The Best Types of Hunting Dogs and Equipment They Need
It's no secret that Americans love spending time in the great outdoors. In fact, 40% of Americans over the age of 16 participated in wildlife-related activities in 2016.
Whether you love hunting, fishing, or wildlife-watching, time out in the wilderness is always better with a dog at your side.
If you're a hunter, though, you're looking for more than just a companion. Many dog breeds have been bred specifically for hunting, making them both great side-kicks but also essential tools in the hunt. In fact, the relationship between dogs and humans for hunting and other purposes stretches back tens of thousands of years.
Are you wondering about different breeds of hunting dogs and the equipment you need for them? Let's take a look at what you need to know.
Labrador Retriever
If you are looking for the best hunting dogs for duck-hunting, you'll want to look into the Labrador Retriever. They are widely considered to be one of the best hunting dog breeds for this purpose.
Labrador Retrievers are incredibly friendly, loyal, enthusiastic, and are able to withstand cold temperatures. Their specialty is water retrieving, and they typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. Many hunters love this bird dog breed because they make terrific family pets on top of being effective hunting dogs.
Pointer
These pointing gun dogs are probably the most iconic bird dog breed in the entire world. Able to keep up with you all day as well as being a loyal companion, this is one of the best hunting dogs for quail and other birds. You'll probably get tired out before they do!
With a thin coat that helps them stay cool when it's hot and humid as well as incredible endurance, quail hunters in the south love this dog.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are so popular as family pets that you might not think of them as one of the types of hunting dogs. However, these determined and fierce animals have high stamina, a happy disposition, and a lot of intelligence.
This is a very friendly hunting dog breed that can help you track down game, particularly birds or ducks. A fun family pet that is easy to train, Golden Retrievers make wonderful companions on a hunting trip and the family vacation.
Weimaraner
These lanky, energetic dogs were originally bred to take down large game. This includes predators like wolves! It's no surprise that these dogs therefore require a lot of exercise and discipline.
While these dogs are stubborn, they are also intelligent and athletic. Since these dogs bond well with both children and adults, they are a popular hunting dog breed and family pet.
People typically use Weimaraners to hunt upland birds like pheasant and other small game.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever
The Chesapeake Bay Retriever was bred entirely in the United States, which is pretty cool. On top of that, though, they're super athletic and perfect for hunting in wet regions. These tireless animals will stop at nothing to perform at the task you ask them to.
With waterproof coats, these retrievers are wonderfully suited for hunting waterfowl.
Beagle
Cute, playful, and curious, beagles are great for hunting rabbits, foxes, birds, and even small deer. With the right instruction, beagles can also be fairly easy to train.
English Setter
English Setters are obedient, intelligent, and fierce. Wonderful dogs for hunting birds, the biggest drawback is that their long coat is prone to getting tangled and dirty. If you're looking for an athletic animal that you don't mind grooming frequently, you might look into English Setters.
American Foxhound
Loyal and capable, American Foxhounds are a favorite choice for hunting and tracking. Specifically bred for hunting foxes, these dogs are hard-working and athletic. With an easy-going demeanor, they are popular as a family dog as well.
Irish Setter
This long-haired dog requires some maintenance to keep their luxurious coat of fur in tip-top shape. Energetic, smart, determined, and resourceful, these dogs specialize in bird hunting. It's worth noting that Irish Setters can be quite rambunctious, so discipline can take a bit more determination than with other hunting dog breeds.
Bloodhound
Bloodhounds are incredibly capable when it comes to hunting large game. Famous for their sniffy abilities, it's no wonder that they are commonly used by police departments to track down missing people.
English Springer Spaniel
A classic bird dog breed, English Springer Spaniels are also a common and much-loved family pet. Small in size, these hunting dogs are able to go places other larger dogs can't.
Bluetick Coonhound
Fearless and energetic, the Bluetick Coonhound is another good choice if your specialty is hunting large game. They are able to trap all sorts of game until you arrive and are known to be quite vocal both out on the hunt and back at home.
What Equipment Do You Need For Hunting Dogs?
There are a number of pieces of hunting equipment that you'll want so that your dog is well-equipped for the trail.
First, there are several things you'll want to have on hand for safety purposes. Having a first-aid kit specifically for dogs can help make sure you have everything you need in case the unexpected happens while you're out hunting.
You can also purchase a dog whistle and train them to recall when they hear it. This is important both for their safety and for the success of your hunting trip.
You'll also want to be able to easily give your dog water while you're out in the woods or fields. Consider getting a dog water bottle and/or a travel dog bowl.
A high visibility dog harness is an important safety precaution you can take to protect your dog from trigger-happy hunters.
Lastly, making sure that your dog is well-rested is one of the best things you can do for their health and for their hunting ability. With an infrared dog bed, your dog can recover faster, gain more energy, and be more comfortable.
Bully Beds offers the first and only dog bed that has been certified by the FDA for medical use. These infrared dog beds use your dog's body as a power source to help ensure that they're always feeling their best!
The Best Hunting Dogs Deserve the Best Bed to Sleep On
There are so many different beautiful, capable, and fascinating hunting dogs out there that it can be hard to choose which type of hunting dog is best for you. If you're searching for the best hunting dog breed, take note of what type of game you like to hunt, what characteristics you're looking for in their personality, and how much maintenance you're willing to do. This can help you decide on the best breed that will suit your needs.
Sleep is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. For that reason, equipping your home with hunting dog beds that fit the need of your breed is essential. At Bully Beds, we offer a number of options so you can find the best dog bed for your canine friend. You can find our original Bully Bed here.
