The Best Hunting Dog Breeds for 2021

Dogs have been used for hunting since their early domestication. Dogs bred for hunting can be adorable, but their personality, markings, coat, etc. all play a significant part. Some of these traits make them the perfect companion as well. Check out our breed break-down for hunting dogs and see if any match your needs and wants.

Labrador Retriever

Ranked the most popular dog breed by the AKC for two straight decades, the Labrador is an effective bird dog due to its “soft mouth”, a trait common in retrievers and setters. This means they can be trained to handle prey delicately, so as to not damage it.

Labs are well known for their intelligence and loyalty. Due to these traits, they also make successful service dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, drug and bomb detectors, and family companions; they are high-energy, needing plenty of exercise. Luckily, they excel in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and tracking, as well as a solid game of fetch. Their coats require minimal maintenance, making it easy to have them out on the hunt or inside with the family.

Golden Retriever

The Golden has a lot in common with Labradors, including excelling with hunting, as service dogs, with search-and-rescue, as family companions, and in dog sports. They are even at the top of the charts in the U.S. They are a very friendly, outgoing, and active breed. A Golden will enjoy a hunt, hike, and even training. Their soft mouth and eager-to-please personality make them excellent bird dogs. Golden Retrievers are very happy with a day of swimming and long games of fetch. Their coat requires a decent amount of maintenance, with regular brushing, sometimes daily.

Beagle

Although small and compact, Beagles are great hunters of small prey, or larger prey in larger packs, and they are very pack-oriented. The good thing is they enjoy both human and canine companionship, making them great family dogs as well ask hunters. They are one of the best scent hounds and very intelligent, although they can be stubborn. Another breed with high energy levels, the require daily exercise.

Irish Setter

Specialized in bird hunting, Irish Setters track scents then signal that they’ve found the birds. Similar to retrievers, they also have soft mouths. These setters are generally defined as smart, determined, affectionate, and outgoing, making them great hunters and family pets. As is the trend, this breed requires a good amount of exercise. If you decide to get an Irish Setter, try obedience training, tracking, and agility to work them. Their coat requires brushing at least twice a week.

Bloodhound

Bred to track large game, Bloodhounds today are also used by police departments to track both missing people and escapees. As of today, no tech is as advanced as this breed’s scent-tracking abilities. Exercise is important, particularly walks where they can use their nose. Try to stay away from leaving them alone in the yard, for they are prone to digging and escaping. They are intelligent and independent, making training difficult sometimes as they can be stubborn.

If interested in Bloodhounds as a family companion, they don’t require much maintenance but are quite drooly. Affection, loving, and generally good with children, they are pack-oriented and make a great additional member to most families. Due to their stubbornness, train and socialize early.

Weimaraner

Specialized in large game hunting (wolves, bears, and mountain lions), this “Grey Ghost” generally sticks to their owners. They are smart and athletic, friendly and obedient. Limited grooming and easily trainable, this breed makes a great family pet. They do need exercise, but benefit from something as easy as a safe fenced area.

German Short-haired Pointer

Pointers are intelligent and determined and hunt everything from birds to deer. They also point, track in day and night, and retrieve from land and water. Early socialization and training is critical for this breed.

As a family companion, Pointers form strong bonds with their humans and just need to be brushed about twice a week on average. They do require a bit more exercise than the average hunting dog, needing physical and mental exercise at least twice a day. Brisk walks, runs, and swims with an equally outdoor loving owner is ideal for them.

Whether you’re looking for a hunting companion or a new member to your family, any of these dogs would be a great fit. Each breed is slightly different, requiring different care and excelling at various hunting activities. See which one might best fit your needs, and even meet a few!