Hunting big game like wild boar is no easy task. If you’re an experienced hunter, you already know how valuable a good hunting dog can be by your side. Hunting dogs are bred with specific physical and behavioral traits that make them genuinely suited for the job.
These dogs are built big and strong for a reason. Their impressive strength and stamina let them handle long hours out in the field, and they’re able to navigate rough terrain with ease while staying locked onto their target.
Their sharp sense of smell also makes it easy for them to track animals like boars, wild pigs, and feral hogs. Good hunting dogs naturally have a strong prey drive, which is exactly why proper training and regular exercise are so important for keeping that instinct in check.
Here are 7 top dog breeds for tracking and capturing wild boar.
Top Dog Breeds for Tracking and Capturing Wild Boars
1. Plott Hound
Plott Hounds are loyal, alert, and intelligent dogs. These large scent hounds were originally bred for hunting wild boars. These clever and confident dogs have a fierce nature and are incredibly affectionate to their humans.
Their strong nose enables them to track scent trails. Then, their speed and spirit allow them to capture game. These rugged and relentless canines are very active even when they are not in the field. WebMD mentions that these athletic dogs require an extensive exercise routine to stay happy.
Proper training and early socialization are important to turn Plott Hounds into well-behaved family members. They are notable for their determination, strength, and high endurance. Their streamlined bodies enable them to navigate rough terrain effortlessly.
Plott Hounds are highly prey-driven. You should always walk them on leash or keep them in a securely fenced yard.
2. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Having a distinctive appearance, Catahoula Leopard Dogs are known for their unmatched work ethic. Originally developed as herding and hunting dogs, their main prey includes wild boars, deer, rabbits, wild pigs, rodents, and even small birds.
Catahoula Leopard Dogs are capable of tracking wounded game as well. Thanks to their well-muscled bodies and keen sense of smell, they are also serving as search-and-rescue dogs. Catahoulas were meant to have an independent nature and possess exceptional problem-solving skills.
They are playful and affectionate towards their humans, but are aloof towards strangers. Catahoulas generally have an alert and energetic demeanor. Their endurance and stamina enable them to do well in the field.
When not on a hunt, Catahoula Leopard Dogs require rigorous exercise every day for physical and mental stimulation.
3. Bloodhound
Bloodhound is an ancient dog breed that was primarily developed for hunting large game such as deer, wild boars, and rabbits. Being scent hounds, they are capable of following scent trails that are even several days old. Bloodhounds are also employed to track wounded game and rescue missing people.
Do You Know? Bloodhounds are known for having the strongest sense of smell in the dog world. Their long noses contain more than 230 million olfactory receptors, mentions Britannica.
Once they are on a scent, it is almost impossible to distract them. Not surprisingly, these dogs excel at canine sports of tracking and nose work. Bloodhounds are quite high maintenance in terms of exercise. Around 45 to 90 minutes of physical activity provides adequate stimulation.
They are better suited for experienced handlers who can keep up with their energy requirements. As house pets, Bloodhounds are amiable dogs. They are not quarrelsome and get along nicely with people and other dogs.
4. Redbone Coonhound
Originally bred in America, Redbone Coonhounds are even-tempered and mellow dogs. Having a brilliant red coat, these muscular dogs specialize in raccoon hunting. They are also capable of hunting large animals like wild boars, deer, bears, and cougars.
Their athletic build allows them to navigate all sorts of punishing terrains in pursuit of prey. Redbone coonhounds are robust, proud, and confident. These versatile and tenacious hunting dogs possess strong scenting abilities.
On the trail, they guide hunters to find quarry using their baying sound. Once they have treed the prey, Coonhounds stay focused and ferocious until the hunter arrives. Orvis mentions that they have enough stamina for long days of hunting.
Redbone Coonhounds require at least one to two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation.
5. Black and Tan Coonhound
Black and Tan Coonhounds are tall and impressive hound dogs with a powerful build. Their long pendulous ears capture scent particles and direct them towards their long muzzles. Thanks to their strong noses, Black and Tan Coonhounds make excellent tracking dogs.
Originally bred as working dogs, Black and Tan Coonhounds serve as great hunting companions. They are tenacious on the trail of the raccoons. These sociable canines use their loud bark to alert hunters once they have tracked prey.
Their music may be troublesome for your neighbors, but it is the ‘music of the night’ for hunters. In addition to raccoons, Black and Tan Coonhounds can also assist in hunting other large game such as wild boars.
Purina mentions that these hunting dogs have a stubborn streak. So consistent training and early socialization are needed to turn them into well-mannered family dogs.
6. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentinos are a versatile working breed, having a long hunting history. They were primarily used to hunt big game like wild boars, mountain lions, and feral hogs. Noted for their endless endurance and short coat, Dogos are quite powerful and muscular.
Thanks to their keen sense of smell, they also make good tracking dogs. Their intimidating appearance and immense strength have earned them a reputation as aggressive dogs. That is why Dogo Argentinos are banned in various parts of the world.
Dogos are quite athletic and active dogs. They require regular exercise to fulfill their physical demands. Mental enrichment is also a must. This breed excels at numerous activities like swimming, hiking, retrieving balls, and flying discs.
7. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are active, intelligent, and independent dogs. These charming canines are incredibly loyal to their people and love being a part of family activities. At the same time, they excel at tracking and chasing big as well as small game.
From wild hogs to boars, they are adept at hunting many animals. Thanks to their high athleticism, Airedale Terriers can cover long distances over rugged terrain without getting tired. They are also referred to as the ‘King of Terriers.’ These versatile dogs can hunt equally well on land and in water.
Airedales seem to have self-charging batteries. They have enough stamina for long training sessions and need at least an hour of vigorous exercise for physical and mental stimulation. Airedale Terriers can easily run up to five miles and make good hiking companions.
Conclusion
Top dog breeds for tracking and capturing wild boars usually have a long history as hog hunting dogs. They do not only excel at hunting wild boars, but are also adept at tracking and chasing other large game such as feral hogs, mountain lions, bears, and deer.
Good hunting dogs have a keen sense of smell, which enables them to track even the faintest scents. Their endurance, strength, and determination also assist them in the field.
However, these dogs have a high prey drive. So, make sure to keep them on a leash and use GPS collars for your dogs while taking them on the next hunting expedition.
