Looking for a four-legged hunting companion? You have come to the right place. We have gathered 10 dog breeds that are great at both waterfowl hunting and upland hunting. These versatile dogs have natural retrieving instincts, waterproof coats, and high energy, which makes them the perfect canine companion.
As a hunter, you must have a skilled waterfowl dog breed with you who can easily retrieve downed birds, ducks, etc, have a strong work ethic, and be gentle enough to bring back game animals to you without a fuss and without damaging them.
Loyalty and obedience training are a must for a pup to be an excellent retriever.
Read on to learn more about these retrieving breeds and how they make the perfect hunting partners.
Dog Breeds Naturally Skilled At Waterfowl Hunting
1. Golden Retriever
Enthusiastic Retrievers on both land and water, Golden Retrievers are easy to train and have a natural attraction to water, which makes them excellent duck dogs.
Golden Retrievers are a sporting dog breed that was developed in Scotland as a gun dog and water retriever breed to assist in hunting and recovering game birds.
Golden Retrievers have a long history of working as hunting dogs. These pups have a unique ability to retrieve game quickly and bring them undamaged to their owners because of their soft mouth.
They have a great sense of smell, which is important for hunting and retrieving upland birds, ducks, and flush birds, etc., making them the best waterfowl hunters.
Golden Retrievers must receive appropriate coat care with twice-weekly brushing and occasional baths. Other than being great hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers are also the best family dogs. They make great watchdogs but are really bad at protection because of their friendly nature.
2. Labrador Retriever
A large sporting dog breed that is active and friendly, the Labrador Retriever is considered to be the best duck-hunting dog in the canine world. These hunting dogs are highly affectionate towards their people and even strangers.
They get along exceptionally well with children of all ages and even other dogs in the house, making them great family pets.
Labrador Retrievers are the gold standard when it comes to waterfowl hunting. These duck dogs have webbed paws and a water-resistant coat, which makes them natural swimmers. Labrador Retrievers are highly intelligent, which makes them easier to train and to work with.
These pups are excellent at scent work, tracking, and running, making them the best retriever breeds.
According to PetMD, Labrador Retrievers started working alongside fishermen and are now also loving pets. Their double coat repels water, which is why they shed a lot. They require frequent brushing in order to manage excess shedding.
It is important to provide Labs with proper training from a young age to help them grow into well-behaved adults.
3. Irish Water Spaniel
Irish Water Spaniels are known to be excellent Retriever breeds. These hunting dogs love water and can work tirelessly in the field. These energetic dogs have an innate instinct to please, which makes them a great family dog.
They are fun family pets during the week and a master hunter over the weekend.
Irish Water Spaniels have a playful demeanor and quick wit that make them a joy to train and be around. These smart, compact, tall, and athletic versatile breeds can retrieve upland game birds and ducks efficiently.
According to Britannica, these dogs have a strong coat that sheds cold water and helps to protect them in harsh climates.
Other than being a versatile hunter, these curly-coated dogs are great with children and are referred to as the clowns of the family. These dogs are alert and aloof around strangers, but can not be aggressive toward them.
4. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels are known to be excellent at waterfowl hunting. These American origin pups are ideal for hunting wild turkey and ducks in swamplands. The AKC mentioned that they are compact, agile, and an all-around gun dog that is great at retrieving, flushing, and upland game and bird hunting.
Boykin Spaniels love to participate in dog sports and outdoor adventures. These hunting dogs fit perfectly and comfortably in a canoe, and have webbed toes, which make them natural retrievers for water.
These dogs are excellent company during hunting and have proved to be skilled hunters and wonderful playmates for the family.
These hunting dogs have a lot of energy and are laser-focused on the field. These duck hunting dogs require a lot of exercise to fulfill their energy needs; otherwise, they may tend to get mischievous and act out. This Spaniel breed loves having a fun time but is intolerant of rough behavior.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Official state dogs of Maryland, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, are the best among other Retriever breeds. They are large, strong, and a charismatic breed with a big heart that has plenty of love for everyone. These pups have the classic traits needed in an efficient duck-hunting dog.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are dependent, loyal, obedient, and tough dogs that are highly resistant to icy cold water. They have a thick water-resistant coat and a curved tail that acts as a rudder in water. These pups are considered to be the best duck hunting dog among other breeds.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are high-energy working dogs who are best suited for a long day of waterfowl hunting. They are relatively low-maintenance but do require regular brushing to prevent shedding.
They must be provided sufficient exercise and mental stimulation every day to stay happy and satisfied.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Also known as “Trollers,” Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are the smallest hunting dogs on the list. These duck hunting dogs are intelligent, affectionate, and instinctively eager to please their owners.
They are bred to retrieve waterfowl game animals, have an amazing scent, and have retrieving skills, making them the best water dogs.
These duck-hunting dogs are easy to train because of their intelligence. They have an instinct for luring ducks within the range of hunters, making them the best hunting partner.
Because of their history as working dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever requires a lot of physical activity and are a great fit for active families.
Their webbed feet make them excellent swimmers and make it easy for them to retrieve waterfowl. Their silky waterproof coat covers a dense undercoat, which requires weekly brushing to keep in the best condition.
Other than retrieving ducks, these dogs have a gentle nature, are loyal, and loving towards children and other pets around them.
7. Curly Coated Retriever
One of the oldest water dogs, the Curly Coated Retriever, was developed in the 1800s in England. Their curly coat protects these hunters from cold water and weather. Like other dogs, this breed is also an all-around gun dog who is comfortable in pursuing upland birds and waterfowl.
They are slow learners but are intelligent, which allows them to master skills and remember them always. These curly-coated duck-hunting dogs respond well to positive and gentle training methods. They are loyal family dogs and are excellent bird hunters.
These bird dogs have a short coat that is easy to maintain. Brushing their coat is not recommended; otherwise, their curls may become frizzy and spoil their beautiful look.
Conclusion
Humans and dogs have a long history of working together as hunters. Dogs are always considered to be the best hunting companions because of their speed, endurance, and ability to hunt waterfowl, retrieve ducks, and also help with upland bird hunting.
These pups are ideal for upland game hunting as well. They respond to positive reinforcement training, and their intelligence allows them to grasp commands quickly. They must be given obedience training as following commands on the field is necessary. Bring home the right hunting dog for yourself today!
