What do you think the main difference's are between field type and show type gundogs? Questions

Just was wondering what you all though the differences were between field (working) type and show type gundogs were, bar looks as thats obvious!!
For example
Their Temperaments
Excersise requirements
Mental stimulation needed
Grooming care
General behaviour
suitability as a pet
etc etc

Interesting question Luke

As you say looks are the main thing - show types being bred to fit a certain set of standards while working types are bred for their performance in the field...with the HPRs somewhere in between

Temperament wise I would have to say it all depends on how the dog has been brought up. I find the working dogs that I have met who have been brought up in the kennel situation and only go out to work or train to work are a bit more aloof and cautious where as you dog brought up in the home and attends shows, dog training classes tend to be a bit more 'hello look at me' and up for anything.

Im guessing the exercise and mental stimulation requirements would be similar although would be a bit more cautious with show type ess, clumbers and setter in regards to exercise as they tend to be slightly bigger/heavier than their working counterparts.

Would be interesting to know the differences in the occurance of hereditary conditions and health problems between the two types. ie is the show type more succeptible to PRA ir HD?

Grooming - a lot more involved in the show types i would say. The gundogs over here in the UK dont seem to have the profuse hair covering that they do in the USA....which is good

As far as suitability as a pets I think both types make good additions to the family as long as you are prepared to put work into the dog. If people get a working dog they need to be aware that they will still have the 'hunting instinct' alive and kicking.

I cant speak for spaniels, but I have a little bit of experience with this for retrievers.

Of the working flatcoats and show flatcoats there is no difference as thankfully there isnt that kind of split in the breed (thank god!)

Goldens, the show ones tend to have a much lighter coat, and different head, it's a squarish type one. They tend to move differently as well, more working bred goldens ARE actually gold ! (shock horror!) These dogs tend to have more streamlined heads and have to ability to work all day a bit better. However I do know of several show bred dogs that have done very well in local tests etc But none that have done well in actual Field Trials.

Labradors .. where do I start. The majority of the show labs are NOTHING like working bred labs. They are almost a different bred, working bred labs have to do something, are always busy and as a general rule are a bit smaller. Show labs are wider and fatter. A fat dog cant work. Temperment wise I dont know of the difference, I can only express an opinion on the appearance side of things and I seem to have noticed of a few show type labs that have been brought to my classes, they have no 'drive' they are very lazy and dont want to do anything. The working bred ones are always keen to work.

That's my opinion anyway

Think it all depends on the breed in question

Well temperament wise I'd say working type and show type have little between them. Both are loving dogs and are willing to give their all in what ever you do together.

Exercise - I'd say the working type may need more than the show. But I have a classic type show Springer at the mo so it's hard to say! Personally I'd say both types can be challenging!

Mental stimulation I think is equal for both.

Grooming - a huge difference, unfortunately. The working type has too little hair and the show too much in my opinion! Hopefully my pup will inherit the "average" hair type not overdone like too many show Springers these days.

General behaviour - depends on the upbringing and breeding personally, you can get good and bad in both types.

Suitability as a pet - both can work out well as a pet, but I think you need to know what Springers are all about first despite which type you decide on.

Just as an interesting side line here's a pic of a Fin Ch in the 70s





Not the perfect example, but surely the best of both worlds?