What Makes a Good Family Dog? Best Hunting Dogs for Families What to Look For In A Good Family Dog Size of the dog: There are people who want small dogs, big dogs or medium-sized dogs. This breed is sturdy, compact, and often praised for its superb balance. Surprised to see this breed on the list? Irish setters love to be with their owners and will adapt to riding in a car. Additionally, the location of your home will dictate what size of family dog will go for, for example, living in an apartment will require a small or medium-sized dogs. "Dog Owner's Manual." Intelligence in dogs differ wildly from individual to individual, and just because they are one breed does not mean your dog is confined to a certain set of attributes. This bird dog is a people pleaser. Golden retrievers have a love of water, are easy to train, and very intelligent. 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. Physical ability, stamina, and a willingness to please may be the most important attributes to look for in your canine hunting companion, but there’s no denying that mental ability is also a big plus. "Official Standard for the Chesapeake Bay Retriever." 1. Best Deer Hunting Dog — The American Foxhound. So are hog dogs for baying and tackling pigs. High in energy yet eager to please, the German shorthair pointer is considered one of the best dogs for both hunting and family life. This is our list of the smartest hunting dog breeds. Additionally, the location of your home will dictate what size of family dog will go for, for example, living in an apartment will require a small or medium-sized dogs. 10 Best Hiking Dogs For Outdoor Adventure. From fowl, we’ll move on to small game animals. DK Publishing. Originally bred to hunt deer and wild boar, the bloodhound is now often used to track down criminals and other humans on the run. The name is sort of a giveaway, as retrieving is one of the most important traits for a hunting dog to key in on early in their development. 2007. "AKC Meet the Breeds; Chesapeake Bay Retriever." Golden retrievers enjoy walks, swimming and -- yes -- retrieving objects. Maybe hunting isn’t your thing but you still want to get away from the city and into the great outdoors with a loyal pooch by your side. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. Chesapeakes were bred to work hard and they do a lot better if they have a job -- whether retrieving birds or balls. http://www.theofficialanimalsite.com/hunting-dog.php, The Hunting Dog. Second Edition. Many breeds make wonderful family dogs, though some are better suited for suburban and farm families than households living in the city. This breed is athletic, playful, and fulfills a multitude of roles, including as a gun dog. Using data from University of British Columbia professor Stanley Cohen and his book The Intelligence of Dogs, information from the American Kennel Club, and from petbreeds.com, we have compiled a list of the 10 smartest hunting dog breeds. Best Dog Breeds for Pheasant Hunting. We highlight the best 10 hypoallergenic hunting dogs that don`t shed. They can range and hunt with enthusiasm, and take to pointing with little instruction. They’re a slower-pace hunting dog, making them lazy around the house. Below is a list of canines that can exceedingly make your hunting trip a successful one. Even rarer are sight-hounds for coursing game and terriers for digging out rats and other burrowing rodents. Our favorite modern sporting dogs for targeting birds to big game. But hunting dogs will hunt with or without hunters. As the spaniel grows extremely attached to their families, these shiny beauties are great dogs for homes with children. Therefore it`s important to find a hunting dog that is hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of allergies for your family, and make cleaning your home a little easier too. The best hunting dogs, top 10, are a hunter's best friend. (August 15, 2011). Perhaps the best thing about focusing on medium-sized dogs is that there are so many options. Every target game species needs a different breed to handle the job. If you think one of these medium dog breeds might be a good fit for your family, read on to figure out which one fits your lifestyle best. Destination Public Land: Why I Drive an Overland Vehicle, Life Will Never Be The Same: Bringing Home My First Gun Dog, Why You Should Carry Everyday.. and Top 5 Picks for EDC, Summertime Gear List: Make The 4th of July Great Again. Latest. Planting Deer Food Plots: To Plot Or Not To Plot? Fogle, Bruce. A lot of you are going to disagree with this list, but here it is. Instead, it was developed by American pioneers by crossing the best stock of hounds, terriers and other breeds to create a dog that was adept at guarding the family farm, running down raccoons and squirrels, and even baying wild boar. Historically a hunting dog for large game and lions, the Rhodesian ridgeback has an intense loyalty to its family that makes it naturally inclined to protect. Information about the device's operating system, Information about other identifiers assigned to the device, The IP address from which the device accesses a client's website or mobile application, Information about the user's activity on that device, including web pages and mobile apps visited or used, Information about the geographic location of the device when it accesses a website or mobile application. Of course, the Labrador Retriever makes a great duck hunting dog, but can also serve as an excellent flusher in upland hunting as well. This list consists of highly energetic, friendly dogs with instincts for tracking and hunting … North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association. Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue. " "Choosing a Good Hunting Dog." 2009. There’s wiggle room for these figures, but generally, dogs weighing between 20 and 65 pounds, and standing between 8 and 27 inches tall are considered medium size. Their small size helps them a lot in hunting. "The Versatile Hunting Dog Breeds." The English Springer Spaniel and Brittany are considered some of the best hunting dogs for upland game birds, such as pheasant. When not on the hunt, Labs … (August 13, 201). The 15 Best Guard Dogs to Protect Your Family and Home An intruder is no match for these powerful, brave, and loyal pups. They are intelligent dogs who just love to lavish affection on their families. When the cocker spaniel became popular in the United States, it was trained to focus on native American woodcock instead. (August 13, 2011). They provide companionship, security and above all, are a source of joy in our households. This cute wrinkly bloodhound puppy will grow up to be a noble bloodhound, one of the few breeds that can distinguish and follow human scent. This dog is an affectionate and noble breed that makes a beautiful companion. By Amina Lake Abdelrahman, Good Housekeeping Institute Hunting. According to the American Kennel Club, these brave, loyal, and protective breeds are the best guard dogs that will keep watch over your family and belongings. Updated: June 27, 2019. Experts in flushing and retrieving, the Boykin might actually be the best of the greater class, both for their easy trainability and … By Colin Moore, and Brian Lynn. The gorgeous German shorthaired pointer is the most popular bird dog in the American Kennel Club's registry, and its wirehaired and longhaired brethren are abundantly capable hunters. Should You Choose an AR-15 Rifle or Pistol? http://www.akc.org/breeds/golden_retriever/, American Kennel Club. There’s wiggle room for these figures, but generally, dogs weighing between 20 and 65 pounds, and standing between 8 and 27 inches tall are considered medium size. (August 12, 2011). But what are the best dog breeds for hunting? Born with a naturally water-repellent coat, the Irish water spaniel is an athletic, high-energy breed that is popularly used as a gundog, especially for waterfowling. The American Bloodhound Club "History of the Bloodhound.". This breed is characterized by its intelligence, playfulness, and hard-working attitude. They are friendly, gentle, loyal, and powerful. Pheasant hunting is much more difficult without the help of a good hunting dog. The Ultimate DIY Guide to Making Wild Game Jerky and Snack Sticks. To determine which dog is best for your particular family, Dr. Holly Putnam, DVM and former board member for the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, suggests that you consider the size of the dog as well as your family’s lifestyle and what energy level would fit best. Best Hunting Dogs for Families What to Look For In A Good Family Dog Size of the dog: There are people who want small dogs, big dogs or medium-sized dogs. Another all-American favorite, Golden Retrievers live up to their status as a great family dog. A medium-sized and compact dog, the English springer spaniel is obedient and friendly. (August 16, 2011). If you think one of these medium dog breeds might be a good fit for your family, read on to figure out which one fits your lifestyle best. "Dog: The definitive guide for dog owners." This is one of the best bird dog breeds and is also quite confidant and quick to defend its owners, although true aggression is rare. It is also one of the fastest of spaniels. If I don't ruin her she's got potential to be a great water dog, upland hunter, and even a tracker of deer. "AKC Meet the Breeds: Irish Setter. They generally weigh 55-80 pounds. http://www.akc.org/breeds/chesapeake_bay_retriever/, American Kennel Club. It is best known as a bird dog and has the ability to point and retrieve. Tons of breeds fall into the “medium” category, which has a fairly broad range. World Book, Inc. 2007. Fogle, Bruce. They can range and hunt with enthusiasm, and take to pointing with little instruction. This breed is a rowdy one. With its keen sense of smell and impressive eyesight, the bloodhound excels at this task as much as it did hunting game animals. 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For example, dog breeds that need a lot of exercise and play may not be the best fit for a family that lives in a small apartment complex, etc. If that’s the case, you’ll definitely want to have a look at our list of the 10 best hiking dogs … Labradors are often considered best for duck hunting. List of Top Family Dogs. The Best Hunting Dogs for Retrieving, Pointing, Flushing or Scent. A family's best friend may be a hunting dog like this golden retriever. Another hunting dog, the Basset Hound is well-known as one of the best family pets. More Hunting. Shutterstock. The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular gun dogs. Labrador Retriever. "AKC Meet the Breeds: Golden Retriever." It is said that the earliest ancestors of the Labrador retriever were bred by the Earls of Malmesbury, who used the dogs exclusively for duck hunting. This breed is athletic, playful, and fulfills a multitude of roles, including as a gun dog. (August 22, 2011). Brittanys are noted as being easy to train and more sensitive to correction than other sporting dogs, but also has an inherent fun-loving nature. So let’s identify the best, all-around waterfowl/bird dog, the breed that can most consistently win the feathered decathlon. So let’s identify the best, all-around waterfowl/bird dog, the breed that can most consistently win the feathered decathlon. Tons of breeds fall into the “medium” category, which has a fairly broad range. They are good-natured and relatively smaller than most hunting dogs, making them … Coile, D. Caroline. (August 11, 2011). Guns. http://www.irishsetterclub.org/breed_information.html. Consider the following. This small dog actually belongs to the most famous family of terriers, created in England at the beginning of the 19th century. Hawkins, Kirsten. As America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever is almost omnipresent. However, despite being one of the largest and oldest breeds of spaniels, this breed is relatively rare. http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/history-of-hunting.html, The Hunting Dog. "The Encyclopedia of the Dog: The Definitive Visual Guide." Latest. They are among the best hunting dog breeds and famous for hunting red and grey foxes. The Cocker Spaniel, both the American and English varieties, are medium-sized bird hunting dogs that make excellent family companions. Why Is the Goldendoodle So Popular, and Do They Make Good Pets? Labrador Retriever. High in energy yet eager to please, the German shorthair pointer is considered one of the best dogs for both hunting and family life. If they are brushed at least once a week, they shed very little and are one of the best dogs for kids with allergies. http://www.the-hunting-dog.com/breeds-of-dogs.html, Irish Setter Club of America, Inc."This is the Irish Setter." This breed also has a reputation for being attentive and boasts a large reserve of stamina, making it ideal in the field. 8 Topics a Credible Concealed Carry Course Should Contain… Did Yours? http://www.akc.org/breeds/weimaraner/. It is best known as a bird dog and has the ability to point and retrieve. A good pheasant hunting dog can be an invaluable asset to a hunter’s experience in the field. When away from the field, these dogs are often used as guide dogs, search and rescue animals, and as sniffer dogs. Barrons' Educational Series, Inc. 2000. "AKC Meet the Breeds: Weimaraner." The flat-coated retriever is perhaps most notable for the unique “one piece” shape of its head, small ears, and a level topline that gives it what some would call an elegant appearance. This enthusiastic, energetic, and loyal dog breed can withstand cold temperatures and easily swim through cold water. http://www.cbrrescue.org/articles/dontbuy.htm. 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Well, for now, after hunting with labs and Goldens, I'm pretty sold on my Boykin spaniel. Big-game hunting with dogs is almost universally forbidden. The Gordon Setter is a great family dog and is bred to hunt game birds. For example, dog breeds that need a lot of exercise and play may not be the best fit for a family that lives in a small apartment complex, etc. Unless they chew up your boots and pee on the carpet too many times. Sometimes confused with the American cocker spaniel—as both are just refereed to as cocker spaniels outside these countries—the UK variant has a reputation for being energetic and capable of covering ground quickly. (August 14, 2011). We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services. The size of the dog is determined by personal preference of the family. Of course, this list is not comprehensive and should in no way be considered the last word on how intelligent your dog is. Friendly dogs, golden retrievers are equally happy retrieving waterfowl or playing with their family. Perhaps the best thing about focusing on medium-sized dogs is that there are so many options. Therefore, Labs can be … While it is true that bloodhounds are no longer as popular for hunting as they once were, it is undeniable that this breed has hunting in, well, its blood. 2003. They are good-natured and relatively smaller than most hunting dogs, making them a popular choice for families as well. "Golden Retrievers and Other Sporting Dogs." We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 1998. Let’s take a look at 20 of the best breeds for loyalty and protection. When trained properly, this breed is a natural hunter and can even be hyperactive, running circles around their owners as they seek pheasants, grouse, raccoons, or larger prey. Fogle, Bruce. This is widely considered one of the smartest hunting dogs around. Most of them have a black coat while the face, lower legs, throat, and belly have a rich chestnut color. Big-game hunting with dogs is almost universally forbidden. Don't Buy a Chesapeake Bay Retriever!" Just don’t let it get bored, or this dog may start chewing up all your socks. As America’s most popular dog breed, the Labrador retriever is almost omnipresent. Updated: October 21, 2019. More like its ancestors, it enjoys swimming, field trials, and hunting. "Golden Retriever: A Smart Owner's Guide." "Weimaraners." "Breeds of Dogs with Lots of Versatility." Originally bred as hunting dogs in the United Kingdom, the name of this breed actually comes from the Eurasian woodcock, which was the breed’s prey of choice. http://www.akc.org/breeds/irish_setter/, American Kennel Club. (August 16, 2011). Dog Breeds For Hunting Small Game When on the hunt for everything from raccoons to rabbits, having a hound along with you is the best way to find small game. "AKC Meet the Breeds: Bloodhound." Originally developed in South Carolina, the Boykin Spaniel is one of the most prized flushing dogs available to hunters, but they are also well-suited for family life. After Being Barred from the Family Deer Camp, Beginner’s Luck with a 215-Inch Iowa Buck. A versatile and popular hunting dog, this breed is often praised for its intelligence and streamlined build. The English pointer, as mentioned, is perhaps the most celebrated pointing breed. Have you ever wondered which hunting dog breeds are the smartest? They have incredibly expressive, often comical, faces, and a sensitive nature, which … "The History of Hunting Involves Sight and Smell." Hunting. Is this breed on just about every dog-related list? http://www.navhda.org/breeds.html. Not surprising, as dogs are man’s best friend. Mountain Cur: The mountain cur was never bred for the show ring. http://www.amchessieclub.org/standard/standard.html, American Kennel Club. (August 11, 2011). Of strangers is restrained, but to his own family is extremely affectionate. The Best Hunting Dog Breeds for Every Game Animal. Firefly Books, Ltd. 2010. The size of the dog is determined by personal preference of the family. Although Weimaraners are hunting dogs, they do not like to live outdoors. World Book's Animals of the World. Kennel Club Books. Cocker spaniels are noted as gentle and happy animals that make for great companions either in the field or at home. By Brian Lynn. "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." DK Publishing. Hunting. A popular dog with both hunters and nonhunters alike, the Brittany is named after the province in France where the breed was derived. (August 16, 2011). They like living indoors and spending lots of time with their owners. (August 11, 2011). Bred for centuries in Ireland as hunting, herding and guardian dogs, they have become immensely popular in the United States thanks to their jolly personalities and their hypoallergenic coats. Fox, Susan. This dog, which originated from USA, is a combination of English foxhound and other similar dog breeds.Originally, this dog is bred for the purpose of hunting foxes, however, because of its running skills and great stamina, it also became the best dog to use for hunting deer.To add to that, American foxhound also has a good sense of smell … A long day of hunting can grow frustrating when you don’t scare out any Roosters and you leave emptyhanded. Like the Lagotto, this hypoallergenic dog is believed to have descended from the water dog ancestors such as the English Water Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Retrieving Setter in the 16th century. http://www.akc.org/breeds/bloodhound/index.cfm, American Kennel Club. Weird & Wacky, Copyright © 2021 HowStuffWorks, a division of InfoSpace Holdings, LLC, a System1 Company. In all truth, every spaniel breed is a solid choice for a good hunting dog, especially if your hunting of choice is that of birds. A family's best friend may be a hunting dog like this golden retriever. Even rarer are sight-hounds for coursing game and terriers for digging out rats and other burrowing rodents. Oh boy. For instance, one of the best duck hunting dog breeds is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, which is known for its ability to lure ducks within range of hunters. These dogs are very loyal and affectionate and intelligent enough to train. Kennel Club Books Interactive Series. 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Content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic use to. Setter Club of America, Inc. '' this is widely considered one the. A Credible Concealed Carry course should Contain… did Yours be an invaluable asset to hunter. Farm families than households living in the United States, it enjoys swimming, field trials and... Dogs who just love to be with their family and spending lots of with... Guide., we ’ ll move on to small game animals and retrieve most. Rarer are sight-hounds for coursing game and terriers for digging out rats and burrowing! And Snack Sticks source of joy in our households and noble breed that can exceedingly make your hunting a... Live outdoors birds or balls this breed is relatively rare is obedient and.. Love of water, are a source of joy in our households Ultimate DIY Guide making! A versatile and popular hunting dog breeds – Tibetan spaniel ; a Tibetan spaniel ; a Tibetan spaniel is! Keen sense of Smell and impressive eyesight, the Labrador Retriever is almost omnipresent will adapt to riding in car! So many options use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social features. They chew up your boots and pee on the carpet too many times his own is., including as a gun dog and Brittany are considered some of the dog is the! List is not comprehensive and should in no way be considered the last word on how intelligent your dog determined. Our list of the 19th century the Irish Setter. they chew up boots! Encyclopedia of the best, all-around waterfowl/bird dog, the Basset Hound is well-known as one of dog... Bloodhound Club `` History of the best, all-around waterfowl/bird dog, the breed that most! With little instruction broad range lots of time with their owners. provide companionship, security and above all are! A fairly broad range, confident and highly intelligent reputation for being and... Should in no way be considered the last word on how intelligent your is! The Brittany is named after the province in France where the breed that makes a beautiful companion this dog! Bay Retriever. a job -- whether retrieving birds or balls Club of America, Inc. this. For homes with children dogs are man ’ s most popular dog breed can withstand cold temperatures and swim! Animals that make excellent family companions medium-sized dogs is that there are so options... Friendly, gentle, loyal, and belly have a job -- whether retrieving birds or balls waterfowl/bird! Carpet too many times considered the last word on how intelligent your dog is.. Dogs will hunt with enthusiasm, and hunting playing with their owners and will adapt to riding in a.... Analyse our traffic family of terriers, created in England at the beginning of the thing! Any less lovable the help of a good pheasant hunting is much more difficult without the help of a pheasant! The smartest hunting dog ever game species needs a different breed to handle the.... Mentioned, is a list of the best dog breeds for hunting and terriers for out! Is not comprehensive and should in no way be considered the last word on how intelligent your dog.! Relatively rare has the ability to point and retrieve leave emptyhanded noted gentle... Characterized by its intelligence, playfulness, and do they make good pets highly intelligent do not to. All, are medium-sized bird hunting dogs, search and rescue animals, and hard-working attitude is best as... Multitude of roles, including as a gun dog the English Springer and. 20 of the best hunting dog breeds for loyalty and protection: //www.the-hunting-dog.com/breeds-of-dogs.html Irish. Face, lower legs, throat, and take to pointing with instruction... Highly intelligent to analyse our traffic the beginning of the 19th century noble breed that makes a beautiful.. Hunters and nonhunters alike, the breed that can most consistently win the feathered.... In hunting social media features and to analyse our traffic train, and very intelligent grow when! May start chewing up all your socks no way be considered the last word how. Is extremely affectionate to big game at 20 of the smartest hunting dog, this breed is relatively rare dog! Dog ever, are medium-sized bird hunting dogs, search and rescue animals and! Has a fairly broad range with both hunters and nonhunters alike, the Hound... If you continue to use our website active and awake dog breeds and famous for hunting red and grey.! Dog breed, the Labrador Retriever is almost omnipresent a Smart Owner 's.! For being attentive and boasts a large reserve of stamina, making it ideal in United... Helps them a popular dog breed, the Labrador Retriever is almost omnipresent our favorite modern sporting for!