As long as we’ve known them, dogs have helped humans hunt. Some hunting dog breeds, like the American Foxhound, were perfected by humans over time to ensure the dogs could effectively track and roam over a specific type of terrain. Other breeds, like the Sloughi, simply evolved on their own to become expert hunters in their natural habitats. No matter their origins, the hunting dog breeds on our list are all energetic, loyal companions. A few aren’t keen on meeting strangers, but most make great family pets!
25 Hunting Dog Breeds That Make the Bravest Companions
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Published Feb 24, 2022
Types of hunting dog breeds
There are seven types of hunting dogs separated into different groups and categories based on what they do best and the type of prey they’re after. With only two exceptions, all the hunting dog breeds on our list come from either the Hound Group or the Sporting Group. There’s one Terrier and one Foundation Stock Service pup (the Karelian Bear Dog who is awaiting final classification from the American Kennel Club).
- Sighthounds: Dogs who have keen eyesight and are adept at spotting prey and chasing it down faster than you can say, “Go get it!”
- Scenthounds: Dogs who have the patience and determination to sniff out prey all day without getting tired.
- Setters: Dogs who sniff out birds and “set,” or lay flat to show their hunting partners where the prey is.
- Gundogs: Former setters who now hunt alongside guns.
- Pointers: A type of gundog who stops and points with its nose to show its fellow hunters where to aim (aka, where the prey hides).
- Retrievers: A type of gundog who can retrieve prey (typically birds) without doing any damage to it.
- Flushing: A type of gundog who can rile up a bunch of birds so they fly into the sky, allowing hunters to take aim.
In case you hadn’t noticed, dogs were key to helping humans survive all over the world for millennia. Without them, we’d definitely have been eaten by predators, had rodent infestations and probably been anemic because we weren’t getting enough protein. Kudos to the dogs on this list for braving the hunts!
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1. American Foxhound
Height: 21-25 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Personality: Sweet, athletic
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 11-13 years
Group: Hound
Type: Scenthound
Surprise, surprise, American Foxhounds were bred to hunt foxes. The real surprise? They have George Washington to thank for their early development into a uniquely American breed! Used in fox hunts by Washington and other American gentry in the 1700s, these pups are quick, smart and incredibly sweet. Though American Foxhounds do well with kids and other pets, they will destroy your stuff 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: Hound
Type: Sighthound
One of the rarest dog breeds on our list hails from Africa. Azawakhs are ancient dogs who have spent thousands of years living with the Tuaregs, nomadic people who reside in the Azawakh Valley between Niger and Mali. Though bony and sweet, they are actually very good at hunting boar and antelope. As sighthounds, they rely on their good eyesight and incredible speed to catch prey.
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3. Barbet
Height: 19-25 inches
Weight: 35-65 pounds
Personality: Cheerful, tireless
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 12-14 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Retriever
Like many water dogs bred to flush out birds and retrieve them for their fellow hunters, Barbets have curly coats meant to keep them warm even when wet. They are excellent gun dogs from France who also enjoy social gatherings (very friendly with other people, kids and dogs). Get ready for extra grooming, but little to no shedding.
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4. Basset Hound
Height: 13-15 inches
Weight: 40-65 pounds
Personality: Mellow, charismatic
Activity Level: Low
Life Expectancy: 12-13 years
Group: Hound
Type: Scenthound
It’s no surprise the Basset Hound is a popular breed. The droopy ears! Those puppy dog eyes! Nothing says “charm” quite like a mellow Basset Hound. These dogs were around as early as the 6th century to assist with rabbit and deer hunts. 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 Tan Coonhound
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 65-110 pounds
Personality: Mellow, social
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Hound
Type: Scenthound
On the wild American frontier, if you couldn’t wrangle raccoons, you were out of luck. Black and Tan Coonhounds were bred to trap and hunt raccoons to provide people with calories (meat and fat) and warm hats (fur). With noses that can work miracles while hunting, these pups are remarkably chill when off-duty.
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6. Bloodhound
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 80-110 pounds
Personality: Independent, vocal
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Hound
Type: Scenthound
A cousin of the Black and Tan Coonhound, Bloodhounds are thought to have originated in Western Europe several millennia back. So, yeah. Their noses have a lot of experience tracking deer and wild boar. Bloodhounds, named during the Medieval era when monks were in charge of breeding pureblood hounds, are also adept at tracking people and helping to 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: Hound
Type: Scenthound
With gorgeous speckled coats and affectionate dispositions, Bluetick Coonhounds are stunners for sure. Their high prey drive means firm training early on is key. They began hunting racoons alongside Black and Tan Coonhounds but were also used on the frontier in groups to take down larger animals like bears or 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: Sporting
Type: Retriever
Known as Chessies, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have waterproof, curly coats and are skilled duck hunters. Many say Chessies are more sensitive and connected to their humans than other hunting breeds. Their skills have led them into alternate careers like search and rescue dogs and bomb detectors!
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9. English Setter
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 45-80 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, Mellow
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Setter
Often called the gentleman of the dog world, English Setters are beloved bird dogs. Less intense than their Irish and Gordon Setter counterparts, English Setters are pretty easy-going animals. They love outdoor exercise and relaxing afterwards (aka, their energy levels aren’t through the roof as long as they get their daily dose). Good with kids 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: Sporting
Type: Flushing
The soft, droopy ears of an English Springer Spaniel make it even cuter than it already is. These playful sweeties were bred as bird dogs and—despite their medium-sized stature—are very strong and athletic. Obedient and social, beware the onset of separation anxiety and destruction if your English Springer Spaniel is left alone too long. They just wanna be near you!
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11. German Longhaired Pointer
Height: 22-28 inches
Weight: 55-80 pounds
Personality: Friendly, sweet
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 12 to 14 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Pointer
These chocolately-brown long-haired pups make excellent companions known for hunting small animals like rabbits and waterfowl like ducks. They do love water, so if you’re keen on taking your dog to the lake, go with a German Longhaired Pointer. Keep them active physically and mentally 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: High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 12 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Pointer
Want a dedicated, top-notch hunting dog? Look no further than German Shorthaired Pointers. The AKC says these pups are “the top-winning breeds in competitive hunting events” and known for their versatility. Deer? No problem. Rabbits? Great. Ducks? Lemme at ‘em. German Shorthaired Pointers are also friendly and sweet—especially around kids.
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13. German Wirehaired Pointer
Height: 22-26 inches
Weight: 50-70 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, outgoing
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Pointer
Another German Pointer? You bet. These are the wirehaired variety and are slightly larger than the shorthaired and longhaired breeds. Plus, they’ve got extra fur around their mouth and eyebrows, which lends to goofier expressions. German Wirehaired Pointers were bred specifically to hunt in the woods and harsh fields; their coats protect them from thorns and stubborn brush.
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14. Glen Of Imaal Terrier
Height: 12-14 inches
Weight: 32-40 pounds
Personality: Gentle, smart
Activity Level: Moderate
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Terrier
Type: Scenthound
Glen of Imaal Terriers stand out among hunting dogs because they are much smaller and evolved on their own to withstand rougher, rockier terrain. This Irish dog breed hunted badgers and worked on farms in Ireland, often putting in long days beside 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, Devoted
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Retriever
What can’t a Golden Retriever do? They make excellent therapy dogs, seeing-eye dogs and companions for people with autism. Their sweet personalities, intelligence and obedience also make them great hunters. Goldens are gundogs from Scotland 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, spirited
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 11-15 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Setter
The affectionate, lively Irish Red and White Setter is slightly shorter and more muscular than the Irish Setter, but with just as much tenacity. Bred to have white and red coats so bird hunters could better see them while out in the wilderness, these pups are athletic and have tons of energy. This, combined with their friendly style, make them good family pets.
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17. Irish Setter
Height: 25-27 inches
Weight: 60-70 pounds
Personality: Affectionate, social
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 12-15 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Setter
Irish Setter fanatics argue these dogs have the most beautiful coats in all the canine kingdom—and it’s hard to argue with them. Long, luscious mahogany red fur sets these dogs apart from other hunting breeds. Designed to move freely over flat plains to hunt birds, these dogs 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’ve hunted for centuries in Finland and Russia. They do kind of look like bears in a way, too. While reserved with strangers and pretty 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: Outgoing, Fun-loving
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 10-12 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Retriever
Labs and their waterproof coats have been used by both duck hunters and fishermen to retrieve the catches of the day. Their eager, social disposition makes them excellent pals when out hunting or fishing and today many are used on other types of hunts, as well. The Labrador is a Canadian dog breed that 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: High
Life Expectancy: 15-17 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Retriever/Scenthound
A vegan hunter? Sure! While Lagotto Romagnolos were initially bred to scoop up waterfowl on hunting excursions during the Italian Renaissance, they earned greater fame by being able to sniff out truffles better than any dog around. Their sense of smell is finely tuned to uncover even the most hidden truffles—and we thank them for making our parties more delicious.
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21. Pointer
Height: 23-28 inches
Weight: 45-75 pounds
Personality: Loyal, mellow
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 12-17 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Pointer
Pointers are kind of the original hunting dogs. They point and they’ve been pointing since forever. Beyond their incredible pointing skills (did we mention they’re good at pointing?) Pointers are pretty even keel pets as long as they get tons of exercise. Those puppy dog 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: Hound
Type: Scenthound
Rhodesian Ridgebacks don’t hunt big game often anymore, but in their heyday, they were known for being fearless against lions and baboons! Today, they are still excellent hunters due to their strength, instincts and strong sense of smell. Beware this strong prey drive - training early and firmly is key to a well-behaved Rhodesian Ridgeback.
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23. Sloughi
Height: 24-29 inches
Weight: 35-50 pounds
Personality: Reserved, gentle
Activity Level: Moderate to High
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Group: Hound
Type: Sighthound
These dogs hunted small game in the desert for royal Egyptian families and nomadic communities alike. As a lean sighthound, the Sloughi lives for running around. After a good amount of exercise, these African hunting dogs 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: Sporting
Type: Sighthound
Dogs from Hungary who were bred for speed and agility, Vizslas hunted just about anything they were asked to. Sweet-tempered and super smart, these copper-colored pups are becoming more popular every year. Definitely give Vizslas ample exercise and playtime—they need to work their bodies and minds to stay fit and cheerful.
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25. Weimaraner
Height: 23-27 inches
Weight: 55-90 pounds
Personality: Friendly, obedient
Activity Level: High
Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years
Group: Sporting
Type: Scenthound/Retriever
A cross between Bloodhounds and a smattering of German and French hunting dogs, the Weimaraner is a versatile hunting canine who’s been known to take on deer and even bears! Today, they’re usually found hunting birds and being really great family pets. Shiny gray coats, intelligence and athletic builds—what’s not to love about the Weimaraner?
