If you enjoy the sport of hunting, then you might benefit from having a hunting dog by your side. It's believed that humans and dogs have been hunting together since the beginning of canine domestication, long before the age of agriculture. Good hunting dogs should have a strong prey drive, receptiveness to training, endurance, and athleticism.
Here's everything to know about the different types of hunting dogs.
Breed Characteristics
There are several types of hunting dogs, and different breeds are suited to going after different types of prey and working in different environments. In general, the most common hunting dogs are scent hounds or bird dogs. What you plan to hunt should determine the type of dog you get.
- Bird dogs: Called bird dogs because that is their primary prey, these dogs also sometimes hunt smaller animals, such as rabbits. They're also known as gun dogs and are used to locate prey and flush them out for the hunter to shoot. There are three types: pointers, who freeze in place and point their nose toward the prey; flushers, who make birds take flight so hunters can shoot them; and retrievers, who retrieve the downed birds for the hunter.
- Scent hounds: These dogs follow prey trails with their nose, making a lot of noise while running after them. The dog's calls enable the hunter to follow the trail even when the dog is out of sight. Some scent hounds focus on pursuing prey while others are "treeing" dogs that chase the prey up a tree and wait at the base until hunters arrive.
- Curs: These dogs are good at hunting and herding. They excel at treeing, so prey is frightened into going up trees, allowing the hunters to get them more easily.
- Terriers: These dogs run after small animals and have a strong prey drive. They can dig and get themselves into tight places, such as burrows, to get their prey.
- 01 of 21
Labrador Retriever
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular gun dogs. This enthusiastic, energetic, and loyal dog breed can withstand cold temperatures and easily swim through cold water. Labradors are often considered best for duck hunting. When not on the hunt, Labs make an excellent companion and family dog thanks to their friendliness and willingness to please. Also, check out a related breed, the English Labrador.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, friendly, enthusiastic, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense, short, double coat; yellow, chocolate, black
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
02 of 21Golden Retriever
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Similar to Labradors, golden retrievers also are gun dogs. They are excellent for hunting birds and other small prey. Goldens are enthusiastic, loyal, and very trainable. They also make wonderful family companions and have a reputation for getting along very well with children. But they do need lots of activity to exercise their minds and bodies.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 21 to 24 inches
Weight: 55 to 75 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, loyal, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, double coat; gold
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
03 of 21Pointer
Tom Brakefield / Getty Images The pointer, sometimes called the English pointer, is a bird dog with a high prey drive and a determined spirit. The pointer will pursue prey, such as quail and pheasants, with vigor. Plus, the breed is fairly heat-tolerant and therefore suited for hunting in warmer climates. Whether on the hunt or on the couch, a pointer makes a loyal, loving companion.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 23 to 28 inches
Weight: 45 to 75 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, loyal, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth, short; black, black and white, lemon, lemon and white, liver, liver and white, orange, or orange and white with/without ticked markings, black points, liver points, or self-colored points
Life Span: 12 to 17 years
04 of 21Beagle
Caroline Brinkmann / Getty Images The beagle is a scent hound with an amazing nose and a loud voice. This breed is primarily used to hunt small game, especially rabbits. Beagles also make excellent companions for all kinds of households and are typically good with kids. They are known for being quite loving and eager to please.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 13 to 15 inches
Weight: 20 to 30 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Brave, friendly, eager to please, affectionate
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; tricolor combinations include tan, black, white, reddish brown, and pale lemon
Life Span: 10 to 15 years
Continue to 5 of 21 below05 of 21American Foxhound
Susan M. Carter / Getty Images The American foxhound is a scent hound full of determination. This running hound thrives on the chase. Bred from English foxhounds, the breed was first used mainly to hunt foxes. In time, the breed also was involved in deer hunting. Foxhounds make loving and loyal companions, but they do need lots of exercise each day to satisfy their high energy and endurance levels.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, affectionate, active, stubborn
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth, short coat; black, tan, white combinations
Life Span: 11 to 13 years
06 of 21English Springer Spaniel
efekt.net / Getty Images The English springer spaniel is an excellent bird dog that is especially good at flushing out and chasing pheasants. This dog has retrieving skills that can match those of the Labrador and golden retriever. And the English springer spaniel's slightly smaller size makes them better suited to navigate smaller spaces on the hunt. When not at work, the springer makes an excellent family dog.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 19 to 20 inches
Weight: 40 to 50 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, intelligent, alert
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wavy or flat glossy topcoat; short, soft, profuse undercoat; feathering on legs, chest, ears; colors include black or liver with white markings, blue or liver roan, tricolor including black, white, and liver or tan markings
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
07 of 21Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Troydays / Getty Images The Chesapeake Bay retriever is a determined and athletic gun dog. This breed is intelligent and typically quite devoted to their family. Like the Lab, the Chessie is suited to cold water, as their oily coat gives them a natural resistance to the water. But, unlike the Lab, this breed is not necessarily everyone's best friend. A Chessie is fiercely loyal to family but can be wary of strangers.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 21 to 26 inches
Weight: 55 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, active
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wavy, wiry; brown, tan, sedge, deadgrass
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
08 of 21Bluetick Coonhound
John Cancalosi / Getty Images The bluetick coonhound is a scent hound that can pursue and tree just about any creature they find. This breed has even been known to chase cougars and mountain lions. These are high-energy dogs with excellent noses. They can be quite vocal, even when not pursuing game. While not typically ideal for apartment living, the bluetick makes an excellent companion for very active households.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Affectionate, vocal, active, sweet
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth, short; blue ticked, blue ticked and tan, black spots
Life Span: 11 to 12 years
Continue to 9 of 21 below09 of 21English Setter
Mfpar35 / Getty Images The English setter is a gun dog known for pointing, running, and hunting skills. These dogs also can be trained to retrieve, making them excellent at bird hunting. As the popularity of setters rose, they were split into two categories: conformation and field. Field dogs are smaller and more lightly feathered, making them best for hunting. Conformation dogs are suited to be show dogs and pets due to their larger frames and long feathers. However, the field setter can be an excellent companion as well.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 80 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Lively, playful, affectionate, independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length, flat, silky, single coat; feathering on ears, abdomen, chest, legs, tail; white coat base with belton markings including flecks or intermingled roan
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
10 of 21Irish Setter
Simon Marlow / EyeEm / Getty Images The Irish setter is a gun dog known for their beautiful red coat and graceful agility. Like English setters, the breed is divided into show-quality and field dogs. The Irish setter is tougher than they look; this breed is rugged, hard-working, and determined to pursue birds. Irish setters also make friendly, affectionate, and gentle companions for all kinds of families, but they need lots of exercise to keep them happy.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 25 to 27 inches
Weight: 60 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Gentle, friendly, loving, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Medium-length; feathering on ears, chest, legs, tail; red, copper
Life Span: 12 to 15 years
11 of 21Pudelpointer
Wikimedia Commons
The pudelpointer was bred to help hunters by using their strong sense of smell, which gives them the ability to track scents easily. Despite their prey drive, they can get along with other pets, particularly when they’re introduced to other animals while they’re puppies. And they love being around their family, developing a strong bond to their humans, so they make lovely pets as well.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Intelligent, playful, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium or short, wiry, double coat; brown or black with occasional patch of white
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
12 of 21Bloodhound
Danita Delimont/Getty Images
The large bloodhound has the strongest sense of smell of all the dog breeds, so they are outstanding at tracking a scent. In fact, even police use them for scent tracking. They have wrinkly skin and long ears, and are known for being gentle and laidback. However, these are active dogs and need a lot of exercise. Also, because they are pack dogs, they need to be around others and will get along well with other dogs.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 80 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, gentle, loving, stubborn
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, dense, and loose fur; folds around face, neck, ears; black and tan, liver and tan, or red
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Continue to 13 of 21 below13 of 21Brittany
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The Brittany is a gun dog that can help bird hunters. They are tireless and intelligent, and can make great pets because they are devoted and crave companionship. In fact, if they are left alone for too long, they can develop separation anxiety. So, in addition to using these dogs for hunting, they can also be playful and loving companions for families. Like other sporting breeds, they do need a lot of exercise, so active families are best for this breed.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 17.5 to 20.5 inches
Weight: 30 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Happy, intelligent, adaptable, attentive
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Dense, flat, or wavy; combinations of white and orange or reddish-brown; clear or roan patterns
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
14 of 21Mountain Cur
Another breed that was bred for hunting is the Mountain Cur, also known as the “All-American Pioneer dog.” These dogs really enjoy being outside, so adventures in the great outdoors are a perfect way to allow them to let their energy out, and they will gladly accompany you on a hunting trip or hike. They also like having a job to do, so you can train them to perform a wide range of tasks.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound (United Kennel Club); Foundation Stock Service (American Kennel Club)
Height: 16 to 26 inches
Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Loyal, active, courageous, intelligent
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short; black, blue, brindle, brown, red, yellow; solid color or with white markings, tan markings, or brindle points
Life Span: 10 to 13 years
15 of 21Boykin Spaniel
Best Side / Getty Images
The lovable and devoted Boykin spaniel was bred to retrieve waterfowl in South Carolina, so they can easily navigate lakes and swamps. These are energetic dogs that are affectionate and a perfect match for active families, including those with children. Plus, they can also get along well with other pets, particularly when they’re introduced while they’re young. When given plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation, this dog makes a wonderful pet.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 14 to 18 inches
Weight: 25 to 40 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, loyal, intelligent
Energy Level: Medium-High
Coat and Color: Waterproof double coat; wavy topcoat; liver brown
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
16 of 21Plott Hound
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The Plott hound breed was developed in the United States using Hanover hounds and local hunting dogs. This scent hound is the state dog of North Carolina. They are fearless, eager to please, and loyal, as well as protective, so they have all of the characteristics of a good hunting dog and family companion. However, they might view other small pets as prey, can be wary of strangers, and need a lot of physical activity to be happy.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 20 to 25 inches
Weight: 40 to 60 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Active, alert, loyal
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Smooth, short; brindle, black, buckskin, or maltese with/without black saddle, gray muzzle and jaw, white chest and feet, or brindle trim
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
Continue to 17 of 21 below17 of 21German Shorthaired Pointer
Cavan Images / Getty Images
Also known as GSP, the German shorthaired pointer has a lot of attractive qualities. They are friendly and intelligent, and make a great family dog. They’re also athletic, energetic, and can help hunters with tracking, pointing, and retrieving. They like to work, are eager and quick learners, and can be trained to do a variety of things. Because of their strong prey drive, though, they may not be suitable for homes with other pets.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 21 to 25 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Bold, active, intelligent, companionable
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Short, thin; liver, liver and white, liver roan, or liver and ticked
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
18 of 21German Wirehaired Pointer
PavelRodimov / Getty Images
The energetic and muscular German wirehaired pointer was bred for hunting in harsh conditions, so they have a weather-resistant coat and webbed feet. These dogs like to have fun and play, and they need a lot of exercise, so they are ideal for active families. Plus, they’re affectionate, loyal, intelligent, eager to please, and friendly, so they have a lot of the qualities that many people look for in a dog.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 22 to 26 inches
Weight: 50 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, loyal, friendly
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, wiry, double coat; liver or liver and white with/without ticked, spotted, or roan markings
Life Span: 14 to 16 years
19 of 21Cocker Spaniel
D Trocio Photography / Getty Images The cocker spaniel is a popular breed from England that was bred for hunting birds. These dogs are affectionate and loving, so they make wonderful pets for families, including those with children and other dogs. This is another sporting breed that has a lot of energy and needs a lot of exercise in the form of various outdoor activities. They are also eager to please and smart, so training these dogs usually is not challenging.
Breed Overview
Group: Sporting
Height: 15 to 17 inches
Weight: 26 to 34 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Playful, even-tempered, friendly
Energy Level: High
Coat and Color: Medium-length, silky; feathering on ears, legs, torso; solid or particolored with black, white, tan, blue roan, golden, lemon, liver, orange, red, sable, or lemon roan
Life Span: 12 to 14 years
20 of 21Black and Tan Coonhound
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The large black and tan coonhound makes a loyal hunting companion, with a strong sense of smell that allows them to track scents with ease. They don’t have the same high exercise requirements of other breeds on this list, but still require daily exercise and do well in active households. They also make loving family pets because they’re gentle and easygoing, and will gladly lounge around with you.
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 23 to 27 inches
Weight: 65 to 110 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Even-tempered, adaptable, gentle
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Short, dense; black with tan accents
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Continue to 21 of 21 below21 of 21Redbone Coonhound
Barisic Zaklina / Getty Images
The redbone coonhound is a scent hound with a distinct voice. They’re energetic, intelligent, and lovable, but they have a short attention span and can be stubborn. Though helping hunters comes pretty naturally to them, training them can be challenging. As a family pet, the redbone coonhound is wonderful, as they are affectionate, good with kids and other dogs, and laidback when they aren’t working
Breed Overview
Group: Hound
Height: 21 to 27 inches
Weight: 45 to 70 pounds
Personality/Temperament: Friendly, playful, affectionate, intelligent, independent
Energy Level: Medium
Coat and Color: Smooth, short; deep red
Life Span: 10 to 12 years
Breeds to Avoid
All dogs, by nature, have a prey drive. Before domestication, this instinct helped canines find food. Over time, people decided to breed out the prey drive from some types of dogs. For the most part, these breeds were considered lap dogs and regal companions. They were labeled too sophisticated for domestic work, and breeding out the prey drive made them calmer companions.
Dog breeds that don't make ideal hunting companions include:
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Maltese
- Japanese Chin
Tips for Hunting With Dogs
Whenever you go hunting with your dog, you want to ensure their safety. This starts with training your dog to know what to do and how to follow your commands. Don’t take your dog hunting until they know the rules and you can trust each other.
In addition, take the following steps to keep your hunting dog safe:
- Pack bowls, food, and water for your dog, along with pet first aid supplies.
- Put a reflective collar and vest on your dog for visibility.
- Use flea and tick and heartworm preventatives to keep your dog safe from parasites.
FAQ- How do you train hunting dogs?
Turning a puppy into a hunting dog takes a good deal of training, including getting them used to the sound of the gun, teaching them to wait and retrieve, sharpening their nose to the smell of game, and more. Seasoned hunters may train their dogs on their own, but many people (including pros) turn to specialized facilities to train puppies ahead of being put to work as hunting dogs.
Why do hunting dogs have floppy ears?Long ears are characteristic of many hunting breeds and are thought to help pick up scents from the trail and sweep their aroma toward the dog's nose, increasing their ability to track the scent of game.
What do hunting dogs eat?Hunting dogs need a relatively high-fat, high-protein diet with some carbs thrown in for good measure. This will keep them active and alert and provide them with the energy they need to perform on long excursions. Consult with your vet for more specialized dietary advice.
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