If you’re a hunter craving adventure, squirrel hunting can be one of the most action-packed ways to spend a day in the woods. Not only is it a great way to sharpen your skills, but it’s also one of the most accessible types of hunting—tree squirrels are found in nearly every corner of the US and Canada, so finding your target is rarely a problem.
Did you know experienced squirrel dogs will stay at the tree and refuse to leave until their hunter arrives—or the world ends, whichever comes first? That kind of loyalty and focus is what makes them so valuable in hunting squirrels high in trees.
For many hunters, adding squirrel dogs into the mix makes the experience even more exciting. A well-trained hunting dog can detect squirrels high in trees, chase them from branch to branch, and keep them in sight until you arrive. These smart pups work alongside their human partners with impressive hunting abilities, turning a simple walk in the woods into a coordinated chase.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about dog breeds that detect squirrels high in trees.
Dog Breeds That Detect Squirrels High In Trees
1. Treeing Walker Coonhound
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a smart, brave, and determined hunting dog, often called “The People’s Choice,” as per WebMD. They are fast runners, covering large areas quickly with their strong legs and streamlined bodies.
Originally bred to chase animals that climb trees, they excel at tracking and treeing prey such as raccoons, squirrels, gray foxes, and bobcats.
This breed is energetic, alert, and vocal in the field. They use distinct barks to signal their location or announce trapped prey. At home, they are gentle, affectionate, and good with children.
Treeing Walkers love attention, form strong bonds with their families, and need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy. Without enough activity, they can become anxious or destructive.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Hound Group
Weight: 50–70 lbs
Height: 22–27 inches (male), 20–25 inches (female)
Lifespan: 12–13 years
2. Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur is a strong, alert, and determined hunting dog with deep roots in American history. Originally from the mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee, they were trusted companions of early settlers—hunting small animals like rabbits and squirrels, guarding farms, and even herding livestock. Their grit and adaptability made them invaluable in rural and mountainous regions.
Recognized as a breed in 1957, the Mountain Cur is intelligent, protective, and always ready for a challenge.
They have a strong prey drive and a natural love for the outdoors, making them ideal for active owners. While loyal and devoted to their families, they can be reserved with strangers and need plenty of daily exercise to stay happy.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Foundation Stock Service
Weight: 30–60 lbs
Height: 18–26 inches (male), 16-24 inches (female)
Lifespan: 10–13 years
3. Beagle
The Beagle is a cheerful, active, and determined hound breed, loved as both a loyal family pet and a skilled hunting dog. Known for their compact size, they’re great for apartment living while still being sturdy enough for outdoor adventures.
Originally bred for hunting rabbits and other small game, their powerful nose and strong prey drive make them exceptional trackers.
Friendly and affectionate, Beagles get along well with children, other dogs, and even strangers. However, their curiosity and hunting instincts mean they should be kept on a leash or in a secure yard—they won’t hesitate to chase a scent. They thrive on regular exercise, and without it, they may become bored or destructive.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Hound Group
Weight: Under 20 lbs (13-inch variety), 20–30 lbs (15-inch variety)
Height: 13 inches and under (small variety), 13–15 inches (larger variety)
Lifespan: 10–15 years
4. American Leopard Hound
The American Leopard Hound is a high-energy and intelligent hunting dog with a history reaching back to the time of the Spanish conquistadors.
The AKC mentions that American Leopards are one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the U.S. and have extremely strong tracking abilities, often able to follow prey for miles.
Their ability to “duck and dodge” when cornering or treeing game is one reason they’re often considered by hunters searching for the best squirrel dog.
While they may sound fierce in the field, at home they are loyal, affectionate, and eager to protect their family. They form strong bonds with their owners and respond well to training, especially when early socialization is provided.
Despite their size, American Leopard Hounds can work well with smaller dogs if introduced properly, but their strong prey drive means supervision is important.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Foundation Stock Service
Weight: 45-75 lbs (male), 35-65 lbs (female)
Height: 22–27 inches (male), 21-25 inches (female)
Lifespan: 12–15 years
5. Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is a small but determined American breed, originally developed in the early 20th century as a farm dog with a talent for hunting vermin and small game. Known for their intelligence and agility, they were especially valued in rural areas for keeping pests under control and helping with general farm duties.
While calm for a terrier, they are still full of energy and need daily exercise, play, and mental stimulation. Without it, boredom can lead to destructive habits. For hunters or active owners, they can be the best dog for keeping small game in check, and with proper training, they can give you better luck in the field.
Rat Terriers are loyal companions who bond closely with their families. They have a strong prey drive, often chasing animals across the ground in search of food or quarry.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Terrier
Weight: 10–25 lbs
Height: 10–13 inches (miniature), 13–18 inches (standard)
Lifespan: 12–18 years
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
This breed was bred to hunt and is absolutely skilled at the job. German Shorthaired Pointers were developed to pursue a variety of species, including rabbits, squirrels, birds, and even deer.
With their strong prey drive, they will chase with focus and determination, aiming to catch and, in some cases, kill their quarry. This is ideal for hunters, but not for a house with smaller pets, as their instincts can be difficult to suppress.
PetMD states that GSPs are known as “bird dogs”—hunting dogs trained to find or retrieve game birds. Unlike many other bird dogs, they point and signal by stopping completely and standing still, their nose naturally aimed in the direction of the scent.
In this stance, they wait for a signal from their hunter before moving in to flush out the animal. Many hunters have heard of this iconic pose, which showcases both their discipline and their finely tuned sense of smell.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Sporting Group
Weight: 55–70 lbs (male), 45–60 lbs (female)
Height: 23–25 inches (male), 21–23 inches (female)
Lifespan: 10–12 years
7. Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier’s history goes back to 19th-century England, where Reverend John Russell developed this small yet fearless breed to assist in fox hunts. His idea was to create an agile, intelligent companion capable of chasing prey from dens without harm.
The matter of size, stamina, and determination were key traits that also make them well-suited for squirrel hunting today. Many hunters find success working with two dogs, as they keep each other engaged and focused in the field.
Although small and undeniably cute, Jack Russells are high-energy working dogs that demand consistent positive training, exercise, and mental stimulation.
Without proper outlets, they may dig, chew, or steal food. Their strong prey drive means they may chase wildlife, so consulting a veterinarian for early training advice is a smart move.
BREED PROFILE
Breed Group: Terrier Group
Weight: 13–17 lbs
Height: 10–12 inches
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Conclusion
Squirrel hunting can be even more rewarding when you have the right canine partner by your side. The breeds we’ve covered each bring their own strengths to the hunt, whether you prefer speed, endurance, or a steady nose. The key is to choose a dog whose instincts and energy levels match the shape of your hunting style so both of you can work in sync.
Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are other squirrel dogs as well. These include the Border Collies, Black Mouth Curs, Dachshunds, Doberman Pinschers, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Airedale Terriers, and Fox Terriers.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the chase—it’s about the moments in between. Whether you’re moving through the woods or taking it slow and sitting together under a tree, those quiet times let you hang onto the bond you’ve built. In every word, look, and shared pause, the hunt becomes more than a sport—it becomes a partnership.
