Let’s be honest. Raccoon hunting isn’t just the same without a good dog by your side. You must already know what a difference the right pup makes if you’ve spent a night in the woods chasing raccoons. A great hunting dog doesn’t just follow a trail. It absolutely owns it.
Did you know that dogs’ noses are 100,000 times more sensitive than humans’? That’s not just impressive. That’s the kind of nose power you need when you are hunting raccoons across thick brush, creeks, and hills.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best dog breeds that are ideal for raccoon hunting.
Best Dog Breeds for Raccoon Tracking
1. Bloodhound
The first on our list is the real tracking legend. Yep, we are talking about the Bloodhound. A Bloodhound can pick up a scent that’s even days old and can follow it for miles. Rain, mud, thick woods, and even across the water!
What’s wild to know is how their whole body is totally built for this job. Those floppy ears? They are not just cute. They help pull scent toward the nose. And all those wrinkles on their face? They actually help trap scent particles. Everything about this dog screams “tracker”!!
But here is the funny part. These pups are total sweethearts at home. They are just happy to nap on the couch after a long trip. They are also super loving. Your kids and this pup will definitely become best buddies.
Warning: These pups drool. A LOT. So you will constantly have to clean up after them.
2. Beagle
If there’s one dog out there that’s always got its nose to the ground and a wag in its tail, it’s the Beagle. This little pup is a tracking machine in a compact body. But don’t let their small size fool you. Royal Canin mentions that these dogs have about 220 million scent receptors in their noses!
Now here’s the thing about Beagles. They are not just great at sniffing out games. They are also adorable and super friendly.
These dogs are also eager to please, and once they catch a scent, they won’t head home until they find what they are after. They’ll keep on sniffing, whether it’s a raccoon, a rabbit, or anything in between.
One of the best parts? Their size! Beagles can literally fit through thick brush and tight spots because of their small size. These pooches move fast, stay low, and stay focused (well… most of the time).
3. Labrador Retriever
Let’s take a moment for the Labrador Retriever. After all, PetMD ranks them at number two for being the most popular dog breed in the US. These pups are friendly, goofy, and always ready to play. But out in the field? That’s where they show a whole different side! They are focused, fast, and ready to work.
These pooches have also got serious tracking skills. They use their sharp nose and keen senses in a calm and smart way. Here’s what makes them stand out: they are all-purpose dogs.
They can help you in the water by retrieving ducks and waterfowl. They also help you track and tree raccoons and small game on land. That’s totally rare. Not many breeds can switch roles like that!
And their work ethic? Off the charts! Labs don’t slow down. They can cover long trails without giving you a single complaint. These dogs are always eager. Always ready. They do it because they love the job and because they love you.
4. Basset Hound
Alright, let’s get something straight. Basset Hounds might be low to the ground, but when it comes to tracking raccoons, they are literally one of the best at tracking scents. Seriously. Don’t get fooled by those stubby legs or that adorable face.
The Basset doesn’t race after a scent. Nope. This dog takes its time, checks every step, and then stays locked in on that scent. This is definitely your go-to dog if you like a calm and focused tracker.
Those long ears and wrinkled faces aren’t just for looks. They actually help trap scent around the nose. It’s like they are built to follow a trail. And while they are doing it, they stay relaxed and steady the whole time.
One thing people love about the Basset Hounds? They are just easy to be around. They are gentle dogs and are super loyal as well.
These pooches are well-suited to be around kids, other breeds, and even the family cat. They don’t bark too much unless they are on a trail. And when they do, you’ll hear it… loud and clear.
5. Coonhound
Don’t overthink it. The name says it all. The Coonhound was originally bred to hunt raccoons, and it’s really good at it! This dog doesn’t just chase a trail. It actually lives for it.
Britannica mentions that there are other Coonhound breeds such as the Treeing Walker Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, and Black and Tan Coonhound.
These dogs shine at coon hunting. Its strong nose stays locked onto a scent, and it also has the stamina to cover a lot of ground. You’ll know when it finds something. That classic baying voice cuts through the dark like a signal.
And here’s the cool part: it changes pitch when the coon is treed. You’ll know exactly when to move in. That is why hunters trust this dog.
Coonhounds don’t just track raccoons either. They are also great at tracking deer, bears, and even mountain lions. Their bodies can handle rough terrain and harsh weather conditions. This makes them perfect for farms and country areas.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
Have you ever seen a German Shorthaired Pointer on the trail? It’s like watching a machine with a wagging tail! This dog breed is packed with energy, and that big brown nose is always on the ground. This pup actually knows how to track.
The GSP doesn’t just follow scents. It points, retrieves, and moves like it’s got a built-in GPS. This dog can cover ground fast, whether you’re hunting small game or trying to pick up a fresh scent in a wide area. And it doesn’t get tired. That’s what makes it one of the best dog breeds for raccoon hunting.
Here’s the part that really makes them stand out. They love to work. These dogs were made to stay active all day. They have the stamina and the drive to follow a trail until the job’s done.
They also want to make you proud all the time. That makes them super easy to train, especially if you start when they are a pup.
7. German Shepherd
Let’s wrap it up with a dog that almost everyone knows about. Yep, we are talking about the German Shepherd. This isn’t just your everyday house dog.
It is a smart and confident working dog that’s even trusted by the military and police around the world for its hunting instincts. And it is quite easy to see why.
German Shepherds don’t just track. They listen, they learn, and they respond fast. That’s why they stand out. The Bloodhound may have the better nose, but German Shepherds bring something else to the table– obedience and control. You give them a command, and they will follow it without any hesitation.
This dog doesn’t just stop at tracking raccoons or small game. It is trained to detect drugs and bombs, and even search for missing people. That is some serious stuff! And if you are looking for a classic breed that can handle multiple tasks, this is definitely your go-to dog.
Conclusion
Your gear matters when it comes to hunting raccoons, but the right dog matters even more. A good gun helps. So does the right light. But a smart, determined dog? Pfft, that’s what gets the job done!
Apart from the breeds mentioned above, there are some other raccoon-hunting dogs as well. These include the Plott Hound, American Foxhound, Belgian Malinois, and English Coonhound.
Your hunting style should guide your pick. Do you cover long ground and need endurance? Go with a dog that doesn’t slow down. Want something that’s easy to train and loves people? Pick a breed that fits both your trail and your family. Hunting is not just about the kill. It’s about teamwork, and your dog will be your teammate.
Don’t skip training. You can have the smartest dog breed in the world, but without proper dog training methods, even the best hunting instincts won’t mean much. So start young. Stay consistent. Be patient. The results will definitely show in the woods!
