When it comes to choosing a hunting dog, the most important factor is often what type of game you will be hunting. Different dogs are better suited for different types of prey. For example, if you plan on mostly hunting small game such as rabbits or squirrels, a smaller breed like a beagle or Jack Russell terrier might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you are mostly interested in larger game a larger dog breed like a Labrador retriever or German shorthaired pointer would be a better option.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a hunting dog is your own personal style of hunting. Some people prefer to do most of the work themselves, only using their dog for assistance when necessary. In this case, a highly trainable breed like a Labrador retriever or golden retriever might be the best choice. These breeds are very intelligent and can be easily trained to follow commands.
Other hunters prefer to have their dogs do most of the work, with the human hunter acting more as a supervisor. In this case, a breed like the English setter or Weimaraner might be a better fit. These dogs are bred specifically for hunting and have strong instincts for finding and chasing game.
List of Hunting Dog Breeds
Airedale Terrier
The Airedale terrier is a versatile hunting dog that is well suited for a variety of game. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the Airedale terrier is a great choice.
- Average Size: 21-32 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 Years
- Specialty: Hunting and flushing a variety of game
Beagle
The beagle is a small hunting dog that is well suited for hunting small game such as rabbits and squirrels. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the beagle is a great choice.
- Average Size: 10-12 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-15 Years
- Specialty: Hunting small game
Bloodhound
The bloodhound is a specialized hunting dog that is bred specifically for tracking game. They have an excellent sense of smell and are very tenacious, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do most of the work. If you are looking for a dedicated hunting partner, the bloodhound is a great choice.
- Average Size: 40-50 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Tracking game on land
Bluetick Coonhound
The coonhound is a specialized hunting dog that is bred specifically for tracking game. They have an excellent sense of smell and are very tenacious, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do most of the work. If you are looking for a dedicated hunting partner, the coonhound is a great choice.
- Average Size: 30-40 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Tracking game
Brittany
The Brittany is a versatile hunting dog that is well suited for both land and water. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the Brittany is a great choice.
- Average Size: 20-25 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Pointing and retrieving game on land or in water.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a large, powerful hunting dog that was originally bred to hunt waterfowl in the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States. They are excellent swimmers and have a thick, oily coat that helps protect them from the cold waters they often hunt in. If you are looking for a big, tough hunting dog that can handle the elements, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a good breed to consider.
- Average Size: 25-35 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Hunting waterfowl
English Setter
The English setter is a specialized hunting dog that is bred specifically for finding and pointing game. They have strong hunting instincts and are very athletic, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do most of the work. If you are looking for a dedicated hunting partner, the English setter is a great choice.
- Average Size: 25-32 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Pointing game on land or in water
German Shorthaired Pointer
The German shorthaired pointer is a versatile hunting dog that is well suited for a variety of game. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the German shorthaired pointer is a great choice.
- Average Size: 20-25 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Pointing and retrieving game on land or in water
Golden Retriever
Like Labradors, golden retrievers are intelligent and easy to train. They also have a strong hunting instinct, although they are not quite as specialized as some other breeds. This makes them perfect for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. Whether you are looking for a hunting partner or just a loyal companion, a golden retriever is a great choice.
- Average Size: 25-35 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: retrieving small game on land or in water
Jack Russell
The Jack Russell terrier is a small hunting dog that is well suited for hunting small game such as rabbits and squirrels. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the Jack Russell terrier is a great choice.
- Average Size: 6-8 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 13-16 Years
- Specialty: Hunting small game
Labrador Retriever
Labradors are bred to be great hunting dogs. They have a strong instinct for finding and chasing game, and they are also intelligent and easy to train. This means that they are perfect for any hunter, whether you want them to do most of the work or just help out a little. If you are looking for a loyal and reliable hunting partner, a Labrador retriever is a great choice.
- Average Size: 25-35 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 10-12 Years
- Specialty: Water retrieving
Mountain Cur
The Mountain Cur breed, also known as Mountain Kerr, is one of the rarest breed of dogs. These dogs are energetic and enthusiastic, and love to be outdoors. They have an interesting history that links them to the early settlers that colonized the southern United States, and are known for being very protective over their owners and for being excellent hunting dogs. The word “Cur” refers to working dogs, bred to herd, hunt and guard their owner’s property and is also the umbrella term for various dogs that share highly similar traits and purposes.
Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is the small dog with the big personality. Originally bred to chase small prey, these dogs are energetic and require a lot of time outside. They’re versatile and adaptable, as well as being smart and very loyal to their owners. Because of their high energy levels they are often best tailored to more experienced pet owners, who have acknowledge of training more stubborn dogs. Don’t let this put you off though — with their sweet nature, they make wonderful companions.
Spinone Italiano
The Spinone Italiano is a large, rugged hunting dog that was originally bred to hunt game birds in the mountainous regions of Italy. They are excellent swimmers and have a keen sense of smell, making them well suited for waterfowl hunting. If you are looking for a big, tough hunting dog, the Spinone Italiano is a good breed to consider.
- Average Size: 30-45 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Hunting game birds in mountainous regions of Italy.
Vizsla
The Vizsla is a versatile hunting dog that is well suited for pointing and retrieving game on land or in water. They are intelligent and easily trained, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do a little bit of everything. If you are looking for a reliable hunting partner, the Vizsla is a great choice.
- Average Size: 20-25 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 12-14 Years
- Specialty: Pointing and retrieving game on land or in water
Weimaraner
The Weimaraner is a specialized hunting dog that is bred specifically for hunting large game. They have strong hunting instincts and are very athletic, making them a good choice for hunters who want a dog that can do most of the work. If you are looking for a dedicated hunting partner, the Weimaraner is a great choice.
- Average Size: 25-32 kgs
- Life Expectancy: 11-13 Years
- Specialty: Hunting large game on land