Some dogs were just… born for the chase!
And when we talk about small game, there are some dog breeds naturally skilled at hunting rabbits.
These pups have the nose, the speed, the instincts, and pure determination to trail rabbits through thick brush, dense cover, and even the toughest conditions.
Seeing these rabbit dogs at work… You see an athlete do what they were LITERALLY born to do.
No matter if you are an experienced hunter gearing up for hunting season or just curious about which breeds excel at small game hunting, this list is going to give you exactly that!!
Fun Fact!
Did you know?
Beagles were so good at rabbit hunting in medieval England that they were called “Pocket Beagles” because hunters would literally carry them in their pockets or saddlebags.
Yep! These little hounds were small enough to fit but fierce enough to hunt.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), some were only about 8 to 9 inches tall. Mighty things in small packages.
Dog Breeds Naturally Skilled at Hunting Rabbits
1. Redbone Coonhound
The Redbone Coonhound is the dog that will look at a scent trail and say, “Challenge Accepted”.
Originally bred in the Southern U.S. to tree raccoons and chase big game like deer, these hounds have incredible endurance and a strong nose that can pick up even the faintest scents. The American Kennel Club says they have “terrific noses” and a never-say-die intensity to tree their prey.
Oh, and their prey drive.
And yes, they are fantastic at rabbit hunting as well.
These stunning red dogs are powerful, fast, and have a hunting style that is all about persistence. Once they lock onto their prey, they will NEVER quit and chase rabbits through woods, rough terrain, bush piles… basically anywhere the rabbit thinks it can hide.
Their deep and “baying” bark lets hunters know exactly where they are, which is quite useful when you are tracking game through thick cover.
Plus, these dogs have high energy, so they can hunt all day without slowing down.
They are also very gentle at home (unbelievably so!), so they will be excellent companions when they are not out in the field.
Just know that this breed needs space to run and work. Apartment living is not their vibe.
2. Beagle
Beagles might be the most famous rabbit-hunting breed out there.
They were originally bred in England to hunt small game, and their instincts for chasing rabbits are basically hardwired into their DNA.
These energetic hounds with a compact size are perfect for getting into small spaces and flushing rabbits out of dense cover. And that nose… Oh, man, it is one of the best in the dog world.
They have 220 million scent receptors, 45 times more than a human’s.
Beagles have natural hunting instincts that kick in the second they catch a scent. They are relentless on the trail, vocal (so you always know where they are), and work so well in packs.
What makes them one of the best dog breeds for rabbit hunting is their stamina. They can chase rabbits for hours without getting tired. And they love every second of it.
Plus, Beagles are friendly, social, and great as a family pet when they are not out being a hunting dog. They get along with other dogs, love people, and are just all-round good puppies. But fair warning: their prey drive is strong.
A loose Beagle near a rabbit. Yeah! They are gone!
3. Weimaraner
The Weimaraner, the ‘Gray Ghost’, is a versatile hunting dog breed. It can do ‘it’ all: upland birds, big game, and yes, rabbits!!
Originally bred in Germany for hunting bear, mountain lions, and other larger prey, these dogs have since proven themselves as incredible all-round hunters, as noted by PetMD.
And ta-da!! They can be a classic rabbit dog when push comes to shove.
Weimaraners are fast, agile, and have a hunting style that’s more about speed and strategy than just brute force. They can cover varied terrain quickly, and their sharp instincts help them locate and chase rabbits with precision.
They are also smart dogs, like really smart. It means they learn fast, adapt to different hunting conditions, and work well with hunters who want a dog that can think on its feet.
At home, Weimaraners are loyal, affectionate, and bond deeply with their families. But they need serious exercise and mental stimulation.
A bored Weimaraner is a destructive Weimaraner. So, if you are not active, this might not be the best dog for you.
4. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is one of the best rabbit dog breeds if you want a puppy that is equally skilled at flushing rabbits and flushing birds. These dogs were originally developed in England as bird dogs, but their instincts make them excellent at hunting small game, too
They are called “Springer” for a reason. They LITERALLY spring into action when they find the prey.
This Spaniel dog breed has a hunting style that is all about action and enthusiasm. They love to work, they love to please, and they absolutely love the thrill of the hunt.
It can be flushing the rabbits from brush piles or retrieving upland game, and they will do it all with a wagging tail.
They are also one of the most adaptable hunting breeds. They can handle thick brush piles, tight spaces, and even varied terrain without breaking a sweat. And that prey drive… it is strong but controlled, which makes it easier to train them than some other breeds.
As a family pet, they are affectionate, friendly, and great with kids. Just make sure they get plenty of exercise because a cooped-up Springer is a restless Springer.
5. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a classic hunting dog, originally born to chase and hunt foxes (obviously!) and deer across long distances.
But… don’t sleep on their skills when it comes to rabbit hunting.
These hounds are fast, have incredible stamina, and can follow scent trails for miles. They are also one of the most versatile hunting dogs out there.
American Foxhounds are all about endurance. They can hunt in the woods, open fields, and rough terrain. And, they will NEVER quit until the job’s done. Their strong hunting drive is apparent in the way their strong noses pick up the scent trails, as noted by Wikipedia. Once they are locked in, they are focused.
What makes them one of the best dog breeds for hunting is their speed.
Rabbits are quick. But, Foxhounds are quicker.
They can keep up with the chase and won’t lose the trail even when the trail gets tricky.
At home, they are friendly and easygoing, but they need a lot of exercise. Like, a lot. They need ample physical and mental activity. If you are not an active person or don’t have space for them to run, they are probably not the right fit.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the most popular versatile hunting dog breeds in the U.S. These dogs can hunt pretty much anything; upland game, waterfowl, and yes, RABBITS!
They were originally bred in Germany to be all-purpose hunting dogs, and they have nailed it.
This Pointer dog breed is fast, powerful, and has a hunting style that has speed + precision.
They are excellent at tracking scent trails, flushing rabbits from thick cover, and working in varied terrain. They have been amazing working dogs over the years. What sets them apart is their intelligence. They are quick learners, highly trainable, and can adapt to different hunting styles.
No matter if you need a dog to chase rabbits, trail rabbits, retrieve birds, or track big game, the GSP can handle it.
At home, they are energetic and loyal dogs who need tons of exercise. Seriously, if you are not ready to run, hike, or play fetch for hours, don’t get a GSP. But if you are ready, they are one of the best rabbit dogs, best companions you could ask for.
7. Irish Setter
The Irish Setter looks like a glamorous show dog at first glance. That gorgeous red coat.
But their looks do not match their incredible ability to hunt. These larger dogs with floppy ears were bred in Ireland as a bird dog for hunting upland birds and game, and they have serious hunting instincts.
And when it comes to rabbit hunting, they are way better than people think.
Irish Setters are fast, agile, and have an instinct for flushing rabbits and birds from thick brush and dense cover. They work with enthusiasm and love being in the field. Plus, they have the stamina to hunt all day long.
Their hunting style is a mix of power and elegance. They move gracefully but with purpose. Once they catch a scent, they are fully focused. You cannot divert their attention; that is one of their key traits. Their strong hunting drive is excellent at trailing rabbits through tough conditions.
At home, these are real affectionate dogs. Great with families.
But like most hunting breeds, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A bored Irish Setter will find ways to entertain itself, and you might not love their ideas.
Conclusion
Some dogs see a rabbit and catch the scent, and their whole body lights up with purpose. That’s what makes these dog breeds naturally skilled at hunting rabbits. It is not training but rather instinct.
Other hounds like the Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are also highly prized as scent trackers and hunters. Many breeds, like Labrador Retriever, Jack Russell Terrier, and German Wirehaired Pointer (with a wiry coat), also make great cuts when it comes to hunting small or furred game. Rabbits or squirrels, they get it all.
No matter if you are looking for a working dog for hunting season or just a high-energy dog with a natural vibe, these pups are the best.
And watching them do what they were born to do is pretty incredible.
