Hunting dog breeds have long been a favorite among avid hunters, and it’s easy to see why. Their endurance, athleticism, and sharp instincts make them incredibly valuable out in the field, where they use their keen senses to track and retrieve game.
Some breeds are built for small game, while others are made for the challenge of big game hunting. These bigger, bolder dogs bring the stamina and courage needed to take on formidable animals like bears, wild boars, mountain lions, and even leopards.
What sets these hardy hunting companions apart is their hard-working spirit and impressive stamina, which make them well-suited for long, demanding hunts. Their physical strength also helps them power through rugged terrain in pursuit of their prey.
Here are 7 incredible dog breeds that specialize in big game hunting.
Incredible Dog Breeds Specializing in Big Game Hunts
1. Karelian Bear Dog
Karelian Bear Dogs are eager, independent hunters capable of covering miles of ground to help take down large game like bears, moose, boar, and similarly sized prey. These medium-sized Spitz dogs were originally bred in Finland.
Still fairly rare outside their homeland, Karelian Bear Dogs are often used to help keep bears away from populated areas near state parks. With a natural hunting instinct built into their DNA, they tend to be independent and a bit reserved around new people.
According to PetMD, this breed has a moderate energy level that needs to be channeled through regular exercise. Because of their strong prey drive, Karelian Bear Dogs should always be kept on a leash or within a securely fenced area.
These skilled hunting dogs were bred to fearlessly corner large, dangerous animals without backing down, but importantly, they don’t go in for the kill. That balance of courage and restraint is exactly what makes them such excellent guard dogs, too.
2. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are large scent hounds that were specifically bred as one of the best dog breeds for catching wild boar. These clever and confident dogs are known for their fierce nature. However, they are also very affectionate and loyal to their humans.
Being big game dogs, Plott Hounds have strong hunting instincts, which should be fulfilled to keep them in a good mood. Their ideal height and exceptional physical prowess add to their skills as hunting dogs.
These powerful pooches have one of the best noses in the dog world. Plott Hounds are not only known for their scenting abilities, but also for their loud and musical bay, which can be heard over a long distance. This enables them to alert hunters once they have found their prey.
Plott Hounds are notable for their stamina, endurance, determination, agility, and aggressiveness, according to WebMD.
3. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is a large and muscular dog with a loyal and loving personality. These imposing canines were bred as fighting dogs and for hunting large game. Their athletic bodies and excellent endurance enable them to navigate harsh terrain effortlessly in pursuit of prey.
Often in packs, Dogos used their strength, bravery, and courage to take down pumas, boars, and other large predators through perfectly coordinated work. They need lots of daily exercise to manage their high prey drive.
These powerful pooches are incredibly affectionate to their families and make watchful guardians. Their size and exuberance demand careful and consistent training. Dogo Argentinos have a quiet personality, and they do not bark much.
Dogos have a short coat, not prone to matting. However, it sheds moderately year-round. Regular brushing can help get rid of loose hair.
4. West Siberian Laika
West Siberian Laika is a Spitz-type domestic dog breed that was primarily developed in Russia for hunting large prey. These medium-sized dogs have a wolf-like appearance. Their thick double coat protects them from harsh conditions and enables them to work in cold climates.
West Siberian Laikas are intelligent, eager to learn, and easy to train dogs. You can teach these dogs for various hunting purposes, from hunting waterfowl to squirrels, lynx, and other large game.
They are incredibly loyal to their humans and friendly towards strangers. These fearless hunters excel at their job due to their keen senses and natural instincts. West Siberian Laikas require lots of daily exercise. Otherwise, they will become destructive.
Runs, walks, and hikes are great ways to exercise them. You can also let these dogs run freely in a fenced yard. Generally, West Siberian Laikas are good with children and love playing with them.
5. Rhodesian Ridgeback
These medium to large canines were originally bred to hunt lions in Southern Africa. These agile and fearless hunters are also capable of searching for other large prey such as roe deer.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks can be instantly recognized by a ridge of hair growing on their back in the opposite direction to the rest of the coat.
Their historical background is reflective of their speed, endurance, and strength. Their bite power of 200 to 400 PSI also assists them in hunting. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are versatile and athletic dogs, having an innate desire to stay close to their humans, according to Purina.
They require plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to manage their prey drive. Ridgebacks also enjoy participating in dog sports like agility and tracking. They make devoted companions, but can be strong-willed at times.
This can make training a bit challenging. That is why Rhodesian Ridgebacks are better suited for experienced handlers.
6. Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are friendly, confident, and dependable hunting dogs. The national dog of Norway, the Elkhound was was bred to free-track moose in woodlands and forests. They can also track other large prey such as lynx, bears, reindeer, mountain lions, and rabbits.
After tracking their prey, Norwegian Elkhounds use their loud baying sound to inform hunters. They are also prized as flock guardians, watchdogs, and sled dogs. These hardy hunting companions can easily handle harsh hunting conditions.
Their medium-length double coat provides them with adequate insulation in cold climates. As pets, Norwegian Elkhounds love to play. These independent canines are known for their strength and intelligence.
Elkhounds can locate game through rugged terrain for miles. They like to explore their environments and are great swimmers. Elkhounds have a reasonable amount of energy that needs to be burned off.
7. East Siberian Laika
East Siberian Laika is a domestic Spitz dog that was bred to hunt large game in central and northern Russia. These solid and brave canines can also track game of smaller size and make wonderful guard dogs.
While they have evolved and adapted heavily, they still retain their hunting instincts. Common traits include territorial behavior, stubborn nature, and independence. East Siberian Laikas are quite friendly and show a lot of affection to their families.
These lovely and courageous companions will always protect you. Considering their independent streak, training and socialization should start at an early age and require lots of patience and consistency from the owner.
Conclusion
Exceptional endurance, athleticism, and stamina make several dogs ideal for big game hunting. Thanks to their incredible strength, they can easily chase and take down big prey. Regular exercise is indispensable to channel their prey drive.
Some of these hardy dogs have a strong bite force to latch onto and immobilize large game. Their keen senses and natural instincts make them top-tier hunters.
Fortunately, many of them are well-suited for private security as they do not let anyone enter their territory. With proper training and early socialization, they make excellent family dogs.
