Your doggo might be strong and confident, but can you imagine it in a face-off against a wild boar? It might sound surprising to some, but dogs have been used in hunting wild boar and other large animals for ages. No matter how domesticated our furry friends are, many of them come from an ancestry of badass hunting dogs.
Many breeds are developed to have the kind of strength and instincts that help them go after big game. Many such breeds have now adapted as loving companions and family pets and are desired by a lot of dog lovers.
Here are 7 dog breeds known for their bravery and strength when going after large game.
Dog Breeds That Face Wild Boars Without Fear
1. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is an athletic breed that makes for an affectionate family dog that’s very loyal to its owners. Originally bred in Argentina, these dogs were used in dog fighting and were later introduced to the world of hunting.
This canine can grow to be 24-26.5 inches in height with a weight range of 80-100 pounds. This hunting dog was bred to be fearless and hardy, and it also tends to be very intelligent. Its big body is covered with a thin, smooth white coat.
These high-spirited dogs need early socialization training to help them warm up to people. They want to be wary of strangers and, due to their high prey drive, they are not very well-suited for households with other pets.
While wild boar has been their main target, these dogs have also gone after mountain lions, pumas, and peccaries.
2. Kishu Ken
These brave and muscular boar-hunting dogs are cherished by dog lovers due to their wolf-like appearance and spirited personality. Kishu Ken hail from the Japanese mountainous regions of Kishu Ken, which they’re named after. They’re thought to be the descendants of Japanese wolves.
Kishus have a coarse, short coat, triangular ears, and a fluffy tail. They can grow to be 20-28 inches tall and weigh between 50-75 pounds. Due to their hunting background, they’re comfortable around humans as they’ve worked closely with them. These pups are confident and very expressive.
While they’ve historically faced big game fearlessly, they stay calm indoors as pets but are quick to take action if they perceive prey. These Japanese dogs don’t back away from a challenge; from dog sports to games like sniffing out a hidden object, they have got what it takes.
3. Shikoku
Shikoku is a medium-sized breed that originated in Japan. With their thick, furred coat, slanted eyes, and perky ears, this doggo can turn heads for sure. Wild boar hunting was their original job description, though they’ve adapted well as companion dogs. PetMD mentions that these dogs are high-energy companions with intense endurance.
These Spitz-type dogs can grow to be 17 to 22 inches tall and have a weight range of 35 to 55 pounds. These canines are also known as a “primitive breed” due to their wild traits, despite having lived and worked with humans. They’re no strangers to staring in the eyes of danger.
Shikokus do have some similarities, especially in looks with Shiba Inu, but they’re not as headstrong as Shibas. They can become amiable family dogs if given proper training, especially from a young age. They’re great companions for people living in cold conditions.
4. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard dogs are distinct due to their speckled coats that look like the work of a modern artist. These rowdy and tough dogs are obsessed with getting their jobs done. From helping their human families on farms to being hunting partners, they’re all about pleasing their owners.
Catahoula Cur dogs have a height range of 22-24 inches and a weight between 50-95 pounds. They were common boar-hunting canines and possessed a fearless but protective nature. They’re not just robust and determined hunters; these canines have also been used as herding dogs.
Catahoula Leopards are all about getting their blood pumping; they need regular exercise and will appreciate activities like agility and tracking. They’re not the best fit for people who aren’t very active or too busy for an active lifestyle. Boredom can drive these pups towards destructive behavior.
5. Plott Hound
A Pott Hound is the best of both worlds; a pup with an affectionate nature, but when it comes to work, it’s focused and loyal. This Hound breed is the state dog of North Carolina and has been fearless when pursuing boar and other large game.
Plott Hounds are nimble-footed dogs that move with grace and agility when tracking prey. It’s a scent hound with an excellent nose, which helps it find its target with ease. Male Plott Hounds have a size of 22-25 inches and 50-60 pounds, while females tend to be 20-23 inches tall and 40-55 pounds heavy.
According to WebMD, this breed is famous for stamina, endurance, agility, determination, and even aggressiveness. A well-trained Plott Hound makes an amazing family dog; early obedience training when they’re puppies is crucial.
6. American Bulldog
American Bulldog is an adorable breed with the characteristic Bulldog face, a friendly nature, and the endurance worth admiring. They were bred specifically to work on the farms and have been used for different purposes.
American Bulldogs can be 20-25 inches tall and weigh between 60-100 pounds. Apart from herding livestock, they have been used to protect property, as catch dogs, and to hunt game like pigs and boar. According to the American Kennel Club, American Bulldog puppies should be given low-impact exercise, while adults can enjoy a lot of activities.
Despite their background, American Bulldogs can be a very playful furry company as they enjoy games like tug-of-war, as well as going on long walks. They can coexist with other dogs if they’ve received early obedience and socialization training.
7. Cane Corso
Cane Corso is a dog with a serious and regal look and splendid instincts when it comes to protecting. Their roots can be traced back to Ancient Rome, and their name is loosely translated from Latin for “bodyguard dog”.
From guarding property to hunting large game like wild boar, Cane Corsos, determined doggos committed to serving their humans. These pups can grow up to 28 inches at the shoulder and can weigh more than 100 pounds.
These pups often come in an elegant black coat, but can also be brindle, fawn, or gray. These hunting dogs need a fair share of daily exercise and mental stimulation as they’re intelligent canines.
These big dogs have a strong prey drive, which can make them go after small animals like rabbits. With early training, they can be taught to behave well; a badly trained Corso is going to be a handful to manage.
Conclusion
These boar hunting breeds aren’t just strong and bold, they’re also smart and agile pursuers. As family dogs and companions, they boost your confidence due to their fearless companionship. If trained well, these dogs are a huge asset to you and your family with their protective instincts.
