Hunting is not just a pastime. For a lot of folks across the U.S., it is a way of life. And when it comes to hunting competitions, the stakes go way beyond bragging rights. You are talking precision, stamina, courage, and that unique bond between a hunter and his dog.
BUT… not every puppy is cut out for it. Hunting competitions demand dogs that are sharp, athletic, and absolutely driven to track, flush, or retrieve game without missing a beat. Some breeds of hunting dogs were bred for this very purpose, and they still dominate the competitive hunting world today.
So, let us break it down. We are talking about the nine best dog breeds for hunting competitions that have the grit, brains, and performance to shine in the field lines.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know the first recorded bird dog show in the U.S. dates back to the mid-1800s in Newcastle, England? Hunters wanted to see which dogs could flush and retrieve pheasant, grouse and ducks the fastest and with the most precision. This show featured…. wait for it, 27 Setters and 23 Pointers, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Pretty wild that a pastime from over a century ago is sill firing up hunters and their pups today.
Best Dog Breeds for Hunting Competitions
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
If there ever was a versatile dog built specifically for hunting purposes, it would be this medium-sized dog: the German Wirehaired Pointer. This breed is the Swiss army knife of the hunting dog world.
They were originally bred in Germany to handle everything: from upland birds to waterfowl, they are now staples in hunting competitions.
Hunting Dog Traits
Hardy and weather-resistant scruffy double coat is perfect for rough terrain and cold water.
Instinct to point, flush, and retrieve birds.
Exceptional stamina!!! They will keep going long after other dogs or other retriever breeds tire out! Hence, the versatile hunting dog.
A German Wirehaired Pointer is very skilled in its art, but more than that, it is relentless. These puppies track, point, and retrieve with precision.
And that is why they shine in the hunting competitions because they are a top choice for the hunters who want one versatile hunting dog, rather than two dogs for different jobs.
2. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is an absolute rockstar when it comes to upland game. They are known for their boundless energy and happy-go-lucky personalities, and they thrive in bird hunting competitions. Their skill is evident when the task is to flush birds from thick cover.
Hunting Dog Traits
PetMD mentions their famous “Springer” action, which means they hunt pheasant, grouse, and other upland birds and chase them into the air for the hunters to shoot.
Incredibly trainable and responsive to their handler’s body language.
Compact and athletic build and a rugged body, this dog is perfect for moving through the fields.
The Springer Spaniel may be cheerful at home, but in the field, they are laser-focused. No wonder they are one of the best dog breeds for hunting competitions in the U.S. today.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Talk about a unique competitor!! A true dual-purpose hunting dog breed in every sense of the word; hunting dog + webbed toes for powerful swimming.
The Irish Water Spaniel is a curly-coated, strong dog that is built for water retrievers, and it belongs to Ireland. They have a waterproof coat and a fearless attitude, and that is the main reason they thrive in the hunting dog competitions that involve retrieving skills in lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
Hunting Dog Traits
Natural-born swimmers, they live to retrieve waterfowl.
Coat repels dirt and water (less mess in the house later, hunters!!)
Sharp intelligence paired with independence
These water-loving dogs are sometimes compared to retriever breeds like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, but these pups bring courage, stamina, and serious determination to every hunt.
4. Boykin Spaniel
Smaller than other Spaniels, but mighty, the Boykin Spaniel is South Carolina’s state dog and is a legend when it comes to flushing and retrieving. They were developed to be a bit small to fit into a one-man boat and be the perfect hunting dog breed.
Designed to hunt ducks and turkeys in swampy terrain, these compact dogs are favorites in southern hunting competitions.
Hunting Dog Traits
Gun dogs are excellent at flushing and retrieving upland birds and waterfowl.
Hills Pet Nutrition mentions they have a cheerful and lively spirit, a hunter’s true friend.
Compact size makes it easier to manage than big dogs in tight spaces.
Boykin Spaniels are good at hunting, and they will win each competition you put them in. But they are also great family pets, too. They will flush birds in the morning and curl up on the couch in the evening.
5. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is America’s favorite friendly companion, the most popular dog breed, and a good hunting partner, as well.
Labs dominate hunting competitions. Be it ducks, geese, or even wounded game, they will flush and retrieve it. These dogs are all heart, paired with brains and retrieving skills that make them nearly unbeatable.
Hunting Dog Traits
Eager to please and ridiculously trainable for that matter.
Weather-resistant coat, built for cold water duck hunts.
Excellent at both upland birds and waterfowl retrieves.
Labs are perfect at waterfowl hunting, but they are also pretty adept at field trials. That means they are a total package for the families who love a good pet at home, who doubles as an energetic hunting dog in the field. But, before that, your dog should be well-socialized and familiar with the sound and smell of gunfire.
And yes, they remain kings of hunting competitions because of their excellent abilities highlighted above.
6. Treeing Walker Coonhound
If competitions involve hunting big game like raccoons or even bears, you want a Treeing Walker Coonhound, nicknamed “The People’s Choice” in America. They are famous for their incredible tracking ability and signature “baying bark.” These hounds light up the woods at night.
Hunting Dog Traits
Built for “extreme endurance”, it comes in handy while out in the field hunting large predators.
Incredible sense of smell, these tracking dogs can follow a trail for miles.
Famous for treeing raccoons and alerting hunters with their bay.
Treeing Walkers bring that old-school hound dog grit into modern competitions. If you are into night hunts or long-distance trailing events, this is surely your dog. Another plus point is that they are very good at following orders and taking command of the hunting situation, as per WebMD.
7. Pharaoh Hound
Straight out of ancient history, the Pharaoh Hound was originally bred in Malta, and their roots date back to 4400 BCE in Egypt. They were used to chase small game across rocky terrain. Today, they are celebrated for their speed, agility, and hunting instincts in fields and hunting competitions.
Hunting Dog Traits
One of the fastest dog breeds with lightening-fast sprints, perfect for chase-based competitions.
Agile and graceful, ideal for hunting birds in open fields
Intelligent and determined, once they spot prey, they won’t quit.
Positive reinforcement training helps them become better-skilled.
The Pharaoh Hound has an exotic edge; they have history and athleticism. They are living proof that some breeds never lose their ancient instincts.
8. Norwegian Elkhound
When it comes to hunting big game like moose, elk, and bears, the Norwegian Elkhound is a Nordic legend. These are short-bodied but hardy dogs, originally bred to survive harsh winters and take on large predators head-on.
They use tactics of sighthounds and scent hounds and know when to bark and when to stay silent.
Hunting Dog Traits
Fearless courage, they will face down larger animals without hesitation.
Excellent scenting and tracking ability in snowy woods.
Tough and weather-resistant coats are perfect for cold climates.
If you are serious about competitions involving big game, the Norwegian Elkhound, or the “moose dog,” bring determination and grit like no other.
9. Karelian Bear Dog
Last but definitely not least… the Karelian Bear Dog. This Finnish powerhouse is a very eager hunter and one of the few breeds that can confidently track and even fight large animals like bears. In fact, they are still used in the U.S. for wildlife management.
Hunting Dog Traits
Incredible courage, bred specifically for bear and big game hunts.
Independent-minded and highly intelligent dog.
Loyal and go into the field with full protection mode on.
Not for the faint of heart, this is a dog for serious hunters who want performance, stamina, and protection in one determined package.
Conclusion
The best dog breeds for hunting competitions bring athletics and carry centuries of breeding, sharp intelligence, and that unshakable bond with humans.
Be it the German Wirehaired Pointer tracking upland birds or flushing ruffed grouse in the Minnesota forests, or the English Springer flushing pheasant, or the Labrador dominating waterfowl trials, these dogs are the best at what they do.
So, if you are a hunter looking to add a competitor to your team, think about your game…. upland, waterfowl, or big game? And pick the breed that matches your life and personality in the great outdoors.
