Because hunters pursue a variety of game—all with different challenges—they recruit different dog breeds to accompany them. Labrador, golden and Chesapeake Bay retrievers are well suited to waterfowl, while English terriers take precedence, and English and British setters are better suited to hunting upland birds. Some breeds have impressive athletic abilities, such as beagle rabbit hunting, fox hunting, american deer chasing, dogo argentinos fighting. While few breeds possess the skills to excel in all scenarios, German Shorthaired Pointers very much are.
A hunter walks with a gun and his dog. Credit: SteveOehlenschlager/iStock/Getty Images
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers swimming in the water. Credit: Orchard/Getty Images
First developed in Newfoundland, where they helped fishermen retrieve nets and capture smuggled fish, modern Labrador retrievers also make excellent hunting dogs. Labrador Retrievers are a high-energy breed, with an unparalleled drive to fetch waterfowl. Intelligent and friendly Labs, as they are often called, also make excellent family pets.
golden retriever
Golden retriever wearing a leash. credit: agaliza/iStock/Getty Images
One of the most popular breeds in the United States, golden retrievers are not only excellent hunting dogs, they also perform admirably as guide dogs or search and rescue dogs. Friendly dogs, golden retrievers are equally happy retrieving waterfowl or playing with their family. While their water-resistant, double-layer clogs seasonally keep them comfortable while working in the water. Like Labs, golden retrievers have a “soft bite” that helps them fetch migratory birds without maiming them.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
A Chesapeake Bay Retriever in the grass during the fall. credit: ktatarka/iStock/Getty Images
Equipped with even feet, Chesapeake Bay retrievers are excellent dogs for retrieving waterfowl in cold weather. Chesapeake Bay retrievers in the United States during the “smaller part of the 19th century” are described as “the toughest water retriever”. While these dogs have a relatively short double coat, both coats contain protective oils, which help keep these dogs warm in cool damp conditions.
English Springer Spaniel
English spaniel tail on the beach. credit: tanya_lug/iStock/Getty Images
English Springer spaniels are medium sized hunting dogs, who weigh up to 50 pounds. Originally created as Flushing Dogs, Springers are excellent upland game birds, whose boundless energy and desire to please their owners allow them to work all day. Although they make excellent family pets, the bouncy English spinel requires regular brushing and grooming to keep its long hair from matting.
english racket
An English putter runs through a field. Credit: Ole Gunnar Rasmussen/iStock/Getty Images
While some breeds have similar pointing skills, English setters aren’t ardent retrievers. The feather coat is very handsome, but it does require regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Anglers should choose “field” lines, which have lighter feathers. English setters have a strong desire to be with their pack – including the human members of their pack – and require plenty of attention and exercise.
Brittany Spaniels
Brittany poking his head through the banister. credit: cj_lee/iStock/Getty Images
The Brittany is a fast, athletic breed, equally capable of cleaning or pointing. It originated in France, and was originally called the Brittany Spaniel breed. As hunters discovered that the breed’s hunting pattern was more like hunting pointers than flushing dogs, the AKC minted the name. Brittanies require a lot of exercise, although they make loyal and loving pets.
beagle
A beagle puppy lying on grass credit: jbouma09/iStock/Getty Images
Available in 13-inch tall and 15-inch tall varieties, the beagle is energetic, playful and a little mischievous. Despite their small size, beagles make convenient hunters for finding, retrieving and retrieving rabbits. Built low to the ground, Beagles are skilled watchers, with a wonderful sense of smell, rivaling Basset Hounds. Because beagles are a vocal breed, they are easy to track down when out of sight.
American Foxhound
American fox standing in a yard. credit: acceptfoto/iStock/Getty Images
American foxes are built long-legged and slender. Because they are full of energy and have the stamina to chase deer while they bark and howl at the top of their lungs, American foxes are ideal accomplices for young deer. The American Collie gets along well with other dogs and can make good family pets, but they are independent dogs that need a skilled trainer.
Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino running in the water at the beach. Credit: Ali Tyler/iStock/Getty Images
Dogo Argentinos were developed as athletic, well-muscled dogs, hunting big game — including cougars and wild boar — in packs. Despite their distressing appearance, the AKC describes Dogo Argentinos as “fun, unpretentious and friendly”. These dogs, which may reach up to 27 inches at the shoulder, are energetic and require plenty of exercise and play.
German Shorthaired Pointer
German shorthaired pointer standing on snow in the forest. Credit: Newton Page/iStock/Getty Images
Excellent all-around hunting dogs, shorthaired German Pointers are capable of guiding, laying, flushing, trailing, tracking and retrieving game. German Shorthaired Pointers are intelligent dogs, even with a friendly family temperament. Thanks to our stamina, German Short Pointers are able to spend the day pursuing a wide variety of game species, including deer, quail, and thistle.
