You must be wondering why someone would want to camp outside in the wilderness or go for a night hunt. But honestly, for an enthusiastic wanderer, it isn’t even mildly bizarre, but the most thrilling experience to catch some good, large game. Because even the apex predators like jaguars, coyotes, and wolves hunt for their kills at night.
Did you know? The big game movement increases in the final hours of daylight, allowing hunters to have more opportunities to catch them. The game is also more docile after sunset, which makes it easier to approach and hunt these animals. Hence, a perfect opportunity to grab if you are a keen hunting champ.
But, except for all of that, the thrill of hunting in the dark can be the most exhilarating because it challenges a person’s senses, and the satisfaction of scoring a kill, eating fresh meat like venison, can fuel any human’s desire. Not to mention the adrenaline rush that you get is quite incomparable.
Just imagine a clear night sky with a million stars above your head, your hunting dogs and guard dogs beside you, and an exciting night of adventure to look forward to. Just set up your camp and sharpen up your tools, rifles, and shotguns, and let’s begin this night on an exhilarating ride of a lifetime.
Dog Breeds That Guard Camps During Night Hunts
1. Great Pyrenees
If you just forgot that even though a night hunt would be less competitive because fewer crazy human hunters opt for such a daring conquest in the dark forest, there still would be a lot of predators searching for prey. Hence, if you are building a campsite even remotely near your hunting spot and have your family beside you, or have a stash of food in your campsite.
Then it’s highly likely that an opportunist coyote, wolf, bear, or cougar might venture near your campsite, and if they find the spot without any humans or guard dogs. They are likely going to steal some of your reserve food stash in your absence. But then don’t mind because you literally gave these wild animals an invite.
The Royal Dog of France – A Guardian of the Flock in the Mighty Pyrenean Mountains
However, if you leave a Great Pyrenees in control of your rented territory, aka campsite, and leave this nocturnal white pup to watch over your kids as a protection dog.
PDSA says no matter how many species of animals roam by, they won’t challenge this great mountain dog, because even the cougars with well-defined biceps don’t take a risk of a one-on-one fight where they can get injured or hurt even slightly.
The Great Pyrenees used to protect sheep against wolves and the Pyrenean brown bear. People owned this majestic pup for its fearless attitude and affectionate nature.
2. Anatolian Shepherd
This dog knows how to stand its ground even in front of the deadliest of carnivores. Few things can intimidate or instill fear in the heart of this powerful guy, who has been guarding livestock for centuries in rugged terrains and rocky steppes.
Purina says hailing from Anatolia in Turkey, the Anatolian Shepherd has been used by farmers and ranchers living close to the wilderness as a protection dog for their kids and cattle. These formidable protection dogs are acutely wary of strangers and can equally protect your house or your campsite with precision.
A Formidable Protection Dog – The Fear of Cougars and the Grizzlies
These dogs are such great deterrents and guard dogs that they help bridge the idea that we can live alongside wildlife and can actively train predators to stay out of trouble. The AKC says Anatolian Shepherds have proven their mettle time and time again by protecting against grizzlies and even mountain lions
Highly loved by wildlife conservationists and ecologists, this Turkish puppy doesn’t just protect your turf; it helps in preserving the balance of nature by protecting these unique species from being killed or captured.
3. Kuvasz
Make no mistake, this ancient Hungarian dog has chased down more predators and attacked more fierce species than you can even count. If you spend a lot of time in the wilderness and are a true-blue modern nomad, aka a travel vlogger or wanderer who is living life on the go, then these bright pooches will come in handy for your adventure conquests.
WebMD says this white snow white dog named Kuvasz is a loving dog and gentle pup who is extremely affectionate towards its family.
But when it comes to protection, this dog breed is a capable guard dog that can handle threats of the night with extreme precision. Did you the word Kuvasz literally translates to Kavas in Turkish, which means armed guard or protector.
The Intense Gallant Protector of the Flock – The Snow White Guardian of Nature
Hill’s Pet US says these dogs with fluffy white wavy coats were originally used by the nomads as guard dogs for protecting livestock like horses, sheep, and goats from predators and thieves.
These pups have worked with the herdsmen and huntsmen for thousands of years, and are the most accurate choice for a night’s hunt and camp protection dog.
4. Tibetan Mastiff
If someone were to be a guard dog, then it would certainly be likely to excel at guarding. Trusting a Tibetan Mastiff to protect your campsite in the wild is just like that. Of course, it’s a daunting fella, but not just a daunting fella. The Tibetan mastiff has been a guardian supreme pro max for centuries, and not in the easiest climate or conditions.
These preferred sentinels of the Tibetan folks are not only good dogs for taking with you on a hunting expedition, but they are great dogs for the wilderness. Because guess what, they have been deflecting and chasing down snow leopards and wolves in the Himalayas for like millennia.
A Sturdy & Fierce Guardian Dog Supreme – The Fearless Lion of the Himalayas
They have a natural aversion towards strangers and can be trained for almost any task or duty, and night duty in the wild might just be as much of a dream for your Tibetan Mastiff as it is for you.
These pups like to roam and need a big space or a house to live in. An adventure in the wilderness can give them exactly what their innate need calls them to do, wandering, which can be fulfilled by this excursion.
Moreover, if you have a pet cat or small animals like birds at your home. Make sure to socialize your Tibetan Mastiff so it can tolerate the presence of other pets in your house.
5. Caucasian Shepherd
So you are all ready with your gun dogs and pointing breeds for exploring the dense forest in Wyoming. But suddenly remember the state you are hunting in has a high number of grey wolves and grizzly bears. But then, take a sigh of relief after seeing that one of your hunting partners brought a Caucasian Shepherd along with them.
The Eurasian Brown Bear Hunter – A Mighty Protector of the Caucasus Mountains
PetMD says that the brave Caucasian is not only a massive dog breed, but it is often referred to as a nightmare for hooligans, poachers, and trespassers. But this giant dog is also extremely territorial and can even take down a wolf with its agility and sheer size.
The Caucasian Shepherd is a great, loyal defender to have with you in the wilderness because its intimidating presence and unique bark, along with a highly vigilant attitude, can make it the best option for guarding purposes in the wild.
They are known for forming a strong bond with their family and are gentle and affectionate towards children. Moreover, with early socialization, they can be accepting of other animals, like cats and dogs, too.
6. Kangal Dog
A family camping trip should be filled with fun, where children and pets enjoy their time, see the birds, count the stars under the sky, and think about creative possibilities. Not some weird, dreadful excursion where your little children are afraid of the monsters lurking in the dark.
The Strongest of All Canines – The Pride of Sivas & the National Dog of Turkiye
But if you have a fierce Kangal dog by your side, along with a pack of hunting hounds taking on the night duty to protect your shelter, then you have nothing to worry about. Because you have the strongest dog that is ever-alert and fearless and will not let any predator wander near the vicinity of the campsite, its strong bite can deter even the most vicious of predators.
Shockingly enough, Omlet says there is not an ounce of aggressiveness or viciousness in the Kangal dog, but it is highly potent in blocking all threats that come your family’s way. It’s like the pup is on an agenda and won’t let anything spoil your family’s outdoor retreat.
7. Komondor
Some dogs run at the strike of lightning or a strong gust of wind, get startled even by a rustle of a leaf or by a large shadow or silhouette in the dark, but then there are dogs like the nimbble-footed and kicking Komondor. These Komodors are the hidden and mysterious sentinels that protect their owners in every condition, whether it’s day or night.
The Pride of Hungary – A Deathly & Powerful Ninja of Dogdom
Continental Kennel Club mentions this dreadlock sporting Hungarian breed is the one to watch, because it won’t let anything come in between your camping adventure. Hence, pack some more marshmallows to roast on the crackling campfire and take those cozy blankets to relax and chill under the moonlit night sky because you have a right guard dog by your side.
Although this rare pup is last on the guard dog breed list, we would suggest you consider this fierce livestock guard dog who can fare through the cold at night and stand as a shield right in front of you in case any danger tries to come near you.
Conclusion
Now that we have learned all about the great experiences you can have with these dogs beside you, we would like to emphasize that you should seek help from a professional trainer for training your lot of hunting hounds.
These moderate-to-high energy dogs have a tendency to be aggressive, territorial, stubborn, overprotective, and challenging. Hence, if you have owned your share of hounds or are new to the hunting scene, getting your pups house-trained and well-adjusted is crucial for any pet you’ll ever have.
Moreover, also try to teach your children to treat these majestic dogs respectfully, because if they get irritated or too aggressive, it can be fatal. Owners looking for these usually serene and calm guardians should also understand their urge to wander and make sure these dogs are getting enough exercise each day to keep them stimulated and happy.
