a fairly good job of training his own dog.
The development of a good hunting companion will amply reward
him for his work. Moreover, the skill in handling acquired dur-
ing the training period will serve the hunter well in the field.
Obviously, good dog work is in large measure dependent on good
handling.
Training Systems.—Various systems are used in training
bird dogs. Some owners do little yard training and confine their
20 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
programs largely to a few field trips before the hunting season,
and then take the dog along on hunting trips. If the owner
works frequently with his dog, the animal can eventually become
a useful hunting companion, but he will make mistakes, some of
which might have been avoided with more yard work and other
preliminary training.
A program that combines yard training and field training
over an extended period of time seems to give best results.
Training Classes.—A program that combined yard training
and field training over an extended period was used successfully
by a group of spaniel owners in northern Illinois. They began
a training class in April and continued until October. Yard (obe-
dience) training was given first. When this was thoroughly ~
mastered, the dogs were taken to the field and put through an
intensive course of quartering, finding and flushing game, remain-
ing steady to flush and shot, and retrieving. During the summer
months the dogs were trained in water retrieving, and in the
autumn a field trial was held.
Observation of the methods of a successful trainer was par-
ticularly helpful to the beginners, who had a good spaniel man
to act as instructor and coach. A class met for instruction every
other Sunday. At each meeting progress was checked, mistakes
were straightened out, and questions were answered. Then each
amateur trainer was given a mimeographed sheet of the lesson
and told to work at home (Becker 1945, Goodall 1946).
Sound instruction of this kind is helpful in all phases of deg
training, particularly in the more difficult tasks, such as training
to retrieve.
Planted Game.—The use of planted birds is of great assist-
ance in training dogs for hunting and retrieving. Barn-loft or
pen-reared pigeons, game-farm pheasants, guineas, and domestic
ducks are used for this purpose.
Planting or hiding a dizzied bird in cover, where its exact
location is known, enables the trainer to control his dog on the
approach or on point.
Flushing and shooting planted birds in flight provides the
means of training a dog to retrieve under conditions that ap-
proximate actual hunting.
The Young Dog.—The dog makes most of his physical and
mental growth during the first year of life. At 6 months most
dogs have developed only to the stage of simple yard training,
finding and chasing game, and other relatively easy tasks. To
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 21
adapt training to the mental development of the young dog, most
trainers delay the start of intensive yard training until the puppy
is at least 8 months old or even a year or more. Some trainers,
however, believe it does no harm, and may be beneficial, to do a
limited amount of hunting with a puppy 5 or 6 months old before
he has had advanced yard training. However, Martin Hogan
r
.
75 pnd
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hk
Clifford Wallace, trainer of hunting dogs, tests an Irish Setter on the
command, “Sit.” The trainer walks around the dog and then moves some
distance away to see if he will stay in position.
22 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
(Becker 1947) warns that a young dog, even one that has been
trained to the firing of a gun, can easily be made gun-shy if
several hunters shoot at once when the dog is in the immediate
vicinity. A young dog that seems fully trained to field hunting
can be ruined by being taken into a duck blind where there is
heavy shooting just overhead.
The steps in training pointing dogs and spaniels for hunting
are similar in many respects. However, there are obvious differ-
ences in the work of the two classes of dogs and in methods of
handling. For example, spaniels are usually taught to sit down
when they spring game and to remain steady in this position
until they are sent to retrieve or to resume hunting. Also, when
given the signal to halt (‘““Hup’”’) they take the sitting position. ~
Pointing dogs are trained to remain steady to wing and shot in
standing position, and also to “Whoa” in the same position.
Publications mentioned later deal with specific training methods
for each class.
The following brief training outline, based on steps followed
and methods recommended by well-known professional trainers
and authorities on hunting dogs, may be helpful to the amateur
trainer in planning his program. Numerous variations in the
sequence of steps of training are employed successfully by differ-
ent trainers.
Puppy Training
First Lessons.—The puppy from the age of about 3 to 8
months can be taught a few simple lessons. In addition to being
housebroken, he can be taught to know his name well and the
meaning of “No” and he can be given simple yard training, for
example, to lead, to stand (pointing dogs), to sit (spaniels), to
“Retch’ and a few other easy lessons such as those outlined
below. During this period, like a child, he learns how to learn,
and how to mind. He learns the meaning of a number of words
(sounds to him). This preliminary training, based largely on the
desire of the puppy to do things with his master, paves the way
for future progress.
During this time, the young dog is usually given a period of
freedom in the field, which is continued until he learns to recog-
nize game and to handle himself well afield.
Name.—Whenever you call the puppy or speak to him, make
a point of using his name. He should learn always to associate
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 23
the sound of his name with himself. Later, when you teach him
to stand or sit, you should be able to call him by a dozen different
names, without having him move from position. He should not
move until you use his own name (Moffit 1937).
Lead.—Hogan (Becker 1947)) advises that the puppy be
taught to lead early and that the owner exercise care in this
training. He says: “‘As you know, any good dog of any breed can
be cowed by an owner who handles it too roughly on a leash.
You can make pups leash shy by being too rough with them at
first. At the age of 4 months or so, a pup should have a short
leash snapped on his collar so he can trail it around. Then you
gradually exert pressure on that leash and guide him.” He can
then be taught to follow readily at the pull of the leash.
““No.’’—When the puppy does something wrong, give the
command “No” in a firm tone, and make every effort to show
him what he has done wrong. His knowledge of the meaning of
“No” will be very useful throughout his training.
Pointing Game.—As a means of introducing the pointing
breeds to game, one professional trainer (Bufkin 1946) uses the
following device. A squirrel skin is tied to a piece of twine about
10 feet long attached to a long stick. The skin is placed on the
lawn close to the puppy’s nose, where he will get the scent. As
the puppy tries to pick up the skin, it is pulled along, just out of
his reach. When he learns that he cannot quite catch the quarry
he will usually begin to point instead of chase. This pastime de-
velops pointing at an early age, but it should not be continued
more than a month or it may form the habit of “false pointing”
of moving objects.
Natural Retrieving.—Most bird dog puppies possess a natural
tendency to retrieve that can be developed by practice. Carlton
(1945), speaking of spaniels, advises that training be started as
soon as the puppy is weaned and his cc afidence in his master is
firmly established. This is probably sound advice for puppies of
any bird dog breed, especially if they are to be trained as natural
retrievers. Carlton points out that the puppy’s inclination to pick
up and carry things is present much earlier than his desire to
hunt. Similar stages of development are evident in young foxes;
for example, around the entrance of a fox den will usually be
found dead ground squirrels or other prey animals, which serve
as playthings for the young. Female foxes have been observed
to give to their young parts of prey animals to carry during their
first hunting trips.
24 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
Carlton’s advice on early training of puppies in retrieving
is partially summarized below:
1. Do not begin until you have gained the puppy’s confi-
dence so that he is eager to race up to you whenever he sees you.
2. When you begin his retrieving lessons, take him to a
place where he will not be distracted by dogs, other animals,
traffic, or people. This may be on the lawn, if it is not his regular
playground, or it may be in some area where the grass is not
close cut, but where he will have no difficulty seeing a thrown
object.
3. Get him interested in a knotted handkerchief or a simi-
lar easily seen, soft object that is to be used as a dummy. When
he is watching the movement of your hand and moving in the .-
same direction, throw the dummy underhand a yard or two away,
at the same time telling him to “Fetch.”
4. If he has seen the dummy leave your hand, the chances
are he will race out to it, pick it up, and run back to you. If he
does not go to it, he probably has not seen it leave your hand,
in which case pick it up and throw it again.
5. If the puppy does not come directly back to you, try
to get him to do so by sitting down, or by turning your back, or
by walking away from him. When he comes to you with the
dummy, your object is to get it directly back in your hand. How-
ever, do not snatch it or engage in a tug-of-war with the puppy.
To do so tends to develop a “hard mouth,” that is, a habit of
biting down hard on what is being retrieved. Place your hand
under the puppy’s lower jaw (so that he will not duck his head
or drop the dummy) and press the dummy up and toward the
back of his mouth as you remove it. If necessary, place your
fingers in his mouth and open it gently. |
6. When the dummy is back in your hand, reward the
puppy with a bit of food or by making much of him. Probably
food is the best reward for the first two or three lessons. Follow-
ing these lessons, rely on praise, reserving the food until he shows
a disinclination to return to you after he picks up the dummy.
While the puppy is very young, limit the practice periods
to 4 or 5 minutes at a time, and once or twice a day. He should
always consider these lessons play; whenever his interest wanes,
take away the dummy and discontinue the lesson.
After a week or two of practice, begin to substitute larger
dummies, such as a stuffed canvas glove, a short piece of garden
hose, or some other soft object that the puppy likes to pick up.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 25
For later lessons, a good practice dummy is one made of a piece
of soft wood, 8 or 10 inches long, rounded off to a diameter of
about 2 inches, with a number of pigeon, pheasant, or other bird
wings attached to it.
As your puppy grows and becomes proficient at picking up
and returning the dummy, you must vary lessons gradually in
the direction of retrieving in the field. As early in his schooling
as possible, begin to throw the dummy where he will have to
use his nose to find it, but not, at first, in thick cover. He should
return it to you in the same way as in the earlier lessons.
Another variation is to get the puppy to find the dummy
without having seen you throw it. When you are walking down-
wind with him, drop the dummy when he is not looking. After
you have gone 50 feet or so, turn and walk back into the wind
toward the dummy, encouraging him to hunt for it. If he is
familiar enough with it to recognize the scent, he should be able
to draw up to it from a distance of several yards. He will thus
learn to look for and retrieve something he has not seen fall.
Later, under hunting conditions, the training of natural
retrievers must be extended to include retrieving of shot birds.
Methods of field training vary among trainers. One of the most
useful methods of teaching the dog to retrieve birds is by releas-
ing domestic pigeons to be shot in flight and retrieved by the dog.
If the puppy will not retrieve in play, the practice should be
discontinued, and he can be force broken to retrieve after he has
had some hunting experience (Bufkin 1946).
Force Breaking to Retrieve.—There is some difference of
opinion as to the merits of natural and force-broken retrievers.
It is generally agreed, however, that if the dog has been thor-
oughly force broken he can be depended on to retrieve, while a
natural retriever may refuse to retrieve and the owner will be
unable to enforce the command. Nevertheless, force breaking is
one of the most difficult and time-consuming tasks of training,
especially for the amateur. Unless the job is done thoroughly,
it is better not attempted. If the dog shows indications of being
at least a fair natural retriever, it may be questioned whether it
is worth while for the nonprofessional to attempt force breaking.
The amateur trainer who plans to force break his hunting dog
to retrieve can find descriptions of methods in the books on train-
ing listed under “Literature Cited.”
Freedom in the Field.— Getting your young dog into the field
and allowing him to learn to hunt by himself is an important
26 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
part of his training. By the time the puppy is 5 or 6 months old
you will probably find it profitable to get him into the field to
gain experience in finding wild things as often as possible. Al-
though some trainers favor delaying this period of freedom in
Martin Hogan, professional trainer of Barrington, Illinois, uses a padded
and weighted dummy in training a Labrador to retrieve. The dog is taught
to remain in sitting position until sent to fetch.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 27
the field until advanced yard training is begun (8 months to a
year), it seems better in most cases for amateur trainers 1o
begin to take their dogs to the field at an earlier age. Generally,
the more preliminary field training and experience on game your
puppy receives, the better hunter he will become.
On these trips allow him to find and chase rabbits, squirrels,
birds, anything he finds, to his heart’s content. Four or five field
trips a week where he will have a chance to find game provide
excellent training. This is his time to get acquainted with the
field and to develop independence in finding likely spots for game.
The dog should be allowed plenty of freedom to learn things
for himself. His early attempts at hunting may be supervised,
but not too obviously. Frequent directions may take away his
initiative, or give him the idea he is doing something wrong,
which is likely to lead to disobedience later (Moffit 1937).
Clifford Wallace (Becker 1947b) emphasizes that usually
a good shooting dog can be made from one that likes to hunt.
The period of freedom in the field is his time to learn to thoroughly
‘enjoy hunting. He can be got under control with obedience train-
ing after his hunting instinct is developed.
Since he needs to gain self-confidence, it is well for him to
be without canine company on at least most trips; many success-
ful trainers believe a young dog will learn to hunt faster if taken
out a few times with an older, experienced dog. If he is one of
the pointing breeds and shows a tendency to point, he should
be encouraged, but no attempt should be made to enforce point-
ing at this time. Sooner or later he will start making points.
Accustoming to Firing of Gun.—Field trips offer you good
opportunities to accustom the young dog to the report of a gun.
Previously you may have introduced him to a report by firing
a cap pistol (not close at first) as you approach him with his
food. He will thus come to associate a report pleasurably with
food. In the field, begin by occasionally firing .22 blanks, at first
when the dog is some distance away and only when he is intent
on chasing something he has flushed. He will probably pay no
attention to the report. Gradually you may fire the gun nearer
to him, always when he is chasing. If he shows no nervousness,
you may use a .410 or larger gauge, firing it only when he is
chasing, and at first when he is some distance away.
Teaching ‘‘Whoa’”’ or “‘Hup.”’—Another lesson that you can
give a dog of the pointing breeds during field trips is the mean-
ing of “Whoa.” When the dog is ready to start his romp in the
28 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
fields, but before you have unsnapped the leash, grasp him by
the collar and tail, putting him in pointing position, at the same
time giving the command ‘Whoa.’ Since he will be anxious to
be off, he will probably stiffen to a point. Repeat this procedure
at the start of each trip until he has learned to remain quiet in
Teaching a Springer Spaniel steadiness to shot. Spaniels are trained
to sit when they spring game and to remain in this position until sent to
retrieve or resume hunting.
this position; then try stepping back a few paces, restraining
him with the leash. Whenever he moves, go back and straighten
him to a point. Soon he will stop on point at ‘““Whoa’’ with only
occasional restraint by the leash (Bufkin 1946).
The meaning of “Hup,” or sit, can be taught to the spaniel
in about the same way.
“‘Heel.’’—In teaching a dog to heel, carry a very light, willowy
switch. When you start to walk with the dog on leash give the
command “Heel” and a hand signal to indicate he is to stay
behind. He will not know what is wanted and will probably
try to go ahead. Call him back, giving the command and hand
signal, and repeat these until he understands he is to walk behind.
If he is still hard to keep back, flick (not whip) him lightly with
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 29
the switch, repeating the command. This will cause him to get
back in position quickly. Practice with this method will teach
him to walk in position at command.
Review of ‘‘Whoa”’ or ‘“‘Hup.’’—If the period of freedom in
the field has begun before the start of the yard training, the dog
will probably have learned the meaning of ‘‘Whoa” (pointing
dogs) or “Hup” (spaniels), but will need further practice.
As previously mentioned, the spaniel is usually taught to
sit after flushing game and to come to a sitting position when
stopped in the field. You can teach the spaniel to ‘““Hup”’ (sit)
when you are walking with him on leash. When you stop, give
this command and show him what you want by placing your
hand on his rump, pushing him gently but firmly to a sitting
position, at the same time drawing up the leash to keep his head
erect. Practice until he will sit without command when you stop.
An occasional pulling up of the leash may be needed as a re-
minder. Eventually you should be able to move away some dis-
tance while your dog remains motionless in ““Hup” position.
Coming Prompily to Cail.—oOne of the most important lessons
involves teaching the young dog to come to you when you call
him. If you are having difficulty in this respect, you may use
a 25-foot clothesline rope as a lead. If the dog does not come at
once when you call, use the lead to start him to you. When he
comes promptly, praise him. After he learns to come promptly
when called, mistakes in other phases of his training can be
corrected at once. It may be questioned seriously, however,
whether it is ever good handling, or fair to a dog, to call him to
you to punish him. If punishment is necessary for willful infrac-
tion of rules (when your dog is old enough and well enough
trained to know the rules and to know that he must obey them)
you should go to him. He should not have the idea he is likely
to be punished when he comes to you (Lytle 1934).
Hand Signals.— Dogs learn the meaning of hand signals more
readily than they learn words. During yard training, use hand
signals along with commands as often as possible. For example,
when you give the command to “‘Whoa,” ‘“Hup,” or ‘Heel,’ also
give an appropriate hand signal. The dog should learn to respond
to hand signals in the field whether he hears the command or not.
Advanced Yard Training.—By the time your dog is 8 to 12
months old he will probably have developed mentally to the point
where he is ready for advanced yard training. We will assume
that he has had preliminary lessons in most phases of yard work,
30 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
and that the series of lessons has progressed gradually from
the easier to the more difficult tasks.
The advanced yard training program should perfect by
degrees his performance of the earlier yard lessons, or any new
ones given him. Later, wnen further freedom in the field will
do no good and teaching control will do no harm, these lessons
may be applied to initiate control of your dog in the field.
Field Training
Teaching Dog to Quarter.—Eventually, in the field, you will
bring your hunting dog’s yard lessons into play in teaching him
to remain steady to flush and shot, and in bringing him under.
control while working ahead of you. Do not be in a hurry to
enforce control, however, until he has gained field experience.
You should teach him to quarter the ground ahead of you, but
he will have to learn for himself to work the birdy spots and to
skirt the unlikely places. Proper working of the cover requires
experience on his part.
Spaniels should quarter the ground, windshield-wiper fash-
ion ahead of you, to flush the game within gun range. Preferences
vary among hunters as to what distance the spaniel should work
ahead of the gun. In thick cover, you will often find it an advan-
tage if you are able to hold your spaniel in where he can be kept
in view. On open ground some hunters prefer not to have the
dog work very close. On this point Charles S. Goodall (letter)
writes:
“A dog that finds and flushes game 50 yards ahead gives
little chance for a killing shot. A pheasant will be at least 60
and perhaps 70 yards away before it is safe to shoot (because
of the dog). From 25 years’ hunting experience, I know that
most game is shot under 30 yards. It is my opinion that most
hunters and even top wing shots can’t even cripple a bird at 70
yards, much less kill one. Also, a dog 50 yards in front of the
gun will flush a moving bird far out of range if it is necessary
to follow the line any distance before flushing. A dog ranging
or quartering over a 70- to 80-yard front with the gun in the
middle of that front is covering enough ground, even though he
is crossing in front of the gun at a distance of 5 yards. Incident-
ally, that is exactly where I want my Springers to cross in front
of me most of the time; wide on the sides but close to the gun
when they cross.”
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 31
Patient labor is required to produce a fully trained retriever or hunter:
the age of attaining maximum working powers varies with breeds and indi-
viduals. This Weimaraner is classed as a finished retriever and hunter at
only 2 years.
32 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
This young German Shorthaired Pointer shows the staunch pointing
qualities that are characteristic of the breed.
In training the spaniel to quarter, you may use hand signals
to advantage to indicate that he is to turn and quarter in the
opposite direction. Some trainers use their dog whistles for no
other purpose than to turn the dogs. Perhaps the most useful
device you can use in training your young dog to quarter properly
is to follow a zigzag course over the field, always working into
the wind in early lessons. When the puppy sees you change your
course he will usually swing back to keep ahead. Occasionally
you may find it necessary to start to run to arouse his interest
in what lies ahead of you. After the dog has learned to quarter
properly, you may reserve whistle signals or voice signals for
special occasions when it is necessary to get his attention.
Pointing dogs should quarter ahead of the hunter while
working the likely spots, but at a greater distance than in the
case of the spaniels.
Steadiness on Point and to Wing and Shot.—The well-trained
pointing dog should hold in pointing position until the hunter
flushes the game and shoots; then remain steady in this position
until sent to retrieve or to resume hunting. The spaniel should
flush the game within gun range; then sit and hold steady in
this position until sent to retrieve or to continue hunting.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 33
Achieving steadiness in the young dog requires patience on
the part of the trainer as well as frequent rehearsals of the
lesson. It is probably better not to strive for complete steadiness
early in the dog’s hunting experience. The first impulse of the
dog when game is flushed seems to be to leap after the quarry.
The strong tendency found in all breeds of dogs to chase moving
objects is undoubtedly inherited from their wild hunting ances-
tors (Becker 1947a).
Some dogs learn with experience that it is useless to chase
birds, but most dogs, if not given careful training, repeated when
necessary, are likely to develop persistent habits of breaking
and chasing.
When the pointer or setter begins to point game, make a
special effort to get to him when he is on point. Hold him there
for 5 minutes or more, stroking him and straightening him to a
good pointing position; let him know you are well pleased with
him. Repeat “Whoa” several times to associate this command
with pointing game. Pushing the dog gently toward the pointed
game tends to make him lean back. This is a good way to make
some dogs more staunch.
Methods of teaching steadiness to wing and shot vary among
trainers. Many trainers rely on a check cord (25 to 50 feet of
clothesline attached to collar) to steady the dog on point or to
wing or shot. Stopping the dog with enough force to cause him
to turn end-for-end after he has broken point and started to
chase is frequently recommended to cure these faults. Never-
theless, in most cases it seems better for the amateur to teach
steadiness without the use of a check cord if possible. Goodall
(letter) states: “The check cord ruins more spaniels than any
other thing; it makes blinkers or pointers out of them. Many
bird-shy spaniels are caused by a check cord, even in the hands
of a good trainer.”
The following method of teaching steadiness without a check
cord is recommended by one nationally known professional trainer
(Moffit 1937): When the dog has been taught to “Whoa” or
“Hup,” is accustomed to the firing of a gun, and is undergoing
advanced training in the field, the trainer begins the steadiness
training by firing a gun at an opportune time. The dog is prob-
ably accustomed to associate the report with the fun of chasing,
and his impulse will be to be off, but in this lesson the command
“Whoa” or “Hup” is given immediately after the report. If the
dog has been sufficiently trained, and all goes well, he will
34 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
stop and hold the standing (pointing dogs) or sitting (spaniels)
position.
If the dog does not obey the command, the trainer usually
(under some circumstances it may be preferable to let the dog
get his chase out) goes to nim and carries him back to the exact
spot where he should have stopped. The dog is put in correct
position, kept there a few minutes, and allowed to think over his
mistake. This procedure is repeated until the dog learns to stop
at the shot and command, and finally to the shot alone (Moffit
USB )e
Training the Pheasant Dog.—Training a bird dog to hunt
pheasants presents special problems because of the cock pheas-
ant’s habit of running ahead of the hunter and dog. Pointing
dogs must learn by experience to follow the pheasant, rather
than keep on pointing while the bird runs away. Occasionally,
one of these dogs learns by himself to circle the pheasant, thus
probably causing it to lie to a point between the dog and hunter.
The following quotation from Wight (unpublished) presents some
original ideas on training the pointing dog to work on pheasants:
‘“A good census dog must be fast, rangy, heady, and not
too staunch on points. The good hunting. dog should be less
rangy, more readily controlled, and fairly staunch on points, but
it must not be permitted to hold its point long after the cock has
run far out of the area, as so frequently occurs. In other words,
the behavior of the cock pheasant is quite different from that of
the quail or grouse. It may lie to the dog, or it may not. It is
safe to expect that it will move out when the dog approaches.
A dog which holds long points, and finally is sent on only to
point and repoint, is not a pheasant dog, and probably it never
can become a pheasant dog. It indicates that it lacks proper
training. After watching many well-trained dogs hunt pheasants,
it is the author’s opinion that the old, well-established methods
are used too frequently and that it is better to forget practically
everything that is known about training the grouse or quail dog
before starting in to train a dog for pheasant hunting. Lots of
bird sense which the dog alone can develop if he possesses the
natural ability is the first essential in a good pheasant dog, and
the dog can develop bird sense only when he is given the oppor-
tunity. Many good dogs are spoiled by too much attention by the
trainer.
“Instead of pursuing the cock from the rear (trailing) it is
best for the dog to move out and around the bird, thereby either
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 35
changing its course or causing it to lie to a point or to flush
within shot of the gun. There are several methods for training
the dog to handle the wily cock in this manner.
“1. Keep the dog’s head off from the ground; never let him
develop into a trailer. The best method found by the author has
This Brittany Spaniel’s tense point marks the hiding place of a pheas-
ant in a snow-covered thicket.
been to take the dog out of short cover at the first indication
of ground trailing and put him down in a dense vegetation that
he can best traverse with his head held high.
“2. Never permit the young dog to trail the bird from behind.
Train him to move around the bird. This may be done by teaching
him to respond to a command. I personally like to locate a flock
of pheasants in a narrow draw with but two normal escapes, one
at either end; then when it is known that the birds are there the
dog is put down so that he has the advantage of the wind. When
he has his birds well located, force him to leave them completely
and circle around, approaching the birds from the opposite side.
After he has learned to do this efficiently from command, he may
36 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CiRCULAR 42
be encouraged to make the same move without command. Time
and much patience will eventually result in an automatic response
which seems to increase with age.
“3. By tethering a cock bird in dense cover, or by attaching
to it a light clog, one has almost a complete control over the
training. By time and again controlling the dog’s movements
when the exact location of the bird is known, the approach and
the point can be steadied. This is probably the best method of
training the pheasant dog.
“4. Once the idea takes hold, it is advisable to give the dog
plenty of opportunity to develop all of the fine technique which
the particular dog is capable of developing through plenty of
self-hunting, or better still through loose control when the trainer
is present.
“This seems to be about the only way the dog has of learning
the characteristic behavior of pheasants in flocks and singly under
varying conditions.”
Overhandling Undesirable.—It should be the objective of the
hunter to train his dog thoroughly in the essential points of
working to the gun; then to allow him to work with a minimum
of direction. Frequent directions will distract the dog and retard
the development of initiative in finding and skill in handling
game, both marks of the good hunting dog.
IMPORTANT BREEDS OF BIRD DOGS*
In the following pages are given brief histories of the chief
breeds of pointing dogs, spaniels, and retrievers, as well as
partial summaries of the bench standards approved by the Ameri-
can Kennel Club. For full descriptions of the breeds and complete
breed standards, the reader should consult the latest issue of
The Complete Dog Book, official publication of the American
Kennel Club.
Hunters are usually more interested in the field performance
of their hunting dogs than in bench-show points. While there is
justification for this attitude, hunters should remember, never-
theless, that, if hunting ability is not given a subordinate role in
breeding, bench standards can have an important role in main-
taining high quality in the hunting breeds.
*Principal source of material in this section is The Complete Dog Book (1947)
and other publications of the American Kennel Club. Spelling of names of breeds
included in this circular follows the style of that book.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 37
The Pointing Breeds
Brittany Spaniel.—Although only recently introduced into
the United States, the Brittany Spaniel is probably one of the
oldest of the spaniel breeds. The naturally short-tailed character
of the modern Brittany is credited officially to the mating, about
The Brittany Spaniel points his game like a setter or pointer. Recently
introduced into the United States from France, the Brittany, a medium-
sized, naturally bob-tailed spaniel is gaining in popularity.
a century ago, of a bitch owned by an old hunter living in the
Valley of Douron in Brittany with the dog of a visiting English
hunter. In the litter were two tailless puppies, one of which was
reared as a hunting dog. This dog, which is described as a
splendid animal and an excellent hunter, became a popular stud.
Among his progeny were numerous puppies either without tails
or with short stubs. At the beginning of the present century,
when the Brittany was said to be badly degenerated owing to
inbreeding, a French breeder introduced crosses with pointers
and other hunting breeds. The Brittany type, however, seems
to have been faithfully preserved, and the modern breed dates
from this period. In 1931, the Brittany Spaniel was introduced
38 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
into the United States, where it has gained steadily in popu-
larity.
In general appearance, the Brittany Spaniel is a small,
strong, closely knit dog of intelligent appearance and graceful
bearing. It is energetic of movement and possesses vigor and
stamina. It is longer legged and more rangy than the Cocker
and Springer spaniels, and, unlike any other spaniel, it points
game. Its work on pheasants and quails resembles that of a
setter; it can be trained easily to retrieve.
Coat colors under the standard include dark orange and
white, and liver and white. Some ticking is desirable but not
so much as to produce belton patterns. The coat should be dense
and flat or wavy, but not silky. Shoulder heights of the mature
Brittany should be 1714 to 2014 inches, weights 30 to 40 pounds.
English Setter.—English Setters probably have been trained
as hunting dogs in England for centuries. A popular theory based
on old records is that this breed is an offshoot of the spaniel
family. Another theory is that the setters and spaniels are de-
scendants of the same ancestral type of dog. Still another theory
is that the English Setter breed was developed from crosses
between spaniels and old Spanish pointers.
Numerous strains* of English Setters have originated in
the British Isles and several of these have been imported to
America. The most famous of the British strains are the Lave-
racks and the Llewellins, both of which were brought to this
country subsequent to 1870. About 75 years ago, R. L. Purcell-
Llewellin, in Wales, made outcrosses of a strain of setters from
northern England with outstanding dogs of the strain developed
by his friend, Edward Laverack. The progeny proved to be re-
markable field dogs, which became well-known on both sides of
the Atlantic. The Laveracks became the foundation of the pres-
ent bench show type of English Setter, while the Llewellins
proved to be outstanding field trial dogs. Both the bench show
and field trial types have their staunch supporters (Speelman &
Williams 1928).
The English Setter is an exceedingly attractive, intelligent,
active dog possessing speed, stamina, and hunting instinct. A
lithe, muscular, well-balanced conformation enables it to move
with ease and grace. An eminent breed characteristic is the long
: *The term strain refers to a subdivision of the breeds of domestic animals, that
is, a group having a common lineage but not distinguishing characteristics sufficient
to constitute a separate breed.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 39
bs
+~
-
ined
a
The English Setter is a popular hunting dog on every continent. Ances-
tors of the modern dogs of this breed aided in the medieval sport of netting.
The better known strains of modern English Setters include the Llewellins
and the Laveracks. A blue belton English Setter is pictured here.
skull with its moderate dome. The coat is straight, flat, and of
medium texture.
In Illinois, English Setters and Pointers share popularity as
leading all-round quail and pheasant dogs. English Setters make
good companions and family dogs.
Strains are not recognized under the breed specialty organ-
ization standards; bench standards apply to all English Setters.
Acceptable colors under the standard are black, white, and tan;
black and white; blue belton; lemon and white; orange belton;
lemon belton; orange and white; liver and white; liver belton;
and solid white. Dogs without heavy patches of color on the
body but flecked all over are preferred. Dogs should stand about
23 to 25 inches and bitches 22 to-24 inches at the shoulder.
Mature dogs should weigh about 55 to 70 pounds and bitches 50
to 65 pounds.
Gordon Setter.—The “black and tan Setter” is an old breed,
probably antedating the Irish Setter. A native of Scotland, where
A() ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
it gained wide popularity among titled sportsmen of the eight-
eenth century, it was named for the Duke of Gordon, who was
one of its foremost breeders. Although the Gordon is a hand-
some dog and its owners are invariably enthusiastic in their
et
an
ba .
tte? thes
The handsome biack and tan Gordon Setter is not so well known in
Illinois as the English and Irish setters. Gordons are intelligent and capable
hunting dogs.
praise of the breed, it remains one of the least-known setters in
the United States.
The Gordon Setter Club of America points out that the
numerical weakness of the breed in this country is due chiefly
to the fact that the Gordon is a one-man dog and, therefore,
does not train easily to work for a handler he is unaccustomed
to in field trials. Field trial handlers naturally prefer a dog that
develops early, has speed and independence, and is adapted to
kennel routine without requiring close companionship of his
handler or trainer. On the other hand, the Gordon makes an
ideal family dog and is one of the most intelligent hunting dogs.
Its friends claim that it has no equal for cover shooting and that
its trait of covering the ground thoroughly and at a somewhat
slower pace than the English Setter is often a decided asset.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 41
The Gordon is not common in Illinois, but a few dogs of this
handsome breed can be found here and there in the state.
The coat of the Gordon Setter should be straight or slightly
wavy, silky, and deep, lustrous black in color. Tan markings occur
above the eyes, on the sides of the muzzle, on the throat and chest,
on the forelegs up to the elbows, and inside the hind legs and
thighs. Present bench standards call for shoulder heights of
24 to 27 inches for mature males, 23 to 26 inches for females;
weights should be 55 to 75 pounds for males and 45 to 65 pounds
for females.
Irish Setter.—The Irish Setter was a popular hunting dog
in his native Ireland more than 2 centuries ago and, as early as
the first decades of the nineteenth century, it had become estab-
lished throughout the British Isles. There is no certainty as to
the origin of this hunting dog, but officials of the Irish Setter
Club of America believe that a combination of English Setter,
spaniel and Pointer blocd, with a trace of the Gordon Setter,
Motes ae WT . ae
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The rangy build and rich red coat of the Irish Setter are distinctive.
This is an old hunting breed whose field ability was for a time neglected
for bench show points.
42 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
may have been the foundation of the breed. The Irish Setter has
been generally known in the United States since about 1875.
Until the solid red setter appeared in Ireland early in the
nineZeenth century, the usual color was red and white, with the
white often predominating. Even today, in Great Britain, parti-
colors are not uncommon. In America, any sizable white area
on the coat is considered undesirable, although small and incon-
spicuous white markings are accepted.
The Irish Setter throughout most of its history has been a
tough and efficient hunting dog. For a time, in America, emphasis
on bench show points brought the criticism that the natural
field ability of the bréed was being neglected. However, the
revival of interest among breeders in its role as a field dog seems
to have overcome to a great extent any such grounds for criticism.
Bred somewhat on race-horse lines, the Irish Setter is slightly
longer of leg than the English and Gordon seiters. Irish Setters
are active, companionable, and attractive dogs possessing in-
telligence, keen nose, and sporting instinct. The bench standard
calls for a rich golden chestnut or mahogany red coat, with no
trace of black. White on the chest, throat, or toes, a small star on
the forehead, or a small streak or blaze on the nose or face do not
disqualify. Shoulder heights of mature dogs are usually 24 to 26
inches; weights 50 to 65 pounds.
Pointer.—Trained hunting dogs of the Pointer type are
known to have been in existence for at least 3 centuries, and
many authorities believe the Pointer is the oldest of our modern
breeds of pointing gun dogs. The Pointer seems to have been
closely associated with sporting firearms through their succes-
sive stages of development. For a time after guns came into
use in hunting, the setters, or setting spaniels, continued to be
auxiliaries to netting, which was considered a more aristocratic
form of sport than gunning. Apparently, at this time Pointers
were used to locate game that was shot on the ground. It is
interesting, however, that the earliest dependable record of
hunting with Pointers, in England about 1650, was in the then
popular sport of coursing hares. The Pointers served to find and
point the quarry, after which Greyhounds were brought up and
unleashed for the chase.
It was formerly believed that Pointers were first imported
to England from Spain, but it now seems probable that the
modern breed was developed largely in the British Isles. It may
be surmised that the setting spaniel played a prominent part
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 43
in the founding of this breed, and there is good evidence of early
crosses with Foxhounds, Greyhounds, and probably Bloodhounds.
Early in the eighteenth century, Spanish Pointers were imported
and crossed with the native Pointers. The heavy and slow Span-
The Pointer shares honors with the English Setter as the leading bird-
hunting dogs in Illinois. The Pointer’s short coat affords cleanliness and
comfort in working, but it gives less protection from thorns than the long
coat of the setter.
ish strain proved unpopular, and breeders discontinued this prac-
tice, but Spanish blood is credited with intensifying the pointing
tendency.
During the eighteenth century, crossing with various setter
strains was in vogue. This, no doubt, was partly to improve the
Pointer’s disposition, which seems to have been on the ferocious
side and made him difficult to handle. The Pointer of today is
usually a good-natured and friendly dog, but he has retained
his independence and strongly competitive spirit, qualities which
make him a fine field trial performer.
Emphasis on working qualities by many generations of
Pointer breeders has produced a dog that is popular among bird
hunters everywhere. The typical Pointer is a very intelligent,
active, and attractive dog. The breed as a whole is probably a
trifle sturdier and rangier than its chief competitors, the setters.
44 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The Pointer’s short coat is something of an advantage from the
standpoint of cleanliness, but it affords somewhat less protection
from thorns than the longer hair of the setter.
Desirable Pointer characteristics include a deep chest with
deep, well-sprung ribs, strong, moderately long legs, and a short,
flat, and firm coat. Quality, general symmetry of outline, and
smoothness of motion are emphasized by the standard.
The Pointer color is usually rich liver and white. Lemon
and white, orange and white, black and white, and sometimes
solid black are other markings.
Pointers vary in heights and weights; for mature males,
shoulder heights of 241% or 25 inches and weights from 50 to 55
pounds are often considered desirable.
German Shorthaired Pointer.—S panish Pointers were
brought to Germany in the seventeenth century and crossed at
various times with Bloodhounds. From this crossbred stock came
the German Pointer, a heavy-bodied dog with highly developed
scenting powers, staunch on point but slow afoot. About 50 years
The German Shorthaired Pointer possesses a keen nose and is staunch
on point. Unlike the American Pointer, it has a docked tail. Popularity
of this breed is increasing in Illinois.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 45
ago, German and Austrian breeders began crossing their dogs
with American Pointers, whose speed and energy they greatly
admired. From these crosses, through careful selection, arose
a new breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer, a smaller, faster
dog, which nevertheless retained its keen nose and staunchness.
German Shorthaired Pointers were first imported into the
United States in the early 1920’s. Although they have not yet
become widely distributed here, they have gained the reputation
among sportsmen who know them of being among the most
versatile hunting dogs. Backers of these dogs say they are pro-
ficient hunters and pointers on birds, good retrievers on land or
water, and that they can be trained for hunting coon, possum,
and other fur, where they serve as keen-nosed night trailers.
The coat of the German Shorthaired Pointer is short, flat,
and firm. Acceptable colors under the standard are solid liver,
liver and white spotted, liver and white spotted and ticked, liver
and white ticked, liver roan. Any other colors than liver and
white (gray white) are discriminated against. Dogs should stand
23 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 70 pounds; bitches
should stand 21 to 23 inches and weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Sym-
metry and field quality are emphasized by the breed standard.
The tail of the German Shorthaired Pointer is customarily
docked.
Weimaraner.—Jack Baird (Becker 1947b) says of the
Weimaraner: “As might be expected, the breed was developed
in Weimar, Germany, and, unlike most breeds, the history and
tradition of the Weimaraner are not lost in the maze of antiquity.
About 1810 the nobles of the court of Weimar were searching
for a highly personalized hunting dog that could be used on all
types of game. The Weimaraner was the result—and it fulfilled
all their requirements.
“There is a reason why the Weimaraner is an all ’round
hunting dog and still accomplished in other fields. The nobles of
the old German court wanted their dogs to do everything well
and also be personal companions. Consequently the breed was
not kennel-raised but home developed, which gave the dogs the
chance to reflect their owners. Too, there was a system of ‘breed
wardens’ and all breeding was done through their selection of
eligible stock. The wardens’ authority included the telling of
breeders which puppies they could keep. The net result was
the production of a working-hunting strain that was completely
companionable and instinctively alert to the wishes of the master.
46 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The Weimaraner was developed by German nobles as an all-around
hunting dog and as a companion. Weimaraners serve as hunters, retrievers,
and trailers, and they excel in obedience tests.
It is little wonder, then, that the selected stock that was finally
permitted to come to the United States was able to produce young-
sters that have made good in all fields in which they were intro-
duced.
“In general, the same breeding and guardianship of the
breed established in Germany has been continued in America,”
Baird writes. “There were never over 1,500 Weimaraners in all
of Germany because of this strict breeding program. According
to a report in 1947 at the annual meeting of the Weimaraner Club
of America, there were only 200 of the breed scattered from coast
to coast. And this strict-breeding policy pays off in that those
permitted to buy any of the stock can be sure of getting a dog
who will fulfill their needs.”
In 1929, Howard Knight, a sportsman from Providence,
Rhode Island, was admitted into the Weimaraner Club in Ger-
many and brought over the first two Weimaraners to be seen in
the United States. Subsequently he imported six other top speci-
mens, which, with the first two, became the foundation stock here.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 47
The Red Schweisshunde, a solid-color Bloodhound, is thought
to be the foundation of the breed. Originally, Weimaraners were
used for hunting wolves, mountain lions, deer, and wild boars,
when they distinguished themselves as trailers. Later, they
proved to be capable hunters and retrievers of upland game birds
and waterfowl. Although the Weimaraner can trail, point, and
retrieve, he is usually classed with the pointing dogs.
In this country, as in Germany, only a few favored hunters
seem destined to own Weimaraners. Only those voted member-
ship in the Weimaraner Club of America are eligible to ownership.
Kilbon (1947) gives an unusually good description of the
physical characteristics of the Weimaraner. He compares its
short coat of solid gray to fine velour. Acceptable shades of gray
are silver, bright, dark (ash or blue), and yellow.
The eyes are blue-gray or amber; when the pupils are dilated,
they appear almost black. The tail is cropped within 3 days after
the puppy is whelped; it is approximately 6 inches long in a
mature animal.
Mature dogs weigh 65 to 85 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches
at the withers; bitches weigh 55 to 75 pounds and stand 22 to 25
inches. In spite of its large size the Weimaraner is said to possess
exceptional speed and smoothness of gait.
Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon.—The history of this breed
dates from about 1875, when a Dutch sportsman and dog fancier
began to breed selected hunting dogs for the definite purpose
of establishing a new sporting breed. The ancestry of the dogs
used is unknown, but it is believed that they carried English
Setter and Otterhound blood, and probably blood of the Pointer
and some of the spaniels. Although the breed was founded in
Holland, much of its later development took place in France.
First records of a Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon class in a
major English dog show are those in 1888. A dozen years later
the breed was introduced into the United States, where it has
since gained considerable popularity as an upland bird hunter
and as a retriever. Its distribution still is not extensive and com-
paratively few Illinois sportsmen are acquainted with the breed.
Griffon owners praise its versatility, although there is gen-
eral agreement that it is slower in the field than the better known
pointing breeds. It possesses an excellent nose, and its hard,
wiry coat adapts it to work in swamps and dense upland cover.
It is said to be an excellent water retriever. Adherents of this
breed say that it can be trained for any kind of small game.
48 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon is a dog of medium size;
it is rather short backed and strong limbed. Its appearance sug-
gests strength and vigor. The harsh coat gives a tousled, un-
al
The Wire-Haired Pointing Griffon originated in Holland about 1875.
The Griffon is a versatile hunting dog but it lacks the speed of a pointer
or setter. It is rare in Illinois.
kempt appearance. Nevertheless, the dog carries itself with a
very intelligent air.
Acceptable colors under the bench standard are steel-gray
with chestnut splashes, gray-white with chestnut splashes, chest-
nut, or dirty-white mixed with chestnut. Black is considered ob-
jectionable. Males stand approximately 2114 to 231.2 inches at
the shoulder; females 1915 to 211% inches.
The Sporting Spaniels
Clumber Spaniel.—The Clumber, the largest of the spaniels,
is rather slow moving, and for that reason is not so well adapted
to American hunting conditions as the Springer or Cocker. On
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 49
English estates where game is abundant, Clumbers are used,
often in teams, for upland game hunting. They are said to be
sure finders of all kinds of game and excellent retrievers.
These dogs have been introduced into Canada (Lloyd 1937)
and the United States, but only in small numbers, and they are
known to comparatively few American sportsmen.
The Clumber is a handsome, powerful-looking dog, with a
white coat marked with orange or lemon. According to the stand-
The Clumber Spaniel is a large, handsome, powerful-looking dog with
a white coat marked with orange or lemon. In England, Clumbers are used
for hunting all kinds of small game.
ard, the fewer markings on the body, the better is the color. Per-
fection of markings consists of solid orange or lemon ears, evenly
marked head and eyes, and ticked muzzle and legs. Mature males
average 55 to 65 pounds and females 35 to 50 pounds in weight.
Cocker Spaniel.—The Cocker Spaniel has long been numeri-
cally strong in England where, even in the days of the flintlock
fowling piece, “Cocking Spaniels” were bred extensively for hunt-
ing woodcocks and similar game.
In the United States, the first field trials for Cockers were
held in 1924. In recent years, the breed has gained wide popu-
50 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The Cocker Spaniel is one of our oldest hunting breeds. American
Cockers are very popular as family dogs. Hunting strains produce first-
class field dogs used for hunting pheasants and other small game.
larity in this country and today it stands close to the top in
numbers registered among dogs of all breeds. The companionable
nature and merry actions of the Cocker, which make it a popular
family dog, have to some extent overshadowed its real merit as
a hunter.
A. M. Lewis (Becker 19475) points out that emphasis on
bench show points in recent years has made it difficult to obtain
Cockers with good field breeding. The Cocker that is to be a
hunter must be selected with care. The attention of a number
of breeders is again being turned to the inherent hunting abilities
of this breed.
The American Cocker is a wide-awake, intelligent, service-
able-looking little dog having a rather short, firmly knit, muscu-
lar body, a deep chest, and strong, well-muscled legs. It possesses
a naturally keen nose and under proper training is quick to learn
what is required in the field. Perhaps as a natural outgrowth of
its small size, the Cocker is often temperamental and is one of
the most sensitive of bird dogs. This characteristic calls for
understanding on the part of the trainer who should, at all times,
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 51
maintain a proper mixture of firmness and gentleness. The Cocker
responds to good training methods with excellent performance
in the field (Moffit 1937).
Under the bench standard, the coat of the American Cocker
should be flat or slightly waved, soft and dense. Solid colors,
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The English Cocker Spaniel is larger than the American Cocker and
it has a long muzzle that facilitates retrieving of large game birds. This
is a typical English Cocker.
which are common, include jet black, red, tan, cream, and liver.
The standard specifies that these colors should be sound through-
out and not faded or “washy.’’ White on the chest of otherwise
solid-colored animals is considered objectionable, but does not
disqualify. Color combinations, such as black and white, black
and tan, occasionally liver and white, and tricolors, or black and
tan and white, also occur. Accepted weights of the American
Cocker range from 22 to 28 pounds.
The English Cocker, relatively uncommon in the United
States, differs from the American Cocker in both type and size.
Primarily a sporting dog, it is somewhat larger and has longer
legs and an elongated, setter-like dome and muzzle. Desirable
weights are for males 28 to 34 pounds and for females 26 to 32
pounds.
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
or
bo
English Springer Spaniei.—As their name indicates, the an-
cestral stock of this and most other spaniel breeds is believed
to have been native to Spain. Development of the modern sport-
ing spaniels took place largely in the British Isles and western
Europe, where some types have been popular hunting dogs for
centuries.
Hunting dogs much like the modern English Springer Span-
iel are shown in the illustrations of sporting books that date
back to the fourteenth century. The early “Springing Spaniel”
flushed partridges and other game for the falconer.
The Kennel Club of England recognized the English Springer
as a distinct breed in 1902 and adopted a standard as a guide to
breeders. This breed became quite well known in the United -
States after 1920. Field trials were held as early as 1924, and,
in 1927, the English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association was
founded. It became the official sponsor of the breed on this side
of the Atlantic.
The English Springer Spaniel is an attractive, compactly
built, upstanding, and active spaniel of medium size, possessing
The English Springer Spaniel is now one of the popular hunting breeds
in Illinois. Springers are good pheasant dogs and hunt well on other small
game. They are widely used as waterfowl retrievers.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 53
intelligence, a keen nose, and sporting instinct. it is a hunting
dog of all work. Its whole makeup is suggestive of strength,
endurance, and considerable speed.
In Illinois, the Springer ranks as one of the leading pheasant
hunting dogs; also it is often trained for rabbit hunting. Its value
as a retriever on land and water is widely known. In spite of
the fact that the Springer’s coat lacks the requisite density for
continuous work in icy water, this dog is probably surpassed in
popularity as a waterfowl retriever along the Illinois River flyway
only by the Chesapeake Bay and Labrador retrievers.
The Springer’s intelligent and friendly nature make it very
popular as a family dog; few breeds surpass it as a companion
for children.
Among the colors and color combinations acceptable under
the standard are liver and white; black and white; tan and white;
black, white, and tan; liver; black; and roan. Only red and white
and lemon and white are subject to discrimination. The favored
shoulder height for dogs is 1814 inches, with an allowable varia-
tion of one-half inch either way, and for bitches 18 inches, also
with an acceptable variation of one-half inch. Mature dogs should
weigh about 45 pounds, with 50 pounds as the upper limit of
desirable weight. Bitches should weigh about 42 pounds and
should not exceed 47 pounds. Proper balance and proportion in
contour are considered highly desirable. Oversize is held pref-
erable to bad proportions.
Field Spaniel.—The Field Spaniel type was established by
repeated crosses between the “Welch Cocker” and the Sussex
Spaniel, resulting in a very long-bodied, low-set dog. Breeders
at the same time strove to produce a heavy-boned breed. In
recent years, these exaggerated body and skeleton characters
have been largely overcome through wise and careful breeding.
The desirable Field Spaniel today is a handsome dog with good
balance between height and length. It possesses level-headedness,
intelligence, perseverance, and a keen nose. Continued breeding
for endurance, speed, and agility have made much progress in
producing a capable field dog.
The typical Field Spaniel stands about 18 inches at the
shoulder and weighs from 35 to 50 pounds. The color is usually
black.
The Field Spaniel is almost unknown in Illinois.
Sussex Spaniel.—The Sussex Spaniel is thought to be one
of the oldest breeds of land spaniels. Formerly the Sussex was
54 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
A coat color of rich golden liver is a distinctive mark of the Sussex
Spaniel. Dogs of this breed are used in England for small game hunting,
but they lack the speed desired by American sportsmen.
a dog of exaggerated body length and shortness of legs. The
modern dog possesses good proportions for field work. It is, how-
ever, more massive and slower than the Springer or Cocker. In
England, it is used for hunting pheasants and other farm game.
It is not well known in this country. It is doubtful if there are
10 Sussex Spaniels in Illinois.
The color of the purebred Sussex is a rich golden liver, a
distinctive breed characteristic. The body is rather massive and
muscular, but should exhibit freedom of motion. Weights vary
from 35 to 45 pounds.
The Retrievers
American Water Spaniel.—The American Water Spaniel for
many years has been known to Midwesterners as a familiar com-
panion of the duck hunter. In 1938, this spaniel was recognized
as a breed by the Field Dog Stud Book, an adjunct of the Ameri-
can Field, and, in 1940, it was recognized by the American
Kennel Club.
or
oO
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION
There are several versions as to where and when this spaniel
originated. A similar dog has been known to New England out-
doorsmen for many decades, but the present type dog seems to
have evolved in the Middle West. Fairly early in the present
The American Water Spaniel, developed chiefly in the Middle West,
is a capable retriever and takes easily to upland game hunting, where its
work resembles that of a Springer.
century, American Water Spaniels were well known to hunters
in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and other nearby states.
The American Water Spaniel is best known for its ability
as a water retriever, but owners claim that it deserves to be
ranked as a capable all-round hunting dog. It is much at home
in both marsh hunting and upland game hunting. On upland
game its work resembles that of the Springer Spaniel. It hunts
by body scent and “springs” to flush. Its natural retrieving
ability here makes it useful in returning crippled and dead game.
As a waterfowl retriever, this dog is praised for its accuracy
in marking, its vigor in going after shot game, and its prompt
return, as well as its ability as a swimmer. It is said to respond
cheerfully to handling and as a breed to possess a tender mouth.
56 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
Obviously, the American Water Spaniel is not of sufficient size
to compete on equal terms at all tasks with such powerful dogs
as the Chesapeake Bay, and its coat is not water resistant enough
to allow it to work comfortably for hours in icy water. Neverthe-
less, none surpass it in love of the water and willingness to work.
The typical American Water Spaniel is an attractive, medium-
sized, active, muscular dog of characteristic spaniel build. It
possesses intelligence, an amiable disposition, and a keen nose.
It is strong and sturdy and has legs of medium length. In general
outline the body should be symmetrical and not too compactly
coupled. Its appearance should suggest strength, endurance, and
willingness to work. :
The coat of the American Water Spaniel should be closely ©
curled or have a marcel effect, and it should be of sufficient density
to be of protection against weather, water, and punishing cover,
yet not coarse. The legs should have medium-short, curly feather.
Acceptable colors are solid liver or dark chocolate; a little white
on toes or chest is permissible. Shoulder heights of mature
animals may vary from 15 to 18 inches; males may weigh 28 to
45 pounds and females 25 to 40 pounds.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever.—As with most other sporting
breeds, there is no complete and authentic record of the develop-
ment of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Until the recent recogni-
tion of the American Water Spaniel, it held claim to being the
only sporting breed to originate in America. The following ac-
count of the early history of the Chesapeake is accepted by the
American Chesapeake Club as probably true.
In 1807, the American ship, Canton, rescued the crew and
cargo of an English brig off the coast of Maryland. Included in
the cargo were two Newfoundland puppies, a dog and a bitch.
The dog named Sailor and the bitch named Canton, after the
rescue ship, were presented to the gentleman who gave hospitality
to the shipwrecked crew. Both dogs eventually earned great
reputations as retrieving dogs. Sailor, with a dingy red coat,
and Canton, a black, were mated with a number of the common
nondescript dogs then used for retrieving, thus laying the founda-
tion of the Chesapeake breed. Whether the two dogs were them-
selves ever mated is unknown. The claim is sometimes made that
out-crosses were later made with other breeds, but this seems
to be based entirely on supposition.
By 1885, the Chesapeake Bay breed had become fairly well
established and widely known for feats of retrieving in the cold
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 57
and rough waters of Chesapeake Bay. During World War I, fur-
ther developments in the breed took place, including the now
popular ‘dead grass” color. The Mississippi River valley has
long been one of the chief strongholds of this breed.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a powerfully built dog with
a short, strong back, a deep and wide chest, and well-developed
fore and hind quarters. In outline, the Chesapeake should be im-
The rugged Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a valuable aid in reducing
crippling losses among waterfowl in Illinois. A waterproof coat and power-
ful frame enable the Chesapeake to work in icy and rough water.
pressive and well balanced. Courage, willingness to work, nose,
intelligence, love of the water, and good disposition are qualities
that, according to the standard, should be given primary con-
sideration in the selection and breeding of the Chesapeake Bay
Retriever. Special emphasis is placed on quality and texture of
coat, as well as color. Acceptable colors vary from dark brown
to a faded tan known as “‘dead grass.” The coat should be thick
and short, with a dense, fine, woolly undercoat. The oil in the
harsh outer coat and the woolly undercoat are of great value in
preventing icy water from reaching the dog’s skin, and they
aid in quick drying. Hair on the face and legs should be short
and straight; hair on the shoulders, neck, back, and loins only
should have a tendency to wave (not curl). Mature males stand
58 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
23 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh 65 to 75 pounds; females
measure 21 to 24 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds.
Curly-Coated Retriever.—The Curly-Coat is thought to be
one of the oldest breeds of retrievers, although its origin remains
an enigma. Like the Flat-Coated Retriever, it is an English
product. It was first shown in an English dog show in 1859, but
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The Curly-Coated Retriever is a capable hunting dog long well known
in the British Isles but is unfamiliar to most American sportsmen.
some time after this Poodle crosses are reported to have been
made to give the coat a tighter curl. Curly-Coated Retrievers
are rare in the United States. .
The Curly-Coated Retriever is a strong, smart, active, and
upstanding dog. Friendly and amenable to training, this dog is
said to be a first-class land and water retriever.
The entire coat should be a mass of thick, crisp curls, either
wholly black or liver in color. A few white hairs on the chest
are not penalized.
Flat-Coated Retriever.—This breed originated in England
about a century ago. It has proved to be an excellent worker on
waterfowl, marking, retrieving, and delivering in fine style, and
a good land retriever on pheasants and other upland game birds.
Like the Curly-Coat, this breed is rarely seen in the United States.
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a smart, active, sturdily built
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 59
The Flat-Coated Retriever is an English breed that is not well repre-
sented in Illinois or elsewhere in the United States.
dog weighing 60 or 70 pounds. The coat should be of fine quality,
flat, and dense to afford good protection in water. The color is
usually wholly black, but occasionally a bit of some other color
is seen, usually white on the chest. Liver color is also acceptable.
Golden Retriever.—The Golden Retriever is a descendant of
an old breed of dogs known as trackers, which are native to
Asiatic Russia. Russian trackers are huge dogs measuring about
30 inches at the shoulder and often weighing 100 pounds. The
breed serves man in a variety of ways in its homeland, among
which, it is reported, is to guard isolated fiocks of sheep in winter
with great steadfastness and courage. According to the American
Kennel Club, the circumstances leading to the development of the
Golden Retriever breed primarily from tracker stock are as re-
lated below.
In 1860, Sir Dudley Marjoribanks watched the performance
of a troupe of Russian tracker dogs at a circus in Brighton, Eng-
land. He was impressed by the intelligence shown by these dogs
and, reasoning that this could be put to good use in the field, he
purchased the entire troupe of eight dogs and took them to his
seat in the Guischan deer forest in Scotland. Here they were
bred without out-crossing for 10 years, but there was no game in
Scotland suitable to their size, and in about 1870 plans were
abandoned to establish the breed in its original form.
60 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The Golden Retriever is a powerfully built dog with a rich, golden-
colored coat. Fine retrievers and agreeable companions, dogs ef this breed
are gaining in popularity in Illinois and the Middle West.
At this time the Russian trackers were crossed with Blood-
hounds. There is no record of crosses with other breeds, and
only one generation of Bloodhound crosses is reported, but the
descendants appear, on the basis of photographic records and
notes, to have soon developed into the present Golden Retriever
type, whose characters included smaller size than the tracker,
as well as intensification of scenting ability, refinement, and a
slight darkening of the color of the coat.
In this country, Golden Retrievers are found chiefly on the
Atlantic seaboard, in the upper Mississippi valley, and on the west
coast. They are gaining in popularity in Illinois and the Midwest.
In general appearance, the typical Golden Retriever is an
active, powerful, soundly built dog, of kindly expression, and
possessing good, level movement of body and legs. The skull is
broad, the chest deep, the body short coupled, and the loins strong.
The forelegs are straight, with good bone, and the hindlegs strong
and muscular, with well-bent stifles.
The standard calls for a flat or wavy coat, with a good, dense,
water-resisting undercoat, and a rich golden color, not so dark
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 61
as that of an Irish Setter. Cream color is also acceptable. A few
white hairs on ihe chest are permissible, but white collar, feet,
or toes, or blaze should be penalized. Ideal weights for mature
Golden Retrievers in good hard-working condition are for dogs
65 to 68 pounds and for bitches 55 to 60 pounds. Shoulder heights
should be for dogs 28 to 24 inches and for bitches 2014 to 22
inches.
Irish Water Spaniel.—The Irish Water Spaniel has served
waterfowl hunters in the Illinois and Mississippi river flyways
and elsewhere in the state for many years. The popularity of
the Chesapeake, Labrador, and other breeds of retrievers in recent
The Irish Water Spaniel is the tallest of the spaniels. The topknot and
tapering tail covered with very short hair help to distinguish it from the
American Water Spaniel.
years has overshadowed the Irish Water Spaniel, but a few indi-
viduals of this fine breed can be seen along the Illinois and Missis-
sippi.
This quaint-looking product of Erin possesses a water-shed-
ding coat of good quality and he loves the water. Although the
Trish Water Spaniel is one of the larger retrievers, he is some-
what less rugged than the Labrador and Chesapeake.
62 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
The general appearance of the Irish Water Spaniel betokens
poodle crosses at some early time in the largely obscure history
of the breed. It has been suggested, not without truth, that this
dog looks as though he had borrowed spare parts from other
kinds of dogs. The topknot, a striking characteristic of this breed,
and the round, rather short tail covered with very short hair, a
so-called “‘rat tail,’ distinguish it from the American Water
Spaniel, whose tail carries a fair amount of feather.
The Irish Water Spaniel is employed to some extent as a
land retriever, but its size and curly coat are something of a
handicap in thick or thorny. cover. It is an excellent worker in
marshes, and in the water its all-around ability and willingness
to work earn it a high rank among waterfowl hunters.
For show purposes, the color should be deep, pure liver with-
out white, although a white toe does not disqualify. The neck,
back, and sides should be covered with tight, crisp curls. Under-
neath the ribs the hair should be longer. The legs should be
abundantly covered with hair that falls in curls or waves. The
topknot should fall over between the eyes in peaked form. Mature
dogs usually stand 22 to 24 inches and weigh 55 to 65 pounds;
bitches usually stand 21 to 23 inches and weigh 45 to 58 pounds.
Labrador Retriever.—The ancestors of this breed were native
to Newfoundland rather than Labrador. In 1822, a traveler to
Newfoundland wrote of “‘small water dogs” there that were ad-
mirably trained as retrievers in fowling.
Some of these dogs were carried to England by fishermen,
and early in the nineteenth century the Second Earl of Malms-
bury, on seeing one, arranged to have a number imported to his
kennel in England. Here they soon gained considerable popu-
larity. This dog gradually died out in Newfoundland as a result
of a heavy dog tax. The decline of native dogs and the English
quarantine law put an end to importation of Labradors to Eng-
land, and many English breeders crossed the Labrador with other
breeds of retrievers. The Third Earl of Malmsbury is credited
with having kept an almost undiluted line of Labradors, thus
preserving in large degree the original Labrador characteristics.
He states in a letter written in 1887 that he always called his
dogs Labradors, and he thus seems to have given the breed its
name.
Later, Labrador fanciers, desiring to end the practice of
interbreeding, drew up a standard that discouraged crossing with
other retrievers.
YEATTER: BIRD DOGS IN SPORT AND CONSERVATION 63
The Labrador Retriever should be an exceedingly active dog,
strongly built and close coupled; it should have a good spring of
ribs, and wide, well-developed loin and hindquarters. A keen
nose, intelligence, steady nerves, stamina, and an inborn desire
to please its master make the Labrador an excellent hunting
The Labrador is one of our most popular retrievers for both waterfowl
and upland game. Labradors are strongly built and possess stamina, intel-
ligence, and steady nerves. Black is the usual color for Labradors, but yel-
low and other colors are permissible.
companion. The eyes of the Labrador, set in a wide skull, should
be of medium size and expressive of an active brain and good
temper; they may be brown, yellow, or black in color. The jaws
should be strong, the nose wide, the nostrils well developed.
The coat character is important; it should be short, very
dense, and without wave, and it should give a fairly hard feeling
to the hand. The color is usually black; it should be free from
rustiness and any white except possibly a small white spot on the
chest. Yellow Labradors are occasionally seen, and other whole
colors are permissible.
64 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 42
Under the standard, dogs should stand 2214 to 241% inches
and bitches 2114 to 2314 inches. Approximate weights of Labra-
dors in good hard-working condition are dogs 60 to 75 pounds;
bitches 55 to 70 pounds.
LITERATURE CITED
American Kennel Club
1947. The complete dog book. Garden City Publishing Co., Inc., Garden
City, New York. 753 pp., illus., index.
Becker, Bob
1945. Retriever, a big hunting asset, makes cripples count in game bag.
Ill. Cons. 10(1): 20-4. Illus.
“1947a. Mostly about dogs. Syndicated newspaper column, various dates,
in Chicago Sunday Tribune.
*1947b. Bob Becker’s dog digest. Paul, Richmond & Co., Chicago. 130 pp.,
illus.
Bufkin, J. Earl
*1946. Handling your hunting dog. Highth edition. Ralston Purina Co.,
St. Louis, Mo. 64 pp., illus.
Carlton, H. W.
*1945. Spaniels: their breaking for sport and field trials. Mile G. Den-
linger, Washington, D. C. 126 pp., illus. (Reprint of original
published 1915 by Field Press Ltd., London.)
Goodall, Charles S.
1946. The Springer Spaniel is here to stay. Ill. Cons. 11(1 & 2):6-7.
31 illus.
Hawkins, Arthur S., and Frank C. Bellrose
1939. The duck flight and kill along the Illinois River during the fall
of 1938. Am. Wildlife 28(4):178-86. Illus.
Kilbon, Roland
1947. Born hunters, the bird dogs. Natl. Geog. Mag. 92(3):369-98.
Illus.
Lloyd, Freeman
1937. Field dogs in action. Natl. Geog. Mag. 71(1):84-108. Illus.
Lytle, Horace
*1934. How to train your bird dog. A. F. Hochwalt Co., Dayton, Ohio.
224 pp., illus.
Moffit, Ella B.
*1937. Elias Vail trains gun dogs. Orange Judd Publishing Co., Ine.,
New York. 219 pp., illus., index.
Nelson, Urban C., and Gustav Swanson
1941. Losses of crippled game birds. Cons. Volunteer 1(6): 44-8.
Randall, Pierce E.
1939. Ringneck pheasant crippling losses. Pa. Game News 10(5):3, 31.
Speelman, S. R., and J. O. Williams
1928. Breeds of dogs. U. S. Dept. Ag. Farm Bul. 1491. 46 pp., 34 figs.
Stringer, Don H.
1946. Beware of the dog racketeer. Here’s how he works. Ill. Cons. 11
(1 & 2):32-3. Illus.
Stoddard, Herbert L.
1932. The bobwhite quail: Its habits, preservation and increase. Charles
Seribner’s Sons, New York. 559 pp., illus., index.
*Publications suggested for use by the amateur trainer.
; f ; - : wii)
Recent Publications
A.—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY BULLETIN.
Volume 22, Article 1—VThe Plant Bugs, or Miridae, of Illinois. By Harry H. Knigh
September, 1941. 234 pp., frontis. + 181 figs., bibliog., index. $1.25.
Volume 22, Article 2.—Studies of North American Plecoptera, with special reference
the fauna of Illinois. By T. H. Frison. September, 1942. 122 pp., frontis. + 126 fig
bibliog., index. $1.00.
Volume 22, Article 6—Survey of the Illinois Fur Resource. By Louis G. Brown at
Lee E. Yeager. September, 1943. 70 pp., frontis. + 33 figs., bibliog. (Bound wi
Article 7.)
Volume 22, Article 7.—Illinois Furbearer Distribution and Income. By Carl O. Moh
September, 1943. 33 pp., frontis. + 24 figs., bibliog. (Bound with Article 6.)
Volume 23, Article 1—The Caddis Flies, or Trichoptera, of Illinois. By Herbert ]
Ross. August, 1944. 326 pp., frontis. + 961 figs., bibliog., index. $1.50. .
Volume 23, Article 2—Duck Populations and Kill. By Frank C. Bellrose, Jr. Noven
ber, 1944. 46 pp., frontis. + 27 figs., bibliog. 50 cents.
Volume 23, Article 3——Overfishing in a Small Artificial Lake: Onized Lake near Alte
Illinois. By George W. Bennett. May, 1945. 34 pp., frontis. + 15 figs., bibliog.
Volume 23, Article 4.—Wetwood of Elms. By J. Cedric Carter. August, 1945. 42 py
frontis. + 30 figs., bibliog.
Volume 23, Article 5—Fox Squirrels and Gray Squirrels in Illinois. By Louis ¢
Brown and Lee E. Yeager. September, 1945. 88 pp., frontis. + 42 figs., bibliog.
Volume 24, Article 1—The Mosquitoes of Illinois (Diptera, Culicidae). By Herbe-
H. Ross. August, 1947. 96 pp., frontis. + 184 figs., bibliog. 50 cents.
Volume 24, Article 2—The Leafhoppers, or Cicadellidae, of Illinois (Eurymelinae
Balcluthinae). By D. M. DeLong. June, 1948. 280 pp. + 514 figs., bibliog., inde
S258 )
;
B.—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR. )
34.—Rout the Weeds! Why, When and How. By L. R. Tehon. September, 194
(Fourth printing, with revisions.) 47 pp., color frontis. + 13 figs.
36.—Planting and Care of Shade Trees. By J. E. Davis. September, 1947. (Thi
printing, with additions.) 28 pp., frontis. + 20 figs.
41—How to Recognize and Control Termites in Illinois. By B. G. Berger. Februar
1947. 44 pp., frontis. + 32 figs.
C—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY MANUAL.
2.—Fieldbook of Illinois Land Snails. By Frank Collins Baker. August, 1939. 166 pp
color frontis. + 170 figs., 8 pls., $1.00.
Fieldbook of Native Illinois Shrubs. By Leo R. Tehon. December, 1942. 307 pp
4 color pls. + 72 figs., glossary, index. $1.25.
3
List of available publications, about 400 titles, mailed on request.
Single copies of ILLinois NATURAL History SuRVEY publications for which no price is liste
will be furnished free of charge to individuals until the supply becomes low, after which
nominal charge may be made. More than one copy of any free publication may be obtaine
without cost by educational institutions and ofhcial organizations within the State of Illinois
prices to others on quantity orders of these publications will be quoted upon request. “
Address orders and correspondence to the Chief
ILLiNotis NaturRAL History SURVEY
Natural Resources Building, Urbana, Illinois
: : : mn . =
Payment in the form of U.S. Post Office money order made out to State Treasurer of Illinor
Springfield, Illinois, must accompany requests for those publications on which a price is set.
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