Humans and dogs have been hunting together ever since the beginning of dog domestication. Hunting dogs have a strong prey drive, endurance, and athleticism. They have an eagerness to please and are responsive to training.
Most common hunting dogs include:
Scent hounds: They follow the prey trails with their excellent noses and bark a lot while doing so. It enables the hunters to follow the trail even when they are out of sight.
Terriers: These dogs chase small game. They can dig and get into tight places such as burrows.
Curs: Curs excel at treeing— they scare away the prey into the trees, which makes it easier for the hunters to catch them.
Bird Dog Breeds: Bird dogs or gun dogs locate prey and flush it out for hunters. They retrieve birds and smaller animals like rabbits.
Here are the top high-energy hunting dog breeds for active families.
Most High-Energy Hunting Dog Breeds
1. Redbone Coonhound
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Originating from the United States, the Red Coonhounds were originally bred by hunters who wanted to create a dog for navigating various terrains in search of prey.
They were used for tracking furred game, including raccoons. Their versatility and strong hunting instincts make them a desirable pet for many dog lovers.
According to the American Kennel Club, Coonhounds are even-tempered and mellow fellows at home, but tigers on trails. These highly energetic dogs are always up for a game with their people.
Redbone Coonhounds need regular exercise to channel their inner energy and keep themselves mentally and physically stimulated. Their personality makes them suitable for homes with kids and other pets.
2. Russell Terrier
Breed Profile
Height: 10 to 12 inches
Weight: 9 to 15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Russell Terriers are active dogs that were originally bred in the 19th century for hunting fox and upland game. Their compact size allowed the hunters to easily carry them on horseback and fit into underground tunnels while rooting out the game.
These lively and fearless fellows have strong noses, which help them lead the way. Russell Terriers have a rambunctious bark, which they use to alert their human companions and send the prey running into the open.
PetMD suggests that these determined hunters require 90 minutes to two hours of daily exercise for physical and mental stimulation. They are ideal for families who prioritize physical activity.
3. English Setter
Breed Profile
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
English Setters are strong-willed bird hunters. These muscular dogs have strong hunting instincts, high energy levels, and athleticism. Despite being hunting dogs, English Setters are not unhappy in non-hunting homes.
Due to their high prey drive, English Setters are often a threat to cats or other small furry or feathered fellows. These affectionate canines get bored if they do not get sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
These great dogs possess the courage and endurance to do well in a tough terrain. They require more than 30 minutes of exercise every day. English Setters enjoy hiking and have exceptional bird hunting skills. They also have fun in activities like Frisbee, agility, and racing.
4. Irish Setter
Breed Profile
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years
Irish Setters are the gundogs with floppy ears. They were initially trained to retrieve birds and other live game. They also helped find the game that had been shot or wounded, claims PDSA.
Just like other hunting dogs, Irish setter has a medium length silky coat which helps with thermoregulation and avoiding burrs and awns. Due to their sweet nature, athleticism, and playful temperament, Irish Setters make excellent family pets and hunting partners.
They have a lot of energy to burn off. If they do not get an appropriate way to channel their energy, they may find their own outlets. But generally, they are social, friendly, and happy to make new friends.
5. Pointer
Breed Profile
Height: 22 to 27 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years
Pointers are hardworking, even-tempered, and loyal dogs. This high-energy runner companion has been pointing upland birds for centuries. With great speed and agility, and endurance, they are the happiest when they participate in games with their families.
These gun dogs require plenty of exercise and hunting outings to keep themselves busy. They need one to two hours of activity every day, which should not be limited to walking. Agility, running, and fetching games can be a great way to exercise their mind and bodies.
Do you know? The first Pointer was recorded in 1650 in England. It was used to point hairs for greyhounds to track down, says Britannica.
As long as their energy needs are met, these pointing dogs are happy with their family members. When not given enough exercise, pointers can become destructive.
6. German Shorthaired Pointer
Breed Profile
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Another pointing breed, German Shorthaired Pointers are the medium-sized pointing dogs who thrive on intensive exercise and a lot of love. These versatile dogs can be trained for various hunting activities, such as retrieving waterfowl.
German Shorthaired pointers are the gundogs, known for their speed, agility, endurance, and power. GSPs make wonderful family dogs who are always ready for an outdoor activity.
They require ample physical and mental activity to stay happy and healthy. GSPs are low-maintenance dogs who require minimal grooming and shed moderately. Their playful demeanor makes them quite suitable for families with kids.
7. Brittany
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 20 inches
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Brittany is an agile, energetic, and versatile gundog who excels at pointing like a Setter, flushing, and retrieving birds. Originally registered as a Brittany spaniel, the American Kennel Club changed it to Brittany in 1982.
This hunting dog is known for its exceptional energy levels, so a mere walk around the house is not enough to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
Brittany is sensitive to harsh treatment. A stern look or a sharp word is enough punishment when they do something wrong. So use a firm but gentle approach, including positive reinforcement, while training these pups.
8. English Springer Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: Around 20 inches
Weight: 40 to 55 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Yet another energetic and affectionate breed, the English Springer spaniel is known for its lively personality. Originally bred as hunting partners, these friendly dogs are now a popular choice for active households.
English Springer spaniels are tough and muscular dogs. Due to their high energy levels, they excel in sports like agility, football, and obedience training. These intelligent and loyal fellows are excellent for upland hunting.
They need 1 to 2 hours of regular exercise and enjoy activities like running, walking, and swimming. The coat colors can vary from reddish brown to liver and white to black and white.
9. Field Spaniel
Breed Profile
Height: 17 to 18 inches
Weight: 35 to 50 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12 to 13 years
This is a medium-sized hunting breed whose popularity has now been eclipsed by other spaniel breeds like the Cocker spaniel and English springer spaniel. These affectionate and active dogs excel at dog sports and other outdoor activities.
Today, you will find field spaniels in dog shows rather than on hunting grounds. These dogs are always excited for adventures and love to get involved in whatever you are doing. Field spaniels are intelligent dogs that are always eager to please.
They need one hour of exercise every day. Physical activity can include a long walk, jog, or playtime in a fenced yard. Field spaniels have an average lifespan of 12 to 13 years.
Conclusion
Some high-energy hunting dog breeds, other than those mentioned in the current article, include: Golden Retrievers, German wirehaired pointers, Labrador Retrievers, and other retriever breeds. These dogs are popular for their natural hunting instincts, athleticism, and strong build. If you are planning to adopt any high-energy hunting dog, make sure to train them properly!
