Hunting Dogs
Hunting dogs are a real part of the hunting sport as they can be great companions. Since the canine domestication’s beginning, the dogs and humans have been hunting together. At that time, hunting was the only way to survive as there was no agriculture! But what are the most important skills the hunting dogs should have? Athleticism, endurance, receptiveness to training, and a strong prey drive should be in any hunting dog.
Breed Characteristics:
Gun dogs or scent hounds are generally the most common hunting dogs. However, the breed of the dog you get should be decided on what you want to hunt.
Scent hounds: This dog type uses its nose to follow prey trails. Some dogs of this type chase the prey up a tree too. These dogs, who make much noise during running, are called ‘treeing dogs’, and they never leave until their owners arrive.
Gun dogs: These dogs, are also known as bird dogs as they hunt birds primarily. Furthermore, the dogs of this type are used to flush prey for hunters after locating it. They are usually used to hunt small animals like birds and rabbits.
Some of the best-hunting dogs:
7-Chesapeake Bay Retriever
This dog breed is an athletic and determined gun dog that’s completely devoted to its parents. The Chesapeake Bay retriever, which is so smart, is resistant to the water due to its oily coat. This means that it bears the cold weather. This breed can be cautious against strange people, but it is completely loyal to its owners.
Overview:
WEIGHT: 25-36 Kgs
HEIGHT: 53-66 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Oily coat; usually tan or brown, and muscular body; wavy.
6-Pointer
This breed, that is also known as the English pointer, has a determined spirit and a high prey drive for being a bird dog. The Pointer, which is one of the best hunting dogs, will vigorously pursue prey such as pheasants and quail. This dog, which is also so loyal and affectionate to its family, is great for hunting in warmer climates.
Overview:
WEIGHT: 20.5-34 Kgs
HEIGHT: 43-53 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Dense coat; stands upright to point to a target with its long tail and wide nose outstretched, muscular body; short, and lean.
5-English Springer Spaniel
The English springer is really great at chasing and flushing out pheasants. Being a bird dog makes it one of the best hunting dogs. It can even be compared to the Golden Retriever and Labrador. Being so small makes it one of the greatest hunting dogs in small spaces. However, the English springer dogs are also great pet dogs.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 18-24 Kgs
HEIGHT: 48-51 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Gentle facial expression; drop ears, and medium-length dens coat with feathering.
4-American Foxhound
This dog, who is so speedy, was initially bred to hunt foxes. This scent-hound dog is a loyal and loving companion, that does whatever it takes to please its family. However, the American foxhound, which was also involved in deer hunting, needs to satisfy its high endurance and energy levels by doing so many exercises every day.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 27-32 Kgs
HEIGHT: 53-71 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Head; droopy ears, curved tail; large, and long, lean legs; long.
3-Beagle
Another scent-hound dog, that its essential use is to hunt small animals like rabbits, is Beagle. The dogs of this breed have a loud voice and amazing nose. They are great companions, especially with children. They always try to do their best to please their owners.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 9-11.5 Kgs
HEIGHT: 33-38 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Longtail held upward, floppy ears; perky, squarish muzzle; long, and muscular frame with a domed skull.
2-Golden Retriever
The gun-dog Golden Retriever, who is known to be very trainable, loyal, enthusiastic, is great for hunting small prey like birds. They are known for being great with kids as they are great family companions. To exercise their bodies and minds, they need many activities.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 25-35 Kgs
3.5-61 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Short ears with intelligent eyes, friendly, broad head, lustrous gold coat, and sturdy muscular body.
1-Labrador Retriever
Similar to Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever is a gun dog. The dogs of this breed can swim through cold water in an easy way and can withstand cold temperatures. The loyal, energetic, and enthusiastic dog is known to be great at hunting ducks. They are so willing, friendly, and great companions, which makes them one of the best-hunting dogs.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT: 25-36 Kgs
HEIGHT: 53.5-61 Cms
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Friendly eyes, powerful jaw, broad skull, otter-like tail, smooth water-resistant coat, and sturdy athletic body.
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