Dogs, specifically hunting dogs, have remained at the epicenter of hunting culture. Living up to their name as ‘man’s best friend’, dogs have helped retrieve, track, and hunt all sorts of prey for their human counterparts. A good sense of smell, long stamina, and high energy are qualities most hunting dogs need to have, as well as a great training program when they are young. If you yourself are a hunter, you have definitely seen a dog in action before and know how seriously most hunting dogs take their job. So if you are a hunter looking for a furry companion to help you on trips, get to know some basics about the various breeds and what each kind of hunting these dog specialize in before you make a decision.
Not recognized as their own breed group through the American Kennel Association, hunting dogs are grouped in with the Sporting Group. There are six major categories or groupings of hunting dogs: hounds, terriers, dachshunds, feists, cur dogs, and gun dogs.
- HOUNDS: used to pursue running game, hunt mostly raccoons, rabbits, and other mammals
- Sighthounds: As their name suggests, sighthounds are adapted and used for their visual accuracy as well as their high though quick bursts of speed. Popular breeds include: Italian greyhound, Irish Wolfhound, Afghan hound, etc.
- Scenthounds: Scent Hounds are defined by their strong ability to smell and their booming voice. Their high endurance and strong nose allows them to follow a trail for a long time. Most are used in packs with groups of multiple dogs. Popular breeds include: Bloodhounds, Beagles, etc.
- TERRIERS: Spirited, typically used to hunt vermin through locating dens. Popular breeds include: Bull Terrier, Schnauzer, Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier, Russell Terrier, etc.
- DACHSHUNDS: Bred follow and flush out small burrowing den animals. The only certifiable breed to hunt below and above ground.
- FEISTS: Chase prey, ocassionally ‘tree them’ in which they force their target up a tree until their hunter comes. Hunts rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals.
- CUR DOGS: Similiar to terrier though usually hunt larger game.
- GUN DOGS: used to locate game within shooting distance of the hunter then retrieve the fallen game. Hunts usually birds
- Retrievers: Their primary role is to find and retrieve game shot by their hunter and have large very gentle muzzles so as not to damage their finds. Popular breeds include: Golden Retrievers, Labs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
- Pointers: As their name describes, these dogs will track a scent and hold their signature ‘point’ pose until their hunter comes along to check on them. Popular breeds include: English Setter, Irish Setter, Pointer
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