Hunting dog breeds: names and photos

Since ancient times, dogs have been not only man's best friend but also a companion in everyday life and on the hunt. Choosing the right hunting dog depends on the skills and qualities you'd like to see in your pet.

A specialized breed of dog designed to catch birds, as well as burrowing and wild animals.

Hunting dogs: names, brief descriptions, and photos

In the world There are about 45 hunting breeds, which require specific training and maintenance. Above all, they require regular exercise with specific exercises; without them, dogs (especially sighthounds) begin to become ill and waste away. Hunting dogs should not be expected to be guard dogs or watchdogs, as their characteristic trait is their boundless trust not only in their owner but also in anyone who takes them hunting.

Groups of hunting dogs:

• fox terrier;
• spaniels;
• setters;
• likes;
• hounds;
• terriers;
• pointers;
• poodle;
• retrievers;
• like;
• greyhounds;
• dachshund.

Hounds are hunting dogs

Hounds are one of the most well-known and popular hunting breeds. Their hallmark is exceptional endurance and tenacity. There are approximately 30 varieties of hounds. Let's look at the most popular ones.

• Basset Hound The Basset Hound is an affectionate, calm dog with a compelling appearance. However, if it doesn't like something, it can be stubborn and disobedient. Although the Basset Hound is a tireless and hardy hunter, its striking appearance has made it quite popular as a toy. Basset Hounds, like all hunting dogs, require long, long walks. They are ideal for family life, as they adore children.
• Bloodhound He is an affectionate, child-loving dog. However, he is very sensitive and does not tolerate physical violence—he will be forever offended. He requires active, long walks without a leash.
• Beagle — a very cheerful and affectionate dog with a beautiful voice. By nature, he's a wanderer who loves to wander "by himself," but he feels at home in any environment: visiting friends, hunting, or at home. He has a unique appearance and is in good health.
• Dalmatian — a hardy and fairly strong hunting dog. This dog loves long walks and is best kept in a country house. The Dalmatian's cheerful disposition, tenacious character, and distinctive appearance make it an indispensable and loyal companion for the entire family. It hunts all kinds of game, including birds.
• Rhodesian Ridgeback — a native of southern Africa. These large, muscular dogs excelled at hunting lions, which is why they are also called lion dogs. The breed's distinguishing feature is the ridge—an innate fur mark on the animal's back that grows in the opposite direction from the main coat.
• English Foxhound — a noble aristocrat, a native of Foggy Albion. This is one of the oldest dog breeds, dating back to the 15th century. At that time, foxhounds were popular for hunting, in which they played an active role. Representatives of this breed do not tolerate loneliness, so they are raised in packs.
• Foxhound has a stubborn character and prefers to lead an active lifestyle.
• Finnish Hound — a hunting dog that has gained immense popularity in Scandinavian countries. The dog is bred for hunting large and small game in the summer and loves to bark loudly. Due to its tricolor coat, the Finnish Hound is most often used not as a hunting dog, but as a show dog or simply as a companion.
• Austrian Hound The German Shepherd is a very attractive hunting dog, possessing vigilance and exceptional persistence. On the hunt, the dog is virtually invisible: its confident, smooth movements allow for easy, silent leaps, and its keen sense of smell helps it quickly locate prey. Representatives of the breed are easily trained and educated, and are quite capable of becoming an excellent companion and friend to their owner.
• Drever The Drever is a dog bred for hunting hares and foxes. By nature, the dog is very affectionate and good-natured, so it gets along well with other pets and everyone in the household. However, when out hunting, the dog changes dramatically: it becomes a vicious, stubborn, and unyielding hunter. Despite its short legs, the Drever is an excellent runner.
• American FoxhoundThe dog's ancestors were the French hound and the English foxhound. These are incredibly persistent and hardy animals with a slender, toned body. In ancient times, American foxhounds were used primarily to track Native Americans. Today, members of this breed are considered among the best game hunters.

Hunting Laikas

A special mission and significant role in hunting belongs to the Laika subspecies, which possess a keen wit, beautiful appearance, and versatile canine qualities. Laikas are used not only as excellent hunters but also as sled dogs, indispensable when traveling across mountain ranges and snowy fields.

• Karelo-Finnish LaikaThe breed's other name is the Finnish Spitz. This beautiful dog has a long history. The Karelian-Finnish Laika resembles a fox in appearance, with a beautiful fluffy tail and reddish-brown coat. Puppy training for hunting should begin early, with the first encounter with game occurring as early as 4-5 months. This dog is ideal for apartment living.
• West Siberian Laika The West Siberian Laika is a versatile hunter with a keen sense of smell, hearing, and vision. When hunting, the dog displays incredible tenacity and is capable of catching and cornering both small and large game. This dog is very active and requires conditions that allow for an active and fun lifestyle. Thanks to its devoted and loyal nature, the West Siberian Laika has gained immense popularity among hunters.
• Russian-European Laika The Russian Laika is an excellent hunting dog, designed to catch hares, foxes, squirrels, wild ducks, and even bears and wild boars. Russo-European Laikas have powerful muscles and a strong, resilient body. Their coats can be completely black with a small white spot or black and white. They are exceptionally agile, active, and possess incredible energy. Hunting is their life's work, and they are therefore capable of working in any conditions.
• Karelian LaikaThe breed originates from the Old Karelian Laika. Because the ancestors of the modern Karelian Laika were more wolf-like, the dog has the characteristic sloping, well-developed cheekbones of the wolf breed.
• Yakutian Laika The German Shepherd is a fairly large hunting dog with an unusual coat of red, gray, and black and white. Its coat is medium-length with a thick undercoat. It is an excellent protector, always ready to come to its owner's aid and defend them from bears and wolves. Its proud character combines the best traits of a sled dog and a hunting dog.
• East Siberian Laika The Siberian Husky is an excellent hunting and sled dog, originally from Russia. It possesses all the working qualities essential for the Siberian taiga. It is easily trained, obedient, and easily communicates with humans. It is suitable for hunting both small and large game.
• Norwegian Elkhound Another name for this breed is the moose dog. It is adapted for hunting large game. Due to its versatility, the Elkhound can be an excellent hunter, a loyal bodyguard, a watchdog, and simply a devoted companion. Furthermore, the breed's value lies in its inherent charm and sensitivity to people, as well as its ability to adapt to any living and living conditions.
• Karelian Bear DogIn appearance, it resembles the Russian-European Laika. It is used for hunting large game (elk, wild boar, bear, etc.). The breed is characterized by incredible ferocity towards game and aggression towards small domestic animals, making it unsuitable for guard work.

Hunting greyhounds

This breed is characterized by endurance and high running speed. Greyhounds are used for unarmed hunting.

Popular types:

• Russian Borzoi;
• greyhound;
• Irish Wolfhound;
• Afghan Hound;
• whippet;
• pharaoh hound;
• basins;
• Azawakh;
• bay laurel;
• deerhound.

Spaniels

French, English, and American Cocker Spaniels have gained particular popularity due to their extremely optimistic and friendly nature. They get along well with other pets, are obedient, and trainable. They require constant attention from their owner and do not tolerate loneliness.

The following breeds of hunting dogs are also very popular among hunters:

Labrador Retwirer — a very active dog who loves water activities. He is a devoted friend and companion, not timid but also non-aggressive. He is obedient, affectionate, and easily adapts to various conditions.

English Setter — a calm, affectionate, and friendly dog ​​with a well-developed hunting instinct. It gets along well with other pets, thrives among people, and is loyal to children. It is a truly devoted family friend.

PoodleThere are two types: miniature and large. Although poodles have long been perceived solely as toy dogs, they are actually excellent hunters, retrieving game from water. Poodles get along well with all family members and love to play with children. The downside of small dogs is their excessive nervousness, which leads to frequent barking.

Dachshund A smart and understanding creature, the Dachshund cannot stand neglect or rudeness. Improper training can seriously damage a dog's character: it will become stubborn and disobedient, disrespect its owner, and begin to retaliate with petty mischief. The Dachshund, although smaller, has a gentler nature than the common Dachshund. Representatives of this breed are very curious, constantly hunt, and love walks. They have excellent health and a stable nervous system, are hardy and undemanding.

So, among the variety of hunting dog breeds, you can choose one that suits your personality, temperament, and hunting abilities.