The Best Hunting Dog Breeds: Choosing The Right One
Considering getting a hunting companion? Dogs are often more than just a “man’s best friend” - they can be a pivotal part of your team. The best hunting dog breeds will work closely with their owner to perform a range of necessary tasks, whether you’re hunting fowl, deer, or any other game animal.
Jump ahead to learn more about a specific breed, or continue reading to hear about them all!
Find out more about the best hunting dog breeds below. Or, if you’re in need of hunting supplies to get started, give us a call at Hummason today.
1. The German Shorthaired Pointer: A Versatile Hunting Dog
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a beloved hunting and family dog
Bred To Hunt: Birds
German Shorthaired Pointers are often considered one of the most versatile hunting dogs as they’re able to perform a wide range of tasks, including flushing, pointing, and retrieving. They are considered a bird dog, but can be trained to hunt other game animals as well.
Average Size (males): 55 - 70 lbs
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When it comes to family life, the German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent family dog that generally does well with young children. (That being said, like any and all dog breeds, dogs and young children should never be left alone together.)
The German Shorthaired Pointer thrives on a highly active lifestyle. Most hunting dog breeds are bred for a more active lifestyle, but the GSP is one of the highest energy hunting dog breeds and will need both mental and physical stimulation on a daily basis.
The GSP does not do well left alone or kennelled for long periods of time. They want to be part of the family, and are prone to separation anxiety. Crate training can help curb this behaviour, but they thrive when they are active members of your family.
2. The Labrador Retriever: More Than Just a Family Dog
Labs are extremely popular family pets - but they are still one of the best hunting dog breeds available!
Bred To Hunt: Birds
Labrador Retrievers grew in popularity and in 1991 they ended up becoming the most common family dog in the United States and they still hold that honour. Due to their popularity, many people don’t realize their excellent capabilities as a hunting dog - what they were originally bred to do!
Average Size (males): 65 - 80 lbs
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Labs are an excellent choice for a retrieving dog. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl, and can withstand significant cold water temperatures due to their water-repellant double coat. Labradors also have webbed feet and an “otter tail” that helps them swim as far as needed.
When it comes to family life, it’s well known that labs are an excellent family companion. They’re known for their gentleness with children and all around easy-going personality. Although you’ve probably seen quite a few overweight labs walking around the suburbs, don’t be fooled. Labs are high-energy dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation in order to be happy and healthy.
They are not oversized lap dogs! However, after a long day, they will be happy to snuggle up with you (or on top of you) on the couch or snooze by the fireplace.
3. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever: A Compact Hunting Dog
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is a small but powerful retriever
Bred To Hunt: Birds
The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever is often called a “Toller” for short. They are a hunting dog bred for tolling and retrieving ducks, and are the smallest of the retrievers.
They are not an easily recognized breed as they never rose to the same popularity that you see with Labs or Golden Retrievers. Due to this, they are often confused as a small Golden or a mix - but they are definitely their own unique breed!
Average Size (males): 35 - 50 lbs
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Tollers can be great family pets and are very affectionate with their own family and children that they have been raised around. Like all hunting breeds, Tollers were bred to work and are at their best when they have opportunities to do so, whether it’s out hunting with you, playing fetch in the park, or working on a challenging puzzle toy.
When it comes to strangers, they can be a bit more reserved. However, most are generally friendly and do well with proper introductions to new people.
4. The Beagle: An Excellent Rabbit Hunter
Beagles are a well known hound dog and one of the best hunting dog breeds for small game
Bred To Hunt: Rabbits & Small Game
We’ve mostly focused on retrieving dogs so far, but hound dogs are important hunting dogs too! Beagles are a scent hound and have one of the strongest noses of all dogs. They are used for hunting small game such as rabbits, and have a lot of personality packed into a small body!
Average Size (males): 20-30 lbs
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Like all hounds, Beagles are considered a bit more difficult when it comes to training. This is because they were bred to work independently - they have to be able to follow their own nose and instincts in order to be an effective hound dog!
However, this can translate to some difficulty training. Still, a more experienced dog owner and hunter will have no problems with this breed.
Beagles are not only one of the best hunting dog breeds, they are also good family pets and are friendly with children, though they are a bit more independent and may want more space than some other hunting breeds.
5. The Weimaraner: A Gorgeous Gun Dog
Weimaraners are beautiful hunting dogs that excel in the field
Bred To Hunt: Deer & Large Game
Weimaraners are one of the “continental breeds” that also includes the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Vizsla, and other pointing dogs. The Weimaraner has a beautiful and distinct short, silver coat and piercing light eyes. While they are definitely a sight to behold, they are also excellent hunting dogs.
Average Size (males): 70-90 lbs
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The Weimaraner is one of the largest continental breeds, with males weighing up to 90 lbs and reaching up to 27 inches in height. They were originally bred as gun dogs able to hunt significantly larger game, such as bears and deer.
Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer and Vizsla, Weimaraners are affectionate family dogs and make both a great hunting companion and family pet (as long as they receive enough exercise and mental stimulation!). However, they can be a bit standoffish with strangers, and may not get along well with other dogs that are not part of their pack.
6. The English Setter: A Mellow Hunting Companion
The English Setter has a beautiful long coat that comes in a variety of colours
Bred To Hunt: Birds
Many hunting dogs are known for their endless energy and bouncy personalities. However, the English Setter is often described as a more “mellow” and “elegant” breed. While still a higher energy breed, they may not require quite the same level of constant stimulation as say, a GSP or Beagle.
Average Size (males): 65-80 lbs
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English Setters were bred for bird hunting, originally they would lay low in order to let their handlers know where a bird was. But as guns became the popular tool for hunting, the breed was further developed, and they now often stand at a point instead of crouching down.
English Setters are great family dogs. They are generally happy and while they require a good deal of exercise, they are more mellow than many other hunting breeds.
7. The English Springer Spaniel: A Fun Loving Pup
The English Springer Spaniel is a common gun dog used for hunting birds
Bred To Hunt: Birds
English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized hunting dogs, known for their excellent hunting capabilities and fun-loving personalities. Springer Spaniels have great endurance and stamina and are able to perform a variety of hunting tasks, though they were bred to flush and spring game.
Average Size (males): 40 - 50 lbs
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The English Springer Spaniel is highly eager to please its handler, making training relatively easy. Springer Spaniels crave attention from their humans, and long to be active members of the family. They do not do well left alone, they thrive when they get to be part of all your family activities.
8. The Plott Hound: An Intelligent Pack Hunting Dog
Plott hounds were bred to hunt together
Bred To Hunt: Boar, Bears & Large Game
We wouldn’t be able to write a list of the best hunting dog breeds without including the Plott Hound! Although not nearly as well known as some of the other breeds on our list, Plott Hounds are large, rugged scent hounds that were bred to hunt in packs. This means that they will work best while hunting with other dogs and would prefer to live in a home with multiple dog companions.
Average Size (males): 40 - 75 lbs
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Plott Hounds were first bred 200 years ago in North Carolina, specifically to be able to hunt in packs. They are a type of Coonhound. Pack hunting capabilities is important for hunting certain types of game, such as bears and wild boar. To hunt these types of game animals, you need an equally powerful dog, and the Plott Hound easily delivers.
When it comes to home life, the Plott Hound can be a good family dog, but would do best living on a large property with lots of space to roam. Ensure he has a fenced in yard, however, as all scent hounds are prone to wander!
From The Best Hunting Dog Breeds To The Best Hunting Supplies: Choose Hummason
At Hummason, we want to make sure that you have the very best hunting experience possible - whether you’re out there alone or with your beloved hunting dogs. We manufacture, distribute, and sell the very best, highest quality hunting supplies such as wads, powders, targets, and so much more. Take a look at our products & pricing list online, or contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get ready for the field.
