Looking for one of the best hunting breeds? We've got you covered. Everything is better with a canine companion by your side, and a hunting excursion is no exception – but with so many hunting dogs to choose from, you'll want to ensure you do your research.
Each type of hunting dog has been specially bred to have certain skills and hunt certain kinds of prey. Bird dogs, for example, work closely with their humans to flush out prey or retrieve it. Hounds, on the other hand, do the hunting for their owners by tracking prey, and terriers pursue underground prey.
Regardless of which hunting dog breed you choose, you'll need to invest some time training your dog to help hone those natural prey drive instincts. Thankfully, most hunting breeds are very quick learners.
Once you've decided on what kind of hunting you'll be doing, it's time to pick a breed to accompany you on your outdoor adventure. With that in mind, here is our pick of the best dog breeds for hunting.
32 best hunting breeds
1. Golden retriever
With a life expectancy of 10-12 years and a kind, intelligent, and friendly nature, the golden retriever has long been one of the world's most popular breeds. And for good reason! Not only do they make wonderful family companions, but their inherent aptitude for retrieving coupled with their calm and cooperative nature makes them outstanding hunting dogs.
2. Labrador Retriever
There are so many reasons to love Labradors, particularly if you're into hunting. Originally bred to be a sporting and hunting dog, it's now most commonly used as a family companion – but the Labrador Retriever remains the world's top gun dog. With a strong work ethic and easygoing nature, the Labrador Retriever has a waterproof coat and an otter-like tail, making it suitable for tasks that smaller gun dogs wouldn't be able to manage.
3. English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gundog traditionally used for flushing and retrieving games. They have almost inexhaustible energy levels and a drive and enthusiasm that is unmatched in other breeds. Endlessly cheerful, they are compact, strong, and will happily work in all weather conditions.
4. German Wirehaired Pointer
If dogs with beards are your thing, the German Wirehaired Pointer may well be the canine companion for you. A medium to large-sized griffon-type breed, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a hardy pup who excels with retrieving, tracking, pointing, and flushing. Loyal, affectionate, and wilful, they can work across a variety of terrain making them an incredibly versatile hunting companion.
5. Irish Water Spaniel
When it comes to dog breeds that are made for swimming, the Irish Water Spaniel has an aptitude for the wet stuff baked right on into their name. Developed to retrieve waterfowl and upland game, this intelligent, clownish, and inquisitive dog is affectionate and loyal to the right owner but can be bold and headstrong at times.
6. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Looking for the perfect hunting partner? The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever might just be it. The smallest of all the retriever breeds, they were originally developed in Canada in the 19th century to lure ducks and geese to within gunshot range.
Their webbed feet make them outstanding swimmers and they also tend to excel at agility and obedience. Because they're so active, they thrive in families that love the outdoors as much as they do. As a bonus, they're one of the best dog breeds for hiking, so when they're not assisting you on your hunting adventures, they'll make a great exercise partner.
7. Treeing Walker Coonhound
A smart, sensible, and courageous hunting companion, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a sweet face and a gentle expression that never fails to melt hearts. Named for its ability to chase prey up trees, this breed is fast, and active, and provided they get enough exercise, they make wonderful family pets. Just be mindful that they can take off at a moment's notice if they spot prey they want to pursue, so do keep them on a leash when you're out and about.
8. Norwegian Elkhound
An outstanding hunter, guardian, herder, and defender, the Norwegian Elkhound is a versatile pup that originated in Norway as early as 5000 BC, making it one of the world's oldest dog breeds. Short-bodied dogs with a dense coat, deep chest, and sturdy legs, are built for long days of hard work and are naturally athletic and eager. Sensitive souls with a dash of independence, they are one of the best dog breeds for cold climates, and their sweet and friendly temperament makes them a great choice for families.
9. Karelian Bear Dog
Hailing from Finland, the Karelian Bear Dog is a fearless dog with quick reflexes who was bred to run for miles and take down large game such as bears and moose. Highly skilled and eager hunters, they are independent, confident, and extremely persistent. While they work well alongside humans, they are not recommended for homes with young children and do best with experienced owners who know how to meet their needs.
10. Pointer
With a lifespan of up to 17 years, the pointer is a good choice for a hunting dog if longevity is high on your wish list. Known for their agility, speed, and endurance, they tend to stand around 27 inches in height and can reach weights of around 75 pounds. Happiest when they're engaged in physical activity, they're loyal and affectionate towards all members of their family and enjoy the company of children. Aside from their high energy levels, they're otherwise very low-maintenance dogs thanks to their short-haired coats.
11. Beagle
Originally developed to hunt rabbit and hare, the endearing beagle is both alert and intelligent – just what you want in a hunting dog. Not only are they energetic (this is most definitely a pup that can go all day) they are also incredibly persistent, tracking a scent until the very end. Devoted, amiable and loving dogs who will hunt with their whole heart, they are equally wonderful pups to have around the home.
12. American Foxhound
The American Foxhound is a scent hound with an easy-going and sweet-tempered nature. They get on famously with children and make wonderfully good-natured family companions. Bred to lead colonial-era fox hunts, the American Foxhound is fast, fearless, and extremely determined. Their high prey drives means they need to be kept on a leash when out and about, and they need a lot of exercise to prevent boredom and depression from setting in.
13. Chesapeake Bay Retriever
One of those super cool dog breeds from the United States, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever remains the waterfowl hunter's dog of choice – and for good reason. A high-energy working dog who loves to be kept busy, these powerful and spunky pups are known for being independent thinkers and consider themselves to be fully fledged members of their family. Loyal companions who are known for following their owners from room to room, the 'Chessie' (as they're affectionately known) is tenacious, highly trainable, and well-tempered.
14. Bluetick coonhound
One of the best tracking dogs, the bluetick coonhound is a sweet and affectionate charmer when at home with their family, but a relentless, bold, and single-minded hunter when on the trail of whatever prey they've been tasked with sniffing out.
Well-muscled and sleek, they crave affection from their humans and because they're so intelligent and were bred to work, they can become highly destructive if they're not given enough to do. Also, be warned – they have a reputation for serenading their neighborhood with their very loud and mournful bark.
15. English Setter
Setter dog breeds make wonderful companions and as a rather fantastic bonus, they also excel as gundogs. Mischievous and athletic, the English Setter is gentle, elegant, and known for moving with grace. Primarily used for bird hunting and retrieving, this pup has a rather majestic appearance thanks to their long and silky feathered coat.
You'll want to have plenty of the best dog puzzle toys lying around the house if you plan to welcome an English Setter into your life as they need lots of mental stimulation.
16. Irish Setter
A large-breed dog that tends to reach heights of around 25 inches, the always-in-high-spirits Irish Setter is sweet-natured, outgoing, and adores children. A gundog famous for their flashy red coat, they have long, sinewy legs and a powerful drive that make them one of the swiftest sports dogs on the planet. Rambunctious yet eager to please, they respond well to patient and positive training methods.
17. Bloodhound
A large dog that can weigh up to 100lbs, the bloodhound was originally bred to hunt rabbits, dee,r and wild boar. Outstanding scent trackers, they're instantly recognizable thanks to their wrinkled faces and loose skin. Gentle, patient, and good-natured, they get on well with children and make great family dogs. They can be stubborn and independent at times though, so early training is key.
18. Boykin Spaniel
The state dog of South Carolina, the energetic and eager Boykin Spaniel was bred to hunt turkey and ducks in the Wateree River Swamp. While they are very tough and enthusiastic hunting dogs, they are wonderfully gentle and affectionate at home and are incredibly devoted – particularly when it comes to any children in their charge.
19. Plott Hound
A long-tailed hunting dog with a flashy brindle-colored coat, the Plott Hound was bred for big game hunting and is known for its outstanding ability to track wild boar, mountain lions, and bears. Hailing from North Carolina, they are tenacious, courageous, loyal, and eager to please.
While their roots are in hunting, the Plott Hound is considered a wonderful family dog and they adore both human and canine companionship. When it comes to hobbies you can do with your dog, you'll be spoilt for choice with the Plott Hound – they love hiking, swimming, walking, and anything that enables them to be active.
20. German Shorthaired Pointer
An all-purpose gundog capable of hunting and retrieving on both land and water, the versatile German Shorthaired Pointer makes an excellent hunting partner thanks to their high levels of energy, enthusiasm, and endurance.
Friendly, smart, and always keen to please, they are fantastic family dogs who get along famously with children and are highly affectionate. Trainable pets who bond deeply with their humans, also excel at a wide range of sports, making them brilliant exercise buddies.
21. Black and tan coonhound
A cross between the bloodhound and the Black and Tan Virginia Foxhound, the black and tan coonhound is a scent hound that was bred to hunt raccoons and other game. Bright, brave, and highly social, this pup is easy-going at home but tenacious when on the trails.
When it comes to the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety, the black and tan coonhound definitely makes the list. If left alone, they quickly become lonely and depressed and will serenade the neighbors with their mournful music.
22. Cocker spaniel
There are so many things to love about cocker spaniels, so it's not surprising that they remain one of the world's most popular dog breeds. And while we often tend to think of them as being true companion animals, they're also remarkable gundogs. Being of slighter build than the springer spaniel, the cocker spaniel has been primarily used to hunt small game bird species, like woodcock. A friendly dog with a surprising amount of stamina, they make gentle and eager playmates for children and are highly trainable.
23. Brittany Spaniel
The Brittany Spaniel is one of the most popular dog breeds, and for good reason. They have a delightfully lively, upbeat, and fun-loving nature, making them a great match for outdoorsy families. But they're also tireless and versatile gundogs that are used for both hunting and retrieving. Just be mindful that they have a very strong prey drive, so they're not suitable for homes with smaller pets.
24. Vizsla
Originally from Hungary, the red-coated Vizsla excels in hunting, pointing, and retrieving, making them an all-rounder in the field. Lean and light-footed with long, silky ears, they make sensitive and loving companions at home and are intense and tireless when at work. Vizslas form incredibly tight bonds with their family members and don't like to be left alone, and because they have such outstanding stamina, they require a great deal of exercise.
25. Dachshund
There are some things you'll only know if you're a dachshund owner, like just how spunky these little pups can be. With a long and low silhouette that enables them to go places other dogs can't, they were bred to hunt small animals, such as rabbits. While the dachshund may have little legs, they more than makeup for this with their big personality. Brave to the point of rashness and known for being stubborn, their curious and affectionate nature has endeared them to dog lovers around the world.
26. Basset hound
Originally bred in France, the charming basset hound is a patient, low-key, and slow-moving dog – which is ideal if you want a pup you can easily keep up with. Known for their large, domed heads and mournful eyes, the basset hound has close to unrivaled scenting abilities and while not built for speed, they have excellent endurance. Steadfastly loyal, they're gentle, low-maintenance, and make great family pets.
27. Catahoula Leopard Dog
Named after the Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, this powerful, multi-purpose working dog will hunt anything from squirrel to wild boar. However, they are much more than just hunting dogs. They also excel at herding cattle and are watchful guard dogs with a strong instinct to protect their home and family. Although they can be wary of strangers, with early training and socialization they can make excellent companions.
28. Clumber spaniel
Looking for a low-energy dog breed that'll also join you on hunting excursions? The clumber spaniel is well worth considering. While most spaniel breeds are off the spectrum when it comes to energy levels, the clumber spaniel is the exception but that doesn't mean they're not relentless when they pick up a scent – they absolutely are. Sweet and eager to please, they have a delightfully mellow temperament and make fantastic childhood playmates.
29. Rhodesian Ridgeback
A large dog originally bred in South Africa where it was used to track but never kill big game (such as lions), the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a phenomenal hunter and cherished family companion. Affectionate, faithful, and even-tempered they're fantastic with children but they can be strong-willed and independent, meaning they require a firm yet fair hand to ensure they know their place in the home.
30. Jack Russell Terrier
A small breed of terrier originally used for fox-hunting in England, the sprightly Jack Russell Terrier is a jaunty and lively little dog with an inquisitive nature. Alert, eager, and tireless, they are slightly barrel-shaped with short legs and a compact yet muscular body. While they can be incredibly fun-loving, they're also feisty with a great deal of willpower, so they can take the novice pet parent by surprise. However, with the right owner to teach them proper obedience, these clownish canines make outstanding companions for active families.
31. Pudelpointer
The pudelpointer is a versatile gundog with a calm and self-controlled demeanor. They have strong retrieving instincts and a huge love of the water, so they're often used to recover wounded game birds and waterfowl. Friendly and eager to please, they have goofy personalities that make them a joy to have in the home.
32. Mountain cur
Bred for treeing and trailing small game, like raccoons and squirrels, the mountain cur is a fast and hard hunter with a courageous nature. Dedicated, driven, and intelligent, they will do whatever their owner asks of them, and while they can be strong-willed, these loyal pups like to be in close proximity to their chosen humans at all times.
If you enjoyed reading this, you may also like to learn more about the reasons gundogs are so popular
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis de Leaver.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on February 6, 2025.
