This brief overview of the main hunting dog breeds will be useful to novice hunters when choosing a gun dog. Different hunting breeds of dogs have distinctive specialization. For example, such gun dogs as hounds and greyhounds mainly hunt hare and fox. Dachshunds and fox terriers are the best dogs for hunting fur-bearing animals. When hunting for moose, wild boar, or bear, husky will be good. Duck hunting will be successful with the cops. Below we will discuss which dog to choose for hunting.
What Are the Best Hunting Dogs Breeds in the World?
What could be more beautiful than a walk through the autumn forest with a dog and a gun in search of a fowl? And even if the trophy skips away, the pleasure of unity with nature will be received. Of course, without a dog on a hunt, one can’t do to the full extent. But before choosing the breed of a hunting dog, decide on which animal you are going to go hunting. Once you pick a perfect puppy among 10 best hunting dogs below for future hunting season, you need to dedicate some time to train it for the dog to become your true companion.
Labrador Retriever – Pick of Royals
If you want to hunt fowls or soft-bodied animals, retrievers are the best choice thanks to their gentle mouth that does not damage the prey’s skin. At the same time, Labradors are the best dogs for hunting for the family, they quickly become active members, in their way, but taking part in important and not real events. They need to communicate in the literal sense, while the peculiarity of the nature of the Labradors is that the dogs manage not to bother. They know how to adapt to the mood of a person and even his habits. The dog can be taught to bring some things, turn on the light, close / open doors: the dog’s high intellectual abilities are affected.
Favorite Companion - Golden Retriever
It is considered one of the best hunting dogs breeds in the world thanks to an athletic physique and a very good mind. They are always devoted to their master and very energetic. Labrador Retriever has a thick, coarse coat that does not require special care. It is enough to wash and comb it about once a month. It is important to pay attention to the physical condition of the dog, as Labradors tend to be overweight. By their nature, they are active, but without long walks and energetic games, they quickly become dull. Training and constant exercises direct the energy of the Labradors in a peaceful direction.
Best Rabbit Hunter - Beagle
The English breed of small beagle dogs, which is used for hunting hare and rabbit. The beagle is distinguished by endurance, quick wit, determination, energy, and courage. This breed of dog has a distinctive scent, which is the most necessary quality in the hunt. In case of danger, they do not show aggression but manage only with a loud bark. They get along well not only with the owner but also with children and other dogs.
Lighting Speed Hunter - American Foxhound
This breed belongs to one of the oldest hunting breeds. A sufficiently freedom-loving dog requires full walks in the fresh air. This dog will be at the time of the person who leads a healthy and active lifestyle. Since ancient times, the Americans used this handsome breed during the hunt, because it has a keen sense of flair that allows it to track down his prey and succeed with lightning speed. They cleverly dealt with a fox and larger beasts. The foxhound is fairly balanced and obedient. If you do not pay proper attention to it and do not engage in upbringing and training from an early age, the dog will be wayward, and it will be hard to force it to do something. If you train them properly, they will become the best bear hunting dogs.
English Springer Spaniel – The Best Companion for Your Family
It is the best dogs for hunting small fowl and birds, Breton was especially popular among poachers. All thanks to the unconditional obedience and performance of the dog. The Breton Spaniel belongs to one owner, who is everything to him. It affects not only his character but also his working methods. Breton never goes far from the hunter and is always in sight.
Today, the Breton Espagnol is often turned out as a companion. Representatives of this breed are strongly attached to the family; they need constant communication with people. Therefore, leaving a pet for a long time without supervision is not recommended. Alone, the dog begins to get nervous and yearn.
Loyal Companion for a Hunter - Pointer
This hunting dog is a real aristocrat, who is distinguished by endurance, affection, and tranquility. A dog of this breed is attached to the owner and tries to please him in everything, so it is important not to leave the Pointer for a long time alone. Otherwise, he will get bored and begin to yearn.
Like three hundred years ago, the pointers served the hunters faithfully, and if you plan to get this hunting dog as a companion, then be prepared for daily activities with your pet. Poynter is very passionate when it comes to games. Without physical activity, the character of the Pointer deteriorates, and the dog can become uncontrollable.
Noble Hunters to Raise - Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are talented, hardy, hardworking, and very responsible. Work for them is the greatest pleasure, but without the owner’s competent instructions, they’ll fail to excel in their skills.
Chesapeake dogs are pets for experienced dog breeders who know a lot about hunting or lead an exceptionally active lifestyle. It is not a house dog. Space and movement are necessary for the retriever as air.
Tireless hunters are noble and self-confident. They are calm and never show unreasonable aggression towards others. However, in which case, the Chesapeake will always fight back, protect itself, and stand up to protect the hosts. It is a brave and very dedicated dog.
Hardworking Gun Dog - Bluetick Coonhound
Coonhound is a hound breed of dog, also known as a “raccoon hound.” This variety of hunting dogs was bred to work in a specific area for certain types of fowl. A professional hunter can immediately appreciate the Coonhound. A raccoon hound extremely rarely becomes one’s pet or companion. It has some behavioral features that must be considered when choosing a pet. Coonhounds are very hardy and hardworking dogs. Fearlessness and strength allow them to hunt for larger animals. Hunters use these dogs to hunt cougars, deer, and even bears.
The harsh nature of the work does not manifest itself at home, where the Coonhound becomes a devoted, playful, affectionate, and friendly pet. If the dog has completed the training course, she always hears and carries out the commands required from her. Raccoon hounds are naturally independent and slightly stubborn. Therefore, they need behavior correction and training.
Smart and Kind-Hearted Hunter - English Setter
The English setter turned out to be hardy, unusually bold, and fast; representatives of the breed are very enthusiastic; they are completely immersed in hunting, their favorite game, or communication with the owner. Indeed, these dogs are smart, balanced, and kind. They will not offend the younger one, whether it is a smaller pet or a child. On the contrary, it will be interesting for them to communicate with them, play along a bit, endure pranks. These dogs will never annoy the owner if he is not in the mood, and, conversely, they always know when they are ready to play with them.
Over the years of living in an urban environment, English setters have become wonderful companions. They are calm towards other animals and strangers, and due to their hunting past, they are not afraid of loud sounds. Nevertheless, we must not forget that dogs, like people, are unpredictable, so you should never go with them without a leash, even if the pet is well-trained. The English setter is quick-witted - its training will not be difficult; the main thing is for the dog to feel on an equal footing. Otherwise, it will be bored with the meaningless execution of commands.
True Hunter - Irish Setter
The Irish Setter has all the qualities inherent in a real hereditary hunter. This dog finds prey easily, having great instincts, excellent scent, and hearing, sharp eyesight. At the same time, the dog always watches its owner, and if you are a hunter, it will not be difficult for you to teach her to obey not only the commands said aloud, but also gestures.
By the way, the pet intuitively knows that you need to hunt quietly, you do not need to bark and even give out your presence. However, if you are not fond of hunting, this does not mean that the breed is not suitable for you. Quite the contrary. It can be a wonderful family dog, an excellent companion on any trip, and a friend for the whole family.
His developed mind needs stimulation, and the desire to be with the owner, so to speak, on the same wavelength, to do useful work together, to help in training. The dog has a high energy level and needs long walks, running, exercise, and an active lifestyle.
Calm Hunting Dog to Raise - Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are suitable for street maintenance, if there is the possibility of letting the dog into the house in cold weather, and for an apartment where they usually behave very calmly. However, this does not mean that this breed does not need long walks. On the contrary, strong and athletic dogs need to move a lot and get new experiences. They can regard other animals as an object of hunting; therefore, if you have a bloodhound, make sure your cat is safe.
Smart Breed for Hunting - Weimaraner
Weimaraners are moving dogs that, given their hunting past, need constant physical activity. Despite this, they do not like to sit in the booths and prefer to spend time with the owners. These are very smart dogs, but they need to be occupied with something all the time so that they do not gnaw and dig in the yard. It is best to keep them in a courtyard surrounded by a high fence so that they cannot escape.
Everything You Need to Know Before Picking the Best Hunting Dogs
Humans bred a large number of dog breeds. Some are designed to stay at home with the owner, others are designed to guard the house, and some dogs are designed for hunting.
Is There the Best Universal Breed of Gun Dogs?
When it comes to hunting, gun dogs must have certain qualities that differ from pets. Gun dogs are specially trained to listen to your commands and react properly during the hunt. Besides, certain dog breeds tend to be more fearless, obeying to the owner, and vigilant.
The best hunting dogs/breeds have a sharp sense of smell, hearing, and good eyesight. If you’re to hunt large animals, your dog will need to have enough strength. Dogs are specially trained for a long time to be able to do without food and in different climatic conditions.
What Are the Best Hunting Dogs for Fox Hunting?
Fox hunting is very popular today, both among professional hunters and among beginners. For the hunt to go well, it is worth taking a dog with you as an assistant, but it is very important to choose the right breed since not all dogs are suitable for fox hunting.
Ideal for fox hunting in burrows are dachshunds or fox terriers. Even though the representatives of these two breeds hunt very well in burrows, it is best to opt for wire-haired fox terriers, since, thanks to their fur, they are much better protected from a fox bite. Another advantage of the fox terrier is that it quickly catches up with a wounded fox that has jumped out of the hole, and the dachshund cannot do this.
Can Poodles Be Good Gun Dogs?
It is believed that divers and European herding dogs were the main progenitors of the breed. Even though poodles come in a variety of sizes, they are all distinguished by good quick wits. Initially, this is a hunting dog, and they are one of the most trained breeds. Wool, however, will require increased care, but this is not a glamorous dog, but a reliable and intelligent friend. However, if you want to buy a poodle for hunting, you should spend much more time training it. Most types of poodles are designed to house.
Which Dog Breed Is the Smartest?
Most hunting dogs are pretty smart and quickly trained. At the moment, the most intelligent breed of dogs called Border Collie. British scientists experimented, trying to find out how many words a dog can learn. Three years later, the results were summed up. It turned out that a participant in the Border Collie breed experiment mastered more than a thousand words and learned to recognize objects by their names.
Can I Raise a Hunting Dog as a Pet?
Most breeds can be a pet, but not all kinds can live in the confined space of an apartment. They need to run a lot and follow the diet. Otherwise, these charming creatures will become fat and start to suffer from excess weight. It is important to remember about early education and their need for a more active way of life. So, smart hunting dogs can be pretty good family companions.
How to Make Sure You Have One of the Best Hunting Dogs?
Even though there are more than 100 species of hunting dogs today, in reality, about 20 of them are used for hunting, and this number continues to decrease every year. The fact is that previously animals that were used for hunting are now increasingly turning into pets. Therefore, one of the best hunting dogs will be one that will suit exactly the hunt that you do. If you want a fur-bearing animal like rabbits, greyhounds are ideal; retrievers are best at hunting fowl. A universal dog can be a husky, but an excellent universal hunting dog does not exist.