Versatile Canine Companions: 6 Hunting Dog Breeds That Thrive as Pets

Can you have a hunting dog as a pet? Well, the answer is yes. Anyone who loves hunting with dogs would also like to have them as pets. Doing so develops better bonding with the animal that spends more time with the family.

As a result, the dog becomes more attentive and biddable, making it eager to perform better in the field and please the owner. Gone are the days when people used to look upon the hunting dogs as mercenaries, only to perform the heartless duties of pointing, retrieving, and flushing the hunted birds at their owner’s command.

Today, people are eager to give the hunting dogs the place they deserve at home, allowing them to stay with the family in the house as a loving pets instead of sending them away to a kennel or dog house in a secluded corner of the backyard.

Most dog breeds make good pets. However, hunting dogs belong to dog breeds with hunting abilities infused in their bloodline, like the spaniels, pointers, and retrievers. These dogs have been our hunting companions in the field for hundreds of years.

Thanks to their instinct, skills, and energy. As hunting opportunities are decreasing, it becomes necessary for the dogs to compete in field trials and events to practice and maintain their desired level of skills and in-built abilities to assist bird hunters. Although human companionship is innate in most dogs, all hunting dogs might not be good pets.

How does the attitude change?

Until a few years ago, it was the norm to keep hunting dogs away from home in outside kennels and treat them differently than pets, turning to it only during hunting expeditions.

One of the reasons for keeping the hunting dogs at a distance from the house was the belief that staying too close to humans could soften their temperament as hunting dogs and impair their abilities to assist hunters in the field. However, there is no evidence to support such claims.

A more practical reason for keeping hunting dogs in outside kennels is to prevent the spread of external parasites like mites and fleas that can pose health hazards for the residents if the dog comes inside the house.

Nowadays, advanced treatments for scabies are available. Hence, that reduces the threat of diseases. It is worthwhile to treat hunting dogs as pets too. Allow them to stay indoors and mingle with family members with ease.

All hunting dogs might not be homely as house dogs. However, here are six selected breeds that can become your best companion at home while performing efficiently in the fields.

6 Best Hunting Dog Breeds

1. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever can match equally with the Labrador in the skills and temperament of a hunting dog. However, what sets it apart is its affectionate and fun-loving nature.

Hence, it helps the dog adapt comfortably within the household. However, despite being highly intelligent and ready to respond to any training, the Golden Retriever is a party animal.

They can light up the party scene with fun antics and friendly behavior, thus making them a hot favorite among kids. If you go for pheasant hunting, then the Golden Retriever is the dog you need because it is a specialist in the field.

2. Labrador Retriever

The name of this dog breed reveals its hunting skills, as the Labrador Retriever is exceptionally skilled in retrieving fallen birds. When taken to the fields, the even-tempered dog that exhibits superior skills in water and land is equally at ease in mixing with kids who can have fun with the intelligent animal that loves to be at home with other people.

The dog exhibits its gentle nature. It is protective of children making it a favorite pet when not tasked with hunting assignments.

3. Brittany Spaniel

It is hard to miss the presence of Brittany Spaniel in highly competitive shooting trials because of their excellent bird hunting skills that make it a favorite among hunters. In addition, the highly loyal dog is always eager to please and is exceptionally skilled in assisting pheasant and quail hunting.

The characteristic of this dog makes it a great companion not only in the hunting field but inside the homes too. The intelligent dog is always eager to please.

Hence, it is a perfect choice as a pet that radiates infectious energy that spreads fun and happiness across the household.

4. German short-haired pointer

The German short-haired pointer is suitable if you are looking for an all-purpose dog. The dog is an all-rounder in its hunting abilities as it can perform multiple tasks like pointing and retrieving besides hunting small and large game.

The intelligent and playful breed makes a good house dog at night that protects the family after spending the day in the fields to fulfill the hunting assignments of pointing and flushing.

The highly energetic animal keeps demonstrating its superior hunting skills. Moreover, it can be an excellent walking or running companion.

5. Jack Russell Terrier

The pint-sized Jack Russell Terrier is a playful and friendly hunting dog that can double as a lovable pet because it is easy to train the animal and even easier to work.

The dog is a bundle of energy with an even temperament that allows you to direct energy in the way you want, whether accompanying them on hunting expeditions or spending time with your family at home.

No other dog can track and hunt varmints like the Jack Russell Terrier. Neither can other dogs adapt to the homely ambiance with so much ease.

6. Golden Doodle

The Golden doodle is a cross-breed of the Golden Retriever, and the Standard Poodle is equally conversant in hunting and an excellent pet at home.

The intelligent and hard-working dog excels as a hunting dog. It is one animal that gives a lot of comfort and fun to children playing with them. An incredibly affectionate companion, the dog is easy to train.

Donna Jones has been writing professionally since 2015 about dog care, dog health, working with various dog websites and digital magazines. She also has a keen interest in dog rescue organizations and loves to highlight the efforts of such organizations.