Once they find the wild boar trail, they run it down, baying, and corner the hog, preventing its escape. A pack of Rhodesian Ridgebacks can get a whiff of a hog from a great distance and quietly sneak up to it, and once the prey is located, giving the hunter notice with a loud bay. I have seen dogs running loose that will lay for hours near a groundhog den and wait until the groundhog is far enough from his hole, then catch him. 2. On a bobwhite hunt in Texas, we rode in pickups after shorthairs that quartered to beeps of the trucks horn. David E. Petzal, If any hunting dog breed looks like it belongs in the house . I bet hed break through drywall if he scented pheasants on the other side. What are the best hog hunting breeds? Long after wed given up hope, she dove into a blowdown and emerged with the grouse. You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group.With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Newfoundlands . Thats because of their super-strong jaws and wide skulls. 12 A Great Dog For Squirrel Hunting: The Feist. Its official name is pointer, period. I hope everyone enjoys the video and be sure to like and subscribe for mo. Top 10 Best Scent Hunting Dogs They smell great! It currently has over 2.5 million hogs statewide. All five dogs were at the base of the tree. Queen Elizabeth I kept a line of so-called 8-inch-tall pocket beagles that rode to the hunt in saddlebags. Theyre also bred as free-tonguers, which means its perfectly acceptableexpected evenfor them to open up and bugle every now and then while on the trail, and not just when theyre on a hot track. It is also called the African Lion Hound. I became intrigued by Jack Russells almost by accident. Due to the high risk involved in hog hunting with dogs, Dogos dont work alone. Drahthaars are bred and tested for the versatility that originally defined the breed. I really like that. Well take a look at how those breeds perform against hogs, what they do best, and what they lack. Despite the moniker, Labrador retrievers are actually from neighboring Newfoundland, where small water dogs were bred with the giant, hardy Newfies to birth a medium-size retriever with fine legs and a short, water-shedding coat. But, how can you have a list of the best hunting dog breeds and not begin with the Labrador retriever. Theres a price to be paid for beauty, though. Due to their great stamina, the Blackmouth Curs can run the hunt the whole day. Theyre not too big to be a house dog. The gestation period is 31-32 days. Thanks to their powerful build, they can take down almost any hog individually. His work has appeared in Field & Stream for more than two decades, and includes features, his regular column, The Total Outdoorsman, five Field & Stream books, and the anthology The Last Wild Road. The Karelian Bear Dog is a hardy pup who can work in harsh conditions and hunts prey with silent stealth. T.E.N. Theyre a bit trashier, too. When youre set on big targets like deer, moose, or bears, youll want a powerful pooch by your side. So far shes gotten 4 squirrels and 3 groundhogs, Your email address will not be published. When youre hunting for game, youll want a dog who can literally point them out. They are intelligent and self-sufficient, and their crazy powerful bite makes them quite useful for catching and holding hogs since it allows them to get a good grip on the . These dogs need a strong confident owner for them to thrive so make sure you can fulfil this role before getting a Catahoula as they are more suited to live as work animals rather than house pets. The line known as the original mountain cur runs close to its pioneer-era ancestral bloodline. Say English pointer south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and folks will look at you funny. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Theyd run too far ahead and flush birds way, way out of range. However, many hunters successfully use only one type of dog during hunting, either a bay dog or catch dog. Tom Davis, This gets especially helpful if youre hunting at night or if the dog gets too far. The breeds partisans will tell you an Irish setter is every bit the gun dog the English setter is, and theres plenty of evidencebulging gamebags, satisfied smiles, diehard allegianceto support the claim. These wilful dogs can be a real asset on a hunt but do require extremely strong discipline and training. Scent hounds will locate and track prey on hunts while bird dog breeds retrieve prey after they've been taken out by a hunter. The usual pattern for a hunt was: The Master of Hounds would take the pack to an area where a fox was known to be, and they would cast for scent until they got it, and then it was off to the races. Todays Plotts are athletic, medium-framed hounds best known for being able to sort out complicated scent trails over challenging terrain. Thats why Dogo Argentino is my favorite breed for this job. Thats why they gained wide popularity in hunting big game. One like the Norwegian Elkhound wont just help you find big game like moose over rocky terrain, but these brave pups will keep the game at bay until you arrive. When it comes to examples of pointer breeds, people often mix pointers and setters in the same category. Because of their ability to clearly distinguish between a friendly person and a stranger, Dogos are often used as guard dogs. Originating from the vast, vermin- populated fields in Englands Lake District, this terrier breed proves a great rodent-fighting pet for families. Some states do not allow the use of Pit Bulls in hunting, so be sure to check the local legislation before hunting with a Pit Bull. by Teddy Moritz. Small curs from Britain sprang from herding dogs, and possibly even corgis. Bob Parker sorted through the hounds in his pickups dog box until he found a graying old Plott named Danger. Walker Coonhounds are very intelligent and playful, making them good house pets and great hunters. American foxhounds hunt by scent, and they are relentless. Alex Robinson, Chesapeake Bay Retriever. 8 Dogo Argentino. Their innate burrowing and digging skills help them track down mice and their vocal warnings help scare them away. These dogs can weigh up to 60lbs and reaching 25inches tall, these dogs are fast, strong, and intelligent. This hunting dog breeds retrieving abilities will impress any Labrador aficionado, and frankly Ive never seen a breed display a better nose when recovering cripples. Once the hog is cornered, catch dogs come into play. Shrubs shake. Labrador Retriever. Jack Russell Terrier. This makes their grip even tighter. It depends on the hunting style you want. They are loyal and feisty, ready to show any rat that hes not in Kansas anymore! Their lower jaw is usually longer than the upper, a bite known as a reverse scissor bite. Thats why its highly common to see them in field trials. But its important to give them the required physical exercise, or else theyll show signs of aggression. But what keeps us going is their passion. Pit Bulls, contrary to what people believe, are not an aggressive breed towards people. Aside from their physical superiorities, Pit Bulls show extreme obedience if properly trained. If Danger got on the wrong track, shed likely lead the whole pack from the tree and allow the bear to escape. Hunting style: Catch dogsTemperament: Obedient and fierceHeight: 18-24 inchesWeight: 25-60 pounds. Dog years to human years . The Jack Russell was bred for vermin hunting . The latest prey brought to light the true ability of this breed as a bay dog. About the only flaw in the pointers armor is in this hunting dog breeds ability to withstand cold. I remember also its great courage. Briers fly. The woodchuck, or groundhog is a seven to ten pound rodent which lives in dens it digs in soil. Instead they can be traced to boar hunting dogs from Germany, brought over to North Carolina in the eighteenth century by the Plott family. Upon reaching the hog, praise your dog with treats and encourage him to try and corner the pig. Great Dane . But for some reason, it's become all but dead in the last 15 years. 7. The catch dog is often dressed in chest armor during hog hunting to protect it from the hogs sharp tusks. Highlights: Clean, Loyal, Even-Tempered. That depends on who you ask. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Recently, rat terriers were admitted to the AKC. I had a setter like that onceErnie was his nameand while he dragged me through hell and back, he also gave me the single most memorable performance Ive ever witnessed. This happens thanks to their exceptional endurance and perseverance. This website is a growing collection of answers and tips to the most important topics for those who have a canine or feline companion (or two). Nevertheless, when they successfully corner a hog, youll watch an unmatched act of courage and grit. Blueticks can be super high energy and need to burn off steam, so any potential masters with couch-potato tendencies had best reconsider. Groundhog Hunting Dog Breeds. In a strange way, pest-control work with these dogs is fun. They are very protective, and when trained are great hunters and guard dogs. They provide food for coyotes, foxes, weasels, badgers, hawks, and eagles. For a canine companion who can really dive into flushing out waterfowl, the Irish Water Spaniel is a solid bet. Walker Coonhounds are also great family pets, as they are difficult to provoke to aggression and are generally happy to coexist with other pets such as cats. They . Once these dogs grab the hog by the neck, you can easily dispatch it with a knife. On the trail, Walker Coonhounds will pursue a scent with all their energy, doing everything they can and exhausting themselves to find the hog or other hunted animal. Originally from Newfoundland, Labs have a short, waterproof coat, protecting them from elements and making them hardy hunting companions. Theyre cute, no question. Posts: 2814. We needed Danger to find them for us. The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular gun dogs. Average Size: 30-40 Lbs. 6. Simply put, Black Mouth Curs are one of the most versatile breeds in hog hunting. One of the most important tools in the hog hunters kit is the right hunting dog for the job. Inside the house, they also serve as loyal pets. Lacys are very easy to train basic commands. Dachshunds can hunt squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, groundhogs (woodchucks), and fox. A rowdy handful as a puppy, the Airedale Terrier matures into a dignified, self-assured, courageous adult. Rhodesian ridgeback is a breed of confident and strong-willed hunting dog. Its hard for the average sportsman to wrap his mind around the idea that a creature so photogenic and glamorous can be a serious gun dogone thats capable of pulling double duty in the marshes and the uplands. Lacy dogs are very determined hunters. huntingheart.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.Privacy Policy. Redbones are very mobile trackers and are comfortable on all sorts of difficult terrain and are very flexible, intelligent dogs. Whatever breed you choose, make sure you provide the necessary training and protection for your dog as hogs can be dangerous.Take care, be patient, and good luck! Their lineage can be traced back to Johannes George Plott, who emigrated from Germany to the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina with a mix of German bloodhounds in the 1750s. There are many different types of dogs that are spotted. They would not quita quality that the British call bottom., Foxhunting, along with hunting Cape buffalo, is the most exciting thing Ive ever done, and probably the most dangerous. The Mini Schnauzer is the perfect size for rat and mice chasing, and whether you live in a city apartment or a large rural property, your home will be pest-free. By Robert / September 17, 2021. I was hunting grouse in northern Wisconsin with a friend and his golden, Sidney, when I nicked a bird. For tracking dogs, Id recommend Redbones. This hunting dog breeds renaissance began in the 80s, and over the last 20 years theyve proven themselves to be not only functional game-getters but about the most exciting dogs you can swing a shotgun over. By any name, the pointer defines high performance. Wayne Campbell, owner of Timber Chopper Redbones. If you plan on hunting in harsh terrain on land or in the water, a breed well-suited for this type of work is the German Wirehaired Pointer. P.B. Nothing that fun can possibly be legal. Dont leave just yet! In fact, our canine companions were some of our earliest hunting partners. We stopped to listen but heard nothing, so we kept climbing. These dogs can be as fast as an athlete and intelligent. Some evidence even suggests that the qualities that hunting dog breeds brought to the Stone Age helped allow our ancestors brains to devote less capacity to sensory functions, clearing the decks for intellectual growth. A friend of mine takes his in a sneak boat to retrieve early-season ducks. Her first retrieve is still as fresh in my mind today as if it just happened. If you hunt in tough, cold conditions, this is the dog you want. They love to please, whether its in the trees or the backyard. She truly was a gift. The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2022. These bird dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard. The pack of Catahoula Leopard Dogs creates a wall around the animal, allowing the hunter with a catch dog to enter the circle, hold down the hog and dispatch it. In fact, they often ignore older scents to go after the fresher ones. Weighing up to 100lbs and measuring up to 27inches tall, this breed was created in Argentina for the first time in 1928 for the express purpose of hunting big game, even as large as mountain lions. Hunters have used dogs for hunting wild hogs since ancient times. After a lot of research, we have come with a list of some of these spotted dog breeds. Nevertheless, youd have to fulfill their exercise needs to maintain their superior muscle structure.On the downside, their strong prey-drive tends to make them aggressive toward smaller pets unless they were raised together. The pack can easily corner wild boar, but well-trained dogs should not approach the animal. With danger every step of the way, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. They can also sniff out wounded deer. American Staffordshire Terrier, called AmStaff for short, is an amazing hog hunting dog. The unlearned may see these compact, often bobtailed, houndlike dogs and think, There goes a mixed-blood, mixed-breed whole bunch of nothing. My cousin used to hunt pheasants by day and raccoons by night with his shorthairs. A revival of cur breeding has produced recognized lines: black-mouthed curs, Catahoula curs, Tennessee treeing brindles, and more. The BMC is a medium to large breed, depending on the working lines, and its distinctive feature is a black mask around its muzzle. I laughed and thought, This is the breed for me. German wirehaired pointers arent as aggressive as drahthaars, and they hunt with their heads up for air scent, rather than tracking birds on the ground. Rhodesians are fiercely protective and loyal dogs to their humans, making them great for families with kids. They are courageous, and if properly trained to hunt in packs, they wont hesitate in front of the wild boar. And theyre very sweet. AmStaff is a very loyal dog, and it makes a good guard dog, protecting the family and his territory from strange people and other dogs. I had never heard of a Boykin, but she promised that this breed, recognized as the state dog of South Carolina, could do everything a Lab could at half the size. What do you do when your dog bays up or catches a hog? 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