Did you know that duck hunting in early America looked very different from the sport we know today? Back in the days of the Pilgrims, when nearly half a billion ducks filled the skies and waterways, hunting was less about recreation and more about survival. Ducks were a vital food source, and hunters used any method they could to secure them.
Indigenous peoples quickly realized that bows and arrows weren’t reliable for bringing down ducks in flight. Instead, they developed clever tactics to lure waterfowl closer. Inspired by the way foxes teased ducks to the shoreline, Native hunters used fox skins and simple decoys to draw the curious birds within reach.
European explorers, fascinated by these methods, carried the idea home. Over time, they began breeding dogs with foxlike traits; red coats, white markings, and plumed tails that could mimic the fox’s playful movements along the shoreline. These dogs, later known as tolling dogs, became skilled at enticing ducks closer to hunters’ nets.
This fascinating history laid the foundation for several breeds we know today as expert duck-hunting companions. Let’s take a look at some of the remarkable dogs that carry on this tradition.
Dog Breeds That Push Ducks Toward Hunters’ Nets
1. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
This extremely beautiful, enticing pooch is one of the two dogs that are used for tolling ducks towards the shore and in hunters’ nets. Did you know this little guy is fashioned after the Mic Mac Indian dog and has been used for over a century by hunters as tolling dogs in the Little River District of Yarmouth County in southwestern Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada.
Often mistaken for a smaller golden retriever, this main assistant of old-style hunting is apt at baiting, hiding, and even dancing in front of the curious quack quacks in the style of a fox. Now, the exact breeding origins of this unique puppy are not known.
However, the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is possibly a mix of spaniels, setter-type dogs, retriever-type dogs, and farm collies. It seems the now extinct St. John’s Water dog and the rare Dutch tolling kooikerhondje are also part of the ancestry. Known for its big name and big personality, the smallest AKC retriever is the ideal pup to bring along on your hunting expedition.
According to PetMD, this compact sporting dog is an exceptional decoy, a wonderful retriever, and an ingenious yet fascinating breed. Standing at a height of 17-21 inches and 35-50 pounds, this adorable puppy gives other duck hunting dogs a run for their money.
Intelligent, affectionate, and eager to please, this stunning, strong, and agile athlete requires several energy outlets due to its boundless vigor and can wade through icy waters and harsh temperatures with finesse and precision.
2. Nederlandse Kooikerhondje
This delightful, carefree yet clever puppy is another great example of a decoy and tolling dog who is not only pretty but also always ready to hit the road with you in stride. You won’t be able to resist falling in love with these autumn-inspired orange, red, and white spotted puppies who make not only great hunting companions but also wonderful family pets.
AKC says this eye-catching fellow is a master of dog sports and performing arts at the same time. Take them to the show ring or to the hunting grounds, and they’ll pass both feats with equal flair. This swift, tough, attentive, and energetic machine is a perfect all-in-one package.
They enjoy working in the field and chilling at home. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje has a vibrant, cheerful character that matches its crisp and splendid silky coat.
This serious hunter needs a hefty amount of socialization, physical and mental stimulation, and exercise to curb its stranger danger attitude and prevent it from swaying towards demolition duty. The Nederlandse kooikerhondje will match you wit for wit and is a wonderful duck tolling spaniel with white markings, expressive eyes, and a cute yet hyperactive attitude.
The birds won’t know what hit them, and other bird dogs will be envious of this world-famous, enchanting, enthralling, yet luring puppy.
3. American Water Spaniel
This beautiful curly-coated spaniel is a medium-sized gun dog that is equally skilled and adept at handling things on both land and sea. This duck hunting breed, equipped with generously padded feet, a waterproof coat, and webbed toes, is for duck gunners who want to hunt the squawking birds in small boats and canoes.
This versatile retriever and gun dog is way lighter and swifter than the big bird dogs like labradors and goldens. Hence, they won’t tip your boat with their weight as you’re paddling into the sunset.
The ancestor of this unique curly-coated puppy includes the English water spaniel, Irish water spaniel, and a curly-coated retriever, and was refined in the upper Midwest of the United States.
Omlet says the main credit goes to the Wisconsin wolf and Fox River Valley for creating a physically tough duck dog who can hunt from a boat. Hence, if you love to be on the water and are interested in water sports like canoeing a lot, then this dog is perfect for you.
4. Poodle
Polish that hunting gear and pack your backpack for exploring and experiencing duck hunting in the most abundant and diverse duck hunting destinations.
Bring along this beautiful, poised duck dog, aka poodle, who not only retrieves a green head with style. But also splash some water on the faces of other dogs like setters and pointers with its hardy yet highly trainable, intelligent, and sweet disposition.
Did you know? Poodles go way back to the Middle Ages and were used as literal cage dogs to herd wild ducks into nets. But then the advent of gunpowder made them transition from a cage dog to a retriever.
Standard Poodles were originally bred as waterfowl hunters, valued for their intelligence, agility, and strong swimming ability. Their role included retrieving ducks and other birds from the water and bringing them back to their owners.
While often admired today for their elegance, the Poodle’s true origins lie in hard work alongside hunters, using their keen instincts to help drive waterfowl closer and retrieve downed game. This natural retrieving instinct remains a defining trait of the breed even today.
5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The sturdiest of all retrievers, smart, athletic, and fiercely loyal, the Chesapeake Bay retriever is not only a handsome jock with a heart of gold and a body of steel. But the Chessie is also a great sporty and outdoorsy muscular breed with unending stamina and strong hunting instincts.
This double-coated dog was developed to brave through the cold and stormy conditions of the Chesapeake Bay and is skilled at retrieving game birds in icy waters, strong tides, and rugged conditions.
Equipped with a dense woolly undercoat and a short yet harsh outercoat, the Chesapeake Bay retriever can even break ice to gain the birds; hence, this pup is a huge asset for duck hunters.
Amusingly enough, the Chessie is an ideal poster dog for the great outdoors, with his striking amber eyes, a high-pitched bark, and a large, lean, and muscular body.
6. Irish Water Spaniel
Highly trainable, strong swimmers that can withstand the rigors of hunting in the cold North Sea, the Irish water spaniel stands among the most popular hunting dogs in America. It is a long, curly-coated, rat-tailed fantasy for the hunting party.
VCA Animal Hospitals states that this pup, equipped with excellent eyesight and a good nose, was developed to be a waterfowl hunting assistant. Now you must be thinking this flattering pup has a better place in a glamorous and fashionable runway. But trust us, it’s equally adept at fetching and retrieving birds from water.
This ruggedly built, cobby dog is native to Ireland and belongs to the sporting group according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), and stands among the champion swimmers of dogdom.
These intelligent and lovable goofballs love to spend time conquering feats, going on outdoor adventures, and splashing down in a lake, pond, or ocean when not hunting ducks.
7. Labrador Retriever
This outgoing and high-spirited canine’s popularity bloomed after World War II. Famous to date, the Labrador retriever was bred to be a bird or gun dog and is literally described as having an outgoing personality. Labradors love hanging out with their humans and will be a fun addition to your hunting party.
Originally from the chilly waters of Newfoundland, this well-liked adventurous puppy has a water-repellent coat and an outstanding reputation among upland hunters.
They do need daily exercise, but are well-rounded, extroverted, smart, and gracious dogs. That have an otter tail and love to swim and be in the ocean.
Weekend adventures like hiking, swimming, and camping are the most favorite activities of Labrador. Moreover, these lovable pups bond so well with other animals and are even great for watching over your playing kids when not hunting green-headed ducks.
These descendants of the St. John’s water dogs were refined in England and are now the most popular breed in America.
Conclusion
Duck hunting is not just a simple walk-through nature; it is a thrilling journey filled with exciting twists and turns that turn even more enjoyable when these waterfowl retrievers, pointers, decoys, and gun dogs are beside you.
These exceedingly popular yet best all-around dogs are here because they jump and use every opportunity they get to explore the great outdoors. They are all adventure enthusiasts and have strong stamina and endurance for activities like duck hunting. Hence, the next time you’re itching to take on that new species of duck, take one of these dog breeds with you.
More options for good duck hunting dogs include the esteemed German shorthaired pointer, the affectionate golden retriever, Boykin spaniel, Irish setter, and German wirehaired pointer.
