Hunting and dogs have shared a unique partnership for thousands of years, long before agriculture shaped human society. A skilled hunting dog can elevate your experience in the field, using instinct, intelligence, and athleticism to track, locate, and retrieve game.
These dogs aren’t just loyal companions—they’re hardworking partners who thrive on purpose, training, and physical activity. Often called bird dogs or gun dogs, these breeds specialize in locating and flushing out prey, particularly birds, but many also excel at hunting smaller animals like rabbits.
The best hunting dogs combine a strong prey drive, endurance, and responsiveness to commands, allowing hunters to work seamlessly alongside them. Beyond their physical abilities, these dogs are often highly trainable, eager to please, and loyal, making them exceptional partners both in and out of the field.
We’ll explore the best hunting dog breeds for tracking birds, detailing their skills, temperament, and what makes each breed a standout companion for hunters seeking precision, stamina, and reliability.
Best Hunting Dog Breeds for Tracking Birds
1. Labrador Retriever
If there were a superhero league for hunting dogs, the Labrador Retriever would probably be the Captain America of the group—reliable, strong, and ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice.
These dogs are the classic “all-around athlete” of the canine world: energetic, loyal, and with enough stamina to keep up with your most ambitious hunting adventures. Originally bred to help fishermen by retrieving nets and fish from chilly waters, Labradors practically come with built-in life jackets and webbed feet.
Their love for swimming is legendary, which makes them ideal partners for duck hunting, upland bird hunting, or any waterfowl expedition. And if you thought that made them high-maintenance divas, think again—they’re just as happy retrieving a stick in the backyard as they are hauling a duck through a marsh.
What really sets Labs apart is their “people-first” personality. They’re friendly, eager to please, and pretty much guaranteed to be the most popular member of your family.
Whether they’re plodding through muddy wetlands or snuggling on the couch afterward, they do it all with the same cheerful enthusiasm. And if you want a slight twist on the classic, the English Labrador offers a more laid-back, stockier version that still knows how to fetch like a pro.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a hunting companion who swims like a fish, retrieves like a pro, and loves your family like it’s their own, the Labrador Retriever is basically the golden ticket—just be prepared for a few muddy paw prints along the way.
2. Boykin Spaniel
Meet the Boykin Spaniel: South Carolina’s very own four-legged marsh master. These pint-sized powerhouses were bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes, ponds, and swamps, which basically makes them the aquatic ninjas of the hunting dog world.
Don’t be fooled by their friendly, waggy-tailed charm—they’ve got the stamina of a marathon runner and the determination of a squirrel on espresso. Boykins are bursting with energy, so they’re perfect for active families who don’t mind a little (okay, maybe a lot) of daily exercise.
Think long hikes, fetch marathons, or a swim in a muddy pond—these pups are always ready. And here’s the best part: they’re incredibly affectionate, making them just as happy to curl up on the couch as they are to leap into a lake after a duck.
These versatile dogs also have a diplomatic side. Introduce them to other pets while they’re young, and chances are they’ll get along like old friends at a backyard barbecue. Pair that with mental stimulation—puzzle toys, obedience games, or some clever hiding—and—fetching—, and you’ve got a dog who’s as happy at home as they are on the hunt.
In short, the Boykin Spaniel is like that overachieving friend who can run a marathon, make you laugh, and still remember everyone’s birthday—just with more fur and a love for water.
3. Golden Retriever
If Labradors are the superheroes of the hunting world, the Golden Retriever is basically the charming sidekick everyone loves—and sometimes steals the show. Like Labs, Goldens are enthusiastic, loyal, and ridiculously trainable, making them perfect partners for hunting birds, small game, or even just your morning jog.
Their signature golden coat practically glows with optimism, and their tail wags like a built-in metronome for happiness—warning: the tail may knock over anything in its path. These popular dog breeds thrive on activity. Long walks, swimming sessions, playing fetch until your arm goes numb—they live for it all.
Give them a hunting trip, and they’ll approach it with the focus of a professional and the joy of a kid in a candy store. But don’t forget their brains!
Goldens are incredibly intelligent and eager to learn, which means they excel at obedience training, agility courses, and games that challenge their minds. Without enough mental or physical stimulation, boredom can strike—and when that happens, your couch cushions, shoes, or garden shoes may mysteriously “relocate.”
Beyond the hunt, Goldens are legendary family companions. These family dogs are patient with kids, gentle with elders, and sociable with other pets. Their friendly, loving nature means they quickly become the heart of any household, always ready to offer cuddles, support, or a joyful greeting after a long day.
In short, the Golden Retriever is the perfect mix of brain, brawn, and heart. On the hunting field, they’re reliable, athletic, and focused; at home, they’re a loving, devoted companion who makes life brighter, messier, and infinitely more fun.
4. English Springer Spaniel
Meet the English Springer Spaniel: the compact, fast-moving bird dog with a nose for adventure. Springers are pros at flushing out pheasants and other game, and their retrieving skills can give even Labradors and Goldens a run for their money.
Their slightly smaller size makes them perfect for navigating tight spots during a hunt, so think of them as the agile acrobats of the bird-hunting world.
PetMD noted these dogs were bred to work, which means they thrive on having a “job.” Give a Springer a task—whether it’s retrieving, playing fetch, or mastering a new trick—and they’re all in.
Neglect their need for exercise, and you might find your Springer inventing their own games…like redecorating the living room or chasing squirrels in the yard at top speed. They’re social, loving, and eager to please, which makes them not just excellent hunting partners but also family favorites.
In short: Springers are high-energy, smart, and affectionate—basically a furry rocket with a heart of gold.
5. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Say hello to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever—or, as fans affectionately call them, the Toller. Don’t let their compact size fool you; these little dynamos are bird-hunting machines with enough energy to power a small city.
Born to “toll” ducks—basically entice them closer for hunters—they’re smart, playful, and full of personality, making every hunting trip feel like an adventure…with a few extra zoomies thrown in for fun.
Tollers are athletic, agile, and fearless in the water, which makes them perfect for retrieving ducks and other waterfowl. But here’s the twist: they’re also a little mischievous, so be ready for clever antics when they’re off-duty—like convincing you that your favorite slipper is a toy, or turning fetch into a full-blown cardio session for the whole family.
Despite their high-octane personality, Tollers are incredibly affectionate and loyal. They bond tightly with their humans, love attention, and are surprisingly easygoing with kids and other pets when socialized early.
Give them a mix of hunting, swimming, and mental games, and you’ve got a four-legged friend who’s as fun in the backyard as they are on the marsh.
In short: The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is part athlete, part mischief-maker, and 100% heart—your ideal partner for birds, adventure, and a little chaos along the way.
6. Brittany
Meet Brittany: The speedy, stylish, and endlessly energetic athlete of the bird-hunting world. Think of them as the Ferrari of hunting dogs—fast, sharp, and impossible to ignore.
With keen eyesight, a nose for scent, and enough stamina to keep going when the rest of the pack is panting, Britts are built for action, says Purina.
But don’t let all that energy fool you—they’re also affectionate, social, and downright charming with people and other dogs.
Give them enough exercise, training, and mental stimulation, and you’ve got a loyal family companion who will happily run, fetch, and chase all day…then curl up with you on the couch afterward. Ignore their need for activity, though, and you might find your Brittany inventing their own “fun” (like redecorating the living room or sprinting laps around the house).
In short, Brittany is a perfect mix of natural hunter and companion—alert, playful, affectionate, and fast enough to make your heart race both in the field and at home.
7. Curly Coated Retriever
Meet the Curly-Coated Retriever—the curly-haired brainiac of the retriever world. With a distinctive coat of tight curls that makes them look like a walking chocolate fountain (or a very fancy mop), these dogs are as smart as they are stylish.
And when it comes to bird hunting? Let’s just say they don’t need a GPS—their intelligence and instincts practically make them a built-in tracker. Curlies are high-energy athletes who thrive on adventure. Think long walks, vigorous runs, swimming sessions, and plenty of outdoor play.
These versatile breeds need roughly two hours of exercise every day, which is perfect if you enjoy an active lifestyle…or need a partner for your next muddy marsh hunt.
Ignore their need for activity, however, and you might come home to find your living room “redecorated” by a very bored and clever retriever. Interactive toys, games, or training sessions can save your shoes and furniture while keeping this pup happily entertained.
In short, the Curly-Coated Retriever is a loyal, clever, and energetic hunting partner—part athlete, part genius, and all heart. Just don’t underestimate those curls…they hide a brain and a stamina level that will keep you on your toes.
Conclusion
When it comes to hunting, dogs’ natural prey drive is an asset—particularly in breeds developed specifically for bird hunting.
Bird dog breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and Wirehaired Pointing Griffon were carefully bred to track, point, flush, and retrieve birds, making them invaluable companions for upland and waterfowl hunters.
Similarly, pointing breeds such as the English Setter and English Cocker Spaniel demonstrate versatility across terrain and bird species, while smaller dogs can excel in areas where agility is key.
Training is essential to transform instincts into disciplined hunting behavior. A well-trained pointing dog knows when to freeze, flush, or retrieve, ensuring that the hunt is both productive and safe.
These hunting breeds are not only skilled in the field but can also make loyal and affectionate family pets when properly socialized. With the right match between dog, hunting style, and household, sporting breeds remain among the most versatile and rewarding dogs for both hunters and families alike.
