Hunting adventures become more memorable when you have a furry friend who not only follows you but also uses its natural instincts to assist you in the hunting tasks. These hunting dogs have been sharing a bond with their humans for thousands of years – the beginning of canine domestication.
From tracking games to retrieving from water, these dogs have some traits that make them irresistible and demanding, such as strong prey drive, trainability, endurance, and athleticism. These smart dogs are designed for different kinds of hunts; some can be your best tracking dogs, and other breeds excel in small games, while a few ones thrive in hunting big games.
When they completed their jobs, in-house, these super active dogs make calm canines, and love snuggling with their owners, and remain gentle with children.
Fun Fact: A dog’s nose has 300 million receptors compared to humans who have only about 6 million.
Best Dog Breeds for Hunters Seeking Tracking Ability
1. Labrador Retriever
Labrador retrievers carry a friendly disposition along with exceptional retrieving skills. This popular dog breed was originally bred specifically to assist fishermen, and today, they also excel in retrieving waterfowl. This gundog has a waterproof double coat and can swim in cool temperatures.
Since these versatile hunting dogs have boundless energy, they are better suited to active households that can handle their physical and mental requirements. These affectionate dogs do well with children and live comfortably with other dogs as well.
Labrador retrievers also thrive in upland bird hunting as tracking dogs, thanks to their keen noses and fast learning abilities. Proper training and socialization are both important for them to be well-behaved and should be introduced at an early age.
Fun Fact: Labs are excellent hunting dogs to retrieve ducks, and are often called duck dogs by their hunting partners.
2. Bluetick Coonhound
These beloved tracking dogs are endowed with a sharp sense of nose helping them to follow the trails with a breeze. Bluetick coonhound was originally bred for raccoon hunting, and today this hunting breed also makes great family dogs in homes, kudos to its loving and friendly behavior.
Besides their work on scent trails, these loyal and smart dogs can be trained for various roles, such as in search, rescue, and therapy work. Bluetick Coonhounds need physical and mental stimulation on a daily basis due to their high energy levels, otherwise they become destructive, says Orvis.
Owing to strong prey drive, these hunting dogs are not well-suited to households having pets with swift movements. With great stamina and endurance, they make great companions for hiking and hunting. They are stubborn and intelligent dogs, and demand experienced and committed owners for training
3. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel was discovered in the late 1800, and is celebrated as a versatile hunting dog breed. They are great dogs in upland game due to their abilities, such as locating downed birds, flushing birds, and retrieving. However, in the past, they were trained for pheasant and woodcock hunting.
Spaniels are bird dogs with a sweet and obedient temperament, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). They are built for long days to hunt with their partners and make great hunting companions, with the right training at the right time. Long walks and play sessions are enough to meet their energy levels.
Springers are easy to train due to their intelligence and eager-to-please nature. These trainable dogs with a great nose are also considered good tracking dogs. Waterproof coats and background history aid these bird dogs to excel in waterfowl hunting as well.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
Another versatile dog that hunts perfectly both on land and in water, the German shorthaired pointer is one of the very few breeds who performs all roles of a gun dog. German shorthaired pointer (GSP) can be trained for hunting birds, blood tracking, and pointing.
GSPs are famous dogs among hunters due to their adaptability in various roles, whether it’s for wounded game or retrieving game. Moreover, these blood tracking dogs form strong bonds with their owners and make great family pets. They remain docile with family cats but may show aggression towards dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic dogs and need a significant amount of exercise. After doing their jobs, these hardworking dogs love snuggling and snoozing with their favorite ones. Consistent training along with socialization are vital needs to grow an obedient GSP.
5. English Setter
This bird dog has exceptional hunting skills and is great at small game, whether it’s close upland game or long-range tasks. According to PetMD, they only survive in active families who adore outdoor adventures involving them as hunting partners.
English setters make deep bonds with family members and do great with children when properly socialized and trained. They should not be left alone for a long time, otherwise develop separation anxiety. These sociable canine friends get along with other pets as well.
Their curious nature leads them to explore new things that involve smell. Leash training and a fenced yard are important for them; otherwise, they can cause trouble for you. Their natural instincts to observe and stay alert make them good watchdogs.
6. American Foxhound
American Foxhounds were bred to hunt foxes with great determination. With a strong sense of smell, their stamina, and love for chasing make them great at recovering wounded game, including deer. Apart from excelling in small game, they also make good family dogs for active dog owners.
Overall, American foxhounds have a calm, gentle, and loving personality. They are built for extended hunts in rough terrain, so they also need proper exercise and mental enrichment to do well in their living years. Nature has blessed them with a striking appearance, medium coat, and muscular physique.
American foxhound has a strong prey drive and innate inquisitiveness, which is why proper training and early socialization are important. They are intelligent and easy to train dogs, but can be distracted if they smell any scent. Consistency, patience, and love are the true keys to training them.
7. Boykin Spaniel
In South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel was discovered for waterfowl hunting by navigating lakes and swamps. This hunting dog is skilled at small game, especially in duck and turkey. These versatile canines can easily be used in wetland, terrains, heavy bushes, and hot temperatures.
Regardless of their abilities at flushing birds, Boykin Spaniels are friendly and eager to please their family as a pet. With great determination to hunt and a strong desire to be with their owners, these dogs are low maintenance when it comes to their coat care.
Puppies and dogs both need several hours of exercise due to their background history; they are more suited to active families. Proper attention, consistent training, and ample space to relax are a few basic needs of Boykin spaniels if you are considering them to be your hunting partner.
Conclusion
The right choice for your hunt adventures only depends on following basic factors; dog’s temperament, your lifestyle, and the environment where you will accommodate your dog. Training of your hunting dog makes all the difference, whether you are going to bring a friendly golden retriever or a Chesapeake Bay retriever.
A well-trained and socialized hunting doggie will understand your commands and follow them; not only that, but it also remained determine and focused in hunts. Ultimately, they build a strong connection with their owners, becoming an asset to their lives.
