There are many different breeds that make excellent hunting dogs, but not all are classified specifically as hunting dogs. Hounds hunt small game such as jackrabbits, raccoons, and other smaller animals that live in thickets and underbrush. Not all hounds hunt solely with scent, as some use their keen eyesight (sight hounds) too.
Gun dogs are one of the most familiar categories of hunting dog. Keep in mind, not every hunting dog is a gun dog. Hunters hunting with shotguns, especially those seeking a variety of birds, mostly use gun dogs. They include retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels typically. Terriers and feists are additional categories of gun dogs and have often squeezed into rabbit holes and other dens to chase out quarry. Curs are larger hunting dogs and are usually used to hunt bigger animals like, for instance, cougars.
There is a broad range of breeds that are classified as gun dogs. They are the best dogs to choose when you are seeking those to retrieve or even track down prey. Each one has characteristic skills and some are similar in a few ways:
Retrievers
Not only are retrievers fantastic family pets, but they are also a first-rate option as hunting dogs. They are first-rate swimmers and are fond of the water. If you are aiming to hunt duck or other birds by the water, you should select a retriever, as he will have no difficulty seizing birds, whether on land or in the water. Retrievers also learn the command “fetch” simpler than nearly all other dogs, as their innate instinct is to retrieve things.
Spaniels
Although spaniels do not mind water or swimming, their main talent can be found in locating hidden game. They are not unlike retrievers in that they are more than willing to retrieve prey. Cocker spaniels are very popular as they make excellent pets, but they are also talented hunters. English springer spaniels and cocker spaniels are two of the most well-known spaniel breeds categorized as hunting dogs, but field spaniels are growing in popularity each year. Spaniels will retrieve prey on land or in the water.
Pointers
Pointers, such as the German shorthaired pointer, find the prey for the hunter and point at it, hence their name. This breed will cover a much larger region than spaniels, but rely on the hunter to draw out the prey.
Setters
Setters, reminiscent of pointers, will discover and point at prey, but will also smell out the prey on command. Setters, such as English setters, are talented at tracking upland birds. However, as hunting dogs, they are generally used more in England and Ireland than in America.
Water Dogs
When we hear the term “poodle,” we often picture a lap dog with a curly hair-do. Nonetheless, the poodle is a kind of retriever that swims well and is, theoretically, a hunting dog. The larger breeds of poodles are better-quality dogs to use for hunting when near the water. Distinctive from other hunting dogs, poodles have actual hair instead of fur and have to be clipped once in a while. An interesting note: they are wonderful hunting dogs for those with dog allergies.
The kind of hunting you plan on doing will govern the category of hunting dog that is appropriate for you. Try to plan for this beforehand, so that when you seek out your quarry you have the right expectations for the dog. Knowing what your dog is able to do will lend a hand when you teach him to be the best hunting dog he knows how to be.
Posted under Dog Breeds, Dog Care
This post was written by admin on July 31, 2009
