Dog Breeds For Flushing Birds and Waterfowl When on the hunt for upland game of a feathered variety, a Spaniel breed is a good choice to accompany you. Some of the best bird hunting dog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, Shorthaired Pointer, Boykin Spaniel, Golden Retriever, and English Springer Spaniel. For more information, please read our About page. However, the Wire-Haired Vizsla can perform better in colder climates, which puts them on our list of 5 Rare Bird Hunting Dogs. Next to their size, they are well known for their short, ghost-like gray coat and shadow-filled eyes. One must question that their popularity in the greater bird dog breed world would likely bring them to rank number one had Project Upland origins been built around pheasant hunting. Your hunting pals at OutdoorHub have compiled a list of the 10 smartest hunting dog breeds including a few bird dog breeds. Vizsla’s are great if you want bright, energetic dogs that you can keep as your best friend in addition to your hunting partner. Public Lands Packout: BHA Volunteers Collect 4,175 Bags of Trash, My Retired Forest Service Mule Went Viral: Here’s Her Story. He was developed to hunt wild turkeys in the Wateree ⦠Keep in mind: not all bird dogs are pointers. Labrador Retrievers are just as good as Golden Retrievers, but with one unique specialty: they love water. Their instinct to point and retrieve makes up for their slower pace throughout the day. Of the âBig Threeâ retriever breeds, the golden is clearly the one with the largest percentage of its design and engineering devoted to upland work. What you plan to hunt should determine the type of dog you get. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. What’s more, these big guys are tough and loyal, meaning they can keep you safe out there in the wild woods. Range of Bird Dog Size. The Wirehaired Griffon truly is the jack of all trades when it comes to these pointer breeds. If so, you’ll do just fine with one of these dog. They measure in shorter and lighter than the rest of the list. Some jokingly say they would rather go out without their shotgun than without their furry companion. Weâve compiled a list of the 6 best bird dogs with their hunting type, personalities, and strengths. Gun dogs: Also called bird dogs, since that is their primary prey, these dogs sometimes hunt smaller animals like rabbits. But when it comes down to brass tacks, the best dog for the individual, or the individual game, is a matter of personal taste. Discriminatory language, personal attacks, promotion, and spam will be removed. The high level of energy that the German Shorthaired Pointer has can make it difficult to raise them indoors without a highly active lifestyle, but it makes them great for long hunting days. Bird dogs, also known as Gun dogs, are owned and trained for hunting down birds by tracking their scent in the air. Hunting an upland game bird requires two things: a shotgun and a dog. Labs are fantastic for retrieving game that have fallen into the water, and are some of the most common bird hunting dogs around. The large gun dog belongs to the group of Sporting Dogs and considered as the best hunting dog breeds in the world. These dogs differ from pointers as they donât keep still after locating the bird. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. If you want a dog that’s reliable, effective and loyal, look no further. In general, the most common hunting dogs are scent hounds or gun dogs. Labs are fantastic for retrieving game that have fallen into the water, and are some of the most common bird hunting dogs around. Bird dogs are bred to be good at hunting birds. While any bird dog breed is excellent at tracking and receiving prey, there are a few breeds in particular that really stand out as the crème of the crop. These breeds have special hunting abilities, and they are also trained to retrieve the birds after hunting them down. (Okay, a hunting license too.) Latest. Learn more about it on the, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Dog Breeds - Information of All Types of Dogs, Dog & Puppy Products – Articles, Guides and Review, Dog Clothes and Accessories – Articles & Review, Dog Breeds – Information of All Types of Dogs, Dog Insurance – Articles, Guides and Review, Dogs are a great way to help you indulge your hobby of shooting pheasants, ducks and other fowl. While you are planning hunting with the Dog, you must be aware about some of the best hunting dog breeds. The English Setter is another loving and affectionate breed that transitions easily from couch dog to hunting companion. Pointing dogs, sometimes called bird dogs, are a type of gundog typically used in finding game. Here are the top 10 hunting dog breeds in the world, Hunting Dog Breeds 1. To that end, they make for excellent bird hunting companions in that crucial stage when, for once, you want them to stay out of the way. We may receive a small commission if you click through a link in this post and purchase something you need. They were initially used as flushing dogs and could drive birds into nets, helping Hungarians survive countless wars. None is necessarily wrong, as there is an incredible number of ways to quantify specific dog breeds. The hunting dog group includes many popular dog breeds that can be used for hunting, but which also make great family pets. Well, we’ve got the bird hunting dog for you. This gorgeous black-and-tan breed will range out a lot farther from the hunter than most other pointer breeds. They are trained to track and flush out birds to make shooting them easier. The Boykin Spaniel is a unique hunting dog, originally bred by South Carolina hunters. And it is still an incredible breed even for the ruffed grouse as can be seen in the latest Ruffed Grouse Society film, â Flushing Grouse.â Bird Dog Breeds WITHOUT BIRD DOGS, WOULD WE HUNT AT ALL? Choose from one of these dogs to take on your next pheasant hunting trip and you canât go wrong. However, all pointers are bird dogs. These dogs were so popular and useful at one point that the AKC still holds pointing breeds hunting tests. Donât worry! We have an old Cocker Spaniel, so maybe when she dies, we can get an English Springer Spaniel. But knowing what each hunting breed has to offer can narrow down your search for the perfect companion. For example, you can view all the coon dogs, bird dogs, or maybe just the water dogs. These dogs are supremely trainable, and easy to get them to do what you want, which is obviously a great trait for a dog. This dog is used to locate prey and flush it out for the hunter to shoot. The American Brittany is a great pointer breed that works closely with hunters and has a high natural affinity for hunting and retrieving. Enter before February 8th for your chance to win. For serious upland bird hunters, the idea of hunting pheasants (or any other gamebird for that matter) without a bird dog is a path to frustration, futility and no fun. The Best Bike Trainers of 2021. 5 Good Small-Breed Bird Hunting Dogs. Some bird dogs are good swimmers for hunting dogs and others are good at hunting pheasants. Is pointing the most important part of your game game? Deutsch Drahts are expert trackers and hunters, making them perfect for a hunting companion. The Weimaraner is a large pointer breed, standing up to 27 inches and weighing up to a whopping 80 pounds. March 4, 2014 Big-game hunting with dogs is almost universally forbidden. HerePup.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. When looking for an upland hunting dog, look no further. Our hunting dogs each include pictures and breed information. Their medium size and flexibility to all different hunting types make them a great all-around choice for anything you’re hoping to do. Some dogs are versatile hunters, some are patient, others are suited for different weather conditions, and have better retrieving skills than other dogs. A good bird dog is so important to an upland hunter. By Tom Davis. They were bred to do it all for the kings and queens of old Europe and still have the ability to do everything for today’s hunters. Read on so you can decide which breed is best suited to you. When youâre bird hunting, nothing beats a good dog at your side. Widely considered one of the best duck hunting breeds, Labrador Retrievers are as friendly as they are effective (friendly toward humans, that isânot toward ducks). So Which are the best dogs for bird hunting? HerePup.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Whether you’re riding solo or bringing along the whole crew, these are the best hitch bike racks to haul your bike to the trailhead. A great all-purpose bird dog, it’s also the one you can most likely use for both your hobby and to keep you company at home. The Vizsla thrives in water environments and makes a great choice for an early to midseason pointer breed for waterfowl. All of the pointing breeds are more or less medium sized, but a comparison of their standards shows a variation in height within the breeds and reveals a difference of almost 30 cm between the shortest and the tallest pointing breeds. © Copyright 2021 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved, Inside the 'Wattage Cottage': An Eco-Cabin Adjacent to World-Class MTB Trails, ‘Send and Return’: BCA Doubles Down on Backcountry Avalanche Safety Videos, Today's Bargains: 4 Outerwear Steals to Start Your Weekend, 2-Winter Test: Hillsound Equipment FlexSteps Review, Cody Townsend Tries Bikepacking in Pandemic Pursuit of Ski Lines, 'The Big Chill': Ultrarunning Across Chilliwack, British Columbia, in Under 2 Days, Bikes, Guitars, Carpentry, Motorcycles: Cyclist Colin Strickland Is a Jack of All Trades, Christmas to New Year's Bike Ride: Tackle the 'Festive 500' With Rapha, Today's Bargains: 4 End-of-the-Year Deals. Check out these bird hunting dogs that prove exceptional in their field. This hypoallergenic ancient breed originated 2,500 years ago as a hardy hunting dog in Egypt before getting transported across the Mediterranean to the West by the Phoenicians.. The Vizsla is a medium pointer breed that the people of Hungary have raised for the hunt. If you want something a little less exotic, the Golden Retriever is still one of the best bird dogs around, even if it has more of a reputation as a lovable house dog. They sport a short coat without an undercoat, meaning they will perform best in warmer conditions. The final pointer dog breed on our list is the Gordon Setter. This pointer dog breed grows a longer, wiry coat that makes them prefer hunting in colder temperatures. The English Setter’s speed and endurance allow them to cover a large amount of ground while hunting. Here are seven of the most popular pointer dog breeds for bird hunting. The Cirneco dellâEtna draws its name from Mount Etna located in Sicily`s east coast, and the Cirneco dellâEtna are found throughout Sicily.. 9. Brittanys are fantastically loyal and affectionate, and cute to boot with their white coat and adorable brown spots. Letâs look at a few of the best bird hunting dog breed, and why they are so perfect for the task. These dogs are sweet, loyal, affectionate and one of the friendliest breeds. Hunters typically pursue their prey on foot and rely on their dogs to find hiding birds, lurking in the tall grass and shrubs. When it comes to dogs that excel at a particular skill, hunting dog breeds are undeniably accomplished. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. Pointer Dog Breeds for Bird Hunting: Wrapping It Up The pointer dog breed that is right for each hunter will be different for several different reasons. In addition to their speed, this pointer wants to be in the thick of it all. The American Brittany’s skin and coat armor protects them from sharps in the field, so they’re a great choice for rough terrain and thick brush. The gorgeous German shorthaired pointer is the most popular bird dog in the American Kennel Club's registry, and its wirehaired and longhaired brethren are abundantly capable hunters. Bird dogs have been a part of man’s relationship with beast for centuries – after all, the little dog from NES’s Duck Hunt wasn’t put there by coincidence. Their small size also allows for high agility and speed, which makes them an excellent choice for hunting. We go to great leng ths to help users better understand their dogs; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. They do well hunting anything from small game to game birds, track well, point well, retrieve naturally, and love both water and dry land. Retrievers are a favorite of many bird hunters, thanks to their keen retrieving abilities and an excellent memory. Currently, Paul runs the HerePup along with the team of dedicated experts – so you know he has the knowledge to help you make the right choice. Additionally, HerePup.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. They’re notable for their two-layer coat, a bushier underfer and harsher jopcoat above it to help stand up to the cold weather. Think about the birds, terrain, cover, and climate. He teaches people how to break free of the 9-to-5 grind by blogging for a living. If you want a dog thatâs reliable, effective and loyal, look no further. Bird dogs are classified into ⦠This is another pointer breed that stands at about 23 to 27 inches and weighs a healthy 45 to 75 pounds. And Iâd wager that out of the universe of goldens used for hunting, the majority are primarily (if not exclusively) pheasant dogs. Gundogs are traditionally divided into three classes: retrievers, flushing dogs, and pointing breeds. These dogs were initially used to hunt boar, bear, and deer, among other, larger game. Ask anyone who has ever trained, hunted, or trialed a dog, and they will have a reason (rational or otherwise) why their preferred breed is the benchmark, and why all other breeds fall short. Hunting dogs are extremely helpful for locating and flushing birds; they are also perfect for retrieving downed birds for the hunter. Even rarer are sight-hounds for coursing game and terriers for digging out rats and other burrowing rodents. We support our blogging by participating in affiliate programs. These guys are fantastic companions, and adorable to boot, but they also serve an interesting purpose for bird hunting. Each bird hunting dog breed includes information and pictures. Bird Hunting Dog Breeds Brittany: Biddable, affectionate and loyal, the Brittany has a soft, beautiful brown and white coat and infectious spirit. Out in the field, however, the Vizslas are just as good at hunting as they are affectionate and gregarious. They can do all kinds of things like track blood, pick up game you’ve shot (even if they’ve fallen into a lake or river), and bring it back to you. But it demonstrates a high level of patience and stamina throughout the day. They tend to stay in a comfortable range from the hunter, never venturing off too far. English setters are so called for their tendency to ‘set,’ or lay down, after they spot game, so that they could stay out of the way of hunters using nets. They’re a bit smaller than a lot of other pointers, a little more versatile than the normal breeds. They have an instinct for chasing down prey and must be trained early on if they’re to be used for hunting. The ⦠Its loyalty serves it well in both contexts, meaning it will stick by you no matter what and can easily take to training. 9 Bird Dog Breeds. Ask questions. Support us! From next-gen tech to ingenious innovation, our weekly peek at emerging products examines the sometimes cutting-edge, sometimes quirky world of gear design. Brittany is one of the most happy-go-lucky hunting dogs. They’re a bit smaller than a lot of other pointers, but Brittanys are the quintessential bird hunting dog. Upland Bird Dogs Upland bird hunters target quail, doves, pheasants and other birds that inhabit forests or (more commonly) fields. The Best Hunting Apps of 2021. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. There’s a time to take a Vizsla, and there’s a better time to take a German Shorthaired Pointer. It’s good to know what dogs are best for bird hunting. The pointer dog breed that is right for each hunter will be different for several different reasons. Having been a star in bird hunting since the 17th century, it isn’t surprising that the American Brittany has made this list. Dogs are a great way to help you indulge your hobby of shooting pheasants, ducks and other fowl, and we’ve got a helpful rundown of the kinds of pups you might want at your side. We asked five pros how they made it work and what it takes to make a living in the outdoor industry "in real life.". Possibly the only breed to beat the Wirehaired Griffon as the most versatile pointer breed is the Weimaraner. If you have or plan to get a pointer dog breed, this is a pretty awesome test. #1 One of the Best All-Around Bird Dogs: The German Shorthaired Pointer My dad and I want to get back into pheasant hunting, but neither of us know which dog to use. With English Springer Spaniels, it’s no-nonsense, no frills; just a dog charging wildly into a flock of birds to drive them into the air and into range of your gun. And while researching pointers, these are seven of the top pointer dog breeds to consider for bird hunting. One of the most popular versatile bird dog breeds in hunting dog associations is the German Shorthaired Pointer. Often described as graceful, the English Setter channels the royal family and hunts with a great regality. So are hog dogs for baying and tackling pigs. The true benefit of the wirehaired pointer is in their tracking – they are extremely good at driving out prey for the kill. Weimaraner. Between their ability to withstand cold temperatures, perennial loyalty, and downright enthusiastic behaviour, this is a bird dog breed that no hunter can refuse. Filter all hunting dogs by the type of hunting they are used for. Labrador Retrievers are just as good as Golden Retrievers, but with one unique specialty: they love water. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are huge beasts, with tremendous amounts of muscle and leg power for quick running, and they can stand up to adverse weather if you’re hunting in non-ideal climates. This breed is often described as enthusiastic about hunting all kinds of birds, whether on land or water. Pointers are some of the oldest dog breeds, having been around since the 1600s to point hunters toward game so Greyhounds could chase them down. An old school hunting dog from the 19th century, if you want a dog that’s a little more versatile than the normal breeds, the Whirehaired Pointer is for you. Brittany. This dog, which originated from USA, is a combination of English foxhound and other similar dog breeds.Originally, this dog is bred for the purpose of hunting foxes, however, because of its running skills and great stamina, it also became the best dog to use for hunting deer.To add to that, American foxhound also has a good sense of ⦠These dogs have excellent versatile hunting skills and a snazzy point. Be kind. Cocker Spaniels are bred to hunt game birds particularly woodcocks, birds that fly low to the ground. A flushing dog is a bird dog trained to locate and flush game birds by provoking them into flight. Pointing and flushing breeds are designed for upland bird hunting, but if you plan on adding in some waterfowl work, the retrievers and versatile dogs (bred for hunting on land and water) should be top picks. Most importantly, the American Brittany is a loyal and loving companion that will come home at the end of a hunt and fit right in with the whole family. If you’re the fire and forget type, these dogs will serve you well. Paul is an entrepreneur and marketer for the pet industry who works out of Chicago. They can hunt from dusk to dawn and never tire, as long as they are also getting a lot of love. They can also be quirky and funny; thus, they easily steal their ownersâ hearts. They are incredibly loyal to their immediate family, making them a great house dog, but they can be slow to warm up to strangers. Popular flushing dog breeds include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, English Springer Spaniel, and other spaniels. ⦠So letâs identify the best, all-around waterfowl/bird dog, the breed that can most consistently win the feathered decathlon. Ask bird hunters about their favorite pointer breed, and you’re bound to get different answers and reasons. The English pointer, as mentioned, is perhaps the most celebrated pointing breed. What’s more, they’re fantastic at running through brush, being surprisingly agile in such rough terrain. At 23-25 inches tall and between 55 and 70 pounds, this pointer breed can be a great size to have in the field, the truck, or the home. 1. If you’re a bird hunter, you just might be lucky enough to one day have a pointer dog of your own. They are great companionship pets and need to be trained well, as they keep their puppy behaviors for a long time. Here are some great dog breeds for bird hunting and playing around the house. Picking the right pointer breed can be a huge decision, but will pay off in how much is bagged at the end of the day. It’ll be like she never left! Smaller and lower to the ground than many pointing breeds, the Brittany is as maneuverable as a sports car in the fields and forests. The name “Setter” comes directly from its breeding to lay or set down when catching birds’ scent. They are also well known for being a loving and compassionate partner in the field and at home. The German Shorthaired Pointer is such a dedicated pointer breed that “pointer” is a part of its name. Best Deer Hunting Dog â The American Foxhound. NordicTrack wants to give you $7,500 toward your dream adventure. Is pointing the least important part of your bird hunting activities (your game game, if you will)? A pointer dog breeds include the labrador Retriever, English Springer Spaniel and. They tend to stay in a comfortable range from the hunter to shoot its name large! Identify the best bird dogs, or maybe just the water dogs the true benefit the... Industry who works out of Chicago and endurance allow them to cover a pointer... S more, they ’ re the fire and forget type, personalities, and spam will be different several! So which are the best dogs for baying and tackling pigs undeniably accomplished them down will by! 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