Hey all, I'm looking to get a hunting dog this year but I'm trying to find the best breed for me. I've been looking recently at GSPs and Boykin Spaniels as good all around dogs. I'm looking for a dog that can track deer as I am red green color deficient but also help hunt squirrels and coons. Will probably use for some upland birds too. Also needs to be a good family dog. Any help is appreciated!
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Best hunting dog for me?
- Thread starter Foxfire
- Start date
This is definitely not my area of expertise but maybe a cur or lab. I dont think of one dog that checks all the boxes.
If you’ve got time to devote to a good dog, A GSP is my recommendation.
We’ve got a 2 yr old that has become the most wonderful dog I’ve been around.
Family oriented & a true companion. They work to please their owners once you understand them.
She’s a keeper.
Lots of folks don’t realize they were trained as companion dogs long ago: that’s why they are stage 3 clingers. They want to be around their owners.
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Most dogs can do the deer tracking, their noses are way better than ours. Just need to do some scent work to help train them. As far as your other intentions, fur and feathers are pretty far apart on the hunting dog spectrum. Don't get me wrong, there are dogs and breeds that thrive in being versatile hunters of many species across the spectrum, however, a jack of all trades is usually a master of none. In other words, if you want an exceptional coon dog, they probably won't be the best birder. Or vice versa. Doesn't mean they won't work, just that there is a trade off. My advice is to focus in on your main hunting goals, narrow down your list of breeds that fit the bill for you and then research the heck out of those breeds. Some breeds require way more stimulation and exercise, some are great companions and family dogs, some are not. Grooming needs, size and food requirements. It is a lot to take in, but a dog best suited to your lifestyle will be happier and so will you. Too often, people jump in on hunting breeds especially based on their looks and are not prepared for the energy levels they have. The dog becomes too much for them and get rehomed or end up in a shelter. Also, when you pick your breed, do some research on where the dog is coming from, a good breeder will have health tested their dogs and will be willing to share that information with you. It may cost a little more upfront, but can save you dollars in the long run. Especially hip issues in hunting dogs. Good luck on your search and future endeavor! It is a lot of time, sweat, work, and money to get a good hunting dog, but the rewards are amazing! We love our Boykins!
Get a wolf and train it to hunt for you while you sit at home and drink coffee. All kidding aside, a scent dog that will also retrieve birds and be a good family pet is a tall order. Not saying it's not possible, but it's gonna have to be a smart dog and you are going to have to spend an inordinate amount of time with it doing said activities. Like attached at the hip and always in the woods or actively training for years. I envy the time commitment you are willing to make. I started out with the same goal and now I have a house dog I am reasonably confident can help me find a deer in a pinch. But she is awesome so I don't care.
Get 2 beagles or an American fox hound
Cajun Feist.
There was a beagle that would come over by my house and start baying at the same spot. It's the start of an overgrown logging trail. There are/were always deer bedded down there. Eventually, some of the other dogs in the area would join him and, finally, a couple would run up the trail while a couple would flank around the pasture. There was no way on earth they were going to catch one of those deer, but it was hilarious to watch that beagle assemble his gang and try so many times.
