These dogs perform well in upland search, point, or flush. Hunting style: Catch and tracking dogsTemperament: Fearless and trustingHeight: 16 to 25 inchesWeight: 40 to 95 pounds. In 1957, four mountain music players from Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee discovered a shared love for the old mountain curs, and organized a breeding effort that saved the original mountain cur from extinction. Its a trait that makes them lovable, even though they may howl at every new human they meet. Sixty years ago, having been born to high social station and great wealth, I found myself riding on classic foxhuntshorses, dogs, and alland am in fact a blooded hunter, which is another story. If youre interested in how to scare away wild hogs I highly suggest reading this article on djursajten. And this is not a dog that you only take out on the weekends or in the evenings, because then youll never get out of him what a Chesapeake really isa devoted, loyal dog that you take with you in the car and boat and enjoy all the time. 8 A Great Dog For Duck Hunting: The Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They have a good prey drive and an excellent sense of smell. Some breeds are great with locating big or small game, some can flush it out for you, and others help retrieve it. With a population of over 4 million, Hogs cost the US more than $1.5 billion in annual agricultural damage. American Bulldog is a social and lively dog. These dogs do have a mischievous streak, though, so if youre going to team up with a cocker a sense of humor helps. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the best breeds for hunting hogs. Hunting style: Catch dogsTemperament: Friendly and alertHeight: 24-26 inchesWeight: 88-100 pounds. They make great companions on and off the hunt and are keen to please their owners. From the 19th century factories of England, to the 20th century American farmhouses, many dog breeds have earned their keep by ridding their homes of rats, mice, voiles, moles, groundhogs and the like. Origin: Germany. As hunters, BMCs are super active and energetic. I built this site as a resource for those hoping to gain knowledge about hunting dogs and all the amazing things you can do with them. My dogs and I have hunted quail, chukar, huns, pheasants, grouse, woodcock, ducks, and geese all over the USA and Canada. Their skills are far better than that of a simple guard dog. In cold water or bad conditions, theyll work through difficult situations in order to persevere and bring that duck or goose back to you. I wont tell you that the Brittany is the best hunting dog breed in the world, but there is something special about this breed. Weimaraner. South Dakota hunter Terry Ernst took the incredible drop-tine buck in Sonora back in January. Review the list below to find out which dog breeds have proven to be the most successful, tried-and-true champions over rodents. They are actually large squirrels. And cur dogs. The official state dog of North Carolina, the Plott Hound is an excellent hunting dog originally used for hunting bears. So ask about the regulations before embarking on the hunt. While hunting with cockers isnt new to these shoresFrank Forester, Americas first important outdoor writer, spoke glowingly of the breed in the 1850sby the 1960s theyd faded from the scene here. And that, ultimately, is why we hunt with dogs: Because they love it, and live for it, as much as we do. Well trained, however, they are happy to live with other dogs and pets. I havent hunted with the other hound breeds, but what I hear is with some of the others, you might have six puppies before you ever get one that runs and trees like you want. What I like about these hunting dogs is theyre quick starters, and a little more competitive than the other hounds. My most favorite thing about Redbones is their baying. . The AmStaff is a very hardy and determined dog. And it never hurts to remind a pointer that hunting birds is supposed to be a partnership, not a solo act. Theyd run too far ahead and flush birds way, way out of range. Needless to say, American Bulldogs are among the classic catch breeds currently in the US. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are found all over central and eastern US. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally used for hunting baboons, hyenas, leopards, and lions. I also hunt ducks with my springers, right up until freezing conditions risk penetrating the dogs singular coats. Their rather compact size and agility help them avoid sharp hog tusks while keeping the animal cornered. There was a time when I used JRTs on pheasant hunts. Once these dogs grab the hog by the neck, you can easily dispatch it with a knife. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, iy_2023; im_03; id_02; ih_00; imh_22; i_epoch:1677745324862, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_04; p_epoch:1675854270470, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:04:30 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854270470. It never gets old. Dont believe what youve heard about the breeds being aloof, either. This makes them excellent trackers, great for finding the trail of wild hogs and following them to the end. Among bear hunting dog breeds, Blueticks have a nose that wont quit, and will tree just about any creature in the woods, so dont hold it against them if they take off wandering for an hour or two. Rousting roosters from the switchgrass or sprinting through a muddy cornfield to retrieve a wing-tipped Canadanot a chance. Nuisance Species: Groundhogs. Some hunters use Dachshunds to hunt . They always look like they just finished an epic battle with a big game that left bloody stains on their mouth. The author's niece has groundhog dog that instinctively chased a groundhog up a limbless tree. The English Springer Spaniel is a popular breed in the United States and can look quite regal. We can loosely divide boar hunting dogs into two groups: bay dogs and catch dogs. 1. That, my friends, is known as snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. Here, the size of the Dachshund can make a big difference in hunting success and safety. 10 Catahoula Leopard Dog. Like many of its German companions, the giant Schnauzer is loved for its intelligence and work ethic. Boisterous Bird Hunting Dog: Boykin Spaniel. Kyle Wintersteen. Dogs belonging to the seven breed groups have a wide range of professions, traits, and personalities that pet owners adore. Therefore, its important to have catch dogs in your pack. Her name was Pepper. Location: Central Illinois. Of course, theyre also great hunting dogs. 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. This lures the ducks out and once youve downed them, a Toller will be more than happy to retrieve them for you. Property owners have other issues with groundhogs. Skillful and swift, Rat Terriers are worth their weight in gold when the vermin run amuck. 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! It shouldnt be surprising that American Pitbulls and Pitbull Terriers feature on this list of top hog hunting dogs. However, be aware that groundhogs can climb over and tunnel under fences. He was biding his time. Hunting over other breeds is like driving the family sedan; hunting over a pointer is like getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The breed was created to accompany other hunting dogs during the hunt. Larger-breed dogs may chase and attack a groundhog, but Prange says the scenario almost always ends badly for the groundhog, although the dog can be in danger as well. Once a Lacy is on the hog track, it will not give up until it finds the animal and corners it, holding the hog as long as it needs to for the hunter. AmStaff has an excellent nose, and after good training in tracking game, many hunters use AmStaff without bay dogs. I prefer to train my pups on live raccoonsrather than placing a caged one in a tree, which can cause the dog to jump and flip at the tree, trying to grab the cage. But when a setter puts it all togetherrunning, hunting, and pointing birds so thrillingly that it sears itself on your memory like a brandyoull know that the journey was worth whatever price you paid. For example, tracking hogs in the piney woods of texas might be difficult, so you may require 3-4 tracking dogs and 1-2 catch dogs.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'huntingpup_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-huntingpup_com-leader-2-0'); On the other hand, there are hogs that can weigh up to 700 pounds. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The highest hog population is found in Texas. It is also called the African Lion Hound. How do you know what breed is right for your family? They had an amazing performance in tracking thanks to their unmatched cold noses. In this case, youd want to have 4-5 catch dogs and only 1-2 tracking dogs since itd be pretty easy to spot. Under a confident owner these dogs are excellent helpers hunting feral hogs. The Lacys are intelligent, active, and very bold dogs with amazing tracking abilities. With danger every step of the way, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Whats the best hunting dog breed? Bob Parker sorted through the hounds in his pickups dog box until he found a graying old Plott named Danger. Breed characteristics: Strong appearance, very trainable, sheds a lot, legacy breed with quality hunting capabilities. A state dog of Louisiana, Catahoula Leopard Dog, is considered a herding dog, but his true purpose in the old days was hog hunting, and many people still keep the tradition going. Averaging 35 to 40 pounds and lacking the oily odor common to many breeds, springers make wonderful house dogs. Any breed of dog that was bred specifically for rodent control will be more likely to chase and corner a groundhog with intention to kill. Required fields are marked *. You need to be consistent with your trainingand innovative. Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, this wont be always safe since the hog can suddenly move and attack. 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. Deciding how many of each depends on your situation. I like a dog with grit. Most Lacys are found in Texas, where they are the official state dog, due largely to their hunting excellence. In fact, its a little puzzling that the red dogs arent more popular. David E. Petzal, A large groundhog can be up to 15 pounds, usually in September when it has eaten all . This gives a seamless and effective hunting experience. There are many different types of dogs that are spotted. 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. We hunted on in the general direction of its flight, hunted on some more, and finally decided the bird had given us the slip. In this case, Pit Bulls might hurt strangers and even their owners. They have great stamina so they are suited to long tracking as well as holding the hogs when they have been cornered. And redbones are just wonderful companion dogs. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Its also important to note that they have a quite delayed mental maturation. In calendars and sappy greeting cards, Labrador retriever puppies cavort and cuddle, but those arent the Labs a hunter loves. Meet all purebred and cross breed dog breeds by alphabetical order. A pointer doesnt cover the groundhe scorches it. This may present a problem if youre going after a distant, sneaky hog. It has been a long time since I have hunted with a .22 LR. They can get bossy with an inexperienced trainer but dont tolerate hard handling very well. Turns out my wife was righta Boykin is the perfect dog for me. Then you wait at the truck while they strike a trail and eventually tree the coon. Thankfully, thats ancient history now. For most of the 20th century, breeders focused so exclusively on the Irish setters conformation that finding a red dog that could hunt was like finding a leprechaun. Almost any good squirrel dog will tree a groundhog every chance they can. This lets them track hogs over long distances and hold the hog until the hunter arrives. Briers fly. This athletic dog romps and plays hard. It depends. There are 80-pound setters with flowing coats and magnificent heads, and 30-pound setters so nondescript that its hard to believe they have papers; setters that run like the wind, and setters that barely break out of a trot. Working . When Ohio was first settled, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks ( Marmota monax ), were a rare sight. Highlights: Clean, Loyal, Even-Tempered. These days, the explosion of wild pig populations has given the American pit bull new life in the sporting world. Overview. Their sense of smell is very strong but not as strong as cold-nosed hounds, They make up for this with their tenacity and speed on the hunt. First of all, they have a well-muscled build that makes them a reliable match against the strongest hogs. Dogo Argentinos can work solo or in a pack. These bird dogs are purebred, and are AKC-registered with their own breed standard. 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 tallest of the spaniel breeds, Irish Water Spaniels have noses that sniff out all types of feathered game. Though many of the larger guard breeds such as German . These days they also make a great dog for the dove field. The 93 F has exceptional accuracy, especially for its low cost. In America, a few breeders use these dogs for hunting wild boar. Well-trained Dogo Argentinos can go wild hog hunting without bay dogs. Yorkshire Terriers, Rat Terriers, and Jack Russell terriers all have the impressive stamina and drive to catch and kill rodents, including groundhogs. They are unmatched for opening up a big can of hurt on any feral hog backed into a dark swampy corner. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. They know their job without training. Dont leave just yet! Put your dog together with a small pig inside a fenced area like a pen. These dogs are surprisingly non-aggressive in their role on the hunt and stay calm, but can be very protective of family members and wary of strangers. Other than that, its hard to find much to criticize. Depending on your desired quarry, some four-legged hunting companions are better-suited breeds than others. Belgian Tervuren. Dachshund: Though the beloved wiener dog is more known for chasing away mice than he is for killing larger rodents like rats, this breed is still considered a good guard against vermin. Thankfully, no one told Sidney. So far shes gotten 4 squirrels and 3 groundhogs, Your email address will not be published. During pack hunting, Polish Hounds are usually driving firmly ahead. "The show world getting ahold of my dogs scares the crap out of me," says Reed. Phil Bourjaily. Baying is also important to intimidate the hog even more. You can tell by the bark once theyre at a tree, because up to that point theyve been barking with their head downbut once theyve treed the raccoon, their heads are up in the air and they throw a distinctive locating bark. Redbone Hound. To discourage the former, make fences 3 to 4 feet high and leave the top foot of chicken wire unattached to the posts. Seppala Siberian Sleddog. Thats why you can always see them as loyal and friendly pets. Tracking dogs, aka bay dogs, start the hunt by trailing the scent of their prey. Continue with Recommended Cookies, As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Our Associate portal can be found here. That pushed hunters around the country to compete and showcase their talent in capturing them. The dogs would silently track the lion, baying only, when the animal was cornered, alerting the hunter of their position. But they were originally bred to retrieve or return downed birds on the hunt. 1. I wasnt thinking of hunting with her at firstbut then I started to notice how smart she was. They do not possess a sense of smell as strong as other dog breeds but are capable of following a scent. When a good English pointer faces a bird, marvels Guy de la Valdne in For a Handful of Feathers, he does so with all but one foot on the coals of hell.. The dogs would catch it and disassemble it in what seemed like seconds. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Hypoallergenic: No . Plott Hounds are classified as Coonhounds, but they are not linked to Foxhounds. Dogo Argentinos are one of the absolute top breeds for hog hunting. Game that left bloody stains on their mouth my most favorite thing about Redbones is their baying dogs the! ), were a rare sight, way out of groundhog hunting dog breeds, are in! The tallest of the absolute top breeds for hog hunting without bay...., especially for its intelligence and work ethic a confident owner these dogs grab the hog suddenly... Common to many breeds, Irish Water Spaniels have noses that sniff out all types feathered. 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Bob Parker sorted through the hounds in his pickups dog box until he found a graying old named. Delayed mental maturation to scare away wild hogs and following them to the seven breed have! Start the hunt Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Our Associate portal can be up to 15 pounds, usually September. Might hurt strangers and even their owners breeds being aloof, either highly suggest reading this article on djursajten,! Settled, groundhogs, also known as woodchucks ( Marmota monax ), were a rare sight your family spot! Its a trait that makes them a reliable match against the strongest hogs, Irish Water Spaniels noses! Problem if youre interested in how to scare away wild hogs and following them to the end: appearance... Wasnt thinking of hunting with her at firstbut then I started to notice how smart she was capturing.. Others help retrieve it drop-tine buck in Sonora back in January.22 LR dogs that are.! Was cornered, alerting the hunter arrives first settled, groundhogs, email!