Best Hunting Dog Breeds to Have by Your Side

Written by
Jessica Sanders
Hunting isn't a solo hobby; even when you're with your fellow hunters, it's helpful to have a dog by your side; but not just any dog. These 10 dog breeds are ideal for hunting. With skills like quick learning and scenting, they'll help you find exactly what you're looking for.
Coonhound
Hunting: All; raccoons
1 of 11
Hunting alone or with a small group? Bring a coonhound. Considered a treeing dog, this breed of animal will keep your prey cornered until you arrive. They're also one of the best hunting dogs because of they'll stay by your side and follow a scent, despite poor weather conditions and treacherous terrain.
Reserve a
Campsite
German Short Haired Pointer
Hunting: Birds, raccoon, deer
1 of 11
Not many hunting dog breeds are as intelligent and multi-talented as this type of pointer. With plenty of energy, the best scenting ability of any breed, and quick learning skills, German pointer is perfect for almost any hunting trip, whether you're up north or far down south.
Reserve a
Campsite
Beagle
Hunting: Rabbits, quail
1 of 11
For these dogs, tracking is an innate skill, but honing that skill can be troublesome thanks to a stubborn attitude. However, if you have the patience to train them, a strong personality and excessive energy makes the beagle a great companion for hunting, too.
Reserve a
Campsite
Labrador
Hunting: Waterfowl, upland game
1 of 11
Known for their eagerness to please, Labradors are great hunting dogs because they're fast learners and persistent trackers. When you're not hunting, bring your Labrador home to play with the little ones and sleep at the foot of your bed.
Reserve a
Campsite
Weimaraner
Hunting: Deer, boar, bear
1 of 11
While these hunting dogs are best known for their ability to pursue big game, they're also helpful when tracking foxes and rabbits. As an athletic animal who loves to hike and run and needs to be exercised every single day, Weimaraners are perfect for active families with little ones who love to play outside.
Reserve a
Campsite
Pointer
Hunting: Birds
1 of 11
These medium-sized dogs have a thin coat of fur, which means they don't make for a great companion during the snowy deer-hunting season up north. However, in the southern part of the country, where birds are hunted, pointers are perfect because they can cover a lot of ground quickly, following a bird as it flies from tree to tree.
Reserve a
Campsite
Bloodhound
Hunting: Deer, big game
1 of 11
Also called a "scent hound" these dogs were bred to hunt, and therefore are some of the best at what they do. The bloodhound's anatomy also makes them an ideal hunting companion: big, floppy ears keep the wind from scattering scent, making it easier for them to detect and stay on an animal despite poor conditions.
Reserve a
Campsite
Fox Terrier
Hunting: Foxes, rats, badgers
1 of 11
As one of the smaller dog breeds, the fox terrier is ideal for families with little children and a love for hunting. These dogs have great eyesight, enduring stamina and a small stature, and are often used to chase animals out of their hiding places and dens.
Reserve a
Campsite
English Setter
Hunting: Birds
1 of 11
Strong musculature and tons of energy makes the English setter a great pup for hunting anywhere. Unlike some hunting dog breeds, the setter spots your prey and waits for you to come get it while it's still hiding. When they're not hunting they need to be moving, so take this dog on walks, hikes and runs.
Reserve a
Campsite
Golden Retriever
Hunting: Small game, birds
1 of 11
Take the family pet on your next hunting trip and you'll come back with plenty to share. These hunting dogs are especially great for retrieving waterfowl thanks to water repelling fur.
Reserve a
Campsite
1 of 11
Reserve a
Campsite