Have you ever watched a dog’s nose lift in the air and wondered why some dogs seem born to hunt rabbits?
For thousands of years, people and dogs have formed a special bond in the woods and fields.
According to the Times of India, dogs helped humans hunt small game like hares and rabbits more than 11,500 years ago. Over time, humans developed hunting dogs with very different hunting styles, from tracking scent trails to flushing rabbits out of dense cover.
As View‑Hobby explains, dogs were bred into roles that help them track, chase, or retrieve game. Some dogs have such strong hunting instincts that they will follow a scent for miles, and others will flush birds and rabbits with energy and speed.
Research into scent hounds shows these hunting dogs use powerful noses to follow scent trails even in thick brush. Choosing the best dog breeds for naturally finding and retrieving rabbits can make every hunt more exciting and rewarding for pet lovers and families alike.
Best Dog Breeds to Find and Retrieve Rabbits Naturally
1. Beagle
Have you ever wondered why some puppies seem born to follow a trail?
Beagles are a classic rabbit dog, celebrated for their incredible sense of smell and determination. Originally bred to hunt small game, they have strong natural hunting instincts that make them excellent at trailing rabbits through thick cover and dense brush.
Their compact size and energetic style allow them to navigate woods and rough terrain efficiently, whether working alone or alongside a partner — two Beagles can double the efficiency of a hunt.
Their floppy ears help funnel scents toward their nose, a feature shared by many scent hounds. Beagles can also function as duck dogs in wetland areas, retrieving small waterfowl when needed.
Key Traits of the Beagle
Exceptional nose for scent trails and tracking rabbits
Persistent and focused during long hunts
Adaptable to woods, fields, and brush piles
Gentle and friendly temperament, perfect for families
Works well both as a hunting companion and a house pet
Beyond their hunting skills, these bird dogs are highly social and intelligent dogs, making them easy to train and a joy at home. Their natural curiosity and playful spirit keep both hunters and families entertained.
Did You Know?
A Beagle named “Elvis” once helped detect pregnancy in polar bears by smelling their waste.
President Lyndon B. Johnson was a proud Beagle owner with three adorable companions — Him, Her, and Edgar — who roamed the White House, proving Beagles can be both lovable pets and historic icons.
2. Redbone Coonhound
Have you ever heard a dog’s bay echoing through the woods and wondered what it’s tracking?
The Redbone Coonhound is a scent hound renowned for its ability to trail rabbits and other small game over long distances.
Originally bred in the United States for hunting in the toughest conditions, this breed combines endurance, focus, and an excellent nose, making it one of the most classic rabbit dogs in challenging terrain.
Their athletic build allows them to work in open woods, fields, and brush piles with remarkable efficiency. Other hounds with similar skills can complement them in rabbit hunting.
Key Traits of the Redbone Coonhound
Exceptional scent-tracking abilities over long distances
A loud, clear bay that signals hunters during the chase
Agile and strong, perfect for rough terrain
Calm and gentle temperament at home
Loyal companion for dedicated rabbit hunters
Adaptable to both solo work and packs
Beyond their hunting prowess, Redbone Coonhounds are affectionate and easygoing with family, making them a versatile dog. Their natural intelligence and steady focus allow them to excel in both fieldwork and training.
Did You Know?
These hounds are known for having an excellent “nose,” meaning they can follow a scent days or even weeks old, a trait developed through careful breeding for raccoon and game trailing.
3. English Springer Spaniel
Have you ever seen a dog move like it’s part of the hunt itself?
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the most rabbit-hunting breeds, known for its energy, intelligence, and natural ability to work in the field.
Originally bred as a bird dog, this breed excels at locating and flushing rabbits from dense cover, making it a favorite among hunters seeking agility and reliability. Their high energy and keen focus allow them to work close to the hunter, navigating rough terrain and thick brush with ease.
Key Traits of the English Springer Spaniel
Expert at flushing rabbits and upland birds
Works efficiently near a gun range without disturbing the hunter
Handles dense cover and challenging terrain
Friendly and social, often gets along well with other dogs
Highly trainable with a strong desire to please
In addition to their hunting prowess, English Springer Spaniels make excellent family pets due to their affectionate and loyal nature. Their intelligence and enthusiasm for work translate into playful, engaging companions at home.
Did You Know?
According to the American Kennel Club, Springer Spaniels aren’t just any dog — they actually share ancestral stock with many of today’s land Spaniels. Early Spaniel types, like the Norfolk Spaniel, played a starring role in shaping the modern Springer, making them a key link in the family tree of several beloved spaniel breeds.
4. American Foxhound
Have you ever wondered what it takes to chase rabbits across miles of open land?
The American Foxhound is built for speed, endurance, and relentless pursuit. Originally bred in the United States to hunt foxes, this hunting dog breed also excels at trailing rabbits over long distances.
Their hunting instincts, strong nose, and high stamina make them ideal for hunters who need a dog that can work solo or in a pack, covering large areas of woods, fields, and brush piles without tiring.
Key Traits of the American Foxhound
Exceptional speed and endurance for long hunts
Strong scenting abilities for tracking rabbits and small game
Works efficiently both alone and in packs
Focused and driven with a high prey drive
Agile in thick cover and open terrain
Friendly and social temperament, good with other dogs
Despite their athleticism, American Foxhounds make affectionate companions at home, though they require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Their natural curiosity and hunting style keep them engaged and loyal to their owners.
Did You Know?
Despite their rich hunting history and gentle temperament, American Foxhounds are among the least common breeds registered with the American Kennel Club, making them a rare find in many dog‑loving households.
5. German Shorthaired Pointer
Have you ever seen a dog that seems to do it all in the field?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most versatile hunting dog breeds, combining speed, stamina, and intelligence. Originally bred in Germany to assist hunters with both pointing and retrieving, this bird dog excels at trailing rabbits as well as flushing birds.
While primarily hunting rabbits, some of these dogs can also help track deer and other furred game.
Their natural hunting instincts and high energy levels make them an ideal pointing breed for hunters who need a dog capable of working across varied terrain, from open fields to thick brush.
Key Traits of the German Shorthaired Pointer
Strong prey drive and excellent scenting ability
Skilled at both pointing and retrieving game
Covers large areas efficiently during hunts
Adaptable to the rabbit hunting season and small game
Energetic and intelligent, easy to train
Works well as both a hunting companion and a family pet
Beyond hunting, German Shorthaired Pointers are affectionate and loyal, making them wonderful companions at home. Their intelligence and eagerness to please ensure they stay engaged, whether tracking a scent or playing with the family.
Did You Know?
Thanks to their webbed feet and athletic build, German Shorthaired Pointers are excellent swimmers who love water — making them exceptional duck dogs.
6. Irish Setter
Have you ever watched a dog glide through the field with effortless speed and focus?
The Irish Setter is a striking and agile hunting dog, originally bred to assist hunters with game birds but equally skilled at tracking and flushing rabbits.
Their smooth hunting style, endurance, and natural instincts make them excellent companions for hunters who need a dog that can work over open fields and through brush piles. Known for their friendly and intelligent nature, this bird dog also thrives in family environments.
Key Traits of the Irish Setter
Initially bred for game birds, adaptable for rabbit hunting
Excellent speed and smooth hunting style
Strong nose and natural hunting instincts
Friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable
Energetic and requires regular exercise
Works well both in the field and at home with family
Enjoys interacting with other breeds
In addition to their hunting abilities, Irish Setters are affectionate, loyal, and full of energy, making them ideal companions for active households. Their combination of stamina, intelligence, and playful spirit ensures they excel both as hunting partners and family pets.
Did You Know?
Irish Setters were once favored for their ability to cover large areas of open ground quickly while pointing and flushing game, a trait that makes them versatile hunters even today.
7. Jack Russell Terrier
Have you ever marveled at how a tiny dog can take on big adventures in the field?
The Jack Russell Terrier is a small but fearless, classic rabbit dog, known for its boundless energy and bold hunting style. Originally bred to hunt foxes and rabbits in England, this terrier excels at flushing and chasing small game in tight spaces where larger dogs might struggle.
Their high prey drive and sharp intelligence make them exceptional at tracking and catching rabbits, even in thick brush or rough terrain.
Key Traits of the Jack Russell Terrier
Compact size allows access to tight burrows and brush piles
Exceptional at chasing and hunting rabbits
Fearless and highly energetic during hunts
Intelligent and quick to learn commands
Works best with experienced owners who can manage high energy
Strong hunting drive makes them persistent and focused
Beyond hunting, Jack Russell Terriers are lively and playful companions who thrive on both mental and physical activity. Their natural curiosity and determination make them entertaining family pets as well.
Did You Know?
King Charles III and the Queen Consort each have a Jack Russell–type terrier, both lovingly rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where the Queen Consort proudly serves as Royal Patron.
Conclusion
So, are you ready to find the perfect hunting companion?
Choosing the best dog breeds to find and retrieve rabbits naturally can make every hunt more exciting and successful.
Each rabbit dog brings unique skills, strong hunting drive, and natural hunting instincts. Whether you enjoy trailing rabbits through thick cover, flushing birds, or exploring rough terrain, these hunting breeds adapt to a variety of hunting styles and conditions.
Do you want a dog that works closely with you, or one that thrives in packs?
Will your ideal companion be a family pet after the hunt?
These versatile rabbit and bird dogs not only excel during hunting season but also bring joy, fun, and companionship at home. By understanding each breed’s abilities, prey drive, and personality, you can choose a hunting dog that fits both your fieldwork and family life.
