If your idea of adventure includes following a trail, flushing birds, or retrieving a few ducks from the water, and you want a canine buddy, all while you do this adventure, you’d be happy to know that some dogs were born to hunt. It is in their bones. Their instincts. Their soul.
These pups are active, and more than that, they are driven by a deep-rooted purpose passed down through generations. If you are into duck hunting, tracking game birds, or just want a dog always alert and ready to work, these dog breeds born to hunt are exactly what you are looking for.
They have the sense of smell, drive, and stamina of a true outdoorsy athlete with the heart of a loyal friend. Read on!! These seven hunting dog breeds are about to show you why they were bred for the chase and born for the bond. One of these could be your ultimate hunting companion.
Top Dog Breeds Born To Hunt
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is one of the most rugged and versatile hunting dogs in the world. They have (or rather… flaunt) a weather-resistant short coat and those signature bushy eyebrows. They are as tough as they look and twice as smart.
Originally bred specifically for hunting purposes in Germany, they point, retrieve, and track in all terrains. We can safely say they are absolute all-stars in the field, and the American Kennel Club (AKC) says that, too.
Key Traits:
Point upland birds and retrieve waterfowl like a pro
Highly intelligent and easy to train, as pointing dogs
Boundlessly energetic dogs with a strong work ethic
These athletic dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can handle long hunts through thick bushes, cold lakes, and fields. If you want a do-it-all dog that thrives in the wild but still knows how to relax at home, the German Wirehaired Pointer checks almost all the boxes.
2. Boykin Spaniel
Say hello to South Carolina’s Spaniel, the Boykin Spaniel, one of the bird dog breeds. This medium-sized dog is a brown beauty with a cheerful, eager-to-please personality. They were bred specifically for hunting in swamps, lakes, and thick cover.
According to Hills Pet Nutrition, they are great hunting dogs, originally bred for wild turkey hunting and flushing upland birds, but make extremely friendly companions at home.
Key Traits:
Compact and built for waterfowl hunting
Known for their strong retrieving skills
Loyal companions who love family life
Boykin Spaniels are affectionate, but make no mistake. They are natural hunters with a serious face when the hunting vest goes on. For hunters looking for a not-so-big and versatile gun dog, this pup is good. Yep!!
3. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retrievers are also one of the most capable hunting dog breeds in the world. They are America’s sweetheart, one of the most popular dogs. Their name has “retriever” in it. Labs are strong retrieving instinct machines for bird hunting with a love for water.
They belong to an elite group of retriever breeds alongside the Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, but Labs often lead the pack over other breeds.
Key Traits:
Amazing duck dogs and stellar hunting companions
Calm and good hunting dog, and a great family pet
High trainability and natural instinct for retrieving birds
If they are tracking birds, leaping into lakes (best water dogs), or gently handling a downed bird, Labs are ABSOLUTELY built for the hunt. And once you are done with your hunting expedition, they are totally happy being your cuddly family dog on the couch.
4. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Let’s talk about the most under-the-radar retriever breeds out there. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. They have fox-like looks, are high energy, and they use a unique hunting style called “tolling” as they lure waterfowl closer by playful movements.
Yes, really. They hunt birds by acting cute!!
Key Traits:
High drive, high intelligence, and huge heart
Excellent companions for bird hunters and ideal family dogs as well
Known for their focus, stamina, and passion for work.
Truly versatile dogs. Tollers are determined hunters with quick moves and an intense desire to work. They form a strong bond with their owners and thrive when they have a purpose to fulfill. This is your duck dog to take on a hunting trip if you want a natural hunter with smarts and sass.
5. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a wild card on this list. A hunting breed with Viking roots. These dogs were bred to track large game-like elk and bears, in the icy Nordic terrain. According to Purina, they are natural watchdogs and love spending prolonged hours out in the cold, working.
Powerful, loud, and stubborn in the best way, the Elkhound is one of the most unique hunting dog breeds out there… with a history as old as 7,000 years.
Key Traits:
Chatty, loud bark, and bold personality
Brave tracking dogs with a serious drive
Built for cold climates and rough terrain
They might not retrieve any bird species, but when it comes to dog hunting, larger prey, or making sure your backyard is squirrel-free, the Elkhound delivers on its promise. They are tough dogs, well-suited for adventurous owners who love the cold and crave a little Viking spirit.
6. Bloodhound
We can define Bloodhound in one sentence: excellent noses that can potentially solve mysteries. The Bloodhound is the tracking king. This breed is famous for its amazing and keen sense of smell, unlike any other dog. Also, their droopy faces and gentle soul is an instant attraction.
Key Traits:
Best tracking dogs in the world… no exaggeration.
Patient, stubborn, and focused on the job
Calm at home, intense in the field
They may not be your traditional bird dog, but if your hunting style includes tracking furred game, lost hikers, or even criminals (yep, police dogs they are), Bloodhounds are a good dog for these kinds of hunting jobs! Plus, they excel at being loving family pets.
7. American Foxhound
Fast, lean, and full of purpose, the American Foxhound was bred for fox hunting. This hunting breed is all about endurance. They are related to the English Foxhound, but they are even speedier. The American original is an all-day runner with an instinct for the trail.
Key Traits:
Built for long-distance hunting trips
Friendly and loving family pets
Strong nose, loud voice, and never-ending stamina
They may need a bit more exercise than other dogs… two or more hours daily, and if they don’t get it, they may become bored and eventually… destructive. And for the right hunter, this breed is pure gold. And yes, once they are done running, they are happy to curl up and be your ideal family dog, too.
Conclusion
What makes these dogs special is not just their noses that catch bird scents or their speed of pointing birds. It is their bond with you. They are excellent hunting companions in the field and loyal shadows at home. For example, English Setters are famous for hunting prairie grouse and ruffed grouse.
If you are still exploring, check out the German Shorthaired Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniel or Brittany Spaniel, Cocker Spaniels, and other Retriever breeds as well. When it comes to good dogs on the hunting lines, the list of greatness runs deep.
So leash up, grab your gear, and let your four-legged hunter with the dog hair in the air show you what they were born to do.
