Some dog breeds hog the spotlight. Labrador Retrievers, German Shorthaired Pointers, or English Setters often get all the glory when it comes to the best hunting dogs. And sure… they are popular breeds for a reason. But there is a whole other league of underrated dog breeds out there that deserve way more recognition.
These dogs are sharp and hardworking and are born to sniff out ducks, birds, rabbits, and even wild boar. But most people don’t even know their names. That is about to change.
We have compiled seven such hunting dog breeds that get the job done, and they do it with style, loyalty, and plenty of tail wags along the way.
Most Underrated Hunting Dog Breeds
1. Field Spaniel
This is not your average Spaniel. The American Kennel Club (AKC) mentions they were originally bred in England for flushing gamebirds, grouse, quail, and other birds. These dogs are absolutely natural in the field, yet still gentle enough to nap at your feet.
They are a medium-sized dog, hardworking and surprisingly versatile, and are truly the most underrated hunting dog breeds around.
Key Traits:
Soft-eyed and sweet but highly focused in the field
Naturally built for wet terrain and thick cover
A true flushing dog with surprising endurance
They thrive in pheasant fields and duck blinds alike, and their easygoing nature makes them a joy to be with both in and out of hunting season. For bird hunters looking for something less mainstream (or even rare), the Field Spaniel is a hidden name in the dog world.
2. Bracco Italiano
This dog boasts droopy ears, a noble face, and an elegant trot. The Bracco Italiano looks and even sounds like a Renaissance painting than a gun dog. But don’t let the beauty distract you from their purpose. This dog can work. Hard.
Originally bred in Italy to track and retrieve game, Braccos are slow-burning, athletic dogs with steady stamina and a keen sense of smell.
Key Traits:
Calm and controlled tracking style
Great for hunting ducks and small game
Deep bond with handlers and potential breeders
They are one of the oldest hunting breeds in Europe, as mentioned by PetMD, and still impress modern hunters with their versatility. If you want a loyal companion that doubles as a powerful gun dog, the Bracco is well worth a second glance.
3. Boykin Spaniel
Say hello to South Carolina’s best-kept secret for hunting. The Boykin Spaniel was originally developed for hunting ducks and wild turkeys in the swamps, and boy… do they know their job. They are medium-sized with a brown coat that provides camouflage as they lie against the Earth during the hunt, Hills Pet Nutrition says.
Packed with energy, these bird dogs are the kind of pups that DO NOT quit.
Key Traits:
Known for flushing birds and retrieving from water
Friendly, social, and eager to work
Excellent for water work, excellent swimmers, too
These spaniels are especially popular among Southern bird hunters, but they have not gained much national fame yet. They are smart, loyal, and naturally good with families, too. If you want an underrated dog breed that offers power with charm, the Boykin deserves your radar.
4. Large Munsterlander
This dog is not just big, it’s brilliant, mysterious, and rare. The Large Munsterlander is an athletic German hunting dog that can LITERALLY do it all. Hunt. Point, retrieve, and track.
In fields, forests, and water. Yep! They were originally bred from German Longhaired Pointers and are basically built for versatility.
Key Traits:
Excellent for upland birds and waterfowl
Agile, energetic, and super trainable
Naturally protective without being aggressive
If you have ever admired the German Shorthaired Pointers but wanted something off the radar, this might be your perfect match. But… they need two hours of exercise daily and mind games and puzzles to stay active, and if not, they might become destructive, as stated by Purina.
They deserve a place among today’s most capable (yet underrated) bird dogs.
5. Pudelpointer
No, they are not just fluffy poodles in camo. The Pudelpointer is a real-deal hunting dog born from crossing a Poodle with a Pointer. That might sound like a mistake (we mean, Poodles and Pointers? Together?), but that is actually a stroke of genius.
These dogs are serious about work. Pointing, retrieving, tracking, hunting… You name it!!
Key Traits:
Incredibly intelligent and driven
Handles waterfowl and upland game with ease
Low-maintenance coat for outdoor life
They mix the trainability of Poodles with the instinct of classic gun dogs. Hunters looking for a smart and low-shedding breed that can handle rough terrain, water, and long days in the field should put this pup high on their list.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Smallest of AKC’s retrievers, they have a cute name but a fierce purpose. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (or the Toller for his fans or the Decoy Dog) was originally bred in Canada for luring and retrieving ducks. They have this quirky habit of playing by the shoreline to attract curious ducks closer. Yes, seriously.
Key Traits:
A true duck specialist
Compact, agile, and fast
Great for water-based hunting, it has a water-repellent coat
They have a small size and do look like a fox, but these dogs are brilliant at working the duck blind and retrieving with energy to spare. For hunters needing a retriever that stands apart from the ever-popular Labrador Retriever, Tollers bring smarts and charm in equal measure.
7. Kleine Münsterländer
If the Large Munsterlander had a little cousin, this would be it. Kleine Münsterländer is smaller in size but just as mighty. Originally bred for tracking and pointing the small game, they are beloved in Europe, in their home country, Germany… and massively overlooked in the U.S.
Key Traits:
Superb tracking and scenting ability
Compact yet athletic for rough and tough terrain
Loyal and highly trainable for serious hunters
Despite their size, they can also hunt big game, retrieve birds, or even help with otter hunting, but it depends on location and training. These dogs love their job, have a deep sense of purpose, and don’t mind the cold, the mud, or the occasional raccoon chase. No question, they are an underrated dog breed that needs more recognition than other breeds.
Conclusion
The most underrated dog breeds are not always the flashiest or most famous, but these dogs have history, heart, and a kind of field skills that rival any popular breed on the cover of a hunting magazine.
Other breeds include Irish Setter (Irish Red and White Setter), Finnish Spitz, American Foxhound, Clumber Spaniel, Lundehund with six toes, Greyhound, Basset Hound, and Sloughi that hunt everything across blistering sands. These popular breeds have quality and versatile hunting styles and would keep the predators at bay with the speed and agility that truly matters for their owners’ will.
So the next time you are searching for your next hunting partner and a pet, skip the obvious choices and look a little deeper. Some of the best dogs out there are still waiting to be discovered.
