Falconry was the expression of power, nobility, and status in Medieval times. Hunting dogs and trained falcons were the symbols of prestige in the courts of Kings. Dogs represented unwavering loyalty, bravery, and service.
Bird hunting dogs were bred to work. These pooches have got skills, instincts, and energy to accompany hunters in the field. They assist in pointing out prey, flushing birds, or retrieving them when they are shot.
Such breeds are athletic and possess impressive stamina. They form strong bonds with their handlers and family members. These are all smart, active, and love having a job. They are quite well-mannered, social, and friendly with people.
Here are the top dog breeds that have been used historically for falcon hunting.
Dog Breeds Used Historically for Falcon Hunting
1. Boykin Spaniel
Boykin Spaniels are medium-sized flushing and retrieving dogs having a sturdy build. These agile dogs accompanied the hunters of Carolina on their hunting trips. They assisted them in hunting waterfowl and wild turkey. Boykins could be easily carried on a boat due to their compact size.
These web-toed dogs are very strong swimmers, a trait that is valuable in retrieving small game from water. Their waterproof double coat enables them to hunt efficiently through lakes and swamps. Boykins are quite athletic and have a lively gait.
Boykin Spaniels are loving companions who learn quickly and live to please their owners. They are highly intelligent but have a soft heart. If you are looking for a robust hunting partner who makes a sweet and friendly family pet, too, you should adopt a Boykin Spaniel.
2. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers were originally bred to hunt waterfowl in the United States. They were bred to work, so their strength, endurance, and tenacity are unmatched. Back in the days, Chessies used to retrieve hundreds of small birds a day from the chilly waters of Chesapeake Bay.
These versatile pooches can hunt equally well on land and in water, thanks to their unique coat. Their coat is dense, waterproof, and oily to the touch. The fur is slightly wavy on the shoulders and hindquarters. Chessies possess boundless energy to accompany you while hunting falcons.
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation to burn off extra energy. They enjoy activities like hiking, running, hunting, and swimming. Chessie has been officially recognized as the State Dog of Maryland.
3. English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are lively and energetic dogs who love to work. They were initially bred as hunting dogs, explains the American Kennel Club. ESS assisted in falconry by “flushing” the birds. It means they would chase the birds into flight so hunters could retrieve them.
English Springer Spaniels can also help in retrieving game. They possess plenty of stamina to excel in the field. Today, they are more popular as companion dogs with a beautiful coat. ESS bonds firmly with their owners and love to tag along with them, due to which they have earned the title of “Velcro dogs.”
These high-energy doggos enjoy a variety of canine sports like dock diving and flyball. ESS are quite outdoorsy, and several hours of exercise are required to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They respond well to positive, reward-based training.
4. German Shorthaired Pointer
German Shorthaired Pointers are the popular “bird dogs” who love their job. Whether it’s bird hunting or dock diving, they would be more than happy to do it. GSPs possess all traits of a typical hunting dog, including agility, athleticism, intelligence, and obedience.
The “pointer” in their name refers to their ability to “point” at the game and alert hunters to the direction of a good shot. GSPs are all-purpose dogs that helped in falconry for pointing, flushing, and retrieving birds from both land and water.
GSPs have a proven record of hunting every upland game bird. They have tons of energy and lack an “off button.” So you need to provide your GSP plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
5. German Wirehaired Pointer
German Wirehaired Pointers are smart, energetic, and eager-to-please dogs. Their webbed feet enable them to retrieve fallen fowl from colder water. According to Orvis, German Wirehaired Pointers are excellent waterfowl hunting dogs.
Their wiry coat acts like a suit of armor, protecting them from cold water and thorny bushes. These versatile gundogs are very hard-working and make excellent companions in hunting and falconry birds. German Wirehaired Pointers possess an extraordinary prey drive.
Having impeccable strength and lots of stamina, they can work tirelessly all day long. As pets, German Wirehaired Pointers are loyal and affectionate.
These pooches are generally healthy and will stay with you for many years to come. Use this dog calculator to check your pup’s life expectancy:
6. Golden Retriever
This popular breed hardly needs an introduction. These sporting dogs were primarily bred in Scotland in the 19th century. Golden Retrievers served as gundogs and water retrievers to assist hunters in retrieving game birds, explains Britannica.
Hidden under the beautiful golden-colored coat is a determined pooch that excels at bird hunting. With lots of energy, webbed toes, and a thick water-resistant coat, Goldens always rock field trials. These athletic mutts are built for strength and endurance.
At the same time, Goldens are great with kids and highly affectionate towards their owners. Like most sporting dogs, Goldens need lots of exercise to stay happy and content. Lack of physical activity and mental enrichment can lead to destructive behaviors.
7. Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is another popular sporting dog breed, having a long history of retrieving waterfowl and other upland game. Known for their intelligence and eagerness to please, Labs are a great fit at home as well as in the field.
These active and outgoing hunting dogs also make good falconry partners. Labs are highly trainable and learn new skills quite easily. They have been serving many roles in the modern world, such as search and rescue pups and guide dogs for the blind.
Labradors excel at obedience, agility, and field trials. These high-spirited companions do well with kids, other pets, and even strangers. Labs are very exuberant and energetic. They need plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy.
8. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers are popular due to their ability to lure ducks during hunting. Like its name indicates, this dog originated in the early 19th century. It is also known as “little river duck dog.”
Due to their playful nature, they were used as decoys to distract waterfowl with their fluttering tails. In this way, ducks drew closer to the shore within the hunter’s range. Despite having a background as hunters, these dogs are easy to train.
Toller has a high-pitched, penetrating scream, which helped him in his role as a hunting dog. As family dogs, they use it to express their excitement and eagerness. This high-energy breed requires at least an hour of daily exercise.
9. Vizsla
Vizsla, also known as the Hungarian Pointer, is a sporting dog from medieval times. Initially, they were used as hawking dogs and later as gun dogs. Vizslas have been used for hunting upland game, rabbits, and waterfowl for centuries.
Their athleticism, endurance, and energy fuel them to perform their role as hunting partners more effectively. They have got high drive and will stay by your side for hours in the field. Vizslas not only make great swimmers, but are also fast on land.
They are easily trainable and known for being gentle and affectionate family dogs. These pooches are very social and do well with active families who are dedicated to providing them plenty of exercise and mental enrichment.
10. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a scent hound that makes an excellent companion for hunting big game. These powerful mutts are skilled at hunting deer, moose, and even bears. They are also capable of catching trained birds.
Having a thick coat of silver-gray hair and a curled tail, Elkhounds can detect every sound in the woods. These medium-sized dogs with erect ears are a bit independent. They were bred as working dogs and love spending time outdoors.
Elkhounds are friendly and happy dogs who make wonderful playmates for kids. They have a high prey drive, so they can end up chasing smaller animals like rabbits, squirrels, and even cats. So, make sure to keep your dog on a leash when they are outside.
Conclusion
Several dog breeds were used in ancient times for falcon hunting. Medieval people used bird dogs in falconry due to their athleticism, high energy, and endurance. These pups assisted in finding and flushing out prey.
Bird dogs are very active and need proper exercise and training to fit well into any lifestyle. At the same time, they are quite loving and form close bonds with their owners. If you are planning to adopt a hunting companion, you can bring home one of the above-mentioned breeds.
