Alfie the water-fowl retriever performs at Hampshire Country Sports Day 2023

Meet Alfie, a super-fit fox-red Labrador whose owner Chris Green performs as the "Cornish countryman" at country shows.

Water-fowling is hunting wild ducks or geese for the pot. It remains legal under the UK's Hunting Act to hunt particular species during the shooting season. It is both solitary and - it's fair to say - a minority sport. Both dog and human require patience and a high level of physical fitness. Chris has ornithologist levels of bird knowledge and the last piece in the puzzle is having a well trained and talented retriever like Alfie for company. 

Chris explains Alfie's job during a long day spent water-fowling, which starts long before dawn. Chris learned from his father the art of water-fowling, and practices it today on various estuaries throughout the South West of the UK. He gives an insight into this ancient practice as he chats to Dogs with Jobs presenter, Kate Fairweather, in a break from performing.

This lively interview was recorded at the Country Sports Day 2023 at Bereleigh, East Meon.  

Connected episodes

You might also like other country show episodes: 

• How to spot the winning beagle at a hound show;
• Clover, the accidental gun dog;
• Meet the South Down Bloodhounds; and
• Meet the Sealyham terrier rat pack; 

Do you work your dog or know someone else who might like to come on the show? Get in touch with Kate, via [e-mail].

Find more dogs with interesting jobs. 

© & ℗ Kate Fairweather, 2023

 

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