If you are an enthusiastic hunter looking for a four-legged companion, several dog breeds are better suited than others. Hunting dogs are active, alert, and energetic. A good hunting dog is obedient and has a strong desire to please its owners.
It does not run off and eat prey on its own or bark loudly, scaring off prey. A hunting dog is loyal, cooperative, and intelligent with a keen sense of smell and excellent retrieving skills. There are many different types of hunting dogs, including:
Bird hunting dogs, also known as gun dogs, work closely with humans in the field. They can be categorized as:
Pointers: Pointers “point” towards the prey with their muzzle.
Flushers: They provoke the birds to fly, so the hunters can target them.
Retrievers: Retriever breeds fetch the prey to the hunter.
Here are the top 7 hunting bird dog breeds with speed and strength.
Best Bird Hunting Dog Breeds With Speed And Strength
1. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most versatile hunting dogs originating from Germany. They were bred in the 1800s for long days outdoors. GSPs perform multiple tasks, including pointing upland birds, retrieving downed birds, and tracking.
Temperament
GSPs are fast and focused canines with a strong work ethic. You can adopt a German Shorthaired Pointer if you are looking for one dog that can handle anything during the hunt. These pointer dogs are intelligent, friendly, and eager to please, so they make excellent family pets.
Exercise Needs
They do best when they get plenty of exercise and are, therefore, well-suited for active hunters. GSPs also excel at various canine sports such as field events, agility, obedience, tracking, and dock diving. These short-haired gun dogs do not require much grooming.
2. Irish Setter
One of the most beautiful hunting companions, the Irish Setter is known for its gorgeous red coat, floppy ears, and constant smile. They were bred in the mid-1500s for hunting upland birds. They have also earned a reputation for being a pointing and flushing dog.
Temperament
Apart from excelling in the field, Irish Setters also make wonderful playmates and snuggle partners. They thrive on human companionship and are quite loving and friendly as pets.
Irish Setters are a good fit for families who are ready to train their dogs from puppyhood to adulthood. They quickly pick up new cues and tricks.
Exercise Needs
Irish Setters are energetic dogs and love having a job to do. PDSA recommends over two hours of physical activity for them. They enjoy activities like agility, running, tracking, and flyball. Their silky coat requires regular brushing and grooming.
3. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular bird hunting companion, originally bred in Newfoundland. These sporting dogs were used for retrieving upland birds and waterfowl hunting. Their popularity increased after World War II; they became the most popular choice for pheasant and duck hunting.
Temperament
Labradors are friendly, intelligent, and outgoing dogs. They bond firmly with their humans, as mentioned by the American Kennel Club. Labs tend to socialize with neighbor dogs and humans as well.
Labs are highly trainable and eager to please. They love water and make excellent partners for hunting near water bodies. Their thick double coat and webbed feet enable them to swim through water and retrieve waterfowl.
Exercise Needs
Labs are the enthusiastic athletes who require plenty of exercise every day to channel their excess energy. Activities like running, swimming, and hunting keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Labs are one of the few breeds that can make the transition between wetland and upland hunting.
4. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is an all-American bird dog that was initially bred as a flushing dog in South Carolina. This Spaniel breed is quite popular among upland bird hunters and is considered the finest flushers ever. Boykin Spaniels also retrieve birds from water.
Temperament
Boykin Spaniels are highly trainable and adaptable dogs, making them ideal for individuals looking for a versatile gun dog. According to Hill’s Pet, they are friendly and eager to please canines who are outgoing towards people and children.
Exercise Needs
Boykin Spaniels are enthusiastic and energetic dogs who require plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, and swimming, and are a good fit for active owners who can provide adequate physical and mental enrichment.
5. English Cocker Spaniel
The list of popular bird hunting dogs is incomplete without the English Cocker Spaniel. These skilled and determined hunters were once used for hunting woodcocks. In the field, Cocker Spaniels excel in flushing and retrieving game birds.
Temperament
Unlike some other hunting dog breeds, they work closely with their owners, finding birds and flushing them into the air. Known for their agility and endurance, Cocker Spaniels are good at working in heavy cover. Their affectionate personalities and sweet temperament make them wonderful family pets.
Exercise Needs
These cuddle companions are quite energetic and require a minimum of an hour of exercise every day. Their day should be spread into a few walks and lots of opportunities to sniff around.
6. Vizsla
Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is a hunting dog that was first bred in medieval Hungary. These exceptional bird dogs make outclass pointers and retrievers. Vizslas assisted upland hunters in hunting birds and other small game like rabbits and fowl.
You can easily spot a Vizsla from a mile away due to its rust-colored coat and moderate size.
Temperament
Vizslas are highly intelligent and curious dogs who stay loyal to their pack. They love their humans and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. These sociable canines get along well with kids and strangers, unless threatened.
Exercise Needs
Vizslas are the super active canines who are always on the move. They need lots of exercise for physical and mental stimulation and are better suited for experienced pet parents. Vizslas like hiking, running, swimming, and kayaking. They are always up for anything physical.
7. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also known as Toller, is a wetland duck hunting dog hailing from Nova Scotia. Their unique hunting style makes them stand out. They run and play along the shore, wagging their tails to grab the attraction of ducks.
Once the ducks come for a closer look, these skilled hunters would capture them. Tollers have got the instincts and energy to make every trip to the field a lot more fun.
Temperament
Tollers are super-affectionate, whip-smart, and eager to please dogs. These playful companions will bring delight and warmth to your home. They are loving and gentle around children and make loyal family dogs.
Exercise Needs
These high-energy dogs require vigorous exercise daily to burn off their energy. They enjoy running, swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. Physical activity can include a 30-minute brisk walk and a couple of ball-chasing sessions.
Conclusion
While some dogs are bred for companionship, others have been helping humans in a variety of tasks, such as hunting. Numerous bird hunting dogs not only excel at field work, but also make great family pets.
Hunting dogs need regular exercise for physical and mental enrichment. If you are planning to adopt a bird dog, make sure to exercise them regularly out of the field, too.
