You may not realize it, but many of today's most popular dog breeds were actually bred hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago to be expert hunters. Their size, coat, color, behavior, and unique abilities were all carefully selected and engineered to assist in the hunting of game big and small, including deer, foxes, waterfowl, and even rats. Some were also bred to assist on the farm, working as shepherds. Though more often found walking on leash and lounging in living rooms today, these special breeds are still used by modern hunters for the same purposes for which they were originally bred. This book introduces the reader to the various classes, types, and breeds of hunting dogs, their various specialized characteristics, their skills, and their temperament. This is an indispensable guide to anyone considering buying and training a hunting dog, and a fascinating read for any dog, or history, lover.