Red Decoy Dog
Also known as: Decoy Dog
The Red Decoy Dog originated in England, known for its distinctive appearance and hunting abilities. The Red Decoy Dog comes from England. Individual Red Decoy Dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- England
- Colour
- Red or yellow
- Other names
- Decoy Dog
About the Red Decoy Dog
The Red Decoy Dog originated in England, known for its distinctive appearance and hunting abilities. This breed is a rare and lesser-known variety of working dog.
Overview
The Red Decoy Dog , also known as the Decoy Dog , was a now extinct breed of gundog from England . Used to lure waterfowl into large netted traps. The Red Decoy Dog is believed to be the progenitor of the Canadian Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever .
Overview
Prior to the proliferation of firearms, a common method of capturing ducks in England was by enticing them from a body of water into a large tunnel made from hoops covered in netting. Two methods existed to lure the ducks into the tunnels, one was to train live ducks, called decoys , to entice wild ducks onto their pond then to follow them into the tunnel. The second was to use a decoy dog to entice wild ducks to follow them into the tunnel. These dogs were bred to look like foxes , as it had been observed that inquisitive ducks would often follow a fox behaving erratically. Through consistent breeding, at some point these dogs developed into a distinct breed , the Red Decoy Dog. In Holland, the very similar Kooikerhondje was bred for the same purpose. The Red Decoy Dog was described as being small, fox-red or tawny coloured, and collie -like appearance with a distinct long, brushy tail. In his 1886 work The book of duck decoys , Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey describes a good decoy dog as “a bright little fellow, about a third smaller than a Fox, with a curly bushy tail if possible, and of red or yellow colour.” The breed seems to have been found principally in The Fens . It is unknown when the Red Decoy Dog became extinct, it is considered likely their popularity declined with the proliferation of shooting , when wildfowlers replaced their nets with shotguns to hunt waterfowl. Although it does appear they were used as gundogs by early shooters. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is believed to have descended from Red Decoy Dogs taken to Nova Scotia by early settlers. Some cynologists also believe Red Decoy Dogs were one of the ancestors of the Golden Retriever .
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Red Decoy Dog?
The Red Decoy Dog was a medium-sized gundog with a distinctive red coat. They were bred for their intelligence, athleticism, and strong prey drive, making them well-suited for their role in luring waterfowl into traps. Their exact physical characteristics are unknown, but they likely resembled other gundogs of the time.
Is the Red Decoy Dog a good family dog?
Unfortunately, the Red Decoy Dog is extinct, so it's not possible to determine their suitability as a family pet. However, as a gundog, they were likely bred to be energetic and independent, which may not be ideal for families with young children. Gundogs often require experienced owners and regular exercise.
What health problems do Red Decoy Dogs have?
As the Red Decoy Dog is extinct, there is limited information available on their health. However, gundogs are generally prone to hip dysplasia and eye problems, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Responsible breeding practices can help minimize the risk of these conditions.
How much does a Red Decoy Dog puppy cost?
Since the Red Decoy Dog is extinct, it's not possible to purchase a puppy. However, if you're interested in a similar breed, such as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, prices can range from $500 to $2,000, depending on factors like bloodlines, location, and breeder reputation.
Where do Red Decoy Dogs come from?
The Red Decoy Dog comes from England. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Red Decoy Dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.