There are many exceptional breeds that make wonderful hunting dogs, but not all are categorized solely as hunting dogs.  Case in point: hounds hunt undersized prey such as jackrabbits, and raccoons, animals that like to live in thickets.  However, not every hound hunts wholly by scent, as some make use of their well-developed vision too (sight hounds).

Gun dogs are another common category of hunting dog.  Remember, not all hunting dogs are gun dogs.  Gun dogs are primarily used by hunters who hunt with shotguns, mainly those hunting for various types of fowl.  They encompass retrievers, pointers, setters, and spaniels usually.   Terriers and feists are also types of gun dogs and have been known to squeeze into rabbit holes and other hideouts to chase out game.  Curs are larger hunting dogs and are able to hunt bigger game, such as 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 a good choice as hunting dogs, but they also make wonderful family pets.  They are excellent swimmers and like the water.  If you are intending on hunting ducks or other fowl close to the water, you should choose a retriever, as he will have no problem grabbing birds, whether they are on land or in the water.  Retrievers also learn the command “fetch” easier than most other dogs, as their natural instinct is to retrieve items.

Spaniels

A few spaniels enjoy water, but their ability lies in finding game that hides in thick cover.  They are like retrievers in that they then bring the game back to you.  Cocker spaniels are particularly good family pets, but also fantastic hunters.  English springer spaniels and cocker spaniels are two of the most common spaniel breeds used for hunting, although field spaniels are also growing in popularity.   Spaniels can be used to chase game out of hiding and retrieve it on land and water alike.

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 word “poodle,” we often think of a lap dog with a convoluted hair-do.  However, the poodle is a sort of retriever that enjoys the water and is, in theory, a hunting dog.  Big traditional poodles are superior dogs to use for hunting when hunting close to the water.   Different from other hunting dogs, poodles have actual hair in place of fur and must be clipped every so often.  An odd aside: they are excellent hunting dogs for those with dog allergies.

The sort of hunting you plan on doing will influence the type of hunting dog that is suitable for you.  Try to plan for this in advance, so that when you hunt for your prey you have the proper expectations for the dog. Knowing what your dog is capable of in the field will help you train him to be the best hunting dog he can be.

When purchasing Hunting Dogs you must also consider what kind of Hunting Dog Supplies you might need. A few supplies to consider are dog training collars, bird launchers, and electronic dog fences.

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