Hunting is not always about tracking, agility, and resilience; it is a mental game. With that said, it becomes more powerful and irresistible when shared with trustworthy and lovable companions. Our furry friends have been sharing this work with us for many years, creating an unbreakable and forever bond.
These smart hunting dogs are an amalgam of remarkable abilities like social intelligence, keen senses, and problem-solving skills. Their athleticism, magnificent history, and strong herding or hunting lineages make them perfect partners for outdoor experts.
Research study showed that dogs that are developed for teamwork are great at problem-solving skills and communication with their humans, as they see them as their providers and social partners. We are going to explore the world of canines where intelligence meets hunting partners.
Top Smart Hunting Dog Breeds Trained for Intelligence
1. Labrador Retriever
Super amiable Labradors are some of the smartest dogs you’ll ever meet. Their remarkable history reflects their great working ability in human companionship. They were originally bred for duck hunting and retrieving purposes. This water-loving dog breed is an excellent swimmer, as well.
Labs love all kinds of human interactions and are not wary of strangers, making them the friendliest dogs.
Regardless of their affectionate behaviour, Labrador retrievers are exceptionally intelligent and learn things quickly. These highly trainable dogs have a strong eagerness to please others and perform complex tasks with ease.
While being wonderful family pets at home, their hunting ability makes them great gundogs. With that said, to keep their bodies fit and minds sharp, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation. Labrador retrievers excel in agility, obedience competitions, fetch, swimming, and hiking.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
Famous for their speed, agility, and endurance, German Shorthaired Pointers are bird dogs. Unlike other breeds, the GSP dog points and signals its target by positioning their nose in the direction of the scent.
These highly perceptive hunting dogs are ready to find their prey at only two months of age, says the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This medium-sized dog breed is well-suited for active outdoor families. While they are excellent companions for hunting, GSPs also rank among intelligent dog breeds. These smart dogs pick up commands quickly. Yet their independent nature makes the training a bit challenging.
Being curious in nature, the German Shorthaired Pointer should always be kept on a leash. They have a strong prey drive due to hunting instincts, which makes their living difficult in multi-pet households.
These canine triathletes excel in hunting, retrieving, and pointing. While at home, they can be your running and hiking companions.
3. English Springer Spaniel
Excellent at flushing out and chasing pheasant, the English Springer Spaniel, a small-sized dog, is better suited to hunt in small spaces.
There are two types of English Springer Spaniel, abbreviated as ESS: show ESS and field-type ESS. They are also referred to as Velcro dogs due to their strong attachment to their owners.
The ESS dog is also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. It is a quick learner. With an ability to sniff, smartness, and a strong desire to work, they are used in police, and for search and rescue missions. While not at work, they are friendly, affectionate, and playful homebodies.
This outgoing dog needs vigorous exercise of at least 60 minutes. They excel in running, hiking, and other canine sports. ESS is an easy-to-train dog, thanks to its eager-to-please nature, which blends perfectly with its intelligence.
4. Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the smartest and popular dog breeds. Their intelligence shines in their versatility of work. They have been serving humans in retrieving, hunting, and therapy work for a long time. In obedience competitions, smart Goldens are happier to outperform others.
Goldens make excellent companions for hunters, runners, and hikers; active families suit them best. In the field, these dogs are intense workers and are always ready to please. They were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl for hours and are famous for having soft mouths.
These lively dogs are gentle and affectionate around their families, including children. They make great dogs for novice pet parents. To keep them healthy and happy, physical and mental stimulation are vital. Goldens have boundless energy, and owners must establish their daily routine of exercise.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, affectionately known as Chessies, are independent thinkers. Their intelligence compels them to think about the given tasks, and after that, they wouldn’t do it, or do it their own way. This hunting dog breed was used to hunt waterfowl and is comfortable in water and on land.
These powerful dogs have great strength, and they work with ease and efficiency. Despite being a hard-working dog breed, Chessies are affectionate and have a good nature around their families. They make wonderful service dogs, due to their great endurance, says WebMD.
They are quick to learn basic cues and excel in advanced training. These smart hunting dogs may become destructive if they get bored. These moody dogs can become aloof and stubborn at any time with you and other animals. Therefore, early socialization and training are necessary for them.
6. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner was a great companion of royal families to hunt rabbits, foxes, and fowl. But in the 19th century, they were used in hunting bear, boar, and other large game. Owing to their athletic build, striking eyes, and blue-gray coat, this hunting dog breed is easily recognizable.
Friendly and obedient Weimaraners love their beloved human’s interactions, but are a little wary of strangers. Despite their serious looks, they are excellent and playful dogs in homes with kids. However, they are not well-suited in multi-pet households, due to their hunting instincts.
Weimaraners are blessed with high intelligence, and they learn things quickly. Unfortunately, they also tend to pick up bad behaviours. Therefore, dog owners should focus on their proper training at a young age with positive reinforcement methods.
7. Brittany Spaniel
Brittany Spaniel is a sporty dog who is a popular choice among active families with children, or can be a smart choice for energetic singles who need workout partners.
These upbeat fellas are also endowed with smart brains, friendly behavior, and high adaptability. However, in 1800, today’s social butterflies were primarily bred to be the hunting dog breed.
Brittany Spaniels have soft mouths and are not aggressive dogs at all. These medium-sized dogs love to be curled up in your lap and enjoy spending time with their family members.
Regardless of being great family pets, Brittanys have marked their name in top bird dogs due to their great instincts for pointing and retrieving.
They are hyperactive dogs and are at their best when they have a job to do. Brittany Spaniels are brainy and eager to please.
Yet they may exhibit a stubborn nature and need consistent training from their young age. According to PetMD, these energetic dogs are your perfect companions for hiking, running, and hunting.
Conclusion
Sharp minds and innate hunting abilities of dogs, when nurtured through care and training, these breeds shine more than usual in the dog kingdom. Their abilities to learn, adapt, and anticipate things have made them great companions for our adventures.
This brilliance has not been limited to the provided breeds only; there are many other dogs that are created for the same working abilities, such as the Shetland sheepdog, German shepherd, Doberman pinscher, and border collie.
