Bear hunting has a long history, and few pursuits test a hunter’s endurance like chasing a black bear through rugged terrain. While some hunters rely on bait or stands, many believe nothing compares to the challenge and thrill of running bear dogs.
Their incredible sense of smell is a big reason for this success. Dogs possess up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to about six million in humans, giving them the ability to detect and follow even the faintest scent trail for miles.
For bear hunters, this natural advantage is vital; good bear hounds not only pick up a track but also stay on it with determination until the bear is treed. The tradition of using bear dogs in North America dates back to Colonial times, when dogs brought from Europe became the basic stock dogs that originated for tracking big game.
Over the years, those first dogs developed into sturdy dog breeds with exceptional treeing ability, and hunters have remained loyal to them ever since. Today, whether you prefer to hunt bears in dense forests or mountain country, these fearless companions remain the best dogs a hunter can trust.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top seven bear hunting dogs trusted by generations of bear hunters.
Best Dog Breeds for Bear Hunting
1. Plott Hound
Pros
Gritty nature
Keen tracking skills
Confident and loyal
Cons
Needs time and attention
Strong-willed
Price Range: $500–$700
The Plott Hound is one of the most recognized bear dogs in America. They are celebrated for their grit, stamina, and courage in the field. This breed is fearless when facing large game and has earned a strong reputation among bear hunters.
The breed’s history began in the mid-1700s, when Hanoverian hounds from Germany were brought to North Carolina. Over time, they were carefully bred and refined to become strong, reliable hunting companions. Their popularity grew across the Appalachian Mountains and Smoky Mountains, where they became a trusted choice for big game hunters.
The Plott Hound is a medium-to-large dog with a brindle coat and a long tail. They were developed for hunting big game such as bears, wild boar, and even mountain lions. Their sleek coat is easy to maintain and gives some protection during long hunts.
Why Plott Hound Is Best for Bear Hunting
Famous for unmatched grit and fearless nature
Can follow old scent trails with a cold nose
Built for stamina and long chases
Works well in a pack with other hounds
A distinct bay makes them easy to track in the field
2. Karelian Bear Dog
Pros
High drive
Great holding power
Extremely protective
Cons
Require extra time and attention
Require disciplined handling
Territorial and overly protective
Price Range: $100-$500
The Karelian Bear Dog is not widely known among U.S. bear hunters, but many consider it one of the best-kept secrets of hunting dog breeds. This fearless and highly skilled dog originated from the Komi dog in Finland, where it was used to hunt black bears and wild boar. It is versatile, capable of chasing large and small game, and protective at home.
These dogs are strong-willed, quick, and extremely loyal. Their quick reflexes and fearless nature allow them to face large predators with confidence. Unlike many other bear hounds, they do not bark on a scent trail. Instead, they stay silent until they spot the game. This trait keeps the quarry from being alerted too soon.
Karelian Bear Dogs are medium-sized with a dense, weather-resistant black-and-white coat. Originally, the breed also appeared in wolf gray, red like the standard Spitz, and black-and-tan. Today, the classic black-and-white look is the breed standard.
Why the Karelian Bear Dog Is Best for Bear Hunting
Bred in Finland specifically for black bears and big game
Silent on trail but loud when facing quarry
Quick reflexes and a fearless nature against predators
Excellent stamina for long hunts in rugged terrain
Protective and loyal partner for hunters
3. Treeing Walker Coonhound
Pros
Hot-nosed, follows fresh trails
Vocal and fast
Hunts alone or in a pack
Cons
Vocal at home
Prone to some health issues
Price Range: $400 – $800
The Treeing Walker, often called the Walker Hound, is one of the most reliable hound breeds for chasing bears. Originally bred for raccoons, these dogs quickly became a favorite of coon hunters because of their speed, intelligence, and strong tracking instincts.
AKC says that these pups are “hot-nosed,” meaning they leave old trails behind and follow the freshest scent, giving them an edge when pursuing fast-moving animals.
Walker Hounds are part of a long line that traces back to English Foxhounds in the colonial era. They were later refined in Kentucky by John Walker and George Maupin, who helped establish the breed for serious hunting. Over time, they proved their ability not just with raccoons, but also with larger game like bears.
These dogs are active, alert, and eager to work from a young age. They excel in the field, whether hunting alone or with a pack, and show great stamina across rough terrain.
Why the Treeing Walker Hound Is Best for Bear Hunting
Leaves old trails behind for the freshest scent
Strong treeing ability with a loud, distinct voice
Part of a proven long line of hunting dogs
Works alone or in packs to handle large animals
Active and eager hunters from a young age
4. Black and Tan Coonhound
Pros
Powerful scenting ability
Great stamina for long hunts
Strong treeing instinct
Cons
Very vocal, even at home
Can develop separation anxiety
Price Range: $400 – $800
The Black and Tan Coonhound is a scent hound developed in the United States. With a cross between the Bloodhound and the Virginia Foxhound, it became a popular breed for tracking raccoons and big game. Known for its athletic build and fearless nature, it is easy-going at home but relentless on the trail.
This dog is highly valued for its scenting ability. It can follow cold trails for hours and is excellent at treeing bears with its loud, deep bay. Like other hound breeds, it thrives in the field and remains dependable under pressure. Despite its hunting drive, it bonds closely with its family and enjoys time with its owner.
The basic stock dogs originated in the southern United States during the colonial period, and the first standard for the Black and Tan Coonhound was created in the mid-1900s. Its sleek black coat with tan markings is low-maintenance and built for outdoor life.
Why the Black and Tan Coonhound Is Best for Bear Hunting
One of the sharpest noses among hunting dogs
Endurance to track bears over long distances
Loud bay helps hunters locate them easily
Calm under pressure when confronting big game
Loyal and steady hunting partner
5. Bluetick Coonhound
Pros
Excellent tracking ability
Loud and distinct baying voice
Muscular and athletic build
Cons
Very vocal, even at home
Can become destructive if bored
Price Range: $400 – $800
The Bluetick Coonhound is a determined scenthound with a strong nose and endless energy. At home, it is affectionate and eager to bond with its family, but out in the field, it becomes relentless and focused.
This breed is muscular and sleek, with a striking black-and-blue coat pattern that makes it stand out. The head carries the typical pleading hound expression, with long floppy ears that give it a classic hound look.
PetMD mentions that Blueticks have a reputation for baying, a loud howl that often sounds like a yodel. This unique call is a powerful way scent hounds communicate with hunters during the chase.
These pups are skilled at treeing raccoons, bears, and other animals, using their sharp sight and strong voice to hold game in place. Good breeders focus on maintaining their stamina and even temper, making them dependable companions both in hunting and at home.
Why the Bluetick Coonhound Is Best for Bear Hunting
Powerful nose for long scent trails
Distinctive baying voice carries over distance
Muscular build for endurance in rough terrain
Smart, loyal, and highly trainable
Protective and reliable partner in the field
6. English Coonhound
Pros
Good speed on the track
Strong nose
Sociable and friendly
Cons
Can be stubborn
Strong focus, may ignore commands
Price Range: $800 – $1,200
The English Coonhound, also called the Redtick, is a versatile hunting dog known for speed, stamina, and a strong nose. This breed is well-suited to hunt bears and is often praised for its ability to tree a mean bear quickly.
Originally bred from English Foxhounds brought by settlers, it became one of the most reliable dogs for long chases across the rugged American landscape.
These hounds are determined trackers and can stay on a trail for hours without losing focus. Their stamina and loud, persistent bark make them excellent for treeing game. At home, they are sociable and bond closely with their families, though training can be a challenge due to their stubborn streak.
While related to other dog breeds used for hunting, the Redtick stands out for its speed and sharp tracking instincts. It can hunt fox by day and raccoons or bears by night, showing versatility that few breeds can match.
Why the English Coonhound Is Best for Bear Hunting
Strong nose for both fresh and cold trails
Faster than many other dog breeds in the field
Great treeing instinct with a loud bay
Stamina to chase the game for hours
Friendly and cooperative in a hunting pack
7. Redbone Coonhound
Pros
Agile and adaptable in rough terrain
Energetic and determined hunter
Affectionate and loyal at home
Cons
Needs plenty of exercise
Can be stubborn during training
Price Range: $500 – $900
The Redbone Coonhound is a sleek, athletic dog known for its striking, solid red coat and balanced build. Originally developed in South America, this breed was bred for both speed and stamina, making it highly effective in long hunting pursuits. It is equally skilled at navigating swamps, dense forests, and rocky ground, where its sure-footed nature gives it an advantage.
In the field, the Redbone is bold, determined, and relentless on a trail. Purina states that it can hunt a cold trail, a skill that makes it an outstanding hunter. Along with endurance, it uses a clear, ringing voice to signal when prey has been treed. At home, however, this breed is calm and easy-going.
This hound thrives when given both physical activity and mental stimulation. Without a task, it can become restless. But with regular exercise and training, it shines as both a hunting partner and a loving companion.
Why the Redbone Coonhound Is Best for Bear Hunting
Agile and steady in swamps, forests, and mountains
Determined tracker with strong endurance
A loud, clear voice makes it easy to locate
Balanced temperament; focused in the field, gentle at home
Dependable and affectionate companion after the hunt
Conclusion
Bear hunting demands grit, stamina, and the right canine partner. From versatile Coonhounds to fearless Bear Hounds, each breed brings its strengths to the chase. Their sharp noses, endurance, and courage make them unmatched in the field, helping hunters track, tree, and manage one of nature’s toughest animals.
Whether you prefer a fast tracker, a cold-trail expert, or a dog that thrives in a pack, the best choice comes down to your hunting style and personal bond. With proper training, care, and respect, these dogs not only excel in the woods but also stand as loyal companions at home.
Choosing wisely ensures that both hunter and dog work as a true team. In the end, success in the field is built on trust, partnership, and dedication.
