Hunting dogs: what breeds belong to them and their features

Hunting has lost its former popularity, but hunting dogs are still in high demand. They become true friends to their owners and excellent companions for jogging, hiking and cycling. They are also loved for their bright appearance, high ability to train, excellent health, friendly character. Today, there are several types of hunting dogs, which include a large number of breeds. Consider the classifications and varieties of hunting dogs in more detail.

Hounds

In hunting, they are used to chase game or find a downed animal. During the persecution of prey, they continuously bark, which allows the owner to arrive in time to help. The only members of the species capable of hunting in packs.

Hound hunting dogs are small in size, but can reach speeds of up to 55 km / h. They have several distinctive external features inherent in all representatives: large hanging ears, powerful paws, short, straight hair, black nose.

Popular breeds:

• basset hound,
• beagle,                  
• english and american foxhound,
• rhodesian Ridgeback,
• bloodhound.

Greyhounds

Used for baiting the beast – unarmed hunting. Unlike hounds, they often hunt game not on the trail, but keeping it in sight. The narrow structure of the skull allows them to have a wide view, and a keen eye and quick legs – not to lose sight of and successfully catch up with foxes, hares, artiodactyls and other animals in open areas. They can reach speeds up to 60 km/h.

Greyhounds have long legs and a muscular thin body, a wide chest. The head is small in size relative to the body, the muzzle is elongated.

These are the best hunting dogs for sport racing and coursing or field trials.

Popular breeds:

• afghan Hound,
• russian borzoi,
• deerhound,
• Irish wolfhound.

Gunships

With them they go hunting with a gun for birds and small animals. Pets help the owner to find and bring the shot prey. They have a coat of medium length of a solid or spotted color, drooping ears, and an elongated muzzle.

Dogs of gun breeds are divided into three subspecies: pointers, retrievers and spaniels. They have a friendly disposition and are easy to train. For this reason, they make excellent guide dogs. Due to their strong sense of smell, they are often used in the work of border services.

Popular breeds:

• american and english cocker spaniel,
• english Setter,
• labrador retriever,
• Golden retriever.

Burrows

They are used to hunt foxes, badgers, rabbits and other animals that live in holes. They have a high pain threshold and resist the animal, even if they get wounded. The voice of a dog is a working tool in hunting. They have large ears, an elongated body, short paws, dense hard hair.

Depending on how developed their hunting instinct is, working, semi-working and non-working (decorative) subspecies of burrowing dogs are distinguished.

Popular working breeds:

• fox terrier,
• dachshund,
• Jack Russell Terrier.

Likes

Hunting dogs, universal in their capabilities in the extraction of the beast. With them you can go to the marten and the bear. They have a keen sense of smell and good eyesight. They track down the prey, give a voice to the owner, and until the hunter arrives, they distract the beast to themselves, not allowing it to leave. They can drive the beast directly to the hunter.

Popular breeds:

• East Siberian
• West Siberian
• Russian-European.

From this article it is clear what hunting dogs are. It is important to choose the breed that will become a good hobby companion and a reliable family friend.