Glorious were the days of true peace and harmony when wild horses and apex predators roamed this earth, lived freely and coexisted side by side, when sweet bird songs filled the skies, and ancient trees weren’t cut down by conglomerates causing habitat destruction.
Glorious were the days when our ancestors hunted and gathered for survival, took only what was most needed, and honored nature’s balance without disrupting the circle of life.
Yes, we once lived in an abundantly blessed land, much like Avatar’s Pandora, which is filled with magnificent species of animals and healing plants. We once had it all: spring water streams, dense forests, zero climate crisis, and non-existent global warming.
Ethical hunting dates back to those days, and today we are here to ponder the blessing of an opportunity that will help us reconnect with our indigenous ancestors and Mother Earth.
It’s a misconception that hunting is feral or a brutal sport; it was never meant to be this way. The modern rituals of trophy hunting for a mere boost of ego and unnecessarily harming any living species on this earth are heinous crimes.
But do you know?
Ethically hunting for food and harvesting an animal for consumption and survival actually helps the ecosystem rather than destroying it. But hunting is not an easy skill to gain; it requires a lot of patience, persistence, and calculated steps.
Hence, we have carefully compiled this hunting dog breed list, which will help you in these modern times to score a kill deep in the forest, in dense brush and low-light conditions. Meet the sturdy squad of best hunting assistants.
Top Dog Breeds for Hunting in Dense Brush and Cover
1. English Cocker Spaniel
Favored by the Current Prince of Wales – Ideal for flushing woodcock in dense brush and marshy areas
Hunting is always a hit-and-miss game that can be unnerving for a person with less patience and persistence. But what if we say this English Cocker Spaniel will make your hunting expedition more calming and effective? What you are going to need is this champion of the field; no number of guns, arrows, or prayers is going to get you what this natural bird dog can.
This English Cocker Spaniel absolutely adores spending time in the outdoors, and it shows in its merry tail action. Once you see this pup chasing a game, we bet you’ll be hooked on this bold waterfowl and upland game hunting dog.
This pup brings speed, precision, and drive to your otherwise frustrating hunting game. Capable of covering ground in a brisk and bustling manner, these small dogs stay within the gun range, flush like no other dog, and seek scent with passion.
A biddable, responsive, and fearless pup that will help you on any tough trail and perform its best tricks while staying in sync with you. These sporting dogs are great team workers that are certainly not hard on the eyes, and if you are hell-bent on hunting birds like partridges or wood ducks, these versatile gun dogs are the best choice for you.
2. American Foxhound
Refined at Mount Vernon – These smooth pups let their keen noses lead their way towards new horizons.
Developed by the iconic George Washington, this updated American version of the English Foxhounds is a sight to behold on the hunting course. Galloping behind the cunning and sneaky reddish-orange prey, these fast dogs have a strong prey drive, excellent instincts, and impeccable drive.
These easy-going and amiable, yet stubborn and independent canine athletes make adorable companion dogs. Enrobed in a tricolored coat, blessed with gentle and pleading hazel eyes and a lively temperament.
These outdoor enthusiasts were meant to roam freely on this planet (hence, make sure you give them ample energy outlets and activities to keep their minds and bodies busy).
Seeing these sleek and rangy hounds in action is the most enthralling and impressive sight in the world, and listening to their musical baying call that echoes their deep hunting roots will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
According to the Continental Kennel Club, the American Foxhound was enhanced to adapt to the varied American landscape. This swift and tireless hound with graceful moves still remains a beloved companion both in the field and at home. Persistent in pursuit and relentless in drive, these American Foxhounds look like magical beasts when zoned in on a coyote, deer, or bear.
3. Bluetick Coonhound
The Pride of Louisiana – a perfect match for active souls seeking adventure and play every day
This descendant of the Black and Tan Coonhound, English and American Foxhound, and the French Bleu de Gascogne is a great nighttime tracker that can even find a missing fugitive, person, or a priceless game for you.
Named for their black and blue patterned coats, these muscular, persistent, and wise hunting dogs make great family pets due to their unconditional love and friendly nature. The best way to train them is through consistent positive training methods.
These Blueticks are intrinsic chatterboxes, baying and howling when on a scent. This can only be controlled with proper, consistent training. The most eye-catching, proud, and spirited hunter in the entire list, this distinguished speckled/mottled pup has deep roots in American history.
These magnifique hunters and trail trackers were only recently accepted by the American Kennel Club in 2010. These dogs are the right choice for hunting large game like deer or big cats, and even catching small game like rabbits.
4. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Ideal for Night Hunts and Adventure seekers who enjoy the energy and excitement of the Chase
Originally developed by Thomas Walker in Virginia by crossing American and English Foxhounds, these pups with a distinctive melodious baying voice and a friendly nature were born for hunting and treeing cougars, bears, and raccoons. This hound is an expert when it comes to hunting in dense brush and cover.
You can rely on this popular dog breed among Southern American hunters for scent tracking, speed, and endurance. Bred to work in packs, these smart and social Treeing Walker Coonhounds are traditionally valued for hunting. These pups are a top choice for wild game hunting.
Did you know? Treeing Walker Coonhound puppies start using their distinct hunting barks early, helping them communicate and bond before setting out on the trails. Quickly bonding with people and pets, these sociable Coonhounds show their hunting capabilities like scenting and tracking from a very early age.
They are blessed with a strong prey drive, which calls for constant supervision and secure fenced yards. They have a keen nose, great courage, and stamina, which makes them capable of pursuing game over long distances.
5. Redbone Coonhound
This Sleek and Soulful Coonhound, covered in glossy mahogany, is your trooper.
Mentioned in the famous book where the red fern grows, this popular raccoon hunter is a dynamo on the hunting terrain. Serving style and bringing energy to the hunting game, this Redbone Coonhound has everything from good looks to great techniques and ancestral wisdom that can be seen in its actions.
With roots in Scottish Foxhounds, these playful and friendly scent hounds are yet another favorite choice among the American Coonhound varieties. Tenacious yet mellow, courageous yet kind, these Redbones make great family dogs and loyal companions.
Purina US mentions that they are curious and energetic breeds. These striking red hunting dogs live up to their reputation as expert scent hounds. Low-maintenance, vibrant, and affectionate, these pups will not only help you in catching some small game. But they’ll also accompany you happily in your long walk of life.
They do best in homes that come with a lot of fenced space to run, and if you own a homestead with open pastures in the countryside, these agile hunters will make it their permanent home without raising an eyebrow. Redbones are deep-chested dogs with long legs and a poised stance ideal for avid hunting. These dogs combine beauty and function in one enchanting package.
6. Plott Hound
North Carolina’s State Dog – Built for rough mountainous terrain
Certain dog breeds are born for pursuit, and this Plott Hound is one of them. Renowned for its brindle coat, fidelity, and heartwarming companionship, these Plott Hounds were originally bred as a mountain hunting dog in western North Carolina to track, tree, and tackle dangerous large game like bears and boars.
Confident in gait and alert at the sound of a breaking twig or rustling leaves, these hounds combine bravery, speed, wit, and devotion. If you are a resident of Montana or Colorado, you better employ a pack of these rugged wild spirits to keep grizzlies and black bears at bay. They are the best dogs for handling big game hunting.
Incredibly energetic dogs that will demand vigorous physical exercise from dusk till dawn. These dogs have been gracefully working closely beside humans and are also excellent companions to keep beside you on your natural discovery expeditions.
Resilient and refined, this powerful pup’s coat is dense, thick, and smooth, providing protection against harsh weather, and its excellent sense of smell makes it an incredible navigator just in case you get lost in the wilderness. Sleek and agile, these Plott Hounds are the only Coonhound breed that isn’t related to Foxhounds but rather to the Hanoverian Schweisshund.
7. Mountain Cur
Originated in the Appalachian Mountains – Excellent choice for family protection and hunting
If hunting for you is not merely for resources but a practice that connects you to your ancestors and the surrounding land, you’d better take this athletic companion to the wilderness with you. Their special hunting style is defined as the predatory motor sequencing modification, which allows them to track, chase, and corner without completing the kill bite.
Not to mention their elevated baseline dopamine response to prey-scent stimuli, these Mountain Curs were born for trotting over rugged terrain and are well suited for long-distance hunting. Iconically known for their endurance pursuit, these Curs make wonderful companions for hunting both small and large game.
Snuffalo says that they are famous for their intelligence, courage, and strong treeing instincts. These spirited Mountain Curs are a protective and intense medium- to large-sized hunting dog breed which is not an ideal hunting companion for everyone.
But this hardworking, no-nonsense, versatile working dog was utilized by the early settlers for herding, guarding, and hunting. Well-muscled and affectionate, these Mountain Curs have high mental stimulation and exercise needs.
But they’ll help you catch grizzlies, wild boars, raccoons, and squirrels. Valued for their tracking skills and loud, recognizable bark, these alert and active pups can be tough to train. But once you are done with the basic obedience training, you’ll be reaping the benefits of your efforts pretty soon.
Conclusion
Hunting was once a spiritual and sustainable practice done only for procuring sustenance; the animal was preferably harvested painlessly, was honored after sacrifice, people used to utilize every part of the animal without wasting anything, and never harmed an expecting mother or a child.
Only older, more mature animals that had lived a long, prosperous life were hunted, leaving behind the younger calves and budding younglings to grow and prosper.
And if you too want to jump back in time and walk in the footsteps of your indigenous ancestors who saw hunting as a sacred practice and way of life, want to walk with humility on the blessed land, seek peace for the animal’s spirit, and hold a deep care and stewardship mindset for the land. Then these natural trackers and precision hunting assistants will increase the chances of not just scoring a kill.
But their keen senses will also help you navigate tough terrain, great at decoding mysteries and finding hidden trails. These dogs, with their night-vision eyes and exceptional sense of smell, will make your hunting journey a more grounding and soothing experience.
