Hunting Though we do not field trial, lacking general interest in that sport, our dogs are hunted seasonally, and we will only breed dogs that can scent and find birds, are not sound sensitive and will retrieve. All of our dogs so far swim, though some are eager for the water as small puppies and others adapt to it as they grow through the first year. We think of our dogs as companions first, and that includes hunting. My own interest and sport is showing, but showing alone is not enough to qualify a dog for breeding. It must be an eager hunter, take instruction readily without too much hacking and whistling, and retrieve when asked. Our dogs are also used by many owners in formal obedience, agility trials and therapy.