There are so many dog breeds out there, that it can be hard to pick the right one. Not all dogs are created equal; some breeds will have greater stamina, others will have better hunting instincts and some will just be better with children! With all of these variables to consider, choosing the perfect dog can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for in a pup. Whether you’re buying your first dog or adding another member to your pack, here are 10 of the best dog breeds for hunting.
1) Labradors
Labradors are a popular choice among hunters. They are well-known for their hunting abilities and they’re generally friendly dogs with moderate energy levels. Labs can range in size, but most are medium-sized and will weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds. Labradors have a water resistant double coat that is long on the body and short on the face, ears, tail, legs and feet.
2) German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the top hunting dog breeds. They are strong, intelligent and loyal with a keen sense of smell. German Shepherds have been used to track down criminals and find the lost for many decades. They have also been trained to detect drugs, bombs, and other illegal substances. The German Shepherd’s endurance is unmatched, and they can be at their handler’s side from sunup to sundown.
3) Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are a very popular breed of dog among hunters. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are a great option for hunting companions. They’re not too large, so they won’t weigh you down if you’re carrying them in the field. Their intelligence also makes them easy to train to hunt specific game animals. They’re also known to be fearless in the face of other predators.
4) Poodles
Poodles make excellent hunting companions. They have a high intelligence and are able to keep up with their human or canine friends. Poodles are also very obedient and make excellent watch dogs. Because of their size, they do not tire easily. Their curly coat keeps them warm during the colder months and water-resistant during the summer months.
5) Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are excellent hunting dogs with a strong instinct to retrieve, swim, and hunt. The breed is known as the gentleman’s hunting dog because of their ability to work in close proximity to hunters while being gentle enough not to spook game. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers come in three colors: bay (reddish brown), black, and silver.
6) English Springer Spaniels
This breed is known to be one of the best breeds for hunting because they are very obedient, loyal, and have a high intelligence level. They also have a great sense of smell which is needed for hunting.
If you want a dog that will sit down with you and enjoy watching football games on Sundays, English Springer Spaniels are not the breed for you.
7) Vizslas
Vizslas are a medium-sized dog with short hair, making them perfect for hunting. They are also great guard dogs with strong prey drive and they do well in cold climates. They can be shy and reserved around strangers, but they will bond quickly to their owner and family. Vizslas require a lot of attention and exercise so if you’re looking for a dog that is content to be left alone then this may not be the breed for you.
8) Australian Cattle Dogs
Australian Cattle Dogs are one of the best hunting dog breeds in the world. They have a high prey drive and will hunt until they find their prey. They are excellent for tracking, chasing, and finding animals such as foxes, coyotes, badgers, and more.
9) Weimaraners
Weimaraners are one of the most popular hunting dog breeds. Their keen sense of sight and hearing help them find prey in any environment. Weimaraners have a high prey drive and an independent streak that can make them difficult to train, but they are smart enough to be trained to do anything you want them to do.
10) Basset Hounds
Basset hounds are a great dog to hunt with because they’re gentle, friendly, and loyal. They work well with both small game and big game. Their sense of smell is incredible so they can be relied on to pick up the scent of prey no matter how far away it may be. They’re also not as prone to injury as other breeds so you don’t have to worry about them getting hurt while out on a hunt.