Ever watched a dog in the woods suddenly pause, sniff the air with intense focus, and then take off like it just got a reminder for an important mission? Some dogs are simply born for those moments.
Welcome to the world of hunting dogs — especially the ones that can trail deer through bushes, streams, and rugged hills like a pro!
These dogs don’t just like the outdoors — they crave it. They were bred to track, chase, and follow deer with laser focus, boundless energy, and the kind of nose power that would put FBI agents to shame.
But it’s not all primal instincts and deer chases — there’s real science, deep history, and plenty of fun facts behind these breeds. So, whether you’re a hunter, a hiker, or just a fan of four-legged legends, here are 10 dog breeds that follow deer during long hunts — and love every minute of it.
Dog Breeds That Follow Deer During Long Hunts
1. Plott Hound
The North Carolina legend. Deer better run.
The Plott Hound is North Carolina’s official state dog, and it deserves the title like Beyoncé deserves a mic. Originally bred by German immigrants (the Plott family, hence the name) for hunting wild boar, these dogs quickly proved they could handle big game tracking, including deer.
Today, hunting deer is what brings them most joy!
WebMD says their stamina is off the charts. They are fabulous as tracking dogs.
With a strong prey drive and powerful olfactory senses, they’re excellent at following cold trails — according to a 2021 canine olfaction study from the University of Adelaide, dogs like Plotts can distinguish individual scent molecules even in complex terrains.
Oh, just to let you know, the Plott Hounds are one of the few American hound breeds that didn’t descend from English Foxhounds. They’re originals, just like that weirdly catchy playlist you made at 2 a.m.
2. Beagle
Smol but savage on the trail.
Don’t be fooled by the floppy ears and innocent “who, me?” eyes — the Beagle is a deer-tracking dynamo wrapped in a 15-inch body. These little legends were bred for rabbit and hare hunting in England but quickly adapted to bigger targets — like deer.
They have insane scent detection, only second to the Bloodhound. Plus, they work well in packs, which means they’ll chase a deer like a squad of nose-powered detectives.
Combined with its phenomenal nose are the inbuilt hunting instincts, making this one better at going after deer when compared to other dogs.
According to Dr. Alexandra Horowitz’s work on canine cognition, Beagles possess a highly attuned olfactory bulb and can track scents days after the trail’s gone cold.
Fun Fact: Snoopy was a Beagle. So yes, your favorite cartoon philosopher was also a low-key deer chaser.
3. English Setter
Elegant. Fast. Built to run and gun (the bird kind).
You might look at an English Setter and think, “Wow, that dog probably owns silk pajamas and drinks from crystal bowls.” And you’d be half right — but put it in a field, and it transforms into a swift, driven hunting machine.
Though originally bred for birds, as per PetMD, English Setters are known for their trail-following ability, particularly on foot hunts that require a quiet, steady stalk. They’re great for tracking deer in dense cover, thanks to their calm disposition and laser focus.
Studies on working gundog behavior (British Veterinary Journal, 2017) rank English Setters as both eager to please and surprisingly adaptable during long hunts.
Did you know that President Herbert Hoover owned English Setters? So yeah, they’ve been presidential since day one.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
Pointer by name, deer chaser by nature.
German Shorthaired Pointers (GSPs) are the crossfitters of the dog world — all lean muscle, endless energy, and ready to dominate whatever task you give them. Originally bred in 19th-century Germany for versatile hunting, they’re excellent at tracking wounded game, including deer.
They use their nose and brain in sync, picking up blood trails (known as “cold tracking”) even after hours of lost scent.
German Shorthaired Pointers have an exceptional sense of smell, which allows them to track not just live prey, but also wounded animals by following blood trails, disturbed vegetation, or scent left behind.
A 2015 comparative study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found GSPs ranked among the top in problem-solving during hunting scenarios.
They can go 20–30 miles in a hunt without losing steam. Your fitness app? Shaking.
5. Brittany Spaniel
Cute. Compact. Deer-sniffing machine.
The Brittany (not a spaniel, technically — weird, I know) is a high-drive hunting breed originally from France. While it’s famous for bird hunting, Brittany spaniels are increasingly used for tracking and retrieving deer, especially in rugged environments.
Their small size gives them an edge in thick brush and forested areas. And they’ve got unmatched stamina, so they can track a deer long after your legs say, “nah.”
According to a 2022 UGA veterinary study, Brittanys show exceptionally high activity in the olfactory cortex during scent-related tasks.
Fun Fact: They are SO friendly and affectionate, they’ll chase deer for hours and still come back like, “Did you miss me? I missed you.”
6. Bluetick Coonhound
That voice? Legendary. That nose? Even better.
The Bluetick Coonhound was bred in the American South to trail raccoons and other game — but guess what? They’re deer trackers, too. And they’re LOUD about it.
These dogs use their voice (a deep, echoing bay) to communicate with hunters during a chase. Their long ears and droopy jowls actually help funnel scent toward their noses — it’s not just a look; it’s a vibe with a function.
Smithsonian research on scent hounds says Blueticks are among the best at “cold trailing” — following older scent trails for hours without distraction.
Fun Fact: George Washington had a soft spot for coonhounds and helped refine early American hound lines. If the Founding Fathers had Instagram, you’d see these dogs all over the feed.
7. American Foxhound
All-American athlete with deer in its sights.
Imagine a Greyhound, a Bloodhound, and an Olympic sprinter had a baby — that’s the American Foxhound. Bred from English Foxhounds but given that good ol’ frontier grit, these dogs are known for deer trailing in the U.S. Southeast and Midwest.
They were literally developed to run for hours through forests and open fields. Their lean body and strong legs make them endurance kings. According to the AKC and various field trials, Foxhounds have a top-tier chase drive, and hunters often use them in packs to pursue deer across large tracts of land.
Fun Fact: George Washington helped breed the American Foxhound. His journal refers to them as “perfect in every way.”
8. Labrador Retriever
Your golden boy who’s down to track, swim, and vibe.
Labs are best known for retrieving waterfowl, but did you know they’re also used as blood trailing dogs for deer recovery? Especially in colder climates, Labs are used to track wounded deer due to their intense work ethic, trainability, and gentle mouth.
They’re super focused but not overly aggressive, making them ideal for post-shot tracking rather than chase hunts.
A study in the Journal of Wildlife Management (2018) highlighted Labrador Retrievers as one of the most reliable breeds for scent-based game recovery due to their calm, consistent trail work.
A well-trained Lab will find your deer and your lost AirPods. Okay, maybe not the AirPods, but you get the point.
9. Golden Retriever
Charming, lovable — and surprisingly stealthy in the woods.
Golden Retrievers? Oh, you thought they were all cuddles and TikTok tricks? Think again. Goldens have a hunting heritage, too — originally bred in Scotland for retrieving game in tough terrain.
Today, many Goldens are trained in blood trailing and deer recovery, especially in the Northeast and Midwest U.S. Their soft mouths, intelligence, and people-pleasing nature make them naturals at hunting partnerships.
According to the 2021 Canine Performance Study, Goldens showed “exceptional aptitude for structured recovery work and long-term scent tracking.
They can switch from deer-tracker to emotional support dog in like, 2 seconds. Emotional dual-wielding? Iconic.
10. Mountain Cur
Rough. Tough. Down-for-whatever.
The Mountain Cur is the underrated hero of deer hunting dogs. Originally bred by early American settlers in the Appalachian Mountains, these dogs are versatile working beasts — used for everything from treeing squirrels to trailing deer.
AKC says they have insane prey drive, endurance, and that gritty, old-school loyalty that makes them perfect hunting companions for hours (or days) at a time.
Studies on early American hunting breeds suggest Curs were selectively bred not for looks but for sheer utility — meaning their instincts and trail-following skills are 100% no-nonsense.
Fun Fact: Their name comes from the Scots-Irish term “cur,” meaning working dog. Basically, they’ve got pioneer DNA.
Conclusion
Hunting dogs are more than trail buddies — they’re living, breathing proof that nature and nurture can come together to create something epic. These 10 breeds have been tracking deer for generations — guided by instinct, trained by humans, and motivated by… well, probably the idea of a really good nap afterward.
So, whether you’re looking to up your hunting game or just want to nerd out over some seriously cool dog history, remember: some dogs chase tennis balls… others chase LEGACY.
Long trails. Loyal dogs. Legendary energy.
