Long before modern tools existed, dogs have always been used for tracking and hunting. For centuries, humans have relied on the exceptional ability of canine companions to sense the target and hunt it. Hunting dogs are adept at such activity due to their strong olfactory sense.
They take hunting tasks as a challenge and surely enjoy doing so. Undoubtedly, they are blessed with a sharp focus, great endurance and speed. Moreover, they are not only skilful at preying but also the best human companions.
Each hunting and tracking breed has unique abilities. Some are proficient at sensing the prey, and some are able to isolate the target perfectly. They are highly trainable and able to learn commands quickly. In this article, we will explore the best dog breeds for tracking and hunting.
Best Dog Breeds to Assist in Hunting and Tracking
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
It is a medium-sized dog that originated in Germany for waterfowl hunting. It is a muscular, athletic, wiry-coated and strong legged, versatile dog. Its wiry coat is designed in a way to protect it from thorns and spiky bushes. It is the ideal sporting dog and best for hunting as well.
It is confident, highly intelligent and a fine retrieving breed. It can easily be taken on any kind of trail, as it can survive in rough terrain perfectly. The instincts of this Pointer dog allow it to point upland birds with great precision. Moreover, it forms a strong bond with the primary person and is quite affectionate with them.
But it requires intense exercise to sharpen its intelligence and for mental stimulation. It can also be stubborn and dominant, so not a good house dog for inexperienced owners. Besides, the German Wirehaired Pointer can only survive in active families.
2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker is lean, athletic and a high-speed hunting dog. It was originally bred in the United States for trailing and treeing small animals such as raccoons. It is skilled at vocal communication. It is affectionate, calm and a friendly dog at home and quite social as well. As stated by PetMD, it is not only a hunting dog but also a good family dog if trained well.
Being quite an intelligent and energetic dog, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has an exceptional ability to pick up scent trails and keeps on barking until it reaches the target, and the hunter arrives. It can easily cover wide hunting areas to catch raccoons due to its high speed. Furthermore, night hunting is always fun with such an excellent companion.
Because of this Coonhound’s high energy, it demands a lot of exercise. Due to its loud bark, it is not suitable for quiet settings. Proper training is needed, as it is difficult to be controlled because of a strong urge to follow the scents.
3. Pharaoh Hound
The Pharaoh Hound is a sleek, powerful, long-legged, athletic tracking dog which was originated in ancient Egypt. But later on, preserved in Malta, and according to the American Kennel Club, it is also known as the national dog of Malta. It was bred specifically for small game like hunting rabbits.
And Pharaoh Hounds are also on the list of tall and skinny dogs, and seem quite gorgeous.
The Pharaoh Hound is affectionate with the family but aloof towards unknown people. At home, this hound dog is calm and playful. Additionally, being a loyal hunting companion, it runs for long distances swiftly, and its upright ears aid in both hearing and tracking prey.
The Pharaoh Hound is not ideal for cold climates due to its short coat. Since it is independent, it can be less obedient than scent hounds while training. It also does not tolerate the harsh training methods.
4. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is one of the world’s oldest hunting breeds of Norway, which was also used to hunt with the Vikings. It is a medium-sized dog, yet powerful and sturdy enough for large game. According to Royal Canin, in the past, it was used to hunt large, aggressive animals like bears. It is loyal and a lot protective of its family.
Elkhound is strong-willed, highly independent, intelligent and a popular breed to take down moose. Being a pointing breed, it keeps on barking distinctively to distract the target until the hunter reaches there.
Without a doubt, it is an excellent hunting companion, and its endurance allows it to hunt in rough, dense and snowy forests.
But it has high exercise needs, so not appropriate for apartment living. Obedience training is difficult as it is independent and strong-headed.
5. Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized, brawny and extremely active dog with a dense double coat. It originated in the Karelia region, which stretched between Finland and Russia. It was bred for hunting such as moose, and also for wild boars and bears.
The Karelian Bear Dog is always bold, alert and fearless. It is loyal to its handlers but not a great family dog, as it is not overly friendly and affectionate. On account of its great tracking abilities and natural hunting instincts, the Karelian dog locates the animal and then starts barking to tell the hunter.
However, it has no compatibility with other pets, especially the smaller ones. Being stubborn, it is not a suitable dog for naive owners.
6. Bluetick Hound
The Bluetick Hound is a sleek, muscular dog with strong legs built for endurance. It originated in the United States for raccoon and deer hunting. It is quite affectionate with the family and enjoys playing with the children.
The Bluetick Hound is known for its professional hunting attitude due to speed, energy and intelligence. Although it is independent but cooperative with the handlers. Amazingly, it can track the scent trails which are even days old.
The Bluetick Hound is ideal for dense forests and night hunting, as hunters can track its progress from long distances.
Being energetic, it requires daily exercise; otherwise, it can be destructive. Due to a strong scent drive, it can roam around, which can be difficult to manage if not properly trained.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniel is one of the most common hunting dogs for upland game. It is a medium-sized, strong and athletic dog with a curled coat that acts as water repellent. It was bred in Ireland for upland bird hunting and retrieving waterfowl. Interestingly, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of the oldest breeds of Spaniel dogs.
It has an amiable and affectionate personality with the owners. Moreover, this Spaniel dog is always eager to please the hunter. It remains confident in the field and survives best in the aquatic environment. It can also be used for tracking wounded game on land.
But it requires regular grooming for coat maintenance. It performs well when regular exercise and training are given to channelize its high energy.
Conclusion
All in all, hunting and tracking dogs are more than pets, being the resilient partners in the field. Their strength, agility and ability to detect the prey are unmatchable. Some of them are naturally made to hunt the birds, while some are well built for taking down large animals.
Moreover, some are good at trailing and can track the game with great precision and remarkable intelligence. Those who are adept bird dogs, especially the water birds, are bestowed with water resistant coat and can survive even in cold waters.
They demand exercise and training to hone their innate hunting skills. Eventually, they demonstrate the unwavering companionship between them and the hunters. So, if you are looking for the best hunting dog, you can get any of them according to your own hunting style.
