Dogs and humans have been hunting companions for generations. In fact, it is believed that dogs were first domesticated specifically for the purpose of hunting. While technology has contributed to great leaps in hunting strategies, there is just nothing that can compare to the benefit of having a dog by your side that knows how to track a scent and retrieve your kills.
Using their excellent sense of smell, these dogs can detect and track birds in the air and find them once they are on the ground. While they were initially bred for hunting, these dogs can also make very good pets. If you are in search of bird dogs for sale, you may want to first learn more about these dogs and consider if a bird dog would be right for you and your family.
As you explore potential options for a hunting dog, it is important to note that different breeds all bring varying skills and personality traits to the table that can be used to give your hunting efforts an edge. From knowing which breed is best for small and large animals to understanding their energy levels, here are the favorite breeds of hunting dogs along with their defining characteristics.
Best Bird Hunting Dog Breeds
A bird hunter’s success depends largely on the speed and skills of his or her hunting dog. A dog that has been bred and trained to hunt can point, flush out targets, and retrieve quickly, talents that help a hunter bag his or her limit each time. When you want to enjoy the success and fun that comes with hunting pheasants, quail, doves, and other birds, you would do well to choose a dog that comes from one of these proven bird hunting breeds.
Golden Retrievers
An iconic bird hunting canine breed, the Golden Retriever is born and bred for hunting. These dogs are easy to train as well as fast, attentive, and smart. They also typically are not gun shy, making them the ideal hunting companion during both rifle and bow hunting seasons.
They additionally are expert swimmers and are protected from cold and wet by their thick, water-resistant fur. Golden Retrievers will confidently swim into lakes, rivers, ponds, and other bodies of water to retrieve ducks, geese, and other birds for you. Retrievers are used to fetch game that has been shot and return it to the hunter without harm. By nature, Retrievers are loving and endlessly eager to please.
When you shop for bird dogs, you should consider one that has been raised by a reputable breeder. Your ideal Golden Retriever hunting companion will be friendly and alert and also show signs of good health like a thick glossy coat and bright, clear eyes.
Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are iconic outdoor dogs that love to work and hunt. They are favorites of farmers and ranchers because of their ability to work cattle and livestock. They also are preferred by bird hunters because of their speed, intelligence, and eagerness to retrieve.
Labradors come in a variety of colors, most commonly black, yellow, or white. They stand 25 inches tall on average and can weigh as much as 85 pounds. Their large size does not deter them from being fast in the field while retrieving, however. They watch attentively while you hunt pheasants and quail so that they can go after the birds and bring them back to you quickly.
True to their name, this breed will go to any length to retrieve your kill, even if it means jumping into cold water. Don’t worry though, their water-repellant coat and love for the water makes them perfect for going after prey. Fortunately, their coat is also made for cold weather, and you can look forward to taking them with you on your winter hunting trips. Labradors are considered to be ideal for bird hunting, especially ducks. They are also known for their soft bite that allows them to carry delicate fowl without causing harm, and Labrador Retrievers have been known to even be able to carry an egg in their jaws without breaking it.
The mark of a good Labrador bird hunting dog centers on its bright, clear eyes and sturdy, straight stance. The ideal Labrador hunting dog should also have a strong, muscled body as well as glossy, thick fur. Reliable breeders should also make available information about the dog’s parentage and bloodline.
Vizslas
All it takes is one look at this dog’s muscular build to know that they were born to trek through rugged territory. Vizslas are a high energy breed that will remain enthusiastic and on task even while they are on long hunting trips. They are also agreeable, friendly and playful, which makes them great family pets when they are not out hunting. When looking for a puppy from this breed, make sure to only choose Vizsla puppies for sale from a qualified breeder that takes training seriously since this breed does best when socializing begins at an early age.
Brittany Spaniels
The Brittany Spaniel is another popular bird hunting dog that guarantees a successful hunt almost every time you go afield. Brittany Spaniels are natural born pointers and are remarkably easy to train. They also have friendly dispositions that make them a perfect companion for your family during the off-seasons.
Brittany Spaniels are one of the smaller hunting canine breeds and typically only measure 17 inches from the ground to the shoulder. However, their small size allows them to be fast on their feet so that they cover a lot of ground quickly when retrieving targets.
Brittany Spaniels are not gun shy and hold steady for your command while you shoot. Their attentiveness also permits them to track your bow so that they know exactly where to run to retrieve your kill.
As when choosing any good bird hunting companion dog, you want to choose a Brittany that comes from a reliable and proven breeder. The dog should come from a bloodline that has been bred specifically for bird hunting.
Pointers
This is another breed that people readily think of when they consider dogs for hunting. The Pointer gets their name from the way they freeze and point with their body towards the prey they spot. Pointers are also just as good on water as they are on land, although their thinner coat makes them less desirable for northern hunting grounds where the weather turns too cold for their comfort. On warmer hunting trips, however, they make excellent bird dogs, and they can also be trained in tracking.
Pointers generally have shorter coats and smaller stature than Setters. Often used for hunting birds and rabbits, Pointers are named for their characteristic stance that involves indicating the position of game with the muzzle.
English Pointers
The English Pointer is arguably one of the most recognizable bird hunting breeds today. These dogs are not happy unless they are hunting and retrieving. While friendly enough to keep as a family dog, the typical English Pointer would rather be out in the field hunting and retrieving your birds than lounging around in your home.
These dogs are larger than other pointer breeds, weighing as much as 75 pounds and standing 21 to 24 inches from the ground to shoulder. They have short white fur marked with either liver or orange spots. They also are muscled and have tipped tails that stand tall when these dogs are on point.
As quick and energetic as these dogs are, they also resist gun shyness. You can use them during both bow and rifle seasons without fear of them bolting from the sound of gunfire.
Standard Poodles
When people think of the perfect bird hunting dog, they often do not think of the Standard Poodle. These curly, fluffy dogs look more like fashion accessories or toys than they do serious bird hunters.
However, unlike their Miniature or Small Poodle counterparts, Standard Poodles hunt just as well as other canine breeds like Labradors or Brittany Spaniels. These dogs excel as water retrievers and will happily swim into any body of water to bring you back your kill.
The dogs’ thick, curly fur actually helps the poodle be a better hunter because it protects them from wetness and cold. A well-trained standard poodle also will stand calmly while you fire and bring down your target.
It is important, however, that you choose a Standard Poodle from a breeder who raises these dogs specifically for hunting. You want a dog from a proven hunting bloodline rather than one whose parentage revolved around family companionship or recreation.
Because these dogs have such thick and curly fur, they are generally higher maintenance than other hunting breeds. Regular grooming is necessary to keep the dog’s fur free from matting, ticks, and fleas. You may have to take your dog to a professional groomer for its upkeep.
American Foxhounds
In the past, the American Foxhound was revered for their refined abilities to track and hunt foxes. Now, however, hunters are also taking advantage of their superior running speed to hunt down deer. While foxes may be their preferred targets, you can train this breed to hunt almost any type of game with you.
Setters
Setters tend to be the largest type of bird dog and are commonly used to hunt birds such as pheasant and grouse. Setters search for game by following scents, and get their name from the crouching position in which they freeze when they find the hiding spot of the game. These dogs are then trained to flush the birds out into the air so the hunters can shoot.
Dachshunds
These smaller dogs are often overlooked as hunting dogs due to their reputation as being Wiener-Dogs. Yet, hunters know this breed’s small, elongated body is only one of their most distinctive qualities. Dachshunds are fearless when it comes to hunting badgers, and they are also excellent at hunting rabbits and foxes. Due to their short legs, it is best to avoid treacherous terrain with high step-ups, but you can expect them to go the distance on flat ground.
Bloodhounds
This is another breed that is noted for its high intelligence, but it is truly the Bloodhound’s ability to sniff out a scent that is their claim to fame. Their accuracy on the trail is so well known that detectives have used them during searches for missing persons, yet their quiet demeanor allows you to take them along without worrying about them barking with excitement when they catch a scent. Although Bloodhounds tend to get lazy as they get older, they are still hardworking when called upon and quite boisterous during their youth.
Weimaraners
Like many hunting dogs, this lanky-legged breed was bred for one thing but now is known best for hunting another. Weimaraners originally began hunting big game such as bears and deer. However, they are now preferred for hunting birds such as pheasants and quail. When going after their prey, they can quickly shift from a swift run to a state of calm when given the command, and this breed has a sense for wanderlust that will keep them obedient on long hunting trips into the depths of the wilderness. When they are not hunting, the gorgeous silver coat and blue eyes of this breed draw constant attention, and their friendly demeanor allows them to bond with people of all ages.
Coonhounds
As their name suggests, this breed is perfect for hunting raccoons. They will scope out the scent of their prey and won’t stop rooting them out until you have found success with your hunt. These are also perfect dogs for any type of terrain or weather so you can train them to hunt with you through any season. Farmers love the attraction that Coonhounds have toward common pests such as possums, but they will also go after predators such as bears and cougars.
Beagles
Tiny, compact and full of stamina, Beagles have many traits that make them an ideal hunting companion. Similar to Dachshunds, Beagles have smaller legs that make it harder for them to catch large game such as deer. However, they are avid varmint hunters, and they will eagerly bring you back more than enough rabbits to call it a day.
Any Type of Bird Dog Can Be An Amazing Pet
The traits that make bird dogs great for hunting also make them great pets. Athletic, energetic, sociable, and gentle, these dogs can be wonderful companions and can live very happily with children and other pets. The most common problems for owners of bird dogs stem from insufficient exercise, so it is vital that you have the time to provide your bird dog with an active lifestyle. If you are in search for a trustworthy companion, looking at bird dogs for sale may be the next step.
Dogs that are born and bred for bird hunting help you bag your limit of pheasants, quail, and other targets each time. The perfect canine hunting companion should hold steady while you fire your rifle and also quickly go after your kill without hesitation. Before you choose a dog to train and use for bird hunting, you should consider qualities that are important to your hunting success and enjoyment. You should also choose bird dogs for sale that have been raised and cared for by trustworthy dog breeders.
Knowing which breeds are preferred for hunting will help you make the right choice for a companion that will match your goals on every hunt. While breed is important to consider, you should also be aware that every dog is influenced by their background. As you get ready to adopt your new hunting dog, make sure that it displays the traits that you desire in their temperament and responds well to training so that it will be a loyal companion that adds to your enjoyment on every hunting expedition.