Hunting dogs: top 15 breeds
Today, there are a variety of hunting dog breeds. Among them there are animals of large, medium and small sizes.
The main distinguishing features of such breeds include endurance and help in finding and catching prey. These dogs are active and cheerful. Aggression is not characteristic of them, because in a person they see only a friend.
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Types of hunting dogs
There are the following types of hunting dogs:
Hunting hounds – animals with special habits. When the dog smells game, he freezes. After the shot, he grabs the prey and brings it to the owner. This group includes: Irish Setter, Pointer, Hungarian Vizsla and others.
Greyhounds – a group that is one of the most ancient. They are used for hunting animals: hares, foxes and wolves. The main task of such dogs is to chase prey until it gets tired. In Russia, the Russian canine greyhound was bred, in Ireland – the Irish wolfhound. The Spaniards use the galgo for hunting, and there are salukis in the Middle East. Also among the long list of representatives of this group: Greyhound, Italian Greyhound, Azawakh.
Hounds – the largest group of hunting dogs. Just like the greyhounds, their main task is to exhaust the beast by chasing it. These dog breeds include: Beagle, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Russian Hound and others.
Burrows dogs are bred to hunt animals living underground. The task of these miniature dogs is to get to the animal and drive it out. These breeds include various types of terriers and dachshunds. Fox Terrier, German Jagd Terrier, Jack Russell Terrier also belong to this group.
Likes suitable for hunting the widest range of game – from bear to bird. When hunting, having found the beast, they use barking as a means of distracting it until the hunter appears. In our country, there are several types of huskies: Russian-European, West Siberian and East Siberian.
Spaniels bred for hunting upland, field and waterfowl. They have excellent eyesight and senses. Typically, these dogs are used to feed the killed game. Spaniels are also capable of hunting running and lurking game. This group includes, among others, the American Water Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel.
Retrievers – dogs, the main function of which is to find and bring the owner the shot game intact. For this reason, these animals have an excellent sense of smell and a jaw with a special soft grip. Retrievers include the following breeds: Golden Retriever, Labrador, Chesapeake Bay.
15 Best Dog Breeds for Hunting
It is impossible to say unequivocally which of these breeds are the best. Everyone chooses a pet based on their own needs and preferences.
This article provides a list of the most common hunting dogs with breed names and photos. Such animals are suitable for a person who loves, if not hunting, then active outdoor recreation, fishing or travel.
Bloodhound
Country of origin: Belgium
Group: hounds and related breeds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: any animal
Growth: 58-69 cm
The weight: 40 – 56 kg
Age 8 – 10 years
Bloodhound is a dog distinguished by poise and calmness. This dog is considered one of the best hunting dog breeds due to its perfect sense of smell.
Such a pet should not be left for a walk unattended for a long time, because, being carried away by some kind of smell, it can go very far from the owner.
A lapdog
Country of origin: Italy
Group: greyhounds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: hares
Growth: 33-38 cm
The weight: 2,7 – 3,6 kg
Age about 14 years
Greyhound is one of the smallest dogs. Differs in curiosity and playfulness.
Subject to quality education, the pet grows obedient and friendly. The Italian Greyhound behaves cautiously with other animals, in the same house he gets along only with those with whom he grew up together.
Russian hunting greyhound
Country of origin: Russia
Group: greyhounds
Wool: long
Suitable for hunting: hares, foxes and wolves
Growth: 65-80 cm
The weight: 35 – 48 kg
Age 10 – 12 years
The Russian canine greyhound is a majestic and wayward dog.
In the family, he behaves friendly, rarely shows aggression towards strangers. Such dogs treat small children rather negatively, because they see them as a threat. A middle-aged child with a dog of this breed will be able to get along.
Basset hound
Country of origin: England
Group: hounds and related breeds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: any animal
Growth: 33-38 cm
The weight: 18 – 25 kg
Age 10 – 12 years
The Basset Hound is a friendly and obedient dog. The main feature of the pet is the constant desire to explore the surrounding territory. He has a well developed sense of smell.
Very attached to the owner. Children are tolerant. Despite the seeming passivity, it can support any kind of outdoor games.
Beagle
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Group: hounds and related breeds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: hares
Growth: 33-40 cm
The weight: 10 – 15 kg
Age 13 – 16 years
The Beagle is a breed of dog for hunting hares. Differs in the increased activity and mobility. With pleasure he will go with the owner not only for hunting, but also for mushrooms, fishing or a picnic.
It becomes attached to the owner and cannot be alone for a long time. Gets along well with all family members, including small children and other animals.
Drever
Country of origin: Sweden
Group: hounds and related breeds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: hares, foxes
Growth: 28-40 cm
The weight: 14 – 16 kg
Age 12 – 14 years
Drever is a pet that is great for life in a city apartment. Regular dog training is essential.
In the family, he behaves friendly, but requires respect for himself. Children must be taught how to properly behave with such a dog.
Dachshund
Country of origin: Germany
Group: dachshunds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: foxes, badgers
Growth: 15-35 cm
The weight: up to 12 kg
Age to 15 years
Dachshund is one of the most popular breeds. Constantly strives to be the center of attention.
The family is active and friendly. Resentment is able to remember for a long time, so it is not recommended to beat and scold pets. The level of intelligence is high.
West Country Harrier
Country of origin: France
Group: hounds and related breeds
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: foxes, hares
Growth: 50 см
The weight: 12 – 20 kg
Age 10 – 14 years
The West Country Harrier is an easy to train hunting breed. Gets along well with other pets. A very rare breed these days.
Behaves friendly with people. Shows no aggression towards strangers.
These pets are in dire need of active walks, as they need to regularly throw out the accumulated energy.
Irish Setter
Country of origin: Ireland
Group: legal
Wool: long
Suitable for hunting: Birds
Growth: 58-70 cm
The weight: 14 – 32 kg
Age 10 – 14 years
The Irish Setter is a dog suitable for hunting birds. It can be started by both large families and single people.
Main character traits: courage, confidence and vigor. Setters are very fond of children and are ready to play any games with them. They will support hide-and-seek, chasing, steeplechase.
Italian bracc
Country of origin: Italy
Group: legal
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: predominantly game birds
Growth: 55-67 cm
The weight: 25 – 40 kg
Age 11 – 13 years
The Italian Bracc belongs to the cops. He loves long-term physical activity. The character is stubborn. Such a dog will not want to perform a task that seems boring to him.
Very strongly attached to the family, separation from the owner endures painfully.
Pointer
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Group: legal
Wool: short, smooth
Suitable for hunting: small birds and animals
Growth: 63-70 cm
The weight: 18 – 25 kg
Age to 15 years
Pointer is a hunting dog with a calm disposition. Perfect for country house living.
The family behaves kindly. It is very attached to the owner. It is not advised to leave such pets alone. Pointer exercise is essential.
Wetterhun
Country of origin: Netherlands
Group: retrievers, spaniels and water dogs
Wool: medium length, stiff, curly
Suitable for hunting: otter
Growth: up to 59 cm
The weight: up to 32 kg
Age 10 – 12 years
The Wetterhun is a very smart dog. Learns new commands quickly. The rudeness will always answer the same. It is a fairly rare breed.
Suitable for families with children. He gets along well with everyone in the household. He treats other pets calmly, but only if they grew up together.
Labrador retriever
Country of origin: Canada
Group: retrievers, spaniels, water dogs
Wool: middle length
Suitable for hunting: predominantly a bird
Growth: 55-57 cm
The weight: 30 – 45 kg
Age 12 – 15 years
The Labrador Retriever is a large and active dog. To date, the breed is considered universal. These animals can be guides, rescuers, and also work at customs.
They get along very well with other pets. Children are loved. Strongly attached to the owner.
Russian Spaniel
Country of origin: Russia
Group: retrievers, spaniels, water dogs
Wool: long
Suitable for hunting: birds, rabbits
Growth: 36-44 cm
The weight: 15 – 18 kg
Age 12 – 14 years
The Russian Spaniel is an active and active dog. This pet is classified as a hunting dog breed that is best suited for bird hunting. It is very attached to the owner. The family behaves affectionately and friendly. He loves to swim very much. Prefers active types of games, will be happy to run after the ball or stick. He treats other pets calmly.
Fox terrier
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Group: terriers
Wool: middle length
Suitable for hunting: foxes, badgers and other burrowing game
Growth: 38,5-39,5 cm
The weight: 7 – 8 kg
Age 13 – 14 years
The Fox Terrier is the perfect hunter. Character – cheerful and cheerful.
Great for a city apartment. The owner is devoted and ready to carry out any of his orders. The level of intelligence is high. Learning is good.
It is difficult to get along with other pets, constantly striving to take a leadership position.
Tips for choosing hunting dog breeds
When choosing a dog of this breed, the following points should be considered:
the purpose of the establishment of the animal;
conditions of his maintenance (city apartment or country house);
experience with pets.
It should be understood that there is no universal dog for this activity. Therefore, before getting a pet, you need to study in detail the information about what groups there are and what type of hunting they are intended for.
Such a pet needs regular training. You should not buy such a pet for a person who cannot devote enough time to him. For novice dog breeders, these breeds are unlikely to suit, since some types of dogs are difficult to train.
Do not buy an adult animal. It is better if the pet is purchased at the age of 2-3 months. Dogs for hunting are very attached to the owner, they experience a change of owner very hard.
Answers to frequently asked questions
January 17 2022
Updated: January 17, 2022
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