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VonSarah Ashley
Published on February 24, 2022
For as long as we have known them, dogs have helped humans hunt. Some hunting dog breeds, like the American Foxhound, have been perfected by humans over time to ensure the hounds could track and roam a specific type of terrain effectively. Other breeds, like the Sloughi, have simply evolved on their own to become skilled hunters in their natural habitats. Regardless of their origins, the gun dog breeds on our list are all energetic, loyal companions. Some aren't keen on meeting strangers, but most dogreat family pets!
Types of hunting dog breeds
There are seven types of hunting dogs, which are divided into different groups and categories based on what they do best and what type of prey they are looking for. With just two exceptions, all of the gun dog breeds on our list come from either the Hound Group or the Sporting Group. There is a terrier and a Foundation Stock Service puppy (the Karelian Bear Dog awaiting final classification by the American Kennel Club).
- Greyhounds:Dogs that have keen eyesight and are adept at spotting and chasing prey faster than you can say, "Go get 'em!"
- Laufhunde:Dogs that have the patience and determination to sniff out prey all day without getting tired.
- Setter:Dogs that sniff out birds and "sit" or lie flat to show their hunting partners where the prey is.
- hunting dog:Former setters now hunting alongside guns.
- Hints:A type of hunting dog that will stop and point its nose to show its fellow hunters where to aim (aka where the prey is hiding).
- Retriever:A type of hunting dog that can retrieve prey (usually birds) without harming it.
- flushing:A type of hunting dog that can goad a bunch of birds into flying into the sky, allowing hunters to take aim.
In case you haven't noticed, dogs were key to human survivalAll over Die Weltsince thousands of years. Without it, we would definitely have been eaten by predators, had rodent infestations, and likely become anemic from not getting enough protein. Kudos to the hunt-defying dogs on this list!
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1. American Foxhound
Height:21-25 inches
Weight:60-70 pounds
Personality:Cute, sporty
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:11-13 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
Surprise, surprise, American Foxhounds were bred to hunt foxes. The real surprise? They owe their early development into uniqueness to George WashingtonAmerican breed! Used for fox hunting by Washington and other American nobles in the 17th century, these puppies are fast, smart, and incredibly cute. Although American Foxhounds get along well with children and other pets, they will destroy your belongings if you deny them exercise and attention.
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2. Azawakh
Height:23-29 inches
Weight:33-55 pounds
Personality:Loyal, reserved
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:12-15 years
Group:Rush
Typ:Greyhound
One ofrarest dog breedson our listcomes from Africa. Azawakhs are ancient dogs that lived for thousands of years with the Tuaregs, nomadic peoples living in the Azawakh Valley between Niger and Mali. Despite being bony and cute, they are actually very good at hunting wild boar and antelope. As sighthounds, they rely on their good eyesight and incredible speed to catch prey.
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3. Bart
Height:19-25 Zoll
Weight:35-65 pounds
Personality:Happy, tireless
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:12-14 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Retriever
Like many water dogs, which are bred to track birds and retrieve them for their fellow hunters, barbets have curly coats meant to keep them warm even when wet. They are excellent hunting dogs from France who also enjoy social gatherings (very friendly to other people, children and dogs). Get ready for extra care but little to no hair loss.
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4. Basset Hound
Height:13-15 inches
Weight:40-65 pounds
Personality:Gentle, charismatic
Activity level:Low
Life expectancy:12-13 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
It's no surprise that the Basset Hound is a popular breed. The hanging ears! Those puppy eyes! Nothing says "charm" quite like a gentle basset hound. These dogs existed as early as the 6th century to help hunt hares and deer. Their short legs keep their noses closer to the ground for tracking purposes (The American Kennel Club says bassets are "built more for endurance than speed").
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5. Black and Brown Coonhound
Height:23-27 inches
Weight:65-110 pounds
Personality:Gentle, social
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
On the wild American frontier, you were out of luck if you couldn't deal with raccoons. Black and Tan Coonhounds were bred to capture and hunt raccoons to provide people with calories (meat and fat) and warm hats (fur). With noses that can work wonders when hunting, these pups are remarkably cool off-duty.
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6. Bluthund
Height:23-27 inches
Weight:80-110 pounds
Personality:Independent, loud
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
A cousin of the Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhounds are believed to have originated in western Europe several millennia ago. So yes. Their noses have a lot of experience in tracking deer and wild boar. Bloodhounds, named in medieval times when monks were responsible for breeding pureblood hunting dogs, are also adept at tracking people down and helping solve crimes.
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7. Bluetick-Coonhound
Height:21-27 inches
Weight:45-80 pounds
Personality:Smart, tireless
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:11-12 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
With gorgeous speckled coats and affectionate dispositions, Bluetick Coonhounds are sure to be stunning. Due to their high prey drive, early solid training is key. They began hunting raccoons alongside Black and Tan Coonhounds, but were also used in groups on the border to take down larger animals such as bears and mountain lions.
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8. Chesapeake-Bay-Retriever
Height:21-26 inches
Weight:55-80 pounds
Personality:Loyal, sensitive
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:10-13 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Retriever
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, known as Chessies, have waterproof, curly coats and are skilled duck hunters. Many say Chessies are more sensitive and connected to their people than other hunting breeds. Their skills have led them to alternative professions such as search and rescue dogs and bomb detectors!
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9. English Setter
Height:23-27 inches
Weight:45-80 pounds
Personality:Tender, gentle
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Setter
Often referred to as the gentleman of the canine world, English Setters are popular bird dogs. Less intense than their Irish and Gordon Setter counterparts, English Setters are quite easy-going animals. They love outdoor exercise and relax afterwards (aka their energy levels don't go through the roof as long as they're getting their daily dose). Good with children and eager to please, they make great family pets.
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10. English Springer Spaniel
Height:19 - 20 inches
Weight:40 - 50 pounds
Personality:Dedicated, friendly
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:12-14 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:rinse
An English Springer Spaniel's soft, pendulous ears make them even cuter than they already are. Bred to be bird dogs, these playful cuties are very strong and athletic despite their medium stature. Obedient and social, beware of separation anxiety and destruction if your English Springer Spaniel is left alone for too long. They just want to be near you!
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11. German Longhaired Pointer
Height:22-28 inches
Weight:55-80 pounds
Personality:friendly, sweet
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:12 to 14 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:pointer
These chocolate brown, long-haired pups make excellent companions, known for hunting small animals like rabbits and waterfowl like ducks. They love water, so if you're keen on taking your dog to the lake, go with a German Longhaired Pointer. Keep them physically and mentally active if you want them to be happy.
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12. German Shorthaired Pointer
Height:21-25 inches
Weight:45-70 pounds
Personality:friendly, active
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:10 to 12 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:pointer
Want a dedicated, top-notch hunting dog? Look no further than German Shorthaired Pointer. The AKC says these puppies are "the most successful breeds at competitive hunts" and are known for their versatility. Deer? No problem. Rabbits? Big. ducks? let me be with them German Shorthaired Pointers are also friendly and sweet—especially around children.
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13. German Wirehaired Pointer
Height:22-26 inches
Weight:50-70 pounds
Personality:Affectionate, open-minded
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:14 to 16 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:pointer
Another German Pointer? You bet. These are the wire-haired varieties and are slightly larger than the short-haired and long-haired breeds. Also, they have extra fur around their mouths and eyebrows, resulting in sillier expressions. German Wirehaired Pointers were bred specifically for hunting in woods and harsh fields. Their fur protects them from thorns and stubborn brush.
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14. Gorge of the Imaal Terrier
Height:12-14 inches
Weight:32-40 pounds
Personality:Gentle, smart
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:10-15 years
Group:Terrier
Typ:scent hound
Glen of Imaal Terriers are distinctive among gun dogs in that they are much smaller and have evolved on their own to withstand rougher, rockier terrain. ThisIrish dog breedhunted badgers and worked on farms in Ireland, often spending long days alongside their family members. Glen of Imaals weren't bred for looks or purpose, they just did the work that needed to be done.
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15. Golden Retriever
Height:21-24 inches
Weight:55-75 pounds
Personality:Friendly, dedicated
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Retriever
What can't aGolden Retrieverto do? They make excellent therapy dogs, guide dogs, and companions for people with autism. Their cute personalities, intelligence, and obedience also make them great hunters. Goldens are Scottish hunting dogs bred to move easily through rain and over rocks. Well done Scotland.
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16. Irish Red and White Setter
Height:22-26 inches
Weight:35-60 pounds
Personality:Friendly, temperamental
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:11-15 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Setter
The affectionate, lively Irish Red and White Setter is slightly smaller and more muscular than the Irish Setter, but just as tenacious. Bred to have white and red coats so bird hunters can see them better in the wild, these pups are athletic and have tons of energy. This, combined with their friendly style, makes them good family pets.
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17. Irish Setter
Height:25-27 inches
Weight:60-70 pounds
Personality:Affectionate, social
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:12-15 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Setter
Irish Setter fanatics argue that these dogs have the finest coats in the entire canine kingdom—and they're hard to argue with. Long, lush mahogany red fur sets these dogs apart from other hunting breeds. These dogs were developed to roam freely across flat plains to hunt birds. They love to run and can adapt well to a variety of households.
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18. Karelian Bear Dog
Height:19-24 inches
Weight:44-50 pounds
Personality:Confident, independent
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:11-13 years
Group:Foundation stock service
Talk about a dog with confidence! Karelian Bear Dogs get their name from the big game they hunted in Finland and Russia for centuries. They kind of do itlook like bearsin a way too. Although reserved with strangers and fairly independent, Karelian Bear Dogs make good watchdogs and fearless hunting companions.
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19. Labrador-Retriever
Height:21-25 inches
Weight:55-80 pounds
Personality:Open-minded, fun-loving
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Retriever
Labs and their waterproof coats were used by both duck hunters and fishermen to bring in the day's catch. Their eager, social disposition makes them excellent companions when hunting or fishing, and many are now used for other types of hunting as well. The labrador is aCanadian dog breedwho trains well, loves people and can't wait for the next adventure.
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20. Lagotto Romagnolo
Height:16-19 inches
Weight:24-35 pounds
Personality:Affectionate, lively
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:15-17 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Retriever/Sweathound
A vegan hunter? For sure! While Lagotto Romagnolos were originally bred to capture waterfowl on hunting expeditions during the Italian Renaissance, they gained greater fame for being better at sniffing out truffles than any dog around. Their sense of smell is fine-tuned to uncover even the most hidden truffles - and we thank them for thatmakes our parties more delicious.
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21. Pointer
Height:23-28 inches
Weight:45-75 pounds
Personality:Faithful, gentle
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:12-17 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:pointer
Pointers are like the original hunting dogs. They show and they show for ages. Aside from their incredible pointing abilities (did we mention they're good at pointing?), pointers are pretty even keeled animals as long as they get plenty of exercise. Those puppy eyes don't hurt either!
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22. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Height:24-27 inches
Weight:70-85 pounds
Personality:Affectionate, independent
Activity level:Moderate
Life expectancy:10-12 years
Group:Rush
Typ:scent hound
Rhodesian Ridgebacks don't often hunt big game anymore, but in their heyday they were known to be fearless of lions and baboons! Even today, they are excellent hunters due to their strength, instinct, and keen sense of smell. Beware of this powerful prey drive—early and consistent training is key to a well-behaved Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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23. Sloughi
Height:24-29 inches
Weight:35-50 pounds
Personality:Restrained, gentle
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:10-15 years
Group:Rush
Typ:Greyhound
These dogs hunted small game in the desert for Egyptian royal families and nomadic communities alike. A lean greyhound, the Sloughi thrives on running around. After a lot of exercise, these African hounds are relatively calm at home.
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24. Vizsla
Height:21 - 24 inches
Weight:44 - 60 pounds
Personality:Devoted, intelligent
Activity level:Moderate to high
Life expectancy:12-14 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Greyhound
Vizslas, Hungarian dogs bred for speed and agility, would hunt just about anything they were asked to do. Good-natured and super-smart, these copper-colored puppies are growing in popularity every year. Be sure to give Vizslas plenty of exercise and playtime - they need to exercise their bodies and minds to stay fit and happy.
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25. Weimaraner
Height:23-27 inches
Weight:55-90 pounds
Personality:Kind, obedient
Activity level:Hoch
Life expectancy:10 to 13 years
Group:Athletic
Typ:Laufhund/Retriever
A cross between Bloodhounds and some German and French hounds, the Weimaraner is a versatile hunting dog known for taking on deer and even bear! Today they are usually found hunting birds and they make really great family pets. Brilliant gray coats, intelligence, and athletic build—what's not to love about the Weimaraner?
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