Top 10 Hunting Dog Breeds

Hunting dogs are canines who hunt. They hunt with or for humans.

Hunting dogs are mainly used by the police force to hunt down for a piece of evidence, but if you enjoy hunting and want a partner, what is better than a dog?

Although dogs require a specific skill set, which makes them good at hunting, these skills include how proper training it receives, stamina/endurance, athleticism, concentration, etc.

So, here is the list of top hunting dog breeds.

1. Labrador Retrievers

Height: 22.5 to 24.5 inches (males), 21.5 to 23.5 inches (females)

Weight: 30 to 36 kilograms (males), 24 to 30 kilograms (females) 

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 

• Labrador retrievers are easy to train 

These dogs are one of the most intelligent and active dog breeds. They learn quickly because they love to see their owners satisfied.

They also have food motivation, which can be a pro or con, depending on how the owner takes it.

• Labrador Retrievers are athletic 

They are loyal, athletic, enthusiastic, and robust when it comes to their characteristics.

They have a water-resistant coat, which makes it easy for hunting in a lake or river.

Labrador Retrievers can easily bear cold temperatures as well. These dogs are considered best for duck hunting. 

• These dogs are incredibly patient

When it comes to teaching them new skills, these dogs always listen patiently and are ready to try new activities anytime. They fit in any environment they are put in. 

2. Beagle

Height: 13 to 15 inches

Weight: 9 to 11 kilograms 

Life Expectancy: 10 to 15 years 

• Beagles are energetic 

Beagles are highly active for a small size. They need brisk walks to keep energy intact.

This suggests they move fast when hunting is considered. This breed primarily specializes in hunting small animals like rabbits.

• Beagles have strong physical characteristics

Even though they have a small structure, they are muscular, domed skull, and big floppy ears. In addition to these, they have an excellent quality of smell and a loud voice.  

3. American Foxhound

Height:21 to 28 inches

Weight: 27 to 30 kilograms

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 

• American Foxhounds have excellent skills

These dogs have high smelling power, loud voice, determination, and fast running skill. These dogs were first used for hunting foxes.

Over time, they were started using to hunt down deer. Because of this, both are also known as ‘excellent foxes and deer hunters.’

They are the type of dogs who can be with you and, at the same time, have a lot of excellent skills which are associated with them.

Most of the time, these are the type of dogs who can be with you for a lot of skills which are with them.

• American Foxhounds’ physical appearances 

They look almost like beagles, just bigger. These dogs have long, lean legs, which help them to run faster.

They have a big skull and big floppy ears lie beagles. They are the sturdy ones who have an excellent physical appearance when they call in for.

They are the primary ways through which you can know how to form out for the basis, and you can keep them around you anytime that you want.

These are the primary type of pups to play with.  

• These dogs are energetic and active 

American Foxhounds need a busy owner to take them to walk every day. If one wants a guard dog, they are one of the best.

They like to remain outdoors and want their owners to play with them and give them time. 

4. Pointer

Height: 17 to 21 inches

Weight: 25 to 35 kilograms (males), 20 to 30 kilograms (females) 

Life Expectancy: 12 to 17 years 

• Pointers are easy to train 

Pointers are straightforward to prepare. They are intelligent, have the potential to soft mouthiness, and have a strong pet drive.

Their energy level is usually high and is playful in nature. They are the type of dog that you can go out with, anytime that you want.

They are the primary type of dogs out for you, specially helps you to have a good cuddle time as well.

They are amazing, and a lot of people bring them in.

• Pointers’ physical appearance 

These dogs vary in size. Some are large, while some are medium-sized. They have a broad nose, which helps in smelling up to a decent distance.

Also, this breed is hot tolerant, so it is suitable for hot and humid southern places. A similar type of dogs includes German short hair pointer and German wire head pointer.

5. Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Height: 23 to 26 inches (males), 21 to 24 tittles (females)  

Weight: 30 to 36 kilograms (males), 24 to 30 kilograms (females) 

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years  

• Chesapeake Bay retrievers’ physical appearance 

This dog is a muscular dog with a substantial body with a wavy and oily coat. It is a bit different than other retrievers.

They have an excellent physical appearance, the one which a lot of you will appreciate. They have a scope of the way through which you can be with them.

Especially if you want to keep a good looking dog around at your home, then you can keep them.

They can hunt as much as you want, and the primary way is to keep them active.

•  This dog breed is athletic

These dogs are energetic, athletic, and like to stay outdoors hunting and playing. They are resistant to frigid temperatures, which add to the pros of hunting.

It is an intelligent dog breed and is devoted to its owner. These dogs also need regular chances to vent their energy and to do something new and adventurous. 

These breed dogs usually have high temperament.

6. Bluetick Coonhound

Height: 21 to 27 inches 

Weight: 20 to 35 kilograms

Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years 

• Bluetick Coonhound’s physical appearance 

These dogs have a short, sleek body. They have a shiny coat with a thickly mottled body and black spots on back and ears.

• Bluetick Coonhound is sensible dogs

This dog breed is popular among children. These dogs enjoy people’s company a lot and are smart and rational.

Although they are a bit stubborn, so they are hard to train and teach new skills.

Bluetick Coonhound is affectionate, friendly, and playful. They have high energy levels and exercise needs. The amount of shedding is meager.

7. English Setter

Height: 25 to 27 jots (male), 23 to 25 inches (females)

Weight: 30 to 36 kilograms (male), 20 to 25 kilograms (females)

Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years 

• English Setters’ physical appearance 

These dogs have large bodies with large heads. They have long hair, which is smooth and silky. Ears are long and floppy.

• These dogs are playful and strong 

These dogs have a high power level and are playful. When catching the prey, their active muscle with long legs helps them to run faster and find them. Likewise, their exercise needs are high

• They are pet-friendly

These dogs are affectionate and loving. They never leave their owner’s side no matter what. They may get a bit tiring to teach new skills sometimes, but their sweetness does it all.

8. Irish Setter 

Height: 25 to 27 inches 

Weight: 27 to 30 kilograms

Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years 

• Irish Setters’ physical appearance 

These dogs have a red or mahogany fur, which is smooth and silky. They have long floppy ears, Longneck and legs make them faster during the hunting process.

They mostly hunt birds. This breed is hard-working, determined, and gentle.

• These dogs are affectionate 

This breed is known to be the most loving breed. They get attached to their owner.

Love playing and hunting small birds, love walking, and want their owner to give them maximum time because they have high workout needs.

9. Weimaraner

Height: 25 (males), 23 to 25 bits (females)

Weight: 30 to 40 kilograms (males), 25 to 30 kilograms (females)

Life Expectancy: 11 to 13 years 

• Weimaraners’ physical appearance

These dogs are mostly short with stiff bodies. Their coat comes in different colors of grey.

• These dogs are good to bear hunters

Weimaraners originate from Germany, where they were first used for hunting birds and bears in uplands.

They are quick and are one of the most famous breeds in sporting groups.

10. Bloodhound

Height: 27 inches. 

Weight: 40 kilograms (males and females)

Life Expectancy: 22 years. 

• Bloodhound physical appearance

They are marvelous to look at, and at the same time, they are incredibly sturdy and managed to build. They are perfectly shaped for you to hunt around anytime that you want.

• Good hunters

The best thing about them is that they are excellent hunters around the region.

Choosing one good hunting dog for you

These are the essential thing which you have to know before you can choose a hunting dog for yourself.

Once you have made your decision, it will be right for you to get your chance and grab the right one.