Training dogs takes a ton of hard work, patience, and commitment. Some dogs can take down bears and hogs, while there are dogs that can take down birds.
These bird-hunting dogs are versatile in a way that they not only make good house pets, but they're also excellent hunting companions. But you just don't buy a bird-hunting dog. You have to train them first. Start them young, get them in shape, and you'll have a best friend for life.
Nutrition and getting the dog in shape also play a great part in its performance on the hunting grounds. Just like professional athletes, hunting dogs also need the right kind of exercise and energy for them to be effective in what they do.
Best Bird Hunting Dogs For Gaming and Hunting
Bird hunting dogs are dogs that do more than just fetch dead birds. They can sniff out nests and even force them out of hiding. It all boils down to what you want them to do.
But it takes more than just telling your dog what to do for them to learn. You've got to have a strategy. Hunting dogs have different characteristics that allow them to be trainable along with their natural abilities, and it is the latter that you need to take advantage of.
Some dogs are versatile hunters, some are patient, and others are suited for different weather conditions, and have better retrieving skills than other dogs. Check out these bird hunting dogs that prove exceptional in their field.
Brittany
Brittany is one of the most happy-go-lucky hunting dogs. These dogs have a winning personality and are basically hardwired to obey its master. It has a nose that is wide and open to allow deep breathing for intense stamina.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
These breed of dogs have high energy, are very strong, and they love to swim. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever can dive into icy water and swim for long periods of time. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is an intense, powerful, and well-muscled dog.
Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a smart little dog. Don't be fooled by their size because they make for excellent hunting dogs.
They're so loved by the State of South Carolina that they have their own official Boykin Spaniel Day. These dogs are developed to travel with hunters in their boats.
English Pointer
The Pointer is the oldest breed of sporting dog. It's amazing how these dogs hunt by scent in the air as opposed to on the ground. Once they have tracked their prey, they point.
English Springer Spaniel
The fastest of all the spaniels and has the highest work drive of many breeds.
These dogs are very driven that they can flush, retrieve, and point game and are considered to be one of the quintessential hunting dogs.
Flat-Coated Retriever
The Flat-Coated Retriever is a very loyal and protective breed of dog. These large breed canines are highly trainable as well as energetic and enthusiastic. They also develop strong bonds with humans and make ideal family members.
English Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels are bred to hunt game birds particularly woodcocks, birds that fly low to the ground. These dogs are sweet, loyal, affectionate and one of the friendliest breeds.
Golden Retriever
Everyone knows the Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs. Apart from being versatile hunting dogs, they make excellent house pets too. Golden Retrievers love the water and have the desire to retrieve.
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer is known as the most versatile working dog. These dogs have been used to pull sleds, hunt, point, they can do just about anything.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever loves to swim, have great stamina, and strong enough to leap more than any other dog into the water. Like all retrievers, the Labrador has webbed paws that make it one of the strongest canine swimmers around.
Watch this video on duck hunting with Buck.
Some of these dogs make excellent house pets, while some of them can be intense hunting dogs. A good balance is what makes any hunting dog powerful and a trusty canine companion. Next to my gun and hunting knives, I always trust my hunting dog to take care of me.
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on February 7, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
The German Hunt Terrier and Airedale should have been on this list. I never sen a hunting English Cocker–the dogs now have been ruined, poor knees and hips. And dumb as a post.
You missed the Weimaraner, the most versatile breed.
I have a germanshorthairedpointer