If you’ve ever been out in the wild, you know that hunting isn’t just about skill and patience—it’s about teamwork. And there’s no better teammate than a loyal, energetic dog by your side.
For thousands of years, humans and dogs have formed a special bond, working together to track, flush, and retrieve wounded game. In fact, according to Omlet, dogs have been helping humans hunt for over 15,000 years—long before farming even began!
These dogs don’t just have a keen nose and sharp instincts—they have the heart, stamina, and loyalty to match your outdoor adventures. Plus, when their exercise needs are met, many make wonderful family pets, too!
Ready to find out which dog breeds are truly built for hunting and wildlife tracking? Let’s dive in and explore the traits that make a perfect hunting buddy and how to choose the ideal companion for your next adventure.
Key Takeaways
Meet the top hunting dogs built to track raccoons, rabbits, and upland birds with skill and speed.
See how Pharaoh Hounds and Springer Spaniels flush and chase game like pros.
Discover why Norwegian Elkhounds and Bluetick Coonhounds thrive in tough terrain and long hunts.
Learn how Irish Water Spaniels excel in waterfowl hunting and shine at home, too.
Ideal Dog Breeds for Hunting and Wildlife Tracking
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
The German Wirehaired Pointer is the wiry-coated cousin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, slightly larger with a distinctive scruffy beard and extra fur around the mouth and eyebrows.
This tough coat protects them from thorns, water, and cold weather, making them great companions for hunting in woods and harsh fields.
Energetic and Versatile Hunting Partner
With a weather-resistant double coat and webbed feet, these dogs are built to handle rough terrain and harsh weather. They excel both on land and in water, bringing strong stamina and a sharp work ethic to every hunting trip. Their natural energy means they need plenty of exercise and play to stay happy.
Loyal, Intelligent, and Family-Friendly
Besides their hunting skills, German Wirehaired Pointers are affectionate, loyal, and eager to please. They are intelligent dogs who respond well to structured training that challenges both body and mind.
Perfect for active families, they make excellent companions both in the field and at home. With their friendly nature and tireless spirit, they truly shine as all-around hunting partners.
2. Treeing Walker Coonhound
When it comes to hunting raccoons, the Treeing Walker Coonhound stands out as one of the best. Known for chasing raccoons and other small woodland animals up trees, they bark loudly to alert their owner to the location.
Their speed and incredible sense of smell have made them top contenders in raccoon hunting competitions across the country.
High Energy and Strong-Willed Hunter
Treeing Walkers are smart, brave, and built for endurance. With long, muscular legs and a streamlined body, they cover ground quickly and efficiently. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, making them a great match only for experienced owners who have time to train and keep them active.
When not working or playing, they enjoy relaxing at home, but be prepared for bursts of loud barking, which is part of their hunting instinct.
Loyal, Friendly, and Independent
Despite their working roots, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are affectionate and can make good family dogs if given the right environment. They are usually friendly with people and other dogs but tend to follow their noses, so a secure, fenced yard is best.
Known as “The People’s Choice,” as mentioned by the American Kennel Club, this breed balances independence with a loving nature, making them excellent companions both in the field and at home.
3. Pharaoh Hound
Known as the “Blushing Dog of Malta,” as per Purina, the Pharaoh Hound is an elegant and graceful hunting breed with roots tracing back to ancient Egypt around 4400 BCE.
These sleek, aerodynamic hounds were originally bred to chase and hunt small game at high speeds across rocky and punishing terrain. Their unique tan coat, amber eyes, and distinctive “blushing” when excited give them a special charm unlike any other breed.
Speed, Sight, and a Playful Spirit
Pharaoh Hounds are sight hunters, relying on their sharp vision to spot prey from a distance. They move freely and quickly, with a powerful yet graceful stride.
These active dogs are energetic and playful, making great playmates for kids, though their bounciness means supervision is wise. Friendly and social, they enjoy being part of a pack and usually welcome new people with enthusiasm rather than guarding.
Intelligent, Affectionate, and Alert
Beyond their hunting talents, Pharaoh Hounds are intelligent and affectionate family members. They get along well with children and other pets and are joyful companions.
While they aren’t natural guard dogs, they will bark to alert you of anything unusual. With their noble bearing and loving nature, Pharaoh Hounds are truly a unique blend of ancient hunting prowess and modern-day friendship.
4. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a strong, spitz-type dog known for its dense silver-gray coat and dignified, friendly nature. This ancient breed sailed with the Vikings and appears in Norse art and legend.
Built for hard work, Elkhounds have a deep chest, muscular legs, and a tightly curled tail—perfect for long days tracking large game like elk, bears, and lynx.
Loyal, Alert, and Athletic
Elkhounds are intelligent and athletic dogs with a natural eagerness for activities like agility and herding trials. They’re known to be vocal, using their bark to alert you to strangers or important events.
Though reserved at first, once they trust you, they become loyal and steadfast companions, combining independence with sensitivity.
Perfect for Active Owners in Cooler Climates
With thick fur that helps them withstand cold temperatures, Norwegian Elkhounds thrive in cooler climates where they can spend lots of time outdoors.
Their hunting instincts remain strong today—they love to track and chase, making them ideal for those who want a dependable and energetic hunting partner with a rich history.
5. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent and determined scent hounds known for their mottled black-and-blue coats.
While they enjoy relaxing in the shade, when on the hunt, they become relentless and single-minded, chasing quarry with incredible focus. Their distinctive baying and chopping bark is often called the “music of the night” by coon hunters.
Energetic and Strong-Willed
With a powerful prey drive, Blueticks love to follow scent trails and track small animals like squirrels. They need plenty of exercise and training to channel their energy and natural instincts properly.
These dogs can be stubborn and independent thinkers, often believing their ideas are better than yours — but with consistent training, they become obedient and eager to work.
Loyal, Affectionate, and Talkative
Despite their rugged hunting skills, Blueticks are affectionate and crave family companionship. They enjoy being part of an active household and love curling up on the bed after a busy day.
Due to their loud baying, they’re best suited to homes in the country where they won’t disturb neighbors, making them ideal for hunters who need a vocal, hardworking partner.
6. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a sweet-faced, hardworking hunting companion known for great energy, stamina, and intelligence.
These bird dogs have been bred since at least the 16th century to “spring” and flush small game or birds, making them invaluable partners for sport hunters. Their smooth, ground-covering stride and muscular build make them tough enough for long days in the field.
Versatile and Trainable Hunting Partner
Springers are highly trainable people-pleasers who work closely with humans. They are polite, gentle with kids and other pets, and love being part of family activities.
Their thick double coats protect them from cold, rain, thorns, and underbrush, keeping them comfortable outdoors for hours. However, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved.
Playful and Affectionate Companions
Off the field, English Springer Spaniels are friendly, playful, and eager to please. They crave attention and enjoy long walks, games of fetch, and swimming.
Because of their strong prey drive, they may try to escape the yard to chase and hunt upland birds, so secure fencing is important. With proper training and plenty of activity, they make loving family pets and loyal hunting partners.
7. Irish Water Spaniel
The Irish Water Spaniel is a hardworking and adaptable hunting dog, well known for its skill in waterfowl hunting and retrieving. With its distinctive liver-colored, crisply curled coat and unique “rat tail,” this breed is instantly recognizable.
Originally developed in Ireland in the 1830s, the Irish Water Spaniel descends from other curly-coated water retrievers and is prized for its ability to work long days in the field.
Tough in the Field, Playful at Home
This breed excels at traditional gundog work like flushing, pointing, and retrieving, especially in watery environments. Their waterproof coat sheds water and keeps them warm in cold lakes or marshes.
Though reserved with strangers, Irish Water Spaniels are loving and playful family dogs with a quirky sense of humor. Puppies can be sensitive and slow to mature, so gentle training is important.
A Proud History and Loyal Companion
Known originally as the Irish Water Dog, the breed traces back to a famous dog named Boatswain from 1834, as mentioned by Britannica. Today’s Irish Water Spaniels combine the stamina and intelligence needed for tough hunting tasks with a friendly and affectionate nature at home.
Conclusion
Hunting and wildlife tracking demand more than just skill and patience—they require a partner who shares your passion and drive. The breeds we’ve explored all bring unique strengths to the field, from rugged endurance and sharp noses to loyal companionship and playful spirits.
If you’re considering adding a hunting dog breed to your team, think about what fits your lifestyle and hunting style best. Remember, these dogs thrive when given plenty of exercise, training, and love.
So, get out there, find your perfect hunting companion, and enjoy the unmatched bond that comes from working side by side with a dog built for the wild. After all, every great hunter deserves a great dog by their side.
