Working gundogs occupy a unique place within the British countryside, combining instinct, intelligence and generations of careful breeding with the deep bond between dog and handler. Few people understand that world better than Liane of Scotton Tweed Gundogs, whose striking imagery and fieldwork have earned a loyal following among shooting enthusiasts and dog lovers alike.
Spending countless hours training, working and living alongside her dogs, Liane has developed a thoughtful approach to both breeding and the wider gundog lifestyle. We caught up with her to discuss life in the field, training philosophies, working lines and the enduring appeal of the British gundog.
Could you introduce yourselves and tell us a little about training Gundogs and how it all began? What first drew you to working dogs and life in the field?
It all initially started with my Working Cocker Spaniel, Bailey. I’d been beating a couple of years prior to bringing home my first working cocker, and seeing people work their dogs and having such an amazing bond made me very eager to get my own. What started with owning and training a working Cocker Spaniel quickly turned into a genuine passion for working gundogs and life in the field. From there came working Springers and just recently the Wire Haired Vizslas, each bringing very different strengths and personalities.
The appeal was never just about shooting days themselves — it was the partnership between dog and handler. Watching a dog develop from a puppy into a reliable working companion is incredibly rewarding. Every season teaches you something new, and every dog teaches you something different.
Training became a natural progression because I enjoyed seeing dogs fulfil what they were bred to do. The more time spent in the field, the more respect you gain for good breeding, patience, consistency, and proper foundations.
What makes a great working gundog in your eyes?
A great working gundog is one that combines drive with control. Plenty of dogs have energy and hunting instinct, but it takes a lot more than that to get your “dog of a lifetime”
Temperament is hugely important. I value dogs that are biddable, intelligent, level-headed, and eager to work with you rather than independently of you. Natural game-finding ability matters, but so does steadiness, trainability, and resilience.
For me, the best dogs are also enjoyable to live with at home. A good working dog should have an off-switch and be able to settle as well as plenty of determination in the field.
Your dogs clearly spend a lot of time outdoors and in the field — what does a typical season look like for you?
The shooting season itself is obviously the busiest time of year, but in reality the dogs are worked and trained all year-round. Autumn and winter are focused on shoot days, picking-up and keeping the dogs sharp in real working environments.
Spring and summer are often more training-focused — fitness work, obedience refreshers, retrieves, water work, and introducing younger dogs to different environments and situations, but also allowing them to have some down time and enjoy being a dog! I personally like taking them on long walks round the countryside or trips to the beach with the occasional holiday away with me.
A lot of life revolves around the dogs, whether that’s walks, training sessions or just some down time in their company
Training a working dog is a long process — what qualities are most important to develop early on?
The foundations matter more than anything. Early on, I focus heavily on engagement, recall, steadiness, confidence, and building a strong relationship with me as their handler.
It’s easy to get carried away with advanced retrieves or field work too quickly, but consistency and patience are what create reliable dogs later on. Id much rather take longer with a young dog and get the basics right than rush the process.
Confidence is another huge factor, especially with more sensitive breeds like some Vizslas. You want a dog that is keen and bold without becoming frantic or pressured.
What do people often misunderstand about working gundogs and the lifestyle around them?
A lot of people underestimate just how much mental stimulation and structure these dogs need. Working-bred Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels in particular are incredibly driven and intelligent — they’re not dogs that are happy with a quick walk around the block.
People also sometimes misunderstand field sports and assume it’s purely about the shooting aspect, when in reality there’s a huge amount of respect for conservation, land management, and the welfare of the dogs involved.
The lifestyle is demanding but rewarding. Your days, weekends, holidays, and routines often revolve around the dogs, especially during the season.
Breeding clearly plays an important role in maintaining strong working lines — what do you look for when pairing dogs?
Temperament always comes first. I personally look for dogs that are stable, trainable, healthy, and proven in the field. Strong natural ability is important to me
We’re also conscious of maintaining the characteristics that make each breed special.
Health testing and understanding bloodlines are essential. You’re not just breeding for the next season — you’re thinking about preserving quality for years to come.
Do different dogs naturally suit different types of work or terrain?
Absolutely. Different breeds — and even different individuals within a breed — excel in different environments.
I personally find my Working English Springer Spaniels and Cockers are incredibly versatile and powerful in dense cover. I have in the last couple of years introduced the Wire Haired Vizslas into my picking up team as they cover a much larger area of ground which is particularly helpful when on a grouse moor
What have working dogs taught you personally over the years?
Patience more than anything else and that no two are ever trained exactly the same way.
They also teach consistency, discipline, and how important trust is in any partnership. Some of the best moments in the field come when a dog works something out for itself because of the foundations and confidence you’ve built together over time.
Working dogs also make you appreciate the outdoors differently. You spend so much time watching weather, watching wildlife and walking terrain that you become far more connected to in the countryside.
Looking ahead, how do you see the future of working dogs and field sports in Britain?
There’s definitely increasing scrutiny around field sports, so maintaining high welfare standards and responsible ownership is more important than ever. Good dog work and ethical field practices will play a huge role in protecting the future of the sport.
At the same time, there’s still strong interest in well-bred, capable working dogs, and more people are appreciating the value of proper training and preserving traditional working lines.
I hope the future continues to prioritise responsible breeding, good sportsmanship, and showcasing the incredible bond between handler and dog — because at its best, that partnership is what working gundog life is really about.
Our thanks to Liane for taking the time to speak with us and for offering an insight into the world of working gundogs, from the realities of training and breeding to the rewards of life spent outdoors with dogs.
To follow Liane's latest field adventures, training work and stunning countryside photography, visit her Instagram account: @scottontweed_gundogs