Humans and dogs have been hunting together since canine domestication. If you like to hunt, having a furry friend by your side can greatly enhance your experience in the field. Good hunting dogs have very strong tracking instincts and a keen sense of smell.
They can detect a scent trail from miles away and have a strong prey drive. Hunting dogs are usually strong and possess incredible stamina and endurance. These athletic canines are very intelligent and respond well to training.
From bird dogs to scent hounds, curs, and terriers, hunting dogs assist hunters by tracking the prey, chasing animals, flushing birds and doing much more. Many of them excel at various canine sports and need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Have a look at these top 10 hunting dog breeds that excel at tracking.
Top 10 Hunting Dog Breeds That Excel at Tracking
1. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels excel in locating, flushing, and retrieving game birds. They are exclusively trained for pheasant and woodcock hunting in England and have become popular choice for hunting upland game birds.
Having a keen sense of smell and high energy levels, English Springer Spaniels specialize as tracking dogs. Their impressive agility, stamina, and sharp instincts enable them to flush birds through thick covers.
They can adapt well to both land and water retrieval tasks. English Springer Spaniels are intelligent and obedient dogs, eager to work closely with their humans. According to PetMD, these friendly and energetic dogs require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
Originally bred as versatile hunting dogs, German Shorthaired Pointers excel at tracking, pointing, and retrieving. They can retrieve wounded game, chase rabbits, and even track down deer. GSPs shine in the field thanks to their boundless energy and sharp noses.
They help hunters locate wounded animal by pointing in its direction. Their excellent sense of smell also enable them to take part in search and rescue missions. Having a gentle and affectionate nature, these tracking dogs also make loving family pets.
These enthusiastic gundogs thrive on vigorous exercise and mental stimulation. Their high energy levels and strong prey drive mean they are better suited for owners with an active lifestyle. GSPs are athletic dogs who excel in variety of dog sports like agility, obedience, and dock diving.
3. English Setter
The English Setter is a medium-sized sporting dog with show-stopping good looks and sweet temperament. English Setters were originally bred in England as hunting dogs who would sit quietly or ‘set’ when they locate game.
English Setters are mainly bird dogs with exceptional tracking skills. These mellow and friendly dogs can get on well with people and other dogs, explains the American Kennel Club. English Setters require daily exercise to stay healthy including vigorous runs and play sessions in a securely fenced area.
You can also take your English Setter on jogs, long walks, and hikes. These energetic athletes make good-natured and devoted companions. Their keen nose and strong prey drive can lead them follow their instincts. This can get them into trouble so proper training and socialization is important.
4. Golden Retriever
One of the most popular dog breeds in America, Golden Retrievers make excellent family pets and exceptional hunting dogs. They were bred specifically for retrieving game. Their keen sense of smell and excellent learning skills enable them to excel in the field.
Golden Retrievers possess strong swimming abilities which make them well suited for waterfowl hunting and retrieving. Goldens are smart dogs who learn quickly and love to please their owners. It makes training a breeze.
Their friendly and kind nature makes them excellent family dogs. Goldens make wonderful service dogs; they have been working as search-and-rescue dogs, therapy pups, and guide dogs for several decades.
5. Birttany
Brittany, formerly known as Brittany Spaniels, is a bright and high energy dog. These tireless gundogs can assist hunters in bird hunting. Brittanies are very intelligent dogs and are capable of navigating varied terrains.
They are adept at poinitng and retrieving. Their agility and sharp instincts make them excellent tracking dogs. Brittanies are eager to please canines with a playful nature. Ideal for upland bird hunting, Brittany Spaniels crave human companionship.
They were bred to work alongside humans, so do not like being left alone for too long. Brittany Spaniels need proper training and socialization to become gentle and peaceful pets. According to Purina, they need two or more hours of exercise every day to stay fit.
6. Weimaraner
Weimaraner is a powerful and elegant pooch, having reputation as an exceptional tracking dog. These dogs are frequently used by hunters for wild boar and deer hunting as well as upland game hunting. Their agility, apeed, and endurance enable them to do well in the field.
Their striking silver coats make them stand out of other breeds in the canine world. Weimaraners are very intelligent and learn quickly. It makes them highly trainable. These athletic and active dogs need regular exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Weimaraners are very loyal companions and the bond tightly with their owners. They are vulnerable to separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. Thanks to their strong instincts, Weimaraners are serving in search and rescue teams.
7. American Foxhound
American Foxhound is a classic scent hound that was originally bred to hunt foxes. These running dogs thrive on chase and have also been used to hunt deer. American Foxhounds are loyal and loving dogs need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Their endurance and high energy levels enable them to navigate rugged terrains while tracking game. American Foxhounds possess floppy ears and strong noses. These combined with their wrinkly skin enable them to trap scent particles when following scent trails.
American Foxhounds were bred to work and are very intelligent. Their innate prey drive make them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets. They have independent personalities which can make training a bit challenging.
8. Boykin Spaniel
Bred for retrieving waterfowl in South Carolina, Boykin Spaniels can easily navigate lakes and swamps. Their high energy levels combined with their athleticism and keen senses, enable them to excel as tracking dogs.
Their medium-length, water-resistant double coat allows them to withstand cold temperatures. Their floppy ears and sturdy bodies also let them do well in the field. Well suited for Turkey and duck hunting, Boykin Spaniels are highly intelligent. They can be easily trained at flushing and retrieving.
Boykin Spaniels are highly devoted companions and known for their friendly and outgoing personality. These quick learners can be trained very easily. Boykin Spaniels need at least an hour or two of exercise everyday.
9. Labrador Retriever
The friendliest and the most loving dogs on Earth, Labrador Retrievers are the medium-sized sporting dogs. Their incredible sense of smell, high intelligence, and natural instincts make them one of the best tracking dogs.
Labradors are very versatile hunting dogs that were bred to assist fishermen by retrieving nets and lost gears. Later, they started helping hunters in retrieving waterfowl. Labrador Retrievers possess webbed feet and thick double coats.
These physical traits enhance their swimming abilities and enable them to work equally well in water and on land. Their enthusiasm for work, natural athleticism, and unwavering loyalty make them the most dependable and reliable hunting companions out there.
10. Bluetick Coonhound
One of the most beloved scent hound, Bluetick Coonhound tends to follow its nose after any trail. Like their cousin Redbone Coonhound, these canines were bred to hunt racoons. It means they excel as tracking dogs and hunting dogs.
While serving in the field, Bluetick Coonhounds deploy their unique singing skills to bay or howl to let their hunting partner know that they have treed game. Their distinctive vocalizations move over large distances, allowing the hunters to easily find their dogs.
Bluetick Coonhounds love outdoor adventures and are very athletic. They need plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Without proper exercise or companionship, Bluetick Coonhounds can exhibit unwanted behaviors like chewing and excessive barking.
Conclusion
Hunting dogs possess sharp instincts and a keen sense of smell due to which they excel at tracking. Many hunting breeds are equipped with wrinkly skin and floppy ears which enable them to trap scent particles, so that they can easily locate the game.
Tracking dogs usually have incredible enthusiasm, unmatched stamina, and lots of strength. Their high energy levels combined with their unparalleled loyalty make them wonderful family pets and let them excel at various hunting tasks.
