Hunting dogs should be a good runner and should have excellent reflexes. We have carefully chosen the below dog breed that are considered as the best companion for hunting.
American Foxhound
Native to the United States, the American Foxhound’s history can be traced back to thirteenth Century, when the British began to organize a fox-hunting. George Washington, the father of American foxhound, ran a breeding program and often referenced his foxhounds in his journals. These dogs are fast hunters who can run for miles. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | Foxhound |
Origin | United States |
Size Type | Large Dog Breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 10 -12 years |
Temperament | Kind, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Sweet-Tempered, Loving |
Health Concerns | A minor health risk in this type of breed is thrombocytopathy, or platelet disease. |
Height | Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm); Male: 22–25 inches (56–64 cm) |
Weight | Female: 20–29 kg; Male: 29–34 kg |
Colors | Red, Tan, Blue, White, Tri-color, White & Cream |
Beagle
Beagle, also known as “Beagles”, is a well-known hunting dog. This breed of dogs is frequently ranked in the top ten of the most popular dogs in the Japan and United States. Small, hardy and compact, Beagles are active companions for adults and kids alike. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | English Beagle |
Origin | Great Britain |
Size Type | Small dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 11-15 years |
Temperament | Gentle, Intelligent, Even Tempered, Determined, Amiable, Excitable |
Health Concerns | Beagles are prone to epilepsy, but it can be controlled with medication. Hypothyroidism and different types of dwarfism occur in Beagles. |
Height | Male: 13–16 inches (33–41 cm) |
Weight | Male: 22–25 lb (10–11 kg); Female 20–23 lb (9–10 kg) |
Colors | Tri-color, Chocolate Tri, White & Tan, Red & White, Brown & White, Lemon & White, Orange & White |
Bloodhound
The Bloodhound dog’s ancestors were created in medieval France to trail boar and deer. Today, it is an intelligent and highly active dog breed whose keen sense of smell has found him a special place in search & rescue task and law enforcement. Owing to his sweet nature and unique appearance, this breed is loved by both kids and adults. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | St. Hubert Hound |
Origin | Belgium, France or England, Scotland |
Size Type | Large & big Dog Breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 10 – 12 years |
Temperament | Stubborn, Affectionate, Gentle, Even Tempered |
Health Concerns | According to a study, the main cause of death in this breed is cancer, but the median age of death is young. |
Height | Female: 23–25 inches (58–64 cm); Male: 25–27 inches (64–69 cm) |
Weight | Female: 36.3–45.4 kg; Male: 40.8–49.9 kg |
Colors | Red, Black & Tan, Liver & Tan |
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a medium-sized, well-balanced dog breed. This dog breed was originated as a water dog widely used to hunt and retrieve ducks in the chilly chop of Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay. Its dense coat, sturdy build, stamina, and strength made him ideal for hunting purpose. He’s one of the finest hunting dog as well as a wonderful companion for experienced and active dog owners who can give him the exercise he needs. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | Chessie, CBR, Chesapeake |
Origin | USA |
Size Type | Large dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 10 – 12 years |
Temperament | Happy, Affectionate, Intelligent, Quiet, Dominant, Protective |
Health Concerns | Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), Hip Dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s Disease, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat), Chondrodysplasia, Epilepsy |
Height | Female: 21–24 inches (53–61 cm); Male: 23–26 inches (58–66 cm) |
Weight | Male: 65 – 80 lb (29 to 36 kg); Female: 55 – 70 lb (25 to 32 kg) |
Colors | Tan, Brown, Dark Brown, Light Brown, Deadgrass, Sedge |
Treeing Walker Hound
The Treeing Walker Hound is well-known for his ability to run. This classic tricolor hound breed has a short, clear bark, and a strong desire to hunt. Their personalities range from outgoing to bashful to protective. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | English Coonhound |
Origin | USA |
Size Type | Medium-sized dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | Average 12 to 13 years |
Temperament | Loving, Affectionate, Clever, Trainable, Confident, Intelligent |
Health Concerns | Overheating |
Height | Male: 56–69 cm; Female: 51–64 cm |
Weight | Male: 22.7–31.8 kg; Female: 22.7–31.8 kg |
Colors | Black, White, Tri-color |
Irish Setter
The Irish Setter is an active, aristocratic bird dog, known for its rich red color and elegant construction. These trainable dogs are a fast-moving hunter, and at home they are a sweet natured companion. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | Red Setter , Irish Red Setter |
Origin | Ireland |
Size Type | Large dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 12 – 15 years |
Temperament | Independent, Lively, Affectionate, Playful, Companionable, Energetic |
Health Concerns | Major health concerns: CHD, PRA, gastric torsion |
Height | Female: 22–24 inches (55–62 cm); Male: 23–26 inches (58–67 cm) |
Weight | Female: 24–29 kg; Male: 27–32 kg |
Colors | Red, Mahogany, Chestnut |
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever’s athletic, well-balanced conformation enables it to operate as a hunting dog. The most distinctive features of this breed are its short dense coat, and an “otter” tail. Further, its clean-cut head with broad back skull, and powerful jaws, intelligence and good temperament make it suitable for hunting purpose. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | Lab, Labrador |
Origin | United Kingdom, Canada |
Size Type | Medium dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 10-13 years |
Temperament | Gentle, Intelligent, Good-tempered, Kind, Outgoing, Agile |
Health Concerns | Major concerns: Gastric torsion, CHD, retinal dysplasia/skeletal dwarfism Minor concerns: OCD, Cataract, CPRA, Pyotraumatic dermatitis |
Height | Male: 22–25 inches (56–62 cm); Female: 21–24 inches (54–60 cm) |
Weight | Male: 30–36 kg; Female: 25–32 kg |
Colors | Black, chocolate, or yellow (pale cream) |
Pointer
The Pointer is a French hunting dog of pointing gun dog type. They kept primarily as a hunting dog, and not as a pet or show-dog. Bred for several years to “point” birds and rabbits, this breed of dogs is a versatile field dogs and exceptional family dog breed. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | English Pointer |
Origin | France |
Size Type | Large Dog Breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | 10 -18 years |
Temperament | Independent, Quick, Docile, Energetic, Trainable, Robust |
Health Concerns | Cherry eye, Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy and Allergies |
Height | Female: 22–26 inches (56–65 cm); Male: 24–26 inches (60–67 cm) |
Weight | Female: 25–30 kg; Male: 25–30 kg |
Colors | Brown & White, Fawn & White, Orange & White, Brown ticked, Fawn ticked |
Weimaraner
Initially bred as a gundog to handle big game like bear and deer, the Weimaraner or “Silver Ghost” was a highly sought-after dog breed in its native Germany. Today, these highly demanding and elegant dogs can still be found out on the hunting grounds as well as they can make a fine family friend if they are well trained. Some other important information about this breed is as follows:
Common Nicknames | Weim, Grey Ghost, Silver Ghost |
Origin | Germany |
Size Type | Medium-sized dog breeds |
Breed Type | Purebred |
Life span | Average 10 to 12 years |
Temperament | Energetic, Stubborn, Fast, Intelligent, Aloof, Steady, Alert, Powerful |
Health Concerns | Dogs can be affected by bloat or gastric torsion. Senior dogs are prone to arthritis |
Height | Female: 59–63 cm; Male: 62–67 cm |
Weight | Female: 25–35 kg; Male: 30–40 kg |
Colors | Silver-gray, Mouse-gray, Silver |