WHILE we will never tire of championing all things British in field-sports, there is a wealth of gundog breeds around the world that give our home-bred stock a run for their money. Here are 25 that possess an enticing combination of sporting prowess, a keen loyalty and a certain je ne sais quoi from their native land.
AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
Having arrived in America aboard the Mayflower, this breed must have been keen to set foot back on dry land as it quickly established its reputation as a specialist in seeking and flushing woodcock. It boasts a more profuse coat than its English counterpart and is smaller, too; it is the shortest sporting dog on the American Kennel Club register, standing at 15in.
AMERICAN WATER SPANIEL
Native to Wisconsin, this breed is almost deliberately a well-kept secret to protect its carefully bred hunting abilities. Few are seen outside the USA. Though it is small in both numbers and stature, it still packs a punch. It is light and compact enough to fit into a boat without upturning it. This, along with its curly coat, webbed feet and powerful
