Successful upland bird hunting and game retrieval are rarely solo efforts. They require teamwork, perfect timing, and a canine companion whose instincts perfectly complement the hunter’s strategy. These factors combine to elevate the hunting experience, making it more rewarding and adventurous.
The most impressive hunting dogs are those whose natural instincts kick in before any commands are given. Their ability to locate hidden birds, maintain a steady point, flush strategically, and track various game reflects the skills passed down through generations of working dogs.
Beyond their physical prowess, these dogs are endowed with intense focus, discipline, and a natural sense of cooperation. They read environmental cues with precision and respond swiftly to their handler’s direction. Versatile hunting breeds seamlessly adapt to pointing, flushing, and tracking roles, excelling in each.
For hunters who value reliability and intelligence in the field, let’s dive into our guide to the seven best hunting dogs, embodying a legacy of excellence, instinct, and partnership.
Incredible Dog Breeds With Instinctive Hunting Skills
1. English Springer Spaniel
English springer spaniel is one of the best hunting dog breeds for locating game birds such as quails and pheasants. They are known for working closely with their hunters within the range of the rifle so that the target would not escape from the location.
Though medium-sized, due to their strength and endurance thee dogs can accompany you all day long while upland game hunting, and waterfowl hunting. The American Kennel Club (AKC) states that Springers were bred specifically to work alongside humans, so leaving them alone in homes is not a good idea.
Though they excel in flushing birds, English Springer spaniels also have enough potential to be excellent family dogs in active households. They are highly intelligent and eager to please dogs so training with positive reinforcement will be very fruitful for skilled hunters.
2. Mountain Cur
This multipurpose canine is ranked among the top hunting dog breeds not only for larger game such as lions, deer, wild boar, and bears but also for tracking game and finding small game like squirrels. Mountain curs are those kinds of dogs that charge at large predators and bite and grab their noses.
Mountain curs are blessed with speed, accuracy, and a top-notch hunting style – treeing instincts. These tough dogs were originally bred in the USA to hunt and guard the homesteads, says PetMD. Owing to their work ethic and a desire to have jobs, they make perfect hunting companions in an active lifestyle.
Their short, dense coats come in various colors and are of low maintenance. However, physical and mental stimulation is mandatory for their happy and healthy years. A well-socialized and trained Mountain cur gets along easily with children and other pets.
3. Boykin Spaniel
The state dog of South Carolina, this hunting dog breed is primarily bred to hunt turkeys in swamps and later, with time, started assisting in various hunting tasks like retrieving downed birds and flushing them out. These dogs are particularly used for hunting in wetlands thanks to their webbed paws and coats.
Their stubborn streak and love for their jobs make them top hunting dog breeds in upland game, but due to compact frames, they do not do well in dense cover, large geese, or rough waters. Though excellent at waterfowl hunting, consistent training is still a basic necessity to get the best out of them.
They are also adept at hunting birds, including doves and quails, in hot weather. They are healthy hunting companions if provided with regular exercise and long hunts on weekends. These Spaniels are versatile bird dogs with exceptional hunting and retrieving skills, no matter what the season is.
4. English Setter
Emerging from England, the English Setter was originally bred as a hunting breed for rough terrains. They are used for pointing upland birds and can also be trained to be in the list of retriever breeds. These dogs have long coats that make them belong from Setter group while differentiating them from pointers.
English Setters are also endowed with keen senses of smell, enabling them to find and locate their targets on scent trails. After getting the target, they freeze in a position while pointing towards the target until their hunting partners arrive, and rank as the top hunting dog breed for upland bird hunters.
These dogs carry a laid-back and friendly nature and love spending time with their family members, children, and pets alike, says Orvis. Unlike other gun dogs, these versatile dogs do not need much exercise, but have enough endurance and strength to be the hiking companions of their owners.
5. Bluetick Coonhound
These hounds are bred for tracking furred game like mountain lions, deer, and bears, but in America, Coonhounds’ natural instincts of treeing were used for raccoon hunting. They are powerful dogs who have enough strength and tenacity to kill the predators with ease.
Bluetick coonhounds are also excellent at following old blood trails and wounded game. This medium to large hound dog breed has a specific ticked pattern on its smooth, short coat. When it comes to personality, Bluetick coonhounds are typically sweet, loyal, and friendly dogs.
Bluetick coonhounds are known for working in packs and are also quite vocal in nature, and to get closer to their prey, this type of vocalization is called yodeling. Unfortunately, these canines are not well-suited to novice pet parents as they require an ample amount of exercise and training.
6. Plott Hound
Another one of the best hunting dogs, Plott hounds are used to work in packs as scent hounds in the pursuit of wounded game of large animals such as wild boars and bears. Therefore, these canines are well-suited in multi-pet households and to determined hunters having other dogs.
Plott hounds are a rare combination of being an exceptional hunting dog and family pet; all credit goes to their fearless, energetic, and loyal companionship. They thrive in big houses where ample spaces and big fenced-in yards are available for their stretching and wandering.
To chase black bears, none can match the smartness, grittiness, and ability of following the old scents of Plot hounds. Whether cornering the bear or tracking game, these hunting dogs always do their best thanks to their muscular build, athleticism, and tenacious nature.
7. Brittany
Brittany are the ones who is one of the best hunting dog breeds as they thrive in upland bird hunting, as well as retrieving games. Formerly known as Brittany spaniels, these dogs have white and orange coats, an amiable temperament, and upbeat athleticism when outside.
Apart from being excellent retrievers and upland hunting dogs, Brittany Spaniels are also considered remarkable family pets who burn off their energies through different dog sports like agility courses. These beautiful dogs are easy to maintain if you love outdoor adventures.
Brittany is prone to separation anxiety, so do not leave them alone for longer durations and also make sure they get enough mental challenges in regular basis. They are smart and eager to please dogs, but the training sessions should be short and fun to keep them engaged and responding well.
Conclusion
These incredible hunting dogs are born to trained to work. Whether flushing upland game from thick cover, waterfowl hunting, or tracking game across challenging hunting environments these pooches operate on instincts refined by generations of purposeful breeding. Beyond their skills, their deep bonds with their handlers truly define them.
German shorthaired pointer, Chesapeake bay retriever, Labrador retriever, Golden retrievers, German shorthaired pointer, and German wirehaired pointer are some more popular hunting dog breeds for versatile hunters.
