Barking Up the Right Tree: Hunting Dogs You Need to Know About!

Hunting with dogs is a long-standing tradition that goes back to the ancient times. Dogs have been our faithful and devoted partners in hunting various kinds of game, from feathered and furry to large and dangerous. Depending on the type of game you are after, some hunting dog breeds are more suitable than others. Here are some of the best hunting dogs for different types of game, along with their skills and characteristics.

Hunting Dogs for Birds and Waterfowl

If you are hunting for upland game birds or waterfowl, you will need a dog that can locate, flush and retrieve them. Some of the best hunting dog breeds for this purpose are:

• Labrador Retriever: This is one of the most popular and versatile hunting dog breeds in the world. Labs are friendly, intelligent and eager to please. They have excellent noses and can retrieve birds on land or in water. They are also good at tracking wounded game and can adapt to different terrains and climates.
• Brittany: This is a medium-sized dog that originated in France as a pointer and retriever. Brittanys are energetic, alert and agile. They have a strong prey drive and can point and flush birds with speed and style. They are also affectionate and easy to train.
• English Setter: This is a graceful and elegant dog that was developed in England as a setter and retriever. English Setters are calm, gentle and loyal. They have a keen sense of smell and can locate and point birds with finesse. They are also good at retrieving birds in difficult conditions.
• German Wirehaired Pointer: This is a rugged and versatile dog that was developed in Germany as a pointer and retriever. German Wirehaired Pointers are hardy, courageous and independent. They have a wiry coat that protects them from harsh weather and terrain. They can hunt any type of game, but excel at pointing and retrieving waterfowl.
• Irish Water Spaniel: This is the tallest of the spaniel breeds and was developed in Ireland as a water retriever. Irish Water Spaniels are curly-haired, fun-loving and intelligent. They have a water-repellent coat that helps them swim and dive for waterfowl. They can also flush out upland game birds with enthusiasm.
• Boykin Spaniel: This is a small but sturdy dog that was developed in South Carolina as a water retriever. Boykin Spaniels are friendly, cheerful and obedient. They have a brown coat that blends well with the marshes and swamps. They are ideal for hunting waterfowl from small boats, as they can jump in and out easily.
• Golden Retriever: This is another popular and versatile hunting dog breed that originated in Scotland as a water retriever. Golden Retrievers are sweet, loyal and smart. They have a golden coat that sheds water easily. They can retrieve birds on land or in water with gentleness and efficiency.

Hunting Dogs for Small Game

If you are hunting for small game such as raccoons, rabbits or squirrels, you will need a dog that can track, chase and tree them. Some of the best hunting dog breeds for this purpose are:

• American Foxhound: This is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds in America, developed from English hounds as a fox hunter. American Foxhounds are fast, agile and brave. They have a keen sense of smell and can track small game over long distances. They also have a loud voice that alerts the hunter to their location.
• Treeing Walker Coonhound: This is a descendant of the American Foxhound, developed as a raccoon hunter. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are energetic, alert and friendly. They have a powerful nose and can track small game with speed and accuracy. They also have a distinctive howl that signals when they have treed their quarry.
• Beagle: This is one of the most popular hunting dog breeds in the world, developed in England as a rabbit hunter. Beagles are small, cute and lively. They have an excellent sense of smell and can track small game with persistence and enthusiasm. They also have a melodious bark that keeps the hunter informed of their progress.
• Mountain Cur: This is a type of cur dog that was developed in the Appalachian Mountains as an all-purpose hunter. Mountain Curs are tough, loyal and fearless. They have a short or medium coat that comes in various colors. They can hunt any type of game, but excel at hunting big game such as elk and cougar.
• Jack Russell Terrier: This is a small and spirited dog that was developed in England as a fox and vermin hunter. Jack Russell Terriers are lively, intelligent and independent. They have a smooth or rough coat that comes in white with black or tan markings. They can hunt any type of small game, but are especially good at hunting squirrels and rabbits.
• Dachshund: This is a small and long-bodied dog that was developed in Germany as a badger and rabbit hunter. Dachshunds are curious, brave and loyal. They have a smooth, wirehaired or longhaired coat that comes in various colors. They can hunt any type of small game, but are especially good at hunting burrowing animals.

Hunting Dogs for Big Game

If you are hunting for big game such as elk, bear or hog, you will need a dog that can track, bay and hold them. Some of the best hunting dog breeds for this purpose are:

• Dogo Argentino: This is a large and powerful dog that was developed in Argentina as a big game hunter. Dogo Argentinos are fearless, loyal and protective. They have a muscular body and a white coat that helps them blend in with the snow. They can hunt any type of big game, but are especially good at hunting hogs¹.
• Plott Hound: This is a type of coonhound that was developed in North Carolina as a bear hunter. Plott Hounds are strong, agile and fast. They have a brindle coat that comes in various colors. They can track big game over long distances and rough terrain. They also have a fierce bark that can intimidate their quarry⁵.
• American Pit Bull Terrier: This is a medium-sized dog that was developed in America as a fighting dog. American Pit Bull Terriers are courageous, loyal and affectionate. They have a muscular body and a short coat that comes in many colors. They can hunt any type of game, but are especially good at hunting hogs and bears⁴.
• Weimaraner: This is a versatile and elegant dog that was developed in Germany as a big game hunter. Weimaraners are graceful, intelligent and loyal. They have a sleek body and a silver-gray coat that gives them a distinctive appearance. They can hunt any type of game, but excel at hunting big game such as deer and elk².
• Irish Setter: This is a graceful and elegant dog that was developed in Ireland as a setter and retriever. Irish Setters are calm, gentle and loyal. They have a long and silky coat that is red or chestnut in color. They can hunt any type of game, but are especially good at hunting deer and elk.

These are some of the best hunting dogs for different types of game, but there are many more breeds that can help you on your hunting adventures. The most important thing is to choose a dog that suits your hunting style, your personality and your lifestyle. A hunting dog is not just a tool, but a partner and a friend. Treat them with respect, care and love, and they will reward you with their loyalty, skill and passion.

(1) The Best Dog Breeds For Hunting Different Game. https://thehuntingjack.com/best-dog-breeds-for-hunting/.
(2) Hunting Dogs: 10 Popular Breeds and How to Pick the Right One. https://www.mossyoak.com/our-obsession/blogs/hunting/hunting-dogs-10-popular-breeds-and-how-to-pick-the-right-one.
(3) Best Hunting Dogs for Large Game Hunting – AnimalGrow. https://www.animalgrow.com/blog/best-hunting-dogs-for-large-game-hunting/.
(4) Best Dog Breeds For Hunting – https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/best-dog-breeds-for-hunting/.
(5) Hunting Dog Breeds: 21 Best Dogs for Hunting | Field & Stream. https://www.fieldandstream.com/hunting/best-hunting-dog-breeds.