Not all dogs are hunting dogs. In fact, the hunting group is really niche down. The breeds that have been developed for hunting have 40% more muscle density than other breeds, such as your average companion dog. This difference can clearly be seen in a side-by-side comparison of their performance, agility, and resilience.
Tracking scent, guarding the camp, going on a goose chase, these breeds thrive in the fields. But their muscles and keen sense aren’t all that make them the best hunting breeds; there’s something else that runs deeper.
Their loyalty and devotion to you, and respect for the task you provide them with. This sort of loyalty comes with its responsibilities for the owner, to be aware and vigilant of your actions, and also of your magnificent hunting companion.
So, if you’re here because you’re looking for hunting dogs that are just as strong as they are dependable. With a will as strong as their endurance levels, a sense of devotion that is embedded in the concept of not quitting. That’s what these dogs bring to the table. Let’s get into it.
Most Muscular Dog Breeds Best Suited for Hunting
1. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a high-energy hunting dog. It isn’t hyperactive, per se, but they were designed to do a job, and a higher energy level complements their DNA and development this way.
Having a moderate or low-energy dog for hunting is worthless; you need that drive and stamina and the smarts to stay engaged. The English Springer is AKC’s top pick to flush birds and waterfowl.
Hardheaded Spaniels with a stubborn streak aren’t really heard of a lot. They are generally intelligent dogs with a calm temperament and are always eager to please.
These happy little dogs are said to be interested in everything that is linked to the world of training, chasing, retrieving, and hunting. But, like with any other dog, they will test you at some point, and you will need to put them in their place.
The good thing is, bad moods never last with them. They’ll be on your tail soon enough for the next kill.
2. Irish Water Spaniel
You say flushing out waterfowl, we think Irish Water Spaniels. These curly-haired pups with a water-resistant coat are a solid bet, professionals in getting to waterfowl even in rough terrain.
No matter what bird you’re trying to locate, the Irish will sniff it out from thin air. These are the tallest of all spaniel breeds. As the name indicates, they were developed in Ireland in the 1830s as water retrievers, according to Britannica.
Their thick, double coat that covers their entire body except for their face and rat tail is ideal for their purpose as it protects them during the cold weather dives for retrieving waterfowl in lakes or in marshy areas.
It is known, although, for its playful temperament and easygoing nature. This agreeable nature of these medium-sized dogs also means that they are relatively easier to train. Although they love to please, they are not recommended for first-time owners.
3. Boykin Spaniel
Now, if you’re looking for a smaller breed, look into the American classic, Boykin Spaniel. But remember, small size doesn’t necessarily mean small game.
Their size makes them a good fit for small boat hunting situations, but they don’t shy from flushing out some big game for you. These multitalented dogs are highly intelligent and will not disappoint.
They have an impressive resume as a waterfowl and upland birds fetcher, and also a very charming family member. And unlike other hunting dog breeds, these dogs have also hunted Turkeys!
This bouncy breed is full of life, happy-go-lucky, and for them, life is an adventure that they do not want to miss out on. They are extremely outgoing and very eager to please their owners.
Positive reinforcement training is a good training method to opt for with a Boykin Spaniel, and they are easily trained this way, too.
4. Labrador Retriever
Although originally bred as a sporting and hunting dog, the Labrador is now widely kept and known as a companion dog. This is due to their affectionate nature and intelligence.
But they also have a reputation as the best hunting dogs, and rightly so. As the name suggests, they are excellent retrievers.
In the 1800s, their ancestors, the famous fishing and water-fowling dogs, were bred with game-hunting dogs, and the resulting puppies were Labradors. So, hunting is quite literally ingrained in their DNA. Their intelligence also makes them good guide dogs.
Like with any other hunting dog, you need to give them a lot of energy-exerting tasks and also mental stimulation to keep them happy. They really respond well to positive reinforcement training.
These friendly dogs are well-muscled, visible by their muscular frame, with a strong hunting drive. But they have a “soft mouth,” meaning they don’t damage whatever game they fetch.
They are agile but also obedient, made to follow commands because they love doing something for their owners. The Ken to your Barbie!
5. Norwegian Elkhound
The Norwegian Elkhound is a versatile dog, famous for its courage and stamina. Also famous for its intelligence in tracking large game like the moose or bears, even.
They have an independent streak, like to work and hunt alone till they’ve covered the game, and then bark to alert their owners. They have thick fur with thick coats, built for the harsh conditions and Norwegian winters.
Their tactics include cornering prey; they can track the game over long distances due to their impeccable sense of smell and strength.
PetMD states that these fluffy and lively dogs worked and hunted alongside the Vikings. Those were extreme weather conditions and terrains, marking their strong historical relevance in the field.
They are more independent and less people-pleasing, as compared to other hounds, because they are natural working dogs bred to work and hunt alongside human companions, not under, for thousands of years.
6. Karelian Bear Dog
These are fearless hunter dogs from Finland. This fearless and fierce nature, combined with their independent nature, makes them one of the most popular dogs for tracking and covering large game.
However, they have a strong predatory drive, protective instincts, and are very territorial, so it is a good choice for an experienced owner.
They can run for miles and are skilled hunters. Due to their rich hunting history and their independent nature, they are not often seen as family dogs.
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife actually uses them whenever a bear or mountain lion is on the loose. They have a black-and-white coat, giving them dense cover, and have erect ears that they are known for.
7. Pointer
It is never a bad idea to have a Pointer by your side when trapping game. As the name indicates, these versatile dogs have been pointing out targets of all sizes since the 1650s, when they were first developed.
They have these pointing instincts so deeply ingrained in them that they start to carry out this work at just 2 months old of an age. Sometimes called the English Pointer, they are considered by gundog enthusiasts as one of the finest breeds of their type.
It is important to note here that their work is to point, not to retrieve, unlike other hunter dog breeds.
It is an adaptable, obedient, and even-tempered breed. In the field, however, is a whole other energetic sense. Compared to other gundog breeds, they are more aloof to humans because of their lower need for human companionship. This is the reserved Greyhound blood being reflected in their ancestry.
Many experts consider the Pointer as the ultimate pointing breed due to their great sense of smell, fashionable moves, and a flashy pointing stance.
Conclusion
Other great dog breeds that can be used to hunt include the Cane Corso, Treeing Walker Coonhound, German Wirehaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, American Pit Bull Terrier, etc. All these are some of the best dog breeds when you talk about the world of retrieving, chasing, cornering, and getting the job done.
These muscular dogs and the ones we talked about above were bred for this purpose, to point at birds, retrieve rabbits, ducks, animals, and game of all sorts.
