Hunting is a hobby of real men. However, in order to surely return home from the hunt not empty-handed, experts recommend taking a loyal assistant with them - a specially trained dog. There is even a list of breeds of hunting dogs, which contains breeds that show their best ability to participate in hunting.
These animals have special natural skills, and as a result of proper training and preparation they can easily cope even with a large animal.
True, to start training a dog, even if its breed is included in the list of top hunting dogs listed below, is still worth it from an early age puppy. So more likely to grow a faithful helper and friend.
Depending on the type of hunting, it is also worth deciding on the breed of dogs, since there are no universal breeds, representatives of which can be safely used on birds, and on small and large animals.
Blood dogs
Let the terrible name not bother you - in fact, representatives of this group of breeds of hunting dogs rarely shed blood on a hunt. Their task is to track the wounded animal by the blood of a wounded beast and smell (it is important during duck hunting) and point to it. The scent of dogs is so well developed that they can take a trace even after a day, focusing on barely noticeable drops of blood in the grass.
The rocks with similar properties include:
1
Bloodhound
Dogs of this breed initially belonged to the class of hounds, they were also used as service dogs to capture criminals. The smell of breed representatives is very well developed, dogs are distinguished by a low threshold of aggression, hard work, fidelity. The disadvantages include innate stubbornness and poor learning ability. But if the animal can still be trained, it will become indispensable.
2
Hanoverian blood
Dogs of this breed were bred in the XIX century, by crossing different breeds. As a result of the culling, it was possible to select the best individuals, for which the pedigree features were fixed. These dogs have a very good scent, a calm character, they run fast, and despite the apparent clumsiness they are very hardy. Even if the dog follows the track more slowly than desired, she will not lose it. And this is a big plus.
3
Bavarian mountain blood
Dogs of this breed were bred by crossing the blood Hanoverian and Bavarian hounds. The representatives of the breed have a light skeleton, allowing them to be mobile even on a mountain landscape. Hunters also use representatives of the breed in order for the dog to voice in his voice the place of shelter of a wounded beast or game, which she will discover thanks to her scent.
Pointing dogs
Which dogs are suitable for hunting small animals and birds? Pointing dogs will be indispensable in such a hunt. They work great on game birds, and thanks to their high sense of smell, they are easily found. Having found the bird, they stand in the rack in the direction of the game or lie down side by side, thereby demonstrating to the owner where it is better to throw the net or shoot. They are irreplaceable even when it is necessary to raise birds in the air in order to shoot at them.
The following breeds belong to this group:
4
Pointer
Representatives of smooth-haired breeds, bred as a result of crossing Foxhound and the Spanish Pointing Dog, Bulldog, Setter. Despite the fact that the first representatives of the dog breed appeared in the XVIII century, it was only in the late 80s of the last century that the breed standards were finally fixed. Today it is elegant, powerful, with excellent instinct, wide search and strong dog stance, a little phlegmatic, but if they see the beast, there is no trace of phlegmatism.
5
Kurzhaar
In the Mediterranean, at the time, these dogs were used to hunt birds. From there they were brought to Germany, where they crossed with European cops. These dogs are distinguished by their leanness and harmony, as well as their genetic adaptability to shots from a gun - they are not afraid of them, their endurance and ability to work until old age. Dogs swim well, take a trace of blood. The disadvantages include some moodiness and spoilage, but it rather depends on the owner.
6
Irish setter
The breed was bred in Ireland, and standards were enshrined in the mid-19th century. The first representatives of the breed did not respond well to training, however, through selection and rejection, these qualities were improved. Today they are bold, already obedient and easily trained dogs, constantly in motion. The wool of these handsome men needs constant care - this is their small drawback. Otherwise, they are very practical and convenient when hunting.
Burrowing dogs
In order to walk on a small beast or on someone who lives in a hole, it is better to use representatives of normal breeds of dogs on hunting. Their main task in the hunt is to find the game in the hole, climb there and drive it to the hunter.
7
Dachshund
Translated from German, the name of the breed sounds like a badger dog. Initially, dachshunds were actually used only for badgers, later expanding their use up to fox and hare hunting. These intelligent, independent dogs possess the necessary aggression and perseverance, and are very distrustful of strangers.
And about the smartest dog breeds on TheBiggest.ru there is a very interesting article. Follow the link!
8
Scottish terrier
In fact, in this country there are many varieties of terriers, however, only this breed has been honored to be "nationalized". Scottish terriers look very stylish, have good working qualities, and easily adapt to life in apartment conditions. But in case of lack of physical activity begin to hurt. They often have oncology.
9
Fox terrier
Representative of small hunting dog breeds. At the same time, the small size does not detract from working qualities. Dogs are distinguished by physical strength and fearlessness, they are well trained, mobile, ferocious in pursuit. The disadvantage of Fox Terriers is the lack of silence. The breed itself is very ancient, the Romans first remembered it. And about other small dogs of the world, read the article on our website by clicking on the link.
Retriever
The task facing such dogs is not only to find the beast, but also to “deliver” it to the legs of the hunter. Hence the name of the breed. Retriever can find game not only in the grass, in the undergrowth, but even in the water. For them, if they are properly trained, there are no barriers.
10
Golden retriever
Golden retriever standards were first described in 1913. The breed was bred by the British as a universal hunting. But today retrievers are also boldly used as service dogs and guide dogs. They are very hardy, energetic, with a great scent, love to swim. Golden colored pet hair needs careful care.
We already wrote about the golden retriever in our article about the most intelligent dogs in the world!
11
English cocker spaniel
The result of attempts to create a dog that will be an ideal assistant in the hunt was the breeding of representatives of this breed. Today they are popular not only in England, but throughout the world. They like spaniels for energy, sociability, playfulness, good scent and vision. It is important to monitor the balanced nutrition of these dogs and to properly care for their coat.
12
Labrador retriever
The working breed, the representatives of which are distinguished by compliance with training, training, obedience, mobility, good scent, agility. Retriever runs fast and can swim. However, their diet should be closely monitored - overeating is fraught with excess weight for them.
Hounds
Walking on a large and medium beast is better with hounds. Even in ancient Egypt, these dogs were used for hunting. By the way, they have a lot in common and even akin to wolves. They are indispensable helpers on the hunt.
13
Russian hound
Russian hounds were originally used on complete dog hunting. Posture and some manners hounds even look like wolves. Dogs themselves are distinguished not only by their beautiful appearance, but also by their balanced character, stamina, perseverance and sonorous voice. It is recommended to keep them in spacious enclosures, but during walking it is better not to lower the leash. The pet can run away.
14
Basset hound
This breed has French roots, despite its English origin. It is hard to imagine stocky dogs on short legs when hunting, but they demonstrate their passion and mobility on hunting in feathers well. Curiosity does not allow the Basset Hounds to go past everything interesting for them, so be prepared that your dog will literally "dig" the earth with his nose, but will lead you to the beast.
15
Estonian hound
The breed was bred in Estonia, crossing local hounds with Swiss, beagles and foxhounds. As a result of this, in the middle of the last century, official breed standards appeared. These are very beautiful, strong and sociable dogs. They can fulfill the role of security guards, are loyal to their master and are wary of responding to strangers.
Finally
We examined the top selection of breeds of hunting dogs, breaking them into groups, depending on the features of use in hunting, and the goals that are set for the animals. Which breeds are better? It all depends on what kind of hunt you go on. It can be old breeds or young ones. However, do not forget that breed affiliation is only half the success. You need to work with a dog and train it. Only then will she become a hunting assistant.
And what representatives of hunting breeds we forgot to include in this list? Please write your answers in the comments.
Article author: Olga Shevtsova