Do you ever wish to transport yourself to a time where dukes and earls used to ride on horseback, tread under the canopy of forests and sought out rare wildlife, to hunt and then devour? There is something feral yet dignified in this sport called hunting. Don’t you think?
Not to mention this sport was once humanity’s way of life and brought our ancestors sustenance and survival in the dire stone ages around 2 million years ago. Then hunting was seen as a lifestyle not a sacred mission or symbolic recreational pursuit for truth or salvation. Hunting was the reason humanity survived and thrived to see these modern days.
But it’s also true that hunting was never child’s play, it came with its rules and stirred fear of danger in the hearts of hunters and still does to this day. As its common knowledge, that just as we humans seek quarry to kill, so does other species that still fill their stomachs with the catch of the day.
Not to mention, hunting is something that powers the circle of life and keeps it going. Hence it is an essential part of the wildlife and ecosystem we live in today.
Top Dog Breeds with Exceptional Field Hunting Ability
Even today hunters seek that fear and exhilaration of the hunt, with adrenaline pumping in their veins and sounds of nature around them to fulfill their passion. But just as we said it’s not a cakewalk, hence if you want to experience the good old days, then you’ll not only need hunting gear, some boy or girl scout training and good firearms to help you in this adventure.
You also need some world class hounds, specifically hunting dogs that will help you in the field to catch the prey you seek, track game, and substitute as your living breathing compass wherever you roam. Let’s meet the dons of the hunting field the sturdy, and undefeatable power packed rangers that will guide you on your hunt and assist in collecting your prized kills on the ground.
1. English Springer Spaniel
Always ready to spring into action these flashy and rugged beauties are crowned as the quintessential flushers by the grouse hunting specialists. Hence if you are ready to dirty your boots in the woods and want a pup that can double as a pheasant specialist, upland bird worker and light to medium waterfowl retrieving. Then this flushing dog is your way to go.
Known for their endurance, strength refined looks, these eager to please springers are a great choice for those hunters that are searching for small game birds and furred creatures. That hide in trees or weird places as these pooches will effortlessly spring them out of hiding and make hunting a breeze.
The AKC says playful, obedient these springers make trusty hunting buddies for the weekends, are tough, muscular and have a smooth ground covering stride. Available in several colors and patterns these pups fare well while working for long days in the field. But it is to be noted these sweet faced, long eared pups crave company and feel miserable when neglected.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
With versatility in its veins, and energy coursing through its entire form, this German shorthaired pointer or Deutsch Drahthaar is a maestro in the field. Because he is a jack of all trades, and master of many skills all at once. Starting from exceptional tracking, retrieving and pointing abilities across diverse terrains.
This power engine, with incredibly high intelligence, and impeccable dynamism is the master of the hunting field. This drahtaar can work in the field, forest and water, doesn’t tire out and is a marvelous choice when it comes to hunting big game or birds.
Rugged and adept at handling tasks like blood tracking, or finding waterfowl, stags or furred predators this pooch is the number one choice of hunters all around the globe. Developed from a mix of German breeds like pudelpointer, griffon, stichelhaar, and Deutsch karzhaar this seemingly rough and tough puphas rich genetics and an adventurous soul all wrapped in one sleek short water repellent coat.
3. English Setter
Want to find prey nesting in tall grass? this natural pointing dog is not just a stunning breed to lay your eyes upon and cherish. These regal hunting dogs have otherworldly tracking skills and excel in both close-range upland environments as well as long range tasks.
Originally bred to lie down quietly or “set” when they sense prey nearby, these setters aren’t justlarge, handsome and sweet they are also always ready to pounce, hunt and retrieve. Highly intelligent and adept at handling tedious hunting activities.
Wikipedia notes these double coated gun dogs are gentle and lively pooches prove to be great companions and hunting buddies in the wild. All you need to take care of is some basic which is regular grooming and long workout session to keep this glorifying breed happy and healthy.
4. Brittany
This Brittany spaniel is the Swiss army knife of the hunting dog world. That was amusingly a secret weapon of French poachers. But these Brittany’s are truly a trove full of qualities they are strong, they are reliable to the point that they can point and retrieve small game of every description be it upland birds, grouse or furry hares.
These intelligent and very portable pooches are easy to train, maintain and perfect for your hunting escapade. If you are an avid hunter or an adventure buff, this pup will prove to a perfect companion for you.
Moreover, this little spotted fella comes in just the right size for avoiding any predators or warden’s suspicion, if ever caught you can pick these pups and simply tuck them under your arm and make a run for it. Thus, these Brittany’s aren’t just beautiful, they are highly energetic dogs with a flair of affection and an undeniable love for work.
5. Weimaraner
Each step taken into the wilderness is a delicate dance of pursuit and restraint and that final sense of relief and contentment. After spending a whole day amidst different hunting environments and navigating challenging terrain. But what makes field hunting complete is the presence and assistance of these immaculate hunting dogs or hounds.
Especially this gray ghost that stands as another solid fearless contender amongst the whole battalion of hunting dogs. This pup forges an unbreakable bond rooted in trust and teamwork. Is more than just a pet. He’s a vital partner on the field with a unique set of skills that makes him indispensable.
PetMD states from tracking game, to retrieving upland birds, is only some of his talents. But did you know? This elegant grey hound was originally bred by the German nobles of the court of Weimar for taking down large game like boar, bear and deer. Nowadays known for both its strength, durability and speed.
6. American Foxhound
Now, when we have discussed almost all varieties of hunting dogs. How can we forget the iconic American foxhound. A descendant of the English foxhound that literally defines the era which transformed hunting into a sport and not just any sport, a privileged practice that was made exclusive for elites and nobles.
These independent and easy-going pups initially started out as prized assistants of English hunting parties where men rode on horseback and thundered across rolling acres of lawn and hedge. The tradition of British foxhunt with packs of these bawling hounds started in the 1600s.
Where the “Masters of hounds” developed these dogs some lordly pastime by breeding big stag hunting hounds to known for the strong nose and endurance to leggy greyhound type hounds known for their speed and agility.
To create the English foxhound which in turn was crossed with French hounds by the famous revolutionary hero George Washington to create a slimmer, taller American cousin of the English foxhound. George Washington developed these pups in the rolling estates of old Virginia and recreated a bit of his mother country by staging English style foxhunts on his plantations.
7. Boykin Spaniel
This Boykin spaniel was originally bred for hunting wild turkeys and ducks in the Wateree River Swamp of South Carolina. Hence this the boisterous state dog breed is a true American born regal looking hunting companion. That is easily trained, excellent at both flushing and retrieving upland game birds and have natural instincts for waterfowl hunting.
Hailing from the southern coast Boykin’s do great in tough terrain, thick brush, wetlands and hotter temperatures. These liver-colored determined hunters are covered in luscious wavy double coats and never are never tired enough to follow you into the real outdoors.
Orvis notices eager, friendly and lovable this medium sized spaniel was once South Carolina’s best kept secret and are absolute tigers in the field. Not to mention these web-toed Boykins swim like seals and are the best pup for catching Carolina waterfowl and wild turkey. (Perfect for your thanksgiving table, if you are really interested in bringing this solid soulful pup home.)
Conclusion
On an ending note, hunting is a link between people, wildlife and the land. It honors the tradition of survival, and resilience and gives us humans a role to play in the circle of life. It opens the path of conservation and preservation of endangered species and helps us in walking the path of sustainability.
Now many vegans and folks against harming and torture of animals say hunting is an unethical or socially unacceptable feat, that depletes natures resources. But one should also consider the breeding bovine species, for the sake of gaining meat under appalling conditions, is worse than hunting a deer in a swift painless way.
Moreover, surely restrictions should be placed on folks hunting only for trophies and scoring plenty of kills, but if you are utilizing the animal properly and doing the hunt for a purpose and vow to handle game with utmost respect then hunting animals isn’t such a vile or gory tradition. It is closer to what our ancestors once practiced, a hunt for survival.
Furthermore, it is something that also brings people together first when the hunting party gathers to conquer a challenging feat of tracking and downing that game and then utilizing it as food for bringing the hunters nourishment and energy, while giving the killed game a purpose.
