Best Hunting Dogs

Not all dogs are lap dogs, who love to stay at home with their master, not all dogs are guard dogs who guard their master's house and protect him from any sort of danger. There are some dogs who accompany their masters while they go hunting and have proved themselves fit enough to be considered as the best hunting dogs. Dogs, have been a constant companion of their masters when the latter goes hunting and this practice has been going on for ages. Wondering whether your best friend has made it to the list or not? Well, the list given below will help you know more about the hunting dogs in the world.

Dogs Trained to Hunt

A hunting dog needs to have really sharp ears and a good power of smell and sight. Speed too, is important especially when it comes to running behind a prey. Size matters when the dog has to hunt rabbits and hares which hide in the burrows. There are four main categories - the hound, the curs, the terriers, and the gun dogs.

Golden and Labrador Retriever
Golden and Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence as well as their athleticism. They are good to hunt birds and other soft bodied animals as their soft mouth does not cause any damage to the hunt. They are always full of energy and are extremely loyal to their masters.

Basset Hound
Another dog to make to the list is the Basset Hound. They are popular for hunting badgers, rabbits and also for their great sense of smell. Their short and powerful legs with tough pads, large head and heavy bone structure are the ones that help them become effective. They have a friendly temperament and also a spoiled character.

Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds are not only good at tracking animals, but also thieves, missing persons, large missing animals etc. These dogs have been used as hunting dogs since the 13th century. These dogs are also known as St. Hubert Hound or Sleuth Hound. They are a fearless dog breed and they can retain the smell of their target for couple of days. These dogs have a friendly nature and love the company of humans. There are many people who loves to keep these dogs at pets.

Borzoi
The next is the Borzoi. These dogs are also known as the Russian Wolfhound and they are known in Russia as fast and agile dogs. They are used to hunt bigger animals like wolves, deer, boars etc. They have a sensitive sight and a great hearing power, a good tracker and great stamina, and they can chase a hunt for a great distance.

American Water Spaniel
The American water spaniel is a type of gun dog, and they are extremely good when it comes to water hunting. They are great swimmers and among all the various types of spaniels they are one of the best. These dogs can dive underwater and hunt for fish, they are also good at hunting animals with furs and feathers. These dogs are friendly, intelligent as well as loyal and extremely protective about their owners.

English Pointers
The English Pointers are another type of gun dog and they are mainly known for their persistence, hard driving tracking skills and enthusiasm, when it comes to hunting. They are also known for their ability to hunt birds with ease. These dogs have been used as hunting dogs since the 17th century. They are athletic and love anything that will let them run and remain outdoors, they love to fetch and gallop. These dogs too, love to be with humans and they are affectionate, loyal and non aggressive.

Sighthound or Gazehound
As the very name suggest, these types of dogs are known to track animals with their extremely powerful sight. Besides, they also have great speed, overpowering endurance as well as agility. They also have long legs which help them cover longer distance and a larger chest compartment which helps in supporting the heart and the lungs, in order to improve rapid anaerobic and aerobic movements. They are good for hunting deer, and hares and even wild boars.

Gordon Setters
Gordon Setters are good for hunting feathered non-water, as well as waterfowl. Their good subtle movements, sensitive nose, enthusiasm to hunt, their high intelligence level, and bravery, makes them efficient. They are born hunters.

Coonhound
The Coonhound are American hunting dogs and what makes them really good is their sense of smell and their ability to track a prey down to their quarry. They also have the ability to follow even those preys who escape into the trees.

Rhodesian Ridgeback
This is a South African breed and they were used to hunt, believe it or not...lions! Yes! These dogs are brave and loyal and intelligent. They were used by the Europeans to hunt lions back in the 17th century. These dogs are also good guard dogs as well as great trackers.

If your dog is not here in the list, then do not, for once, think that they are no good. Every dog is special in his own way. They are our best friends, friends who will stay with us no matter what. All they need in return is our love and care.