The wilderness is no place for the faint of heart, and when it comes to tracking one of nature’s fiercest predators—the mountain lion—only the boldest dogs make the cut.
These breeds are more than companions; they’re skilled hunters with keen instincts, relentless drive, and unshakable courage. Facing a mountain lion requires not just strength but also intelligence, teamwork, and an iron will.
Certain breeds have stood out as specialists—dogs that can follow a scent for miles, alert their handlers, and even hold their ground when danger strikes. With their powerful noses, muscular builds, and fearless temperaments, these dogs are nature’s ultimate allies in the wild.
This isn’t about ordinary pets—it’s about extraordinary partners bred for grit and survival. Whether chasing through dense forests or navigating rocky landscapes, these dogs embody bravery at its peak.
Let’s step into the world of the finest mountain lion tracking breeds—dogs that prove true courage thrives where the wild roars loudest.
Best Dog Breeds For Mountain Lion Tracking
1. Rhodesian Ridgeback
When it comes to tracking mountain lions, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is in a league of its own. Bred in southern Africa to hunt lions and other large game, this breed is fearless, athletic, and incredibly intelligent.
With a distinctive ridge of hair along its back and a lean, muscular frame, the Ridgeback is built for speed, endurance, and precision—making it the ultimate trail companion.
Size & Build: Large, muscular, and built for speed and endurance.
Temperament: Courageous, intelligent, and loyal.
Personality: Determined, fearless, and always focused on the task at hand.
Ridgebacks are determined and focused on the hunt, yet they’re affectionate and loyal at home. They bond deeply with their humans, combining courage and independence with a gentle, protective temperament.
With stamina that seems endless and instincts honed for tracking large predators, the Rhodesian Ridgeback can follow a scent across challenging terrain where other dogs might falter.
Fun Fact: Known as the “African Lion Hound,” the Rhodesian Ridgeback was historically trained to corner lions without engaging them, using strategy and endurance rather than brute force—proof that brains and brawn make the perfect hunting partner.
2. Redbone Coonhound
With a coat like polished mahogany and muscles built for action, the Redbone Coonhound is as elegant as it is formidable on the trail.
Medium-to-large, fast, and surefooted, these dogs were bred to handle punishing terrain with ease, making them perfect for tracking mountain lions across forests, hills, or rugged backcountry, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Size & Build: Medium-to-large, muscular, and sculpted for endurance.
Temperament: Even-tempered, intelligent, and courageous.
Personality: Determined, loyal, and impressively graceful on any trail.
Redbones have a dual personality: mellow and affectionate at home, yet fierce, focused, and determined on the hunt. They thrive on vigorous activities like tracking, hunting, or swimming, followed by long stretches of restful cuddling.
Their combination of intelligence, stamina, and unwavering focus ensures that once a Redbone catches a scent, nothing will stop them from following it to the end.
Fun Fact: Redbones move with such precision and elegance that some describe their gait as “a proud, determined dance across the wilderness”—perfect for a dog built to chase the king of the forest.
3. American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is a powerhouse when it comes to tracking. With a sharp nose, endurance to burn, and an unrelenting drive, these dogs excel at following elusive prey like mountain lions across tough, uneven terrain.
Their origins in raccoon hunting gave them not just keen scenting abilities but also patience, persistence, and the kind of stamina that keeps them on the trail for hours.
Size & Build: Medium to large, lean, and built for endurance.
Temperament: Determined, alert, and courageous.
Personality: Persistent, loyal, and always ready to follow a scent.
The American English Coonhound is moderately affectionate, enjoying playtime with their owners and generally getting along well with children and other dogs. They are somewhat open to strangers and, due to their protective instincts, can serve as effective watchdogs.
While they can adjust to moderate changes, they may struggle with sudden or drastic changes in their environment, says WebMD.
They communicate with a loud, distinctive bay that alerts handlers while letting the hound show off a bit of personality along the way.
Fun Fact: This breed’s incredible stamina and drive mean they can track prey for miles without tiring, making them one of the go-to hounds for big game hunters.
4. Plott Hound
The Plott Hound is a fearless and relentless tracker, bred specifically for hunting large game in rugged terrain. Plott Hounds are recognized today for their unique brindle coat, strong hunting instincts, and bold, confident personality.
They can grow up to 25 inches tall and weigh as much as 60 pounds. With a keen nose, unwavering focus, and incredible stamina, these dogs are built to follow a mountain lion’s trail through forests, hills, and rocky landscapes without breaking stride.
Size & Build: Medium to large, muscular, and built for endurance.
Temperament: Fearless, intelligent, and determined.
Personality: Bold, loyal, and endlessly focused when on the trail.
Despite their hunting background, they are affectionate and eager to please, making them suitable family pets. Their energetic nature is often best matched with older children who can keep up with their activity levels.
Plott Hounds are intelligent, determined, and courageous, making them not only excellent hunting companions but also loyal family pets.
They thrive on purpose-driven work, and while their instincts kick in during tracking, they’re affectionate and playful with their loved ones off duty. A Plott Hound is proof that loyalty, courage, and skill can all come wrapped in a single muscular package.
Fun Fact: The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s state dog, and it’s easy to see why—they’ve been helping hunters track big game for generations with skill, stamina, and courage.
5. Black and tan Coonhound
With their sleek black-and-tan coat and powerful nose, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a natural-born tracker.
These dogs were originally bred for hunting raccoons, but their exceptional scenting abilities and determination make them excellent for tracking much larger game, like mountain lions. Once they pick up a trail, there’s no stopping them until the job is done.
Size & Build: Medium to large, athletic, and built for stamina.
Temperament: Brave, intelligent, and highly focused.
Personality: Determined, loyal, and ready to chase a scent for miles.
Black and Tan Coonhounds are brave, patient, and highly focused. They use their loud, melodic baying to communicate with their handlers, which comes in handy when navigating tricky wilderness terrain.
Despite their single-minded determination on the hunt, they’re affectionate, loyal, and make wonderful companions once the day’s work is done.
Fun Fact: Their ears aren’t just for show—those long, floppy ears help sweep scent toward their nose, making them even more effective at tracking elusive prey.
6. Airedale Terrier
Don’t let their dapper, wiry coats fool you—Airedale Terriers are fearless, clever, and full of spunk. Known as the “King of Terriers,” these dogs combine brains, bravery, and stamina, making them excellent candidates for tracking elusive mountain lions.
With a sharp nose and an adventurous spirit, an Airedale Terrier will follow a trail tirelessly, barking or alerting its handler whenever it picks up a clue.
Size & Build: Medium to large, muscular, and built for endurance.
Temperament: Intelligent, fearless, and determined.
Personality: Bold, loyal, and always ready for action.
Purina noted Airedale Terriers are loyal to their families and will step in to protect them if needed. They can be somewhat reserved around strangers and may not always get along with unfamiliar
Beyond their tracking abilities, Airedales are loyal, affectionate, and highly trainable. They thrive on challenges and love having a purpose, which makes them perfect for rugged outdoor adventures. Just don’t be surprised if they occasionally get a little bossy—they’re natural leaders with a strong personality.
Fun Fact: Airedales were originally bred to hunt both on land and in water, so tracking a mountain lion? Just another day at the office for this versatile terrier.
7. Bluetick Coonhound
If mountain lions are trying to play hide-and-seek, the Bluetick Coonhound is the ultimate seeker. With their legendary sense of smell, these dogs can track scents for miles, making them invaluable companions for hunters, trackers, and outdoor adventurers alike.
Their name comes from the striking blue-ticked pattern of their coat, but don’t let their good looks fool you—they’re all business when it comes to tracking.
Size & Build: Medium to large, muscular, and built for endurance.
Temperament: Brave, intelligent, and highly motivated.
Personality: Determined, loyal, and endlessly curious.
Blueticks are brave, tenacious, and full of stamina. Once they pick up a scent, they follow it with relentless focus, barking along the way to alert their humans that they’re on the trail.
They’re not just working dogs, though—they’re affectionate, loyal, and always happy to come back for a treat (or a belly rub) after a long day in the wilderness.
Fun Fact: Blueticks are famous for their loud, melodious baying that carries for miles—think of it as their way of singing, “I found it!” while making sure everyone in the area knows it too.
Conclusion
The best dog breeds for mountain lion hunting are skilled hound dogs, bird dogs, and versatile hunting breeds that serve as both a reliable hunting companion and a loyal family dog. Breeds like the American Foxhound and Norwegian Elkhound bring strong endurance levels, a strong prey drive, and the ability to cover long distances while following a scent trail.
Classic gun dogs such as the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, and Chesapeake Bay Retriever are natural hunters with excellent retrieving skills, a weather-resistant coat, and the ability to retrieve waterfowl or track larger animals like deer and even rabbits.
These big dogs are well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts and active households, thriving with mental stimulation and plenty of activity to stay healthy. Whether hunting in a pack or with just two dogs, these canines provide both companionship and utility on a hunting trip. With proper care, many live nearly two decades, remaining loving family pets and dependable partners for those who hunt, rest, and share life with their loyal pups and puppies.
