Top 10 hunting dog breeds

Hunting dogs have walked next to man for 9,000 years. We find a very large number of them, especially in France. Endowed with intelligence and exhilarating speed, some hunting dogs perform well with their masters, while others are simple pets.

There are several categories of hunting dogs: hounds and bloodhounds, pointing dogs, game dogs and dogs that swim and retrieve prey.

This article will introduce you to the 10 best hunting dogs breeds.

The Beagle

With its Breton origins, the Beagle is very present in France. He is often used for hunting with hounds but some people adopt him as a domestic animal because of his affection and gentleness.

The glorious sound of his barking and his handsome white coat with beige or black spots make him a lovely dog with a beautiful appearance. He loves children and needs a lot of space to run to spend his overflowing energy. He tends to run away when he gets bored. The Beagle measures between 33 and 40 cm and weighs between 8 and 23 kg.

The Brittany Spaniel

Originally from Brittany, the Brittany Spaniel is an elegant and gentle dog and with a charming look.

He can be used for hunting, for which he is gifted as pointing dog, but he can also adapt to domestic life with his human family because he is obedient and easy to train. Very sociable, the Brittany Spaniel likes wide open spaces to play with children with whom he is very protective.

This breed of hunting dogs has an average size of 45 to 51 cm for a weight varying between 14 and 18 kg.

The Fox Terrier

The Fox Terrier is a small hunting dog designed for hunting in terriers. He dislodges his prey, even those in deep burrows, he is a stubborn dog.

Despite his small size, he is very protective of his territory and his fellow creatures. The Fox Terrier is a watch dog and is always in a good mood. He is children's best friend. Dressed in a white coat with brown spots, this small dog measures between 35 to 40 cm and weighs 7 to 10 kg.

The Weimaraner

Of German origin, the Weimaraner is a large dog with an exceptional sense of smell and dynamism. Often used for hunting as a pointing dog, he is also an excellent companion for humans. He is affectionate with children and he loves it when they make him run around because he needs to exercise.

This dog needs a lot of love. However, you have to be strict with his education. His physique is very imposing: his weight varies between 30 and 40 kg and his height between 60 and 70 cm.

The Golden Retriever

Known for his many talents, the Golden Retriever is a great game dog and swimmer. As a result, he can search for prey underwater.

He is also an exceptional assistance and rescue dog but at the same time a very gentle and affectionate companion dog with children. Dressed in his golden coat, this dog has a beautiful corpulence. The Golden Retriever is therefore a very hardworking dog and tends to get bored when he is not moving.

The English Springer Spaniel

Of English origin, this game dog is an excellent hunting dog, renowned for his admirable speed. The English Springer Spaniel is one of the oldest breeds of hunting dogs. He is a submissive dog that sticks close to his master.

He follows him where he goes and hates to be alone. He is passionate about family life and is very protective of his loved ones.

The English Setter

Originally from England, this hunting dog can be recognized by his white coat speckled with black. He is a good hunter thanks to his large, imposing size, which destabilizes his prey. The English Setter is very sociable with his friends, the humans as well as his friends, the dogs. He is very flexible but his education requires great firmness and discipline. This breed of hunting dogs measures 60 to 68 cm and weighs an average of 30 kg.

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne

The Grand Bleu de Gascogne is a bloodhound, but he can easily hunt with hounds. He is very loyal to his master, proof that he is a good companion dog. The Grand Bleu de Gascogne protects children and likes to be with other dogs. His beautiful coat is enhanced by his height of 72 cm and his weight of 40 kg.

The English Cocker Spaniel

He is a cross between a Spanish cocker and an English hunting dog. The English Cocker Spaniel is a qualified game hunter. He is more of a hunting dog than a pet even if he is gentle and kind to his master. He loves life in the bush, freedom and wide open spaces.

Despite his aggressive nature, he can be affectionate with children. The English Cocker Spaniel measures 38 to 42 cm and weighs between 12 and 16 kg.

The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

He is a bloodhound and search dog. The Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is excellent for hunting large prey as well as small game, but he is also a very good pet, especially with children.

He is docile, obedient and fulfills his role as a watchdog. Family life suits him very well.

These different dog breeds have their own particularities. It is up to you to choose the one that will be a good companion for you. If you still don't know which breed to choose, try our test!