Do hunting dog breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Munsterlander and the Beagle look familiar to you?
In our article you will get to know 13 hunting dog breeds, find out what makes the individual breeds different and what the differences are in pointing, searching and retrieving.
Did you know that the beloved family Labrador and Golden Retriever are also hunting dogs?
You can be curious what their specialties are and which other hunting dog breeds are among our top 13.
Have fun while reading!
1. German Shorthaired Pointer/Longhaired Pointer/Wirehaired Pointer
The German Shorthaired Pointer, the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Wirehaired Pointer belong to FCI Group 7, the pointing dogs.
All three hunting dog breeds reach a height of about 63 to 67 centimeters and are considered elegant, strong and medium-sized dog breeds.
The German Shorthaired Pointer, German Longhaired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer are also similar in character. They are all thoroughbred hunting dogs with a pronounced willingness to perform and enormous power.
These hunting dog breeds should only be brought into the house by those who also want to work with them for hunting.
2. Dachshund
The dachshund, also called dachshund or teckel in the hunter’s language, is classified by the FCI in group 4 as dachshund classified.
Dachshunds come in many sizes and varieties. Both short, long and wire-haired are represented among the robust hunting dogs.
They are considered to be particularly courageous, proud and self-confident. Excellent qualities to be successful in the hunt.
Because of their physique, Dachshunds are used for the building hunt used on foxes, badgers and rabbits.
3. Basset Hound
The Basset Hound is an officially FCI recognized British breed of dog belonging to FCI Group 6, Section of the small hounds.
With a maximum body size of 33 to 38 centimetres, the massive, short-legged basset hound still weighs a good 35 kilograms.
This small hound was originally bred for pack hunting. Today, however, it also sweetens the lives of many families.
Characteristic of this breed are the noticeably long ears and the skin folds all over the body.
4. Beagles
The Beagle belongs to the FCI group 8, section 1.3 of the small hounds.
As a runner pack dog was the beagle specifically for that battue bred to hares and wild rabbits.
He is considered to be cheerful, lovable, active and alert. As pack dogs, Beagles love the company of their peers and their caregivers.
5. Weimaraner
The FCI divides the Weimaraner into group 7 of the pointing dogs a.
The hunting dog with the silver or mouse-grey fur inspires many dog lovers just because of its appearance. Despite his pronounced will to work, he is often kept as a pure companion dog these days.
The Weimaraner can handle this if he otherwise has enough mental and physical workload.
His nature is described as powerful, stubborn, intelligent and at the same time reserved. The Weimaraner is not suitable for beginners.
6. Small & Large Munsterlander
Both the Small Munsterlander and the Large Munsterlander are included in Group 7 of the FCI continental pointers classified.
They differ in size (Small Munsterlander: 50-56 centimetres, Large Munsterlander: 58-65 centimetres) and, logically, in their weight and appearance (colours and coat structure).
In nature, however, the two hunting dog breeds are very similar. They are considered to be extremely intelligent and willing to work, attentive, friendly, spirited, affectionate, loyal and fond of children.
As a family dog, the Munsterlander is suitable – whether big or small – for advanced dog owners who want to experience a lot of sport, games, fun and action with their dog.
7. Poodle pointer
The Pudelpointer is a German dog breed officially recognized by the FCI. He is divided into the FCI group 7 of the continental pointers.
As the name suggests, the poodle pointer was created by mating a poodle and a pointer.
It reaches a height of 60 to 68 centimeters and is considered balanced, calm and self-controlled.
8. Alpine Dachsbracke
The Alpine Dachsbracke is an Austrian dog breed officially recognized by the FCI and belongs to group 6 hounds, scent hounds and related breeds. She is one of them bloodhound breeds.
The small Dachsbracke reaches a height of 34 to 42 centimeters and is therefore one of the Low-legged hounds. Her specialty is tracking down injured game as part of the search.
The Alpine Dachsbracke has an excellent sense of smell. She is considered willing to work, friendly, courageous and loyal.
However, keeping it purely as a family and companion dog is not necessarily recommended.
Tip:
If you are looking for a dog, always find out exactly what is special about a breed! Each breed of dog brings different characteristics and preferences that should suit you and your life!
9. Tyrolean Hound
According to the FCI, the Tyrolean Hound is one of the medium-sized hounds.
The Tyrolean hound comes in two colors: red, deer red or reddish yellow and black with reddish brown markings on the legs, chest, belly and head.
The official standard describes the nature of the Tyrolean Hound as follows:
«Fixed, passionate, fine-nosed hunting dog that searches independently and hunts persistently, with a pronounced tracking sound, willingness to track and sense of direction.»
10.English Foxhound
The English Foxhound is classified by the FCI in Group 6 of the Hounds, Scenthounds and Related Breeds big hound assigned.
The long-legged and powerful hound is the most popular pack dog for the drag hunt in Germany and England.
He is considered robust and stubborn. Nevertheless, the foxhound is also a very willing and able to learn animal, which requires consistency and experience from its counterpart.
The Foxhound is neither suitable for beginners nor for a life as a pure family and companion dog!
11. Labrador retrievers
The Labrador Retriever is an officially recognized breed by the FCI retriever.
Did you know that the Labrador is a real hunting dog?
Nonetheless, he is also a popular one family and companion dog and the great thing is: it does justice to both!
The Labrador Retriever is good-natured and friendly. He has a pronounced «will to please» and is considered patient, balanced, attentive and capable of learning.
12.Golden Retrievers
Just like the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever is also one of the FCI retrievers.
(Perhaps you now realize why both races are so often real ball junkies?)
The Golden Retriever is considered to be particularly easy to train, well-disposed towards everything and everyone, curious, attentive and balanced.
He is an ideal family and companion dog and also interesting for absolute dog beginners!
13. Bloodhound
The Bloodhound is classified in Group 6 by the FCI big hound classified.
Bloodhound males reach a height of up to 70 centimeters and weigh around 50 kilograms.
Gentle, intelligent and affectionate, the Bloodhound was originally created for the pack hunt bred. Because of his size and strong physique, he was also used for the hunting deer deployed.
He is considered to be calm, friendly, sociable and somewhat sensitive.
Hunting Dog Breeds – What Types Are There?
There are different categories of hunting dogs. The hunting companions are divided into the following six groups:
1. Pointing dogs
pointing dogs are the hunter’s most popular companions thanks to their diverse areas of application. The property of showing game through the so-called protruding is eponymous.
Well-known pointers: German Shorthaired Pointer/Wirehaired Pointer, Weimaraner
2. Scenthounds
The task of sweat dogs is to track down and recover injured game as part of the search.
Well-known scent hounds: Hanoverian scent hound, Bavarian mountain scent hound, American Foxhound
3. scavenger dogs
scavenger dogs look for large or small game independently in unclear terrain. Once found, they drive it right in front of their hunting partner’s gun.
Well-known search dogs: Cocker Spaniel, German Wachtelhund
4. Retriever dogs
retrievers (mostly retrievers) look for shot small or feathered game and bring it back to the hunter.
Well-known retrievers: Labrador, Golden Retriever, Flat & Curly Coated Retriever
5. Earth Dogs
earth dogs Due to their body size and their characteristics, they are particularly suitable for hunting in the fox or badger den.
Known earth dogs: Dachshund, Jack Russell Terrier, Border Terrier
6. Water Dogs
water dogs are particularly suitable for water work when hunting or fishing.
Known water dogs: Lagotto Romagnolo, Barbet, Perro de agua Espanol