Want to make the odds of hunting success in your favor? It's easy—rely on hunting dogs! Read on and find out what the perfect dog breeds are for hunting!
The Best Hunting Dogs In The World
— This article was originally published on OutdoorWarrior.com and shared with permission —
Hunting will be even more exciting if you have a dog with you. These hunting dogs provide us valuable assistance on our hunting escapades, and they have been doing it as far as one can remember.
Hunters and their dogs should have an unbreakable relationship to gain more success in the field. But what are the best dog breeds for hunting? Below is a list of canines that can make your hunting trip a successful one.
Labrador Retriever
Because of its versatility, the Labrador Retriever is tagged as one of the best all-around hunting dogs ever.
These dogs are trainable, extremely athletic, highly intelligent, and most of all, they're good-natured. They have the energy to last longer anything they want to pursue.
Labs are excellent for duck hunting and can also help you to retrieve any type of small game. Just make sure they don't eat your catch because one distinctive characteristic of this breed is their need for eating.
Bloodhound
Just by the sound of their name –these bloodhounds are remarkable hunting dogs. They have the ability to track down trails even if they have gone cold for quite some time.
These hounds have a powerful sense of smell which is why they are used by law enforcement in tracking and hunting down criminals and missing persons.
Beagle
These iconic hunting dogs are known for their, intelligence, playfulness, limitless endurance, and distinctive howl.
Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell which is advantageous in sniffing out and tracking prey. They can be the ultimate hunting dogs when it comes to catching varmints such as rabbits and gophers.
American Foxhound
The American Foxhounds were bred for hunting foxes. They have a keen sense of smell and an incredible ability to instinctively bark on a fox's path and they are also pretty relentless in chasing down anything their master tells them to.
These hunting dogs won't easily get tired even if they run around on the field all day thus making them a good hunting companion.
Pointer
If you want one of the best hunting dog breeds dogs for birds then the pointer is what you're looking for. It is an iconic hunting dog reliable both on land and water.
They got their name from the “pointing” characteristics. Every time a pointer senses a prey, it halts and points its body toward the game.
Golden Retriever
Very similar to their Labrador cousins, these Golden Retrievers are athletic and reliable small-game hunting dogs. They are often regarded as a family dog.
But don't be fooled by their golden exterior and eager-to-please characteristics because out on the field or marshes, their toughness surfaces to get the job done. Looking for a retractable dog leash for your medium or large-sized dog? Check this one out.
English Setter
The English Setters are very gentle and kind gun dogs. They are energetic and very trainable. Their keen sense of smell and incomparable stamina, make these breed of dogs ideal for bird hunting.
You'll be in awe when you see these dogs at work. So you've got a hunting dog–do you have the hunting gear?
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are water-loving hunting dogs bred to hunt ducks. These dogs are renowned for their loyalty.Just their Labs and Golden Retriever cousins, they are very athletic, intelligent, and possess a limitless good nature.
They are remarkably determined, even in cold or unfavorable weather conditions, to get the job done and bring that bird back to you.
Coonhound
If you're looking for a dog that is very efficient when it comes to hunting raccoons then a Coonhound is what you need.
Not only that they can locate raccoons in no time, but they are also good when hunting down both foxes and mountain lions.
They have an outstanding stamina and sharp sense of smell but most of all, these coonhounds are tremendously fearless that they can run down dangerous and stronger animals than themselves.
Weimaraner
Originally, these dogs are raised to handle large animals such as deer and surprisingly, they can also handle bears. You can consider them as bear-hunting dog breeds.
When it comes to the field, Weimaraners are ideal for hunting quail, pheasants, and other game birds.
Their exceptional reliability when it comes to tracking, pointing, flushing out games, and retrieving them in water or on land makes them a very versatile hunting companion.
Didn't see your dog?
Find our complete list of Hunting Dogs here on Outdoor Warrior
Now that you have chosen the right canine for you, it's time to pick the right dog-hunting gear for this loyal companion!
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Editor's Note: This article was originally published on Feburary 7, 2017, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Some of the best are mutts ,
Had Walkers for years.Ran the coon competition circuit with alot of dogs. Loved the walkers had about 12 in me kitchen at one time. Yep mans best friend for sure.
I’m surprised you don’t mention the national breed of Hungary: the VIZSLA,. who are intelligent, beautiful , loving, great companions. And btw, bird dogs. I have 2 presently and have owned 4 since 1983.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are very brave in SHTF wilderness. **but**Rottweilers RULE!
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Best breed I’ve ever owned. Had three labs and they were great duck and grouse dogs. Only negative is the shedding.
The Griffs point & retrieve. Also a great family dog. They love kids!
The Black Mouth Cur. Great huntting dog,tracking,gardand companion.
Come on ppl, don’t be a bunch of trolls, if you like the article or not it is simply an “Opinion” article of dog breeds that may be good for SHTF situations. Of course all of you think whatever dog breed you have is the best. In the end a dog that is loyal and trained whatever the breed will serve you well.