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There’s nothing quite like the shared understanding between you and your dog as you track game together. Choosing the right dog is a big decision. You’re not just looking for a pet, but you’re recruiting a reliable partner for your hunts. The ideal choice depends on what you hunt, where you hunt and your own lifestyle. Discover the best hunting dogs that make great outdoor companions.
What Makes a Great Hunting Dog?
Dog breeds for hunting have several common characteristics. Here are the key traits that are crucial for a successful hunt.
- Strong prey drive: These dogs have a deep-seated desire to find a scent or track an animal, even in tough conditions or when they’re tired.
- High trainability: The best hunting dogs are intelligent, focused and eager to work in partnership with you. They can learn and reliably respond to simple and complex demands. This particular trait is what sets them apart from just dog-chasing animals.
- Eager to please: Once the partnership is established, the dog becomes loyal and cooperative. They follow commands to please their owners.
- Keen sense of smell: Research showed that certain dogs were bred to succeed in olfaction-based activities, making them highly exceptional for hunting. Some breeds specialize in tracking ground scent left by running animals, while others excel at picking up airborne scents.
8 Best Hunting Dogs
There are three main types of hunting dogs — bird dogs, scent hounds and terriers. Bird dogs hunt small animals, scent hounds follow trails with their nose, and terriers have a strong prey drive, willing to squeeze themselves into tight spaces. Here are the best dogs that help on the hunt.
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers have a long-standing reputation for being great hunting dogs. They are a strong all-around hunter with excellent scenting abilities, strong retrieving instincts, high trainability and stamina. This dog is ideal for you if you enjoy duck hunting. Training them to retrieve in bodies of water can help them gain confidence. When not on the hunt, Labs make friendly and cuddly companions at home. It is a good choice if you have children.
2. Beagle
A beagle may not be your typical large hunting dog, but it’s one of the best outdoor companions. Most Beagles show hyperactivity as pups, although they get calmer as they age. It’s the ideal pup if you’re looking for a smaller dog. These dogs never quit. Once they detect a scent or prey, the chase is on. Some only follow fresh trails, while others can sniff older scents. They often enjoy hunting as a pack.
3. Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are widely known for their easy-going and playful nature. What some people don’t know is that they make excellent hunting dogs. They were first bred in Scotland for hunting waterfowl. They are highly intelligent, eager to please and will work through thick cover to find birds. These dogs have a reputation for getting along well with kids. However, they need lots of activity daily to stimulate their minds and bodies.
4. English Pointer
Also known as the Pointer, it is a medium- to large-sized dog breed and a bird dog with a strong prey drive. Like Beagles, this pup won’t stop scouring the place. They are generally friendly to kids and other dogs. Pointers are highly trainable, allowing you to teach them complex tricks and commands. At home, a pointer is loyal and generally chill at home, provided you have given them their required playtime.
5. American Foxhound
The American foxhound is a scent hound that thrives on chasing. It was bred from English foxhounds to introduce them to fox hunting, and then they started hunting deer. This dog breed has exceptional stamina for long chases and a strong pack mentality. Foxhounds have special considerations. They need lots of exercise to prevent destructive behavior.=
6. English Springer Spaniel
English springer spaniels are a popular breed in the U.S., but finding a field-bred one can be challenging. Field-bred dogs are smaller and more agile. As with other hunting dogs, they require training. Since they are designed to hunt at close ranges, they’ll need to know commands, such as “sit,” “come” and “turn.” As house dogs, they can be affectionate, good with children and friendly, given they are provided with ample daily exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Vizsla
Vizslas have a medium-paced and range-hunting style. Their pointing abilities appear early, and they’re naturally chasers. Upland hunting is not a problem for many vizslas love swimming, but frigid waterfowl hunting can be a challenge for them. As house dogs, they are sometimes referred to as “Velcro” dogs. They are people-oriented and eager to please their owners. They are usually happy when they please their master, as seen when their bodies wiggle after retrieving something.
8. Cocker Spaniel
Cocker spaniels are ideal if you’re hunting pheasant, grouse, woodcock and an occasional duck. They also make great house dogs, especially if you have children. Their bodies are compact and well-built for steering through low, thick cover. They are trained to heel and work in teams with other pointers. However, this breed is prone to eye issues, such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting Dogs
Learn more about the best hunting dogs before adopting or buying a new one.
What’s the Best All-Rounder Hunting Dog for a Beginner?
The Labrador Retriever is considered to be the best all-rounder hunting dog for beginners because of their versatility, high trainability and friendly temperament. Plus, they are generally welcome in most national parks, where they can hunt and burn off their energies.
How Much Exercise Does a Hunting Dog Need?
Hunting or sporting dogs would benefit from one to two hours of daily activity. Some activities include hiking, long walks or swimming. They require physical and mental stimulation
Can Hunting Dogs Make Good Family Pets?
Yes, hunting dogs can be good family dogs. Breeds that make great family pups include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel.
Treat Your Hunting Dog as a Partner
The perfect hunting dog is about matching the dog’s innate skills with the game you pursue and your life outside of hunting season. Select the right partner to gain a loyal companion for your adventures.
