Who here is a hunter? Well, get your game face on ‘cause we’re about to talk about some serious huntin’ dogs here.
Hunting is a great way to get outdoors, get some fresh air, and get some fresh game. Now if you love hunting and dogs, you’ll definitely want a hunting dog. Or if you just need some help in the hunting process, dogs have many skill sets that can be helpful. They can help you track another animal, keep you company, and keep you warm. There are so many benefits to having a companion with you while hunting. They bring a great set of skill us humans need and It’s great for your dog to get outdoors as well and use their sensory skills. We’ll be going over all the info you need for our top five breeds to determine which breed you’ll want beside you.
Best Hunting Dogs
English Setter
So much has been written about the English setter in years past. It is a super popular dog for hunting and It is such a beautiful breed. There are many variations of the setter; some that are 80 lbs and some that are 30, some that can run faster than ever and some that are slower than molasses. Some are easy to train and some aren’t. Once trained, they’re one of the most beautiful dogs to watch in the hunt. They often hunt quail in the south.
American Foxhound
The American foxhound is next on our list and is a fantastic breed. They have a keen sense of smell and a howl anyone could recognize. These dogs were bred to hunt foxes, and they still take that task very seriously today. They are also great at chasing deer or almost any other chase you need them to help with, they’re up to the task.
Beagle
The Beagle is one of the most iconic hunting dogs. Much like a foxhound, it has many skills that it can use in the hunt. Hunting big game is not its strong suit. They normally hunt small game like rabbits and hare. Generally, beagles are affectionate, open to strangers and great with kids. They aren’t the easiest dogs to train. They howl, bark and are not quiet dogs. Despite the flaws, this breed is used as a hunting and family dog.
Pointer
Pointers normally hunt in warmer climates due to their thin coat of fur. So instead of big fame in the north, they stick with smaller game for example birds and rabbits. Energetic and fun-loving, Pointers are a great family dog and excel in the show ring, trainability, obedience and agility. There are a number of different kinds of pointers including German shorthaired pointers, German wirehaired pointers and English pointers.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are one of my favorite breeds. They are fantastic hunters with their strong sense of smell and highly effective tracking abilities. Their ancestors were created to trail boar and deer. These dogs can often be found in law enforcement and search and rescue. The bloodhound can be a family dog of great character.
Golden Retriever
You wouldn’t think of a friendly family golden retriever as a hunting dog but they most certainly are. The golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the United States. Cousins of the Labrador breed, these dogs make superb small game hunters. This breed excels at hunting, tracking, sniffing out drugs, and are also trained to be therapy and assistance dogs. Great for families and great for hunting. Who could ask for more?
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Bred for duck hunting on the icy Chesapeake Bay, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a water-loving dog and has enough energy to get through an entire day of hunting. Chesapeakes have webbed feet perfect for swimming as well as fur that repels water, helping them to swim and jump into water on command. Their stubborness can be hard to handle at times but is one of the traits that makes them great at searching for fallen game. Chesapeake is their name and sea duck hunting is their game, get it? Game!
Weimaraner
Weimaraner dogs are definitely unique. They have long legs and are fast when hunting yet they send a calming effect to their owner when hunting birds like quail or other small birds. They were originally bred to hunt big game like wolves, bear and deer. Over time, they were trained instead to hunt foxes, rabbits and birds. These dogs can be great family dogs but require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
Coonhound
This dog breed has it all. The Coonhound is willing to go the extra mile. They will stand by you through all conditions and all terrain. They have a keen eye and a sharp nose. This hunting breed is known for his loud voice in the field, speed and endurance. Coonhounds tolerate cold weather well and have a great sense of smell. They may not be the best dogs to keep in the house though–they bark and shed a lot.
Irish Setter
If Pointers are the perfect dog for hunting quail in the south, then Irish setters are ideal for hunting turkey in the fall. This dog breed isn’t seen in the field as much as other sporting breeds but their hunting instinct is still strong. Beware, these dogs are highly intelligent and can be mischievous and independent.
All is fair in love and game. And these dogs will love their owners for getting them outdoors and getting some game. Remember, there are pros and cons to every dog breed. Comparing hunting dog breeds is like comparing Fords to Chevys. They’re similar in lots of ways but have different traits that satisfy some owners needs differently than others. These are some of the best hunting dogs. Now go get your game face on!
Sources: Dogtime.com, Wikipedia.com
