For over 12,000 years though, humans have used dogs for not only companionship but also for hunting.
Over these years, dog breeds have been developed to hunt.
Some breeds are experts in flushing out game, and some take the upper hand in retrieving it.
What Makes a Great Hunting Dog?
From small birds all the way up to large deer, hunting dogs can help you catch them all.
Keep reading to find out which dog breed you should use on your nexthuntingtrip.
Although birds are their primary game, we can additionally use them to hunt small game-like rabbits.
Scent Hounds
Scent hounds, however, work in a different way.
They use their noses to follow the trail of the animal.
Even if they dont have eyes on the dog, theyll be able to hear their exact location.
Some scent-hound hunting breeds focus on following the animal, while others take a different approach.
Now we know the difference between the two; lets get into 27 of the best-hunting dogs.
They bred the American Foxhound to be faster and lighter to suit the different types of terrain in America.
George Washington was even a breeder of the Foxhounds and had his very own pack in Mount Vernon.
Even their name suggests that they were bred for the sole purpose of hunting.
Unlucky for the foxes who happen to be their catch.
Their howls, barks, and voices, in general, are described to be bell-like.
Many hounds have this common trait which is why theyre used as scent dogs.
American Foxhounds are low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
They have easy-going personalities and, as we mentioned before, are extremely loyal companions.
American Pit Bull Terrier
Its no secret that Pit Bulls are known for all the wrong reasons.
What people dont know, however, is that Pit Bulls are used for hunting purposes.
And we arent talking about small game here.
They hunt the big stuff.
Their large, muscular, robust size gives them the ability to hunt game like wild boar.
Immigrants later brought the crossbreeds to America, where farmers and ranchers noticed their talents.
American Pit Bull Terriers are of medium size, have short coats, and have well-definedmusclestructures.
The United Kennel Club added the APBT to its registry in 1898.
Beagle
Beagles have wormed their way into the hearts of families everywhere.
Beagles are one of the most popular hound dogs in America and hunt in packs or on their own.
Hunters use Beagles to hunt foxes, birds, rabbits, and small deer.
Their color, demeanors, and loyalty are similar to that of the American Foxhound.
Its just Beagles are half their weight and half their size.
Another factor that makes them a great hunting dog breed is the fact that theyre extremely easy to train.
Beagles can pick up commands relatively quickly, which is excellent when teaching them to hunt beside you.
Bloodhound
You cant help but love the droopy-faced, long-eared, drooling breed that is a Bloodhound.
Many people say that if Sherlock Holmes was a dog, hed be a Bloodhound.
Why you may ask?
Because not only do they share the same heritage but they also have amazing investigative skills.
Bloodhounds have quite possibly the best sense of smell out of every dog breed.
And of course, a good sense of smell is an attribute of hunting.
During missing people searches, Bloodhounds are regularly brought in to sniff out a particular scent.
When the nicknamed Sleuth Hound isnt on duty, theyre typically easy-going and docile.
The second he picks up a scent, however, hell be off-tracking it down.
Boykin Spaniels particularly work well flushing and retrieving birds.
Theyre easy to train and have incredible determination while out on the hunt.
Breeders in South Carolina started breeding the Boykin Spaniel in the 1900s.
They originally used them for hunting turkeys in swamps before later using them for flushing and retrieving purposes.
Male Boykins can weigh up to 40 pounds and reach medium size.
The breed is known for its beautiful rich brown coat, which understandably requires moregroomingthan shorthaired dogs.
Brittany dogs often get mistaken as Spaniels, but they actually are more similar to setters.
Chessies are loyal and affectionate, with waxy coats that are oily to the touch.
These coats make them waterproof and perfect for hunting in all weather conditions.
Although theyre big in size, theyre astonishingly athletic and tireless when hunting waterfowl.
On the other hand, theyre gentle, loving, and a great companion for everyday home life.
The breed is also regarded as a good watchdog due to its loyalty to its owners.
Cocker Spaniel
Another Spaniel to make the list, and for good reason.
The Cocker Spaniel was first developed as a hunting dog but later gained popularity for being an all-around breed.
As with many hunting dog breeds, Cocker Spaniels are excellent playmates for children and make loyal at-home companions.
Coonhounds
Coonhounds come in many variations, all of which are fantastic hunting dogs.
The coon in Coonhound refers to their specific hunt, raccoons.
Hunters can also use American English Coonhounds, however, to chase foxes and other small game.
Their high energy and loud-mouthed temperament means they arent the best fit for family life.
Despite their size, Black & Tan Coonhounds are athletic hunters who come out to hunt raccoons at night.
They can trace the scent of raccoons through moonlit areas, chasing them up trees until their owners arrive.
Bluetick Coonhound
The Bluetick Coonhound is a similar size to the American English Coonhound variation.
Breeders created the Coonhound in America to hunt a new throw in of game, the raccoon.
The Bluetick Coonhound is an affectionate dog that enjoys relaxing with human company or chasing down game come nightfall.
Redbones, however, as their name suggests, have gorgeous red-tinted brown coats.
As hunters require Coonhounds to perform on all types of terrain, they bred them to do just that.
Treeing Walker Coonhound
Possibly the favorite amongst the Coonhound community is the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Even though they have become popular lap dogs, Dachshunds were and still are badger dogs.
The Dachshunds history dates back over 600 years ago in Germany.
Dachshund means badger dog, so you might only assume what their sole game was.
Big things sometimes come in small packages, and this is true when it comes to the Dachshunds bark.
Breeding authorities have even claimed hunters once used packs of Dachshunds to hunt down wild boar.
Not only are they strong, but theyre intelligent and quick thinking, ideal for hunts with dangerous game.
Breeders developed the Dogo Argentino to catch prey that many others dog breeds couldnt.
You dont see many dogs taking down a wild puma, now do you?
The breed of Dogo Argentino originates from Argentina.
Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez created the breed by crossing pure breeds with old fighting dogs from Cordoba.
Although he originally bred them for fighting, he quickly figured out they make excellent hunting dogs.
English Setter
Breeders bred the English Setters to take on the uneven terrain in England.
The English Setters beautiful Belton speckled coat is actually one of its hunting downfalls.
Long hair gets tangled and knotted easily.
Now, imagine that on a hunt in a variety of weather and land conditions.
English Springer Spaniel
The final Spaniel to make the list is the English Springer Spaniel.
Breeders began creating Springer-throw in Spaniels centuries ago.
Once hunting rifles came into play, Springer Spaniels kept their reputation for being reliable hunting dogs.
English Springers flush out game before later retrieving it and bringing it back to its owner.
Male English Springers can grow to be 20 inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 50 pounds.
They also carry the Spaniel characteristics of long and lush ears, beautiful coats, and big friendly eyes.
German Shorthaired Pointer
We can easily recognize a German Shorthaired Pointer thanks to its distinctive coat.
Shorthaired Pointers typically have a brown head that cuts off at their neck.
Their body is a speckled color, with the occasional brown patches on their backs or shoulders.
Shorthaired Pointers can also be a full brown, or mainly brown with a few white patches.
German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent, determined, agile, and loyal.
Literally everything you could want in a hunting dog.
Pointers have tons of energy and need regular exercise and stimulation to keep them happy.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers arent just popular hunting dogs but also family pets.
Although this is true, they are actually amazing hunting dogs.
Their name says it all, retrievers, and they sure do live up to it.
Goldens have unbelievable stamina and are highly intelligent.
These traits make them one of the best hunting dog breeds for hunters of all types.
Golden Retrievers dont just limit their resume to hunting.
Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord Tweedmouth, developed the first-ever Golden during Victorias reign.
He kept meticulous records of his breeding developments for create the most perfect gundog for his own personal use.
Irish Setter
I mentioned before how Setters are some of the most beautiful dogs on the planet.
Well, the Irish Setter really takes the cake.
Setters get their names from the action they do once theyve found a bird.
They set down on their bellies, alerting their owners to the find.
Similar to the English Springer Spaniel, hunters used Irish Setters long before the invention of rifles.
The breathtaking dogs have also been crowned winners in the Westminster Kennel Club show.
Although they may be small in size, they sure make up for it during foxhunts.
Yes, their legs are little, but does that mean they cant keep up?
We have used Russell Terriers as working dogs since the mid-1800s.
Energy isnt an issue for Russell Terriers, as their levels never seem to run on empty.
Due to their size, hunters can only use Russell Terriers for the hunting of small game.
But they do, however, have the upper hand on a rabbit hunt.
Labrador Retrievers are an extremely affectionate and loving breed that adores their family and everyone around them.
Labrador Retrievers were originally employed to retrieve ducks and other waterfowl in Canada.
Mountain Cur
Settlers once used Mountain Cur in the rough country mountains of Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Mountain Cur has excellenttreeinginstincts and works with incredible speed and accuracy.
Humans have found that Mountain Cur can be stubborn.
As Mountain Curs are highly energetic, they thrive in households with lots of mental and physical stimulation.
If you enjoy regularly hiking or swimming, a Mountain Cur will be your best friend.
The immigrant, Johannes Plott, brought with him five of his best Hanover Hounds.
He settled in the mountains, where his hounds helped him hunt bears.
Plott Hounds have brindle-striped patterns or solid color coats.
Theyre also part of the long droopy eared crew that is typical of hound breeds.
Purebred Weimaraners will have a solid silvery-grey coat, occasionally with a white spot on its chest.
It really is anotherdogon the list that has true beauty as well as an incredible skill for hunting.
The Weimaraner breed also wants to be a part of the family and is great with young children.
The German hunting breed is friendly, obedient, and energetic.
The Grand Duke Karl August of Germany developed the Weimaraners to be his idea of the perfect hunting dog.
He crossed Bloodhounds with French and German hunting dogs to produce the Weimaraner we know today.
After the decline of large game in Europe, Weimaraners switched to being all-purpose hunting dogs.
We are sure that theyll remain there for years to come.
As we finish up discussing hunting dogs, wed love to know if you own any of these breeds.
Do you use them for hunting purposes?
Or have they settled into a relaxed family life?
Let us know in the comment section down below!
