What Dogs Make the Best Hunting Partner?

Posted on October 01 2018

best hunting dog

When it comes to hunting, it's always nice to be able to take your loveable but resourceful partner, man's best friend pooch.

Here are the Top 10 Favorite and Best Hunting Dogs per WideOpenSpaces.com.

1. Labrador Retriever

It's right there in the name. Most retriever breeds make wonderful hunting dogs, and the Labrador might just be the "ultimate" hunting dog. With bundles of energy, a cold-weather coat meant for long days outdoors and on big ranches, and the willingness to go to any lengths to retrieve your kill, the Labrador Retriever is best for duck hunting, but can help you out with any type of small game. Just make sure your hungry Lab doesn't eat the bird for him or herself.

2. American Foxhound

These dogs were bred with the purpose of hunting foxes, and are still very much up to that task. Deer hunters have also adopted their running skills to fall deer season, but American Foxhound are a great hunting breed because they will pretty much chase down anything you tell them to.

3. Beagle

Perhaps seen as the "iconic" hunting dog, the Beagle is much like the American Foxhound in its persistence, energy, and love of the chase. Its short legs handicap it somewhat in the pursuit of bigger game, but if you are hunting varmint like rabbits, the Beagle is your dog.

4. Pointer

The Pointer's thin coat disqualifies it a bit from effective big game hunting in the snowy north, but in the southern United States, where temperatures stay hot, the Pointer is the perfect companion for finding and bagging birds in an expansive field.

5. Bloodhound

Their very name makes them sound like ruthless hunters, and Bloodhounds live up to that expectation with their strong noses and unparalleled tracking abilities making them great hunting dogs.

bloodhoundvetstreet.com — Image via: VetStreet

6. Golden Retriever

Often considered the quintessential "family dog," Golden Retrievers, like their Labrador cousins, are also wonderful small-game hunters. These dogs are perfect as a household breed for the kids which also doubles as a hunting partner for the parents.

gdpuppies_080107_34 — Image via: Gun Dog Mag

7. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Like its Retriever brethren, this dog, bred for duck hunting on the shores of its namesake Chesapeake Bay, is an energetic, intelligent, water-loving dog with the endurance to happily charge through a long day of hunting.

chesapeake-bay-retriever-04 — Image via: DogsoCats

8. Weimaraner

Unique and elegant looking, with long legs that may make them look awkward at first glance, Weimaraner dogs are fast and calm, perfect for hunting pheasant, quail, or other birds.

9. Coonhound

Got a raccoon problem? These sharp-nosed hunters will root out their namesake pests and help you bag them for good. If you are looking for a hunting dog that will go with you through all conditions and terrain types, this might be the companion for you.