There are several types of dogs that can be used for hunting, tracking, and the retrieval of game birds. These dogs have been breed for specific types of hunting, but some dogs are able to perform several hunting activities. It is important to know what type of hunting dog you want before picking a specific breed.

In order to find the perfect dog that is right for your hunting needs I have compiled a list of general characteristics of the different types of dogs that are used for hunting. Dogs of all kinds can be used for some form of hunting, but these breeds excel in hunting because they are breed and trained to refine specific skills.

Retrievers

Retrievers’ are ideally used to fetch game once they have been killed. These dogs also vary among groups. Some retrievers are suited to retrieve waterfowl while others retrieve upland game birds. These dogs have a specialized mouth called a “soft-mouth.” This allows them to retrieve the bird without damaging the body. These dogs are extremely intelligent and they have very good problem solving skills. They actually watch where the birds fall and know exactly where to look for them. Labrador Retrievers and Golden retrievers are the most common types used for hunting. But, there are other breeds that are can be also produce the same results. These are

The Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly and Flat Coated Retrievers and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.

Not all dogs have to be retrievers to be good hunting dogs. The standard poodle and the Portuguese Water Dog have also been used as retrievers, but are not as common.

Flushing Spaniels

Flushing spaniel hunting dogs are used to scare birds in order for them to fly in the air in larger concentrations for the hunter. These dogs have excellent mapping skills and they are able to understand trace patterns. This allows hunters the ability to hunt in locations that have a higher concentration of game and which way the birds will fly once they are spooked. This dog also retrieves game that has been shot by the hunter. These dogs make ideal pets and they are now rarely used as hunting dogs.

Common hunting spaniel breeds include the Cocker Spaniel, Boykin Spaniel, American Water Spaniels, Clumber Spaniel and the English Springer Spaniel.

Pointers and Setters

The Pointers and Setter breeds are very fun to watch. These animals are able to obtain a solid rigid state and point to where the game is located. These dogs usually assume a stance that requires them to hold up one paw in a bent position, but point with their nose to where the game is located. These animals can also search and bring back game.

The most common hunting dogs that are pointers or setters include the Irish Setter, English Pointer, English Setter, Gordon Setter and the Irish Red and White Setter.

Another excellent breed that needs to be mentioned is hound breeds. Hound breeds can be divided into scent hounds, which hunt by following a sent or trail. Scent hounds include Bloodhounds, Coon Hounds and Bassett Hounds. Sight hounds, are dogs that hunt by following their vision and chasing prey.. Sight hounds include the Greyhound, Borzoi, Afghan, Irish Wolfhound and the Whippet.