Did you know that hunting dogs can be your perfect companions on your expeditions? With so many breeds of hunting dogs, it isn’t easy to compile a list of dog breeds with perfect skills. It’s akin to asking whether a Dodge or Ford is better.
A number of dog breeds feature on any dog breeds list, one of which is hunting dog breeds. Within hunting dog breeds, each breed of hunting dogs is good at hunting a particular quarry. This list will explain which breed of dog is good at hunting which creature. History suggests that dogs were used for hunting over 20,000 years ago, a surprising fact.
Labs Make Excellent Duck Hunting Dogs
A Labrador retriever is probably one of the best duck hunters; they were trained to mark, retrieve and bring the duck to the waiting hunter. Their body structure is perfect for swimming in cold waters as their double coat not only keeps the cold out but acts as a water repellent.
While their webbed feet make swimming an easy task, their muscled body and thick tail help them balance, maneuver, and glide effortlessly in the water. What’s more, is Labradors mature faster than most other breeds and are ready for a hunting trip sooner than you imagined.
Springer Spaniels For Pheasants
If you plan hunting pheasants, rearing a Springer spaniel is your best bet. Besides having incredible stamina levels, these spaniels have a nose that points to birds quickly. They can indulge in a hide-and-seek game with the tricky pheasants before they point out one for you to shoot down.
This attitude of pheasants probably makes a flushing dog a better choice, though they lack the stamina that the spaniels have. Springer spaniels are good at pointing out waterfowl and pheasants found in cornfields, thanks to their small size and boundless energy. Springer spaniels figure high among hunting dogs.
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers: Sea-Duck Hunting Dogs
Bred within the United States, the Chesapeake Bay retrievers are excellent hunting dogs if you plan to hunt sea ducks. These hard-working dogs are the best choice to navigate the rough waters of the Chesapeake Bay that are cold and unwelcoming. These Bay retrievers are quick to pick up the prey shot by their masters with punt guns.
As a result, they can retrieve dozens of sea ducks in quick succession. When they are not retrieving waterfowl, they make excellent guards for their masters’ guns and gear stored at the docks. With a more robust build than a Lab, Bay retrievers dare to tread cold waters for retrieves because of their thick, oily coats that protect them from the icy waters.
Beagles For Hunting Rabbits
Beagles may be cute and adorable to look at, but they have no equals when retrieving rabbits. Once they catch the scent of a rabbit, they bark and bay while chasing them and don’t give up until they are hunted down. They are adept at chasing rabbits in circles, giving their owners a better chance at a shot.
These small-made hunting dogs have incredible scenting abilities and have been the choice of people hunting small game for a long time. Beagles are fast and agile, making them one of the top choices for hunting rabbits.
While there are several breeds of hunting dogs, finding the one that suits you best depends on the hunting terrain and game. Some species are good retrievers in water, while some others are good in the woods.
