Hunting Knowledge Hub

The most common waterfowl retrieving dog in New Zealand is the Labrador Retriever. Versatile enough to also hunt upland game, this breed is easy to train and usually a good family dog as well. Upland dogs are generally more specialised, being pointers or flushers. Common upland dogs in New Zealand are the German shorthaired and wirehaired pointers, Hungarian Vizsla, English pointers and the setter breeds. These pointer and setter breeds are often used for waterfowl as well.

There are many dog training books and videos available to help you train your dog, and the approach you take is up to you. However, it’s important to ensure your family is happy to have a dog and to do your homework—understand both the training requirements and what you are buying, including the breed and temperament. A dog is a 12–14 year commitment, with ongoing costs for food and veterinary care, and this should be carefully considered when deciding whether to invest in a well-trained hunting dog.

Finally, as a responsible hunter, it is important to ensure your dog is properly vaccinated and regularly treated for parasites. This protects other hunters’ dogs as well as livestock on farms where you have permission to hunt. Demonstrating to landowners that your dog is fully up to date with vaccines and parasite treatments is one of the best ways to maintain access to private land.