A dog’s speed and stamina only get you halfway to a successful hunt. The ability to track scents, lock onto game, and push through bushes comes first.
If a dog can’t track where you wounded game, then what’s the point of having them beside you? You are going to lose the game anyway (with a high chance).
Therefore, having a versatile hunting dog that can actually sniff out the old and hot trails is important. While scent hounds like Bloodhounds are masters at tracking, there are also versatile hunting dogs that are good at multiple things like retrieving, pointing, and tracking.
Therefore, we have shared seven hunting dogs that are best when it comes to tracking prey and overall hunting. We will share what else they are good at, along with how they sniff out the game animals.
You will also learn about their exercise, training, and grooming routine so you can decide which one is the best dog for you.
Top Hunting Dog Breeds Skilled at Prey Tracking
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers are high-energy, sharp, and fearless dog breeds. They form deep bonds with their primary handler only and were bred as versatile gundogs, as the AKC shared. GWPs are good at both air scenting and ground tracking, so they can follow scent trails of upland game and wild boar.
These hunting breeds are good at pointing, and that’s where they got their name from. Apart from this, they can also retrieve, flush, and dispatch, being versatile dogs. They have very high exercise needs and require around 90+ minutes of physical activity for mental stimulation.
They are strong-willed and also have a high prey drive, so they usually require experienced handlers to do well with them. They need structured obedience and field training to manage their instincts. Plus, GWPs have a harsh and wiry outer coat that sheds very little but requires weekly brushing.
2. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are friendly, highly energetic, and eager to please sporting breeds. They were bred for bird hunters to locate upland game and spring (flush) them into the open so hunters can capture them with nets. However, they evolved into elite land and water gun dogs over time.
These hunting dogs pick up ground trails and lower their heads to follow them through thick and dense bushes. They are also widely used for blood tracking of wounded game like deer due to their exceptional scent memory. In addition, these bird dogs can also flush and retrieve.
Spaniels have high exercise needs and require daily vigorous activity. They are highly trainable but also have a strong desire to cooperate and respond well to positive and reward-based training. In addition, they are great for active first-time and experienced owners.
3. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels are highly affectionate sporting breeds that are known for their social nature. These medium-sized brown dogs usually get along well with children and other pets. They are also the state dog of South Carolina, as per Purina, and were originally bred to hunt wild turkeys.
These Spaniels are also good at tracking. They use their strong sense of smell to track faint scent trails of pheasants and quail. However, they are also good at waterfowl hunting and retrieving. Boykin Spaniels have high exercise needs and enjoy swimming, field training, and brisk walks.
They are bright and eager to please, so you can train them with positive reinforcement. They are suitable for experienced owners who can set clear rules. In addition, they have a double coat with lighter feathering that sheds moderately and requires regular brushing.
4. Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are world famous for their outgoing, gentle, and social nature. These are popular breeds and love being with their favorite humans and any activity that involves water, as they have webbed feet. That’s because they were bred specifically to retrieve nets and help fishermen.
However, Labs have around 220 million olfactory receptors, so they are quite good at tracking and scenting. They lower their head to trail and follow them for miles. Labrador Retrievers can track both small and big game, but they are also phenomenal in retrieving and flushing.
These medium- to large-sized dogs have high exercise needs of 60-90 minutes. They require proper training and respond well to food rewards. Labs make excellent companions for first-time and experienced owners. Plus, their short coat sheds heavily year-round.
5. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are intelligent, athletic, and sweet-natured scent hounds. These medium- to large-sized dogs have a vocal, fearless, and deep melodic ‘bugle’ bark. They are working dogs and were originally bred to hunt small game like tree raccoons and possums.
However, hunters started using them even for large game hunting like wild boar, foxes, and bears. They are also known as the ‘people’s choice’ as per WebMD. These scent tracking dogs drop their nose to sweep and pick up scent trails across miles of rough terrain.
TWCs can find both hot and cold trails, which is the cherry on top. They have very high exercise needs. They are quick learners but also have independent minds and require positive reward-based training. These Hounds have a low-maintenance, water-resistant coat.
6. Bloodhound
Bloodhounds deserve to be #1 when it comes to tracking dogs. They have about 230 million olfactory receptors, which is 40 times more than humans, and that’s the reason even police rely on them for tracking explosives or narcotics. However, they are patient, laid-back, and loyal companions.
They were bred specifically as large game scent hounds and are the BEST dogs in tracking cold trails. They can follow days-old scents, and that’s the reason the results can even be used in court as evidence. Bloodhounds also follow wounded animals when hunting.
They are not built for pointing or retrieving birds due to their heavy build. These Hounds require at least 2 hours of exercise. You can train them easily with consistent and reward-based training. Lastly, Bloodhounds actually have an average-shedding short coat.
7. Norwegian Elkhound
Norwegian Elkhounds are sturdy, bold, energetic, and dependable dogs with an affectionate and loyal nature. These medium-sized dogs are brave, persistent, and fearless once they step in the field and were bred to track and hold large game like moose (elk), bear, and wolves.
These working dogs are best at air scenting and hold their heads high to catch scents. They use the bark and dodge tactic, which means they circle the target and bark continuously to hold them in place until the hunter arrives. Apart from tracking, Elkhounds are also good at baying and waterfowl hunting.
They have high exercise needs and enjoy hiking, trail running, and snow activities. These Hounds are highly intelligent but also independent and respond best to positive reinforcement. They have a thick double coat that protects them from harsh conditions and also shed heavily.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned seven dogs are best at tracking their prey, but that’s not all. Because some of them are versatile hunters, they can also retrieve, point, and flush game animals.
There are dogs best at tracking downed birds, mountain lions, rabbits, hunting foxes, and other small or large games. So make sure to read the details to find your ideal dog.
