Having a dog by your side on a hunting trip genuinely adds to the experience. If you’re looking for a canine that excels at tracking and marking prey, a hunting dog could be the perfect fit. Over the years, breeders have developed many breeds specifically for this purpose, each with its own set of skills.
Tracking dogs are known for their strong prey drive and exceptional sense of smell. Science says their long muzzles contain around 300 million olfactory receptors, compared to just five million in humans, which allows them to pick up scent trails that are several days old.
These dogs tend to be intelligent, alert, and highly attuned to changes in their environment. They’re also deeply loyal to their owners, and with the right training and socialisation, they make loving, well-rounded companions at home.
Here’s a look at 7 of the best dog breeds for tracking and marking prey.
Best Dog Breeds for Tracking and Marking Prey
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are enthusiastic gundogs of all traits. Their power, agility, speed, and endurance enable them to excel in the field. These wonderful canines were originally bred for upland game hunting.
They are known for their specific hunting style that sets them apart from other bird dogs. German Shorthaired Pointers track prey using their keen sense of smell, then point and signal by stopping and standing. While doing so, their nose points in the direction of the scent, thereby marking prey.
Then, they wait for a signal from their human to flush the prey. GSPs are incredible swimmers. Their thick double coat and webbed feet enable them to easily navigate through marshy places. They love spending time outdoors and possess boundless energy.
They do best with plenty of exercise and enjoy activities like running and other dog sports, explains the American Kennel Club.
2. Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are large and muscular dogs, initially bred as hunting companions. Carrying an irresistible droop-eared charm, they are deeply devoted to their humans. They use their excellent sense of smell and endurance to track raccoons and other wounded animals.
Their prey also includes bears, wild boars, and cougars. The ‘baying,’ ‘bawling,’ and ‘chopping’ bark of Bluetick Coonhounds is like music to the hunters. These active and smart dogs thrive on having a task to do and require plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
Bluetick Coonhounds are intelligent dogs, but have a strong prey drive. That is why they require firm, consistent, and positive reinforcement-based training to turn into well-mannered dogs. Blueticks excel at a variety of dog sports like tracking and agility.
They have an affectionate nature and require plenty of attention. Neglected Blueticks can develop problematic behaviors like excessive barking.
3. American Foxhound
Originally bred for Colonial-era foxhunts, American Foxhounds are fast and fearless hunting dogs. These sleek and rangy hunters are known for their speed, endurance, and strong work ethic. American Foxhounds are avid trackers.
They use their keen sense of smell to track prey. Their low-set pendulous ears also help funnel the scent towards their nose during tracking. Once they have found their prey, they use their loud bawling sounds to inform their owners.
Do You Know? American Foxhounds resemble their British cousins, English Foxhounds, a lot in appearance. However, you can tell the two breeds apart by length of legs. The American’s legs are longer and more finely boned.
These active and athletic dogs require plenty of exercise for physical and mental stimulation. PetMD recommends at least one to two hours of daily exercise for American Foxhounds.
4. Plott Hound
The official state dogs of North Carolina, Plott Hounds are medium to large-sized dogs. While their skin lacks droopiness and folds of many other hound dogs, they have a muscular build and long legs with lots of speed and stamina.
Plott Hounds are strong and determined hunters who employ their excellent sense of smell and baying instinct to track and trail wild boar and bear. Their high energy levels and exceptional endurance enable them to tirelessly navigate rough terrain during a hunt.
These highly intelligent dogs require plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Plott Hounds have an independent streak, but they do not enjoy being alone for extended periods. Otherwise, they can develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors.
With proper training and early socialization, Plott Hounds make great family dogs. They tend to be very patient and good-natured.
5. Weimaraner
Weimaraners are large and athletic hunting dogs developed for tracking and retrieving wounded game. They are often named as ‘gray ghosts’ due to their distinctive silver-gray coat. These fearless and obedient dogs can adapt well to different hunting environments.
Their speed, courage, and durability add to their hunting prowess. They excel at tracking and marking prey. Weimaraners are high-energy dogs who require regular physical and mental stimulation. Purina recommends two-plus hours of daily exercise for these pups.
They are smart and learn quickly, and yes, that includes both good and bad behavior. Weimaraners are friendly dogs who can develop separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods. They love their family life, but they are very strong characters, unsuitable for first-time pet owners.
Thanks to their hunting origin, Weims are quite vocal. Ensure adequate mental and physical enrichment to avoid such behavior.
6. Redbone Coonhound
Redbone Coonhounds are large red dogs that were bred to hunt raccoons, deer, bears, and cougars. Their keen sense of smell and ability to track a cold trail make them outstanding hunters. Redbone Coonhounds possess the classic athleticism, agility, and speed of a hunting dog.
While they are aggressive and fearless in the field, Redbone Coonhounds are gentle and eager to please at home. Redbone Coonhounds are loyal and affectionate towards their owners, whether or not you choose to hunt with them.
Like most hunting dogs, Redbones are very intelligent and learn commands quickly. They are also very protective of their humans. Adult Redbone Coonhounds are full of energy and have a high drive. They require lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
7. English Springer Spaniel
Originally bred to flush game through dense cover, English Springer Spaniels are tireless in the field. Their great energy, stamina, and brains make them the elite upland game hunters. English Springer Spaniels enjoy being close to their owners and have an eager-to-please nature.
The combination of relatively low ground clearance, long ears, and strong sense of smell means that they are perfect for tracking downed birds as well as land-dwelling birds. Since they were bred to work closely with humans, English Springer Spaniels are highly trainable.
They are the happiest when living indoors with their family. At the same time, they also enjoy outdoor activities like long walks and hikes. Dog sports like tracking, agility, and rally are a good way to exercise your English Springer Spaniel.
Conclusion
Hunting dog breeds usually excel at tracking and marking prey due to their excellent sense of smell. Their stamina, endurance, and agility enable them to hunt for several days-old scent trails even if they have to move through rugged terrain.
Tracking and hunting dogs are usually full of energy and require plenty of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are very intelligent and incredibly loyal to their humans. When not working in the field, they make loving family dogs.
