As we all know, dog breeds are countless, as there are many groups and each has its own characteristics and special variations. These animals have accompanied humans for thousands of years, being used not only as companions but also as unique helpers in certain situations, such as hunting.
Nothing beats an animal when it comes to hunting another animal, as their senses and instincts are far more developed, with smell being the main ally in this practice. At the dawn of history, when hunting was one of the primary tools for survival, the canine became an indispensable instrument. Today, they are still used in game hunting.
If you're an expert hunter, you shouldn't overlook the option of choosing an adventure companion, as they will help you unconditionally and ensure you bring home the game you were after.
Some dog breeds you can take to hunting grounds include:
- Barbet. Its sense of smell isn't the most developed, but it has a special skill: it's an excellent swimmer and, thanks to its abundant coat, is resistant to the cold.
- Spanish Water Dog. It belongs to the same family as the previous breed and adapts to all kinds of situations. It's an excellent hunting dog for aquatic species, so if that's your forte, don't hesitate to choose one.
- German Shorthaired Pointer. A strong-willed animal that will assist you on any terrain, as it adapts easily and boasts an excellent sense of smell. It will always be eager to please its owner, making it one of the best in its group.
- Cocker Spaniel. One of the smallest canines used in hunting, yet among the most energetic and hardworking. Cheerful, sturdy, and sporty are just a few of the many traits of these animals, which even live in many Spanish homes not as hunters, but as companion pets.
- Labrador Retriever. With an extraordinary sense of smell and a great love for water, it's one of the most adaptable dogs for any terrain. Intelligent and gentle-natured, it's the perfect companion animal, and it will also make your hunting trip productive: it's an excellent swimmer.
- Canarian Warren Hound. Its sight, hearing, and smell are spectacular, to the point of detecting rabbits (its specialty) in cracks or thorny bushes. It can withstand high temperatures or long hours of hunting, making it ideal for a weekend in the hunting reserve.
- Pointer. With a strong hunting instinct and a keen sense of smell, it can identify animals effortlessly, even in dry and hot climates. It's very persistent in tracking, ensuring your hunting trip is undoubtedly successful.
- Bloodhound. The ideal dog for small game, with hares being one of its specialties, though it can also adapt seamlessly to big-game hunting, tracking foxes, wild boars, or even bears. It's affectionate with people and fierce in the hunt, making it the perfect companion.
- English Setter. A highly communicative dog during hunting activities, it will undoubtedly cooperate with you. Easily trainable and very active, you'll have a perfect understanding with it.
- Dachshund. It works perfectly as a burrow dog, flusher, and even an ideal tracker. Despite its small size, it's known for its bravery and skills in small-game hunting, particularly with hares. It can easily slip into brambles or burrows, alerting its companions to the presence of flushed game.
Discover which hunting style suits you best, and you can consult game hunting companies about the type of dog you should use—whether from this list or not, as there are numerous breeds of hunting dogs.
