Although they make great companions and pets today, dogs have a long history of serving more practical purposes, one of the most important being hunting.
Dogs, when adequately trained, are excellent hunters. Their agility, acute hearing, and incredible sense of smell set them far apart from other animal companions.
These days, hunting is more of a sport than a means of survival, and having a dog by your side makes the sport even better.
Of course, not all dogs can hunt, and even amongst those that do, some breeds are better at it than others.
You cannot pick a chihuahua or French bulldog and expect it to run into the wilderness and bring you game.
Therefore, hunters should search for dog breeds specially designed to talk if they want continued success at hunting games.
With this in mind, below are some of the best hunting dog breeds that can make choosing a hunting companion easier.
1. American Foxhound
This dog breed was bred specifically for hunting. Weighing about 20-35kg and with a life expectancy of 10-12 years, they are more suitable for hunting medium to large game.
They are very loyal and capable dogs, and these, along with their heritage, make them ideal for hunting and tracking. They are especially good at hunting foxes, as their name implies. They may look like beagles, but American foxhounds tend to be leaner and a bit taller.
This lends credence to their reputation of being athletic and hard work. American foxhounds are also very easy to care for, requiring little grooming.
They make great household pets due to their kind and eager demeanor. Don’t let their kind nature fool you, though; these dogs are very resourceful in hunting.
2. Labrador Retriever
This is one of the most loved dogs in the United States and is well known for its ability to hunt waterfowl. Labradors were bred to mark, retrieve, and deliver waterfowl to the hunter.
Their double coats for warmth and repelling water, webbed feet, compact muscled body, and thick tail for balance make them perfect for cold-water retrieving and swimming.
Labradors are among the best hunting dog breeds and mature faster than others, allowing them to understand training at a younger age. They are smart, obedient, and loving even to small children. Their short fur makes them easy to maintain. They weigh about 25-39kg and have a life expectancy of 10-14 years.
3. American Pit Bull Terrier
Although Pit bulls are generally known for their tenacity and menacing demeanor, many people do not know that one of their original functions was to serve as nanny dogs for families with small children.
When trained with love and respect, pit bulls are some of the sweetest animals on the planet. Their reputation for danger, however, is why many people have turned them into guard dogs.
These combined attributes make them excellent hunters, especially for a large, daunting game like wild boars.
With proper training, their muscular frame and remarkable strong jaws make them superior hunting animals and even better companions. However, pit bulls require a good and loving home to thrive.
4. Beagle
Weighing 9-11kg and with a life expectancy of 12-15 years, beagles are diminutive creatures full of excitement and vigor.
Their incessant barking and baying while pursuing rabbits are often a child’s first introduction to hunting dogs. They possess the best noses in the canine world after the bloodhound and the basset hound.
Their superior scenting ability, speed, and agility make them the top choice for hunting rabbits. Their loud barks ensure that you never lose sight of them.
Beagles are one of the best hunting dog breeds in the world. They also make great family dogs and tend to be curious, playful, and cute. They make loyal house pets and do not need a large house or yard.
5. Bloodhound
The bloodhound is said to be the Sherlock Holmes of the canine world and one of the best hunting dog breeds. Their investigative skills and astuteness when tracking the scent of their quarry are without equal.
Their legendary nose makes them popular amongst law enforcement agencies to help find missing persons, a reputation that makes them popularly known as Sleuth Hounds.
When not on the hunt, bloodhounds are docile and easy-going creatures – making them great companions both on and off the hunt. They weigh about 36-49kg and have a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
Athleticism, determination, intelligence, obedience, and loyalty are the hallmarks of the German Shorthaired Pointer – making them superb hunting animals.
This breed requires lots of stimulation and exercise and is made from the outdoors. So, if you like to spend time hiking trailers, swimming at the beach, or hunting, the German Shorthaired Pointer is the perfect dog for you.
7. English Setter
These dogs are said to be one of the most beautiful dog breeds. They weigh 18-36kg and have a life expectancy of 10-12 years. They are especially good at hunting birds.
Their biggest disadvantage in hunting is their long and luxurious fur, which can get dirty and tangled when they are out hunting.
However, if you don’t mind grooming, the English Setter is the right choice, especially if you are interested in shooting birds.
These dogs are built to thrive in uneven terrain. They are smart, fierce, and obedient. Their temperament of the hunt is sweet and loving, although they like to get into mischief now and then, especially regarding food.
So it’s best to keep your cupboard close when not watching them at home.
8. Irish Setter
Irish Setters require much grooming like their English cousins due to a beautiful and luxurious hair coat. They are also similarly equipped to hunt alongside you.
They are great at playing fetch – a tennis ball or pheasant. They are intelligent, resourceful, and determined. They make very loving pets, although they are a bit rowdy.
This means they require patience to train them, but they would serve you well on the trail if you stay determined regarding discipline.
It also helps that this breed has been popular amongst hunters and sportsmen alike for over two centuries.
9. Weimaraner
This breed was initially bred to hunt big game and predators like wolves. They are still well-equipped for hunting, although they require a lot of discipline as they can be extraordinarily willful and unruly if not handled sternly.
However, that pales in comparison to their intelligence and athleticism. Weimaraners require very little maintenance when grooming and make good companions for adults and children.
10. Treeing Walker Hound
Their great nose, voice, speed, and ability to chase down anything from coyotes to bears, raccoons, deer, and squirrels make them excellent hounds for hunting.
Treeing Walker Hounds were bred in the U.S. and descended from foxhounds. They tend to be more competitive compared to other hounds.
They are also swift, meaning you don’t have to track a single animal the whole night. Their tenacious stamina and unique bawl make them excellent hunters for coons.
11. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel, as with all spaniel breeds, is one of the best hunting dog breeds, especially if you like hunting birds. They are experts in flushing and retrieving games.
This breed is well-suited to heavy bushes and wetlands, making it an ideal hunting dog for ducks and turkeys.
Boykin Spaniels are loving and amicable at home, making them excellent house pets. They require a bit of maintenance due to their long fur.