Dogs Of Group 7: Classification Of The Breeds According To The FCI

The Fédération cynologique internationale (FCI) has the task of determining the standards of each dog breed, classifying it according to its characteristics. In this article we will tell you about group 7 dogs, including continental, English and Irish pointing dogs.

Dogs of group 7: from continental points

Of the 31 breeds that fall into this category, many are known outside the continent. Among them stand out:

1. German shorthaired pointing dog

It was developed in the early 19th century for hunting, and is one of the most efficient breeds in this respect. It is able to point and track down birds, both on land and in water, is not afraid of wild boars or other large animals and is able to follow the traces of blood thanks to its excellent sense of smell. He is easy to train and very intelligent.

1. Weimaraner

The Weimar Bracco is another of the German hunting dogs also used as a retriever. It has a dense, short coat that protects it from moisture. The Weimaraner is easy to train, affectionate, obedient and an excellent guardian.

Its coat is deer gray, silver or mouse gray. The head and ears may be lighter than the rest. From a newborn he has blue eyes which then become turquoise and finally, in adulthood, amber. He is an elegant, energetic, active and sometimes dangerous dog to strangers. He is particularly prone to suffering from separation anxiety.

1. Breton spaniel

This breed was designed to hunt birds and rabbits. He worked similarly to Setters and Pointers. Although it originated in the Iberian Peninsula, it developed in the French province of Brittany. It is an athletic, long-legged, light-footed dog.

Its fur can be of various colors, although white and reddish is the most common combination. Easy to train, this working dog can also make a great pet. He needs to get enough exercise to prevent him from developing negative habits.

Group 7 dogs: English and Irish pointing dogs

The 5 breeds that are part of this section are “famous” internationally. Among them, we can point out:

1. English pointer

This hunting dog owes its name to its ability to “target” prey. Its origins date back to the seventeenth century, when it was used to accompany men on hunting trips with rifles. It is believed to be descended from the Bracchi, although it is not known for certain whether from the French, English or Spanish.

It is the hunting dog par excellence, it has an incredible sense of smell, can gallop for hours and search for prey quickly. He can suffer from coronary heart disease and sometimes deafness. He needs at least an hour of exercise every day.

1. Irish setter

Two types of Irish Setters can be distinguished: red (most common) and red and white. The main difference between the two is the color of the coat. It was born in the early eighteenth century and its job was to find the prey shot down by the rifle. Various specimens were exported to the United States towards the end of the nineteenth century, a phenomenon that favored the extension of the breed to other continents. This dog can develop gluten intolerance (a kind of canine celiac disease), and needs a specific diet.

1. English setter

The first examples were born in France in the Middle Ages and descended from the Bracco. Many of them were brought to England, where they were crossed with local dogs, until the development of the breed as we know it today (starting in the nineteenth century).

It is a medium-sized dog, has a black and white spotted coat (similar to a Dalmatian but with long hair), but it can also have reddish spots; the ears are always black. The English Setter is very intelligent but not very easy to train. He is easily distracted in the outer areas of the house and easily suffers from hip dysplasia. We have shown you the dogs of group 7.