Dogs have been hunting along with humans for a long time now. No matter what bird species you’re hunting, a good dog by your side is a true game changer. If these breeds are properly trained, they not only make great companions but also excel at field hunting. But who to choose among so many paw-some hunting breeds?
We have gathered the 9 best hunting dog breeds that are excellent at locating Prairie hens. They adapt well to your hunting style and do not let you down. Training a new hunting dog is labor in its own, which is why we are here to help you choose the right gun dog to put all your hard work into.
These pups are the perfect combo of stamina, strong retrieving instincts, intelligence, and obedience, which makes them well-suited for upland game hunting.
Read on to learn more about what these dogs have been bred specifically for, what makes them great hunters, and how they can turn your experience into a rewarding one.
Best Dog Breeds For Locating Hidden Prairie Hens
1. German Wirehaired Pointer
Determined, versatile, plus with a unique appearance, this is a German Wirehaired Pointer. Whether it’s mountains, forests, or open fields, these medium-sized dogs are quick to sniff out anything from upland birds, prairie grouse, to foxes. This German breed has a double coat that protects it from cold weather.
According to PetMD, these hunting dogs have high energy and do well when given a job to do or have a purpose in the family. When not hunting, these dogs must be provided with enough physical and mental stimulation to keep them busy. They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy, or they may resort to unwanted behaviors.
These dogs are famous for being multipurpose gun dogs that are not only suitable for hunting game animals but also mammals. These pups are great at hunting birds, grouse hunting, pheasants, prairie chickens, and even large game like the boar. They have a high prey drive, which is why they do not go well with other animals in the house.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
Versatile and an all-purpose gun dog, the German shorthaired pointer thrives on extensive exercise sessions, positive reinforcement training, and love from their owners. According to the American Kennel Club, they were originally bred to work in fields all day long and are known to have high agility, endurance, speed, and enthusiasm.
These dogs have boundless energy and love spending time with their owners outdoors, playing and running around. The GPS can be a pointing dog and a retriever. They are ideal for hunting upland game, waterfowl, as well as rabbits, deer, and raccoons. They are great at following commands and will do anything you ask for efficiently.
The German shorthaired pointers are smart dogs with an even temperament and a people-pleasing attitude. They are not just perfect on the field, but because of their eager-to-please nature, they also make great family pets. They will stay well-behaved and calm as long as they are getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
3. English Pointers
Regarded as the ideal and classic breed for hunting prairie grouse, these hunting dogs can be taught to point and retrieve downed birds. These pups have sharp noses, powerful ground game, and a natural ability for pointing, which makes them an ideal hunting dog for sharp-tailed grouse, ruffed grouse, etc.
English Pointers are highly athletic, which allows them to move smoothly through the forest, and their hunting instincts make them want to hunt all day long. This pointing breed is considered the best hunting companion as they have great bird sense and can hold birds efficiently.
According to Hills Pet, they have a more independent nature as compared to other hunting breeds and are highly active, which may not make them an ideal family pet. They are not watchdogs but are wary of strangers. They will alert their owners if they feel a certain threat.
4. Brittany Spaniel
Steady, stylish, and highly effective hunting companions, Brittany Spaniels are ideal for hunting ruffed grouse. These dogs are the perfect combination of a strong build and an excellent nose, which allows them to hunt and retrieve birds easily. They are smaller dogs as compared to other breeds, which makes it easier for them to move across forests and thick woods.
Brittany spaniels have high energy and are keen to hunt birds. These pups are an excellent choice for both seasonal and new hunters. They have an eager-to-please attitude and a close working habit, which not only makes them great at following orders but also great dogs.
These dogs love to be in human companionship, which is why leaving them alone for a long time is not a wise choice; otherwise, they may develop separation anxiety. These bird hunting dogs require proper training and socialization from an early age to grow up to be well-behaved pups.
5. English Setter
Natural bird hunting dogs, English Setters are the perfect combination of athleticism and a soft approach. They bring a new level of grace and cooperation, along with obedience, which makes them a delight to watch and great hunting companions. Their stamina and adaptability allow them to work in various conditions.
Other than being a hunting breed, the English setter is known for its grace and beauty. Because of their hunting background, they have a lot of energy. They remain quiet inside but love to play outside and have a fun time with their owners.
They require regular exercise, mental and physical stimulation to fulfil their energy needs and stay happy and satisfied. As people-oriented dogs, they form strong bonds with their pet parents and get along well with children as well.
6. Irish Setter
Originally bred to hunt, point, and retrieve upland game birds, Irish setters are known for their incredible stamina and keen nose. They are bred for fast and wide hunts, which allows them to cover more area, making them ideal for open fields.
These bird dogs are intelligent and eager to please, which makes training them an easy process. They can be stubborn and strong-willed at times, which can be resolved with consistent training and positive reinforcement methods.
Because of their high prey drive and hunting background, these dogs have high energy levels, which is why they need daily exercise along with mental stimulation to fulfill their energy needs. They can also be used for waterfowl hunting, as they are good swimmers as well.
7. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Known to be the supreme gundog, the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is great for pointing and retrieving birds on both land and water. These bird dogs are built to excel in the field. They have a medium-length wiry coat, which is weather-resistant and protects them from harsh conditions.
They are a hard-working gun dog breed that is resilient, graceful, and tireless. These bird dog breeds are willing to please and have an outgoing nature, which makes them great companions and perfect family dogs as well. They have high energy needs, which is why they require constant exercise and mental stimulation to feel satisfied.
These bird dogs have moderate grooming needs. Their coat needs to be brushed once a week or whenever you feel like their coat has tangles. You may need to trim their coat to keep their paws and ears looking neat and give them a clean dog look.
8. Gordon Setter
Medium-large dog belonging to the sporting group, Gordon Setters served as hunting companions in Scotland, but are now natural athletes, devoted to their owners, and make great family pets. They are high-energy dogs who not only require regular exercise and mental stimulation but also enough space to move around.
Gordon Setters are classic and robust bird dogs from Scotland, having a powerful nose and a lot of stamina for hunting various types of birds and locating prairie hens. They are obedient and work closely with their handler and are great at pointing and retrieving game animals.
It is recommended to brush their coat once or twice a week to remove loose fur, prevent tangles and mats, to give them a sharp look. Increase your brush frequency during shedding season to prevent matting and excessive tangles.
9. Vizsla
This breed may be overshadowed by pointing dogs, but they are great at upland game hunting. Vizsla is known for their sleek rust-colored coat and sturdy build. They have a natural hunting instinct and have a lot of speed and endurance, which helps them move smoothly. Because of their speed, they can cover a small area very quickly.
Vizslas are great at hunting a variety of upland game, such as grouse, flush birds, and pheasant etc. They are quick to adapt to hunting styles and have an affectionate nature, which makes it a joy to work with them. These pups require great coat care and attention, which helps to protect them in harsh conditions.
Their intelligence and versatility make them a worthy hunting companion. They are high-spirited and can be easily trained to excel as bird hunters. These bird hunters are generally healthy but are prone to some health issues. Owners must ensure regular vet checkups to ensure optimal health.
Conclusion
When it comes to pointing, locating, and retrieving prairie hens and other upland game birds or waterfowl from Wateree River swamps, these bird hunting dog breeds are perfectly suited for the job. They excel in this job as they have keen noses, endurance, strength, and stamina, which allow them to work in fields all day.
Choose the dog that aligns with your hunting style well. With consistent training, these dogs become more efficient at their jobs. So what are you waiting for? If you’re a keen hunter, bring home your companion today.
