Quail hunting demands more than just sharp shooting skills—it requires a hunting partner with an instinct for finding birds hidden deep in fields and thick bush. Hunting dogs, with their highly trainable nature and relentless drive, excel at locating game birds even when they’re well camouflaged in dense cover.
Research highlights that hunters using bird dogs experience significantly higher success rates, thanks to these dogs’ keen sense of smell and ability to cover ground efficiently across open country and thick cover alike. Their unique hunting style combines patience with precision, enabling them to point out downed birds and elusive upland birds like quail and ruffed grouse.
This dynamic partnership not only improves the hunt but also preserves the time-honored tradition of upland bird hunting.
Dog Breeds That Locate Hidden Quails In Fields
Here are the 9 dogs:
1. Brittany Spaniel
A Natural at Locating Hidden Quail
Originally bred in the Brittany region of France, the Brittany Spaniel is well known for its instinct to find and flush out elusive birds in thick bush and dense cover. Small and fast, they are perfectly suited for hunters working smaller patches of land where sharp focus and agility are essential.
Their compact size allows them to cover ground quickly without tiring, making them reliable partners for locating hidden quail and other upland birds during long hunts.
Versatility and Endurance That Impress
What sets Brittanys apart is their versatility. Not only can they point with precision, but they also flush and retrieve game on both land and water. Their coat is just the right length to protect them from thorny hedgerows without becoming a hindrance, allowing them to move effortlessly through thick cover.
According to the AKC, with high energy levels and a relentless drive, Brittany Spaniels have the stamina to work all day in challenging conditions while maintaining focus and control.
A Champion Both in the Field and at Home
Brittany Spaniels aren’t just excellent hunting dogs—they’re highly trainable athletes that excel in dog sports like agility and flyball. Their long history of earning Dual Champion titles proves their skill both in field trials and show rings.
Off the field, their friendly nature and manageable size make them a great family dog, especially for hunters living in urban or suburban environments.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
A Top Choice for Quail Hunters
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) is widely recognized as one of the most versatile hunting dogs, especially when it comes to locating hidden quail in the field. Their combination of natural prey drive, sharp focus, and ability to work at short to medium range makes them ideal for hunters covering varied terrain—from open fields to thick brush.
This breed’s strong hunting style and keen sense of smell allow it to find elusive birds with impressive efficiency, boosting success rates for upland bird hunters.
Muscular Build Meets Endurance
GSPs are large, muscular dogs that combine power with agility. Their short coat makes them well-equipped to handle different weather conditions and terrain without much maintenance. These dogs thrive on active walks and need more than two hours of exercise daily to channel their relentless drive.
Loyal Companions Beyond the Field
According to Purina, the GSP’s hunting abilities are impressive; its affectionate and friendly disposition also makes it an excellent family dog. They generally get along well with other pets when properly trained and enjoy socializing with people. However, they require an experienced owner who can match their energy and provide consistent training.
3. English Setter
Graceful Hunters
English Setters have a rich history as skilled bird dogs, known for their unique hunting style of crouching low or “setting” when they locate game. Originally bred in England for upland bird hunting, these dogs excel at finding birds hidden deep in dense bush and thick cover.
Majestic Appearance Meets Hunting Efficiency
One of the most striking traits of the English Setter is its long, silky, feathered coat, often speckled with colors like blue, lemon, or orange on a white background.
While this coat adds to their majestic appearance, it requires regular grooming to prevent tangles and knots. Their graceful build and athleticism allow them to move efficiently through thick cover, making them well-suited for various terrains.
Gentle Companions with an Active Lifestyle
According to PetMD, despite their prowess in the field, English Setters are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, forming strong bonds with their families. They enjoy regular exercise and outdoor activities, which are essential to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
4. Vizsla
The Athletic Bird Dog
The Vizsla is a true athlete among pointing dogs, known for its unmatched energy and natural ability to find birds in varied terrain. Descended from Hungarian pointers, this breed’s name means “searcher” or “tracker,” reflecting its sharp instincts and relentless drive in the field.
Vizslas are bred to work closely with hunters, making them well-suited for experienced owners who can match their pace and keep up with their enthusiasm during long hunts.
Speed, Loyalty, and Precision
One of the Vizsla’s standout traits is its incredible speed—capable of reaching up to 40 mph—which allows it to cover ground quickly while pinpointing game. Their sleek rust-colored coat and lean, muscular build support endurance and agility, helping them navigate open fields and thick cover alike.
More Than Just a Hunter
While hunting is in their blood, Vizslas thrive in active households where they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, excelling in canine sports like agility and obedience.
5. English Springer Spaniel
Master at Flushing and Covering Ground
The English Springer Spaniel was developed to excel in flushing game birds from dense cover and then retrieving them, making them indispensable partners for upland bird hunters. Their hunting style involves moving steadily to ground effectively through thick bush and open fields, ensuring no bird goes unnoticed.
Energetic, Intelligent, and People-Oriented
Known as “The Super Spaniel,” this breed is quick to learn new tasks and thrives on mental stimulation. Their high energy levels demand regular exercise and play, which helps channel their relentless drive both in the field and at home. English Springer Spaniels are exceptionally people-oriented, craving human companionship and happily participating in family activities.
Versatility Beyond Hunting
Beyond hunting, English Springer Spaniels have served in roles like search and rescue and military work due to their keen sense of smell and trainability. Their double coat requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best and comfortable in various climates.
Historically notable for bravery and devotion, these dogs have left their paw prints not only in the field but also in the hearts of many as beloved family pets and heroes.
6. Irish Setter
Graceful Hunters with a Rollicking Personality
Known for their striking red coats and elegant build, Irish Setters have been trusted hunting partners for centuries. Their instinct to find and point out game makes them well-suited for upland bird hunting, especially in open fields and thick brush where elusive birds hide.
This breed’s history is deeply tied to the hunt, with their signature crouching or “setting” behavior signaling the presence of game to hunters in the field.
Playful, Independent, and Slow to Mature
Irish Setters are long and lanky with a lively, rollicking personality that keeps them feeling puppy-like well into adulthood.
This playful energy requires consistent exercise and mental stimulation to keep them balanced. While intelligent, they can also be independent thinkers who need patient, positive training approaches to thrive.
Family-Friendly Companions with Hunting Roots
Beyond the field, Irish Setters are affectionate and sociable dogs that form strong bonds with their families, including children. Their friendly nature and high energy make them excellent companions for active households ready to invest time in training and exercise.
Historically prized by hunters—and favored by presidents—they remain a popular choice for those seeking a blend of hunting prowess and lively family dog.
7. Labrador Retriever
America’s Sweetheart and Skilled Waterfowl Hunter
Originally bred to retrieve game from icy waters, the Labrador Retriever is a versatile hunting dog with a natural talent for locating and bringing back downed birds. Their webbed feet and thick, waterproof coat make them exceptional swimmers, perfectly suited for duck hunting and waterfowl retrieval.
This breed’s ability to cover ground quickly on land and navigate water effortlessly makes them invaluable partners for hunters targeting elusive waterfowl and upland birds alike.
Athletic, Intelligent, and Eager to Please
Labradors are highly trainable, driven by their eagerness to please and their sharp sense of smell. Their intelligence allows them to excel not just in hunting but also in roles like search and rescue, therapy, and service work. However, their energetic nature means they require plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Gentle Family Companions with Strong Bonds
Beyond their hunting prowess, Labradors are beloved family dogs known for their gentle temperament and strong bonds with children. Their playful nature and patience make them ideal companions in active households.
8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The Decoy Dog That Finds Birds
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, affectionately known as the Toller, uses a unique hunting style that sets it apart from other bird dogs. Originating in Canada, this breed’s signature “tolling” involves frolicking near shorelines to lure ducks and other waterfowl closer to the hunter’s range.
Compact and Built for the Water
Though the smallest of the retriever breeds, Tollers are athletic dogs with water-repellent double coats and webbed feet designed for efficient swimming and retrieving in cold water. Their reddish coat varies from light orange to deep red, and some even sport a distinctive pink nose, adding to their charm.
Intelligent but Strong-Willed Family Dogs
Tollers are known for their eagerness to please, which makes them highly trainable with reward-based methods. However, their intelligence can sometimes lead to stubbornness, requiring patient and consistent training.
9. Golden Retriever
From Scottish Hunting Fields to Family Hearts
Golden Retrievers trace their roots back to Scotland, where they were originally bred to find and retrieve game birds. Their water-repellent double coats and natural swimming ability make them especially well-suited for duck hunting and retrieving downed birds from water.
While they shine in the field, today many are beloved family dogs, balancing hunting heritage with a friendly, social temperament.
Intelligent, Adaptable, and Eager to Please
Ranked among the most intelligent dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are highly trainable and quick learners. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in a range of environments—from active outdoor lifestyles to more relaxed homes.
Gentle Companions with Strong Family Bonds
Golden Retrievers are known for their affectionate, outgoing nature and form strong bonds with children and other pets. While their luscious coats require regular grooming, their patient, therapy-dog-like temperament makes the effort worthwhile.
Conclusion
When it comes to locating hidden quail in fields, the right dog breed can make all the difference. Each of these hunting dogs brings unique traits—from the athleticism and relentless drive of the Vizsla to the versatility and endurance of the German Shorthaired Pointer, and the graceful persistence of the English Setter.
Their instincts, combined with careful training and strong bonds with their handlers, turn challenging hunts into rewarding successes. Choosing a breed that matches your terrain, hunting style, and lifestyle ensures you’ll have a dependable partner capable of uncovering even the most elusive upland birds.
