For several years, the hunting dog has gained popularity with the general public. His endurance and exceptional physical qualities have allowed him to find a place among very active people. There are many breeds of hunting dogs, classified into several categories such as pointers, terrier dogs, and blood test dogs; some are more or less suitable depending on the practice. Discover below a list of the best-hunting dogs' breeds.

Before we begin, it's good to point out that not all hunting dogs are created equal. Each breed has its own specific facilities and attributes. In fact, hunting dogs are classified into three groups according to their role during a hunting action.

First of all, we have the scent hounds and the blood test dogs. These canines have an excellent sense of smell. They use it to flush out prey for several miles. They then follow the trail and scare away their prey until it crosses the hunter's path; they are particularly effective for furry games. They are very tough and able to run long distances. For these reasons, they need to spend a lot. They also tend to run away if they are not well trained in a recall.

Then there are the pointers; they are good at spotting game birds. However, when they have flushed it out, they stop moving and thus encourage the poultry to do the same. This is the time the hunter needs to intervene.

Finally, the third group brings together the lifting and retrieval dogs. They are the animals that will find and bring back the prey, both on land and in the water. Generally, the mammals of this group are docile and very attached to their owner.

1. The Beagle

An emblem of hunting, the Beagle, is a small, alert and enduring dog. He is part of the first group. As such, he often participates in hunting activities. Rather short on legs, he tends to be left behind by big game. But, on the other hand, he stands out on small prey such as rabbits.

They are easy to train pets. He is intelligent and gentle, although very lively. He likes to be around other animals or children. Highly energetic, he needs space and a lot of exercises.

2. The Basset Hound

With his long floppy ears, the Basset Hound looks like a quiet, home-like dog. However, his powerful legs allow him to track his prey over long distances. Classified in the hounds' category, the Basset is known for his tenacity.

In the family, he is calm, although stubborn. They are also playful and enthusiastic animals who will get along very well with children.

3. The English Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel is both a reporter dog and a game-lifting dog. Like the Beagle, the Cocker Spaniel is a dog of English origin. This is one of the oldest breeds of British Spaniels.

The Cocker Spaniel is a hunting dog by nature; it is naturally very athletic. So be ready to take long walks with him, and why not practice canicross.

Extremely loyal, he can sometimes seem like glue as he follows his master.

A medium-sized dog, he is a doggie with long hair and a silky coat of solid color (black, red, fawn, chocolate ...), two-tone (white and black, orange and brown), or tricolor (black - white - tan, orange - lemon - brown…).

With a life expectancy of 15 years, the English Cocker Spaniel is a robust hunting dog with excellent health. However, pay attention to his diet; the Cocker Spaniel is prone to obesity.

4. The Dachshund

The Dachshund, or literally, "badger dog," is par excellence a hunting dog specializing in digging up, especially for game or rabbit. Gradually, this dog was recognized as a versatile dog, also gifted for blood tests or fishing. Although he has a strong hunting instinct, he is a very amiable and playful dog with his guardians, thus becoming a very popular dog as a pet. The life expectancy of this small hunting dog is between 12 and 16 years. Its size depends on the type of Dachshund (miniature, large, medium), but this hunting dog is usually only between 25 and 30 centimeters.

5. English pointer

The English Pointer is a great pointer and ideal for hunting enthusiasts. With his athletic physique, he shows incredible endurance and unparalleled speed; he is able to sniff out and hunt down even the most distant game. In addition, he is easy to train and will quickly become the ideal companion. At the same time, he is proving to be a perfect companion and will enjoy leading the life of a companion dog as long as he is given enough exercise.

6. Weimaraner

Native to Germany, the Weimaraner is used in hunting as a point dog. He is a medium-sized dog with a gray coat. It measures 62 to 67cm at the withers for males, and 59 to 63cm for females, weighs on average 30 to 40kg and generally lives 10 to 12 years.

The Weimaraner was already used as a hunting dog by Louis IX. Nowadays, the shorthaired pointer is a sociable dog that needs a lot of exercises. The teacher will also have to be firm enough to educate him. He is a dog who adores children and who is quite protective, without being aggressive.

7. Fox terrier

Of English origin, there are two varieties of fox terrier: the curly-haired, which is the most common, and the smooth-haired, which is somewhat rarer. They have a white coat, speckled with brown or black. These medium-sized dogs measure 35 to 40cm at the withers, weigh 7-9.5kg, and typically live for about 15 years.

Fox terrier dogs are excellent fox hunters. This breed is very intelligent, playful, and protective of children; he is also a good watchdog.

8. Grand Bleu de Gascogne

This dog, originally from Gascony, France, is part of the Blues de Gascogne family which has four breeds: the Petit Bleu de Gascogne, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne, the Griffon Bleu de Gascogne, and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, which is the one of the most widespread. He is of medium height and has a speckled white robe with black speckles. This dog measures 62 to 72cm at the withers, weighs 35 to 39kg on average, and generally lives 12 years.

This is a very good blood test dog and is also used for court hunting.

The great blue of Gascony is an intelligent dog and very attached to his master. He is also gentle with children, quite protective, and friendly with other dogs.

9. The Golden Retriever

One of the most popular dogs, along with the German Shepherd. The origin of this four-legged companion is controversial. But, most importantly, he first appeared in 1909 at a dog show. Sociable, affectionate, and particularly gentle, the Golden Retriever owes his notoriety to his beauty but also to his character, which makes him an ideal pet (in addition to an excellent hunting dog).

The Golden Retriever is a long-haired dog and creamy beige or even white.

His mouth makes him look like a thoughtful and kind dog. The male is 55 to 60 cm; the female is 50 to 55. These animals are large dogs that can weigh up to 30 kg.

This dog breed loves water. As a result, you owe a little more to his health than with the best hunting dogs presented above. Although it is sturdy, be sure to dry him well when he comes out of the water.

10. The English Setter

Often cited as the prettiest of pointers, the English Setter is a versatile hunter. He adapts to all environments: marshes, woods, plains ... his rather long hairs protect him from brambles and allow him to venture out everywhere.

He is a cuddly canine with a good character. However, he needs a lot of attention to be happy.