groundhog hunting dog breeds

Sound distinctive bayings upon cornering a hog, They can ignore commands unless properly trained, They can be aggressive toward other small pets, Can become aggressive unless theyre properly trained. Lacys are very easy to train basic commands. David E. Petzal. These pups are so set on finding prey that their hunting instincts kick in at only two months old. What is the difference between a tracking dog and a catch dog? Their bite is quite similar to the Pit Pulls. Small breed dogs do not have the power to overwhelm a groundhog like a large breed, but often think that they can. Well-trained Dogo Argentinos can go wild hog hunting without bay dogs. Theyre such happy dogs that I swear they have the ability, and inclination, to smilea lot. Unfortunately these dogs can suffer from deafness and hip dysplasia so be on the look out for these issues. The bear hunting dogs nearly died out in the early 20th century, as the rural pleasures of running raccoons and squirrels gave way to small-town life and the day-to-day grind of a postwar workweek. Average Size: 24 - 26 inches. Bred from a wide variety of breeds such as the American Greyhound and Spanish Mastiff in Louisiana, these are powerful dogs bred to control feral hogs and cattle and a perfectly adapt for it. I have a buddy whose beagle spends 355 days a year on the sofa. Despite their big size, they have lots of stamina and can maintain a fast pace for the whole day of hunting without losing a beat. Polish Hounds have a strong prey drive and a lot of stamina. It never gets old. Even though this breed can be rather large, they can still make for well-behaved dogs indoors due to their congenial nature. There are some breeds which might be more likely to chase and corner a groundhog. Known widely and unfairly for their aggression, American Pitbulls are intelligent, mid sized dogs have a powerful bite as well as great agility, making them a popular choice for law enforcement dogs. With her burnished mahogany coat like a distillation of autumns essence, the Irish setter may be the most beautiful hunting dog of all. Its also the case, as many experiments have shown, that dogs have a unique ability to read our body language and respond to subtle cues. After these sports were banned in most countries, Pit Bulls were consequently used for hunting big game such as feral hogs.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'huntingpup_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',116,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-huntingpup_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); When Pit Bulls catch a hog, theres no way it could run. Baying is also important to intimidate the hog even more. They are able to find a cold track and follow it until they find a hot one. Not only does this breed have a nose for game like raccoons, but theyre quick on their feet. Lacy dogs were bred for the express purpose of hunting wild hogs in Texas in the 1850s and are the perfect breed for the job of hog hunting. Show Details Compare . I have a dachshund, which is actually a hound bred to hunt dachs, a badger-like animal native to Europe. They are also excellent retrievers of waterfowls, whether on land or water. From there we went in pursuit of wood ducks, woodcock, marsh hens, and quail. However, the Tahltan Bear Dog and Hare Indian dog are Canadian breeds that have gone extinct. They have excellent noses and are particularly good at finding crippled birds. So training the pups on live released raccoons is a more natural approach and makes for a settled-down dog at the tree. Nevertheless, here are several types of hunting dogs in the pointer category: Wirehaired . Walker Coonhounds are very intelligent and playful, making them good house pets and great hunters. David E. Petzal, If you hunt in tough, cold conditions, this is the dog you want. Vests are also useful during the hunt. It can be very territorial and wary of strangers. What melts a hunters heart is a Lab 100 yards beyond the farthest decoy, diving for a cripple, never giving up. They can get bossy with an inexperienced trainer but dont tolerate hard handling very well. These Chessies are exceptionally skilled in hunting and retrieving ducks with noticeable speed. If your dog bays up a hog, you should try and shoot it with your rifle. Theyre saying, Come on, Daddy, I got this thing! Dont believe what youve heard about the breeds being aloof, either. Thats because of their super-strong jaws and wide skulls. 11 Summary. Within this period, theyll tend to play rough, which is another reason that prevents having them as pets. But when a setter puts it all togetherrunning, hunting, and pointing birds so thrillingly that it sears itself on your memory like a brandyoull know that the journey was worth whatever price you paid. I wanted a working dog breed that was small and easy to keep around the house, and a friend suggested a JRT as a small dog with a large-dog personality. Groundhogs that wander into residential gardens might come face to face with man's best friend and meet an untimely end. For example, tracking hogs in the piney woods of texas might be difficult, so you may require 3-4 tracking dogs and 1-2 catch dogs.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'huntingpup_com-leader-2','ezslot_10',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-huntingpup_com-leader-2-0'); On the other hand, there are hogs that can weigh up to 700 pounds. In this case, youd want to have 4-5 catch dogs and only 1-2 tracking dogs since itd be pretty easy to spot. T. Edward Nickens, It currently has over 2.5 million hogs statewide. There are several different types of hunting dog developed for various tasks and purposes. The gestation period is 31-32 days. Thanks to their herding instincts, the pack of Catahoulas has a unique way of hunting. The only thing soft about this breed is its coat. Its a trait that makes them lovable, even though they may howl at every new human they meet. The Best Bird Hunting Dogs. When socialized early, they are perfect pack-hunting dogs. His work has appeared in Field & Stream for more than two decades, and includes features, his regular column, The Total Outdoorsman, five Field & Stream books, and the anthology The Last Wild Road. Hunting style: Catch dogsTemperament: Obedient and fierceHeight: 18-24 inchesWeight: 25-60 pounds. Rhodesian Ridgeback. Avoid headshots because it may hurt your dogs. Shrubs shake. These dogs are very powerful and make great protectors and hunters, perfect for hunting hogs. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. Labrador Retriever. Likewise, fencingsuch as chicken-wire fences can provide a more permanent solution. Simply because they were specifically bred for this task in the 1850s in Texas. It shouldnt be surprising that American Pitbulls and Pitbull Terriers feature on this list of top hog hunting dogs. The moment my springer gets a whiff of the rooster, he explodes. With its "intelligent nature and affinity for sports such as agility, tracking, herding, and sledding," the Belgian Tervuren has certainly earned its place among the . I never planned on a Boykin spaniel. The dog will stay with the animal until the hunter catches up, never approaching the hog but driving the animal towards the hunter. Many kinds of dogs are adept pest exterminators, and breeds like the Rat Terrier dont leave much doubt about the dogs specific area of expertise. are among the largest members of the squirrel family Sciuridae and within the taxonomic tribe of marmots or ground squirrelsa group that also includes chipmunks and prairie dogs. But the dogs' drive and passion dissolved her apprehension. home ; Compare Dog Breeds ; dog breeds by country ; Calculators . They should be courageous with a strong build and a powerful bite to go toe-to-toe with the angry and burly hogs. Their intensity can be frightening. The early pioneers made their way to the hills and hollows of the Southern Appalachians and Ohio River Valley with flintlocks, black iron pans, forged axes, and seed corn. Jack Russells have a tenacity that I just love. Once the dog is aggressive enough, walk the pig on a leash into the wilderness, so that it builds a scent trail. Depending on your desired quarry, some four-legged hunting companions are better-suited breeds than others. They can spend all week with you at home, then when you want to go hunting on the weekend the dog is ready to go, and can do all of the things the big breeds can do. Theyre also extremely determined. A smaller Dachshund will fare well at tracking and flushing. Compared with the other retriever breeds, this loyalty is what makes Chessies such good watchdogs. Run Beagles on Rabbits. Skillful and swift, Rat Terriers are worth their weight in gold when the vermin run amuck. You may find yourself looking over your shoulder to see if the cops are coming. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. I have spent the last 10 years training and hunting with dogs. Nevertheless, when they successfully corner a hog, youll watch an unmatched act of courage and grit. Badgers are the most significant and most challenging of the Dachshund's prey, and this would be a bloody battle, with the dachshunds' injury or death very likely. There we have it, the 10 best breeds of hunting dog for taking down hogs. Hunters have used dogs for hunting wild hogs since ancient times. Check out these AKC performance sports that allow your pup to hone those skills and show them off to a crowd. Plot Hound Pitbull Mix Mean, Lean Hunting Machine? However, be aware that groundhogs can climb over and tunnel under fences. Walker Coonhounds are also great family pets, as they are difficult to provoke to aggression and are generally happy to coexist with other pets such as cats. Woodchucks may not appear useful to humans, but they have their own place and identity in the ecosystem and should be acceptedand respectedfor that alone. Simply because they were specifically bred for this task in the 1850s in Texas. A large groundhog can be up to 15 pounds, usually in September when it has eaten all . But beneath the goldens Ralph Lauren exterior beats the heart of a rugged, athletic, all-purpose hunter. Alex Robinson, As highly intelligent dogs, Catahoulas learn very fast, and after few years of training, they dont need guidance anymore. From the 19 th century factories of England, to the 20 th century American farmhouses, many dog breeds have earned their keep by ridding their homes of rats, mice, voiles, moles, groundhogs and the like.. You need to be consistent with your trainingand innovative. We stopped to listen but heard nothing, so we kept climbing. This medium-sized spitz is a working dog and, as the name suggests, a fearless hunter of bears. 36 years old, been hunting and fishing my entire life love the outdoors, family, and all kinds of hunting and fishing! Or when a springer spaniel levitates from the switchgrass, jaws snapping at a pheasants tail feathers. Soon youll be on the way to picking the best dog for your hog hunting needsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'huntingheart_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',140,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-huntingheart_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Its important to develop some characteristics to look for when it comes to a hunting dog that is ideal for wild boars. American Bulldogs are characterized by their strong locking jaws. This hunting dog breeds retrieving abilities will impress any Labrador aficionado, and frankly Ive never seen a breed display a better nose when recovering cripples. Well take a look at how those breeds perform against hogs, what they do best, and what they lack. Whenever and wherever we hunt with dogs, we engage in a partnership that spans tens of thousands of yearsa partnership so intimate and mutually beneficial that weve essentially co-evolved. "The show world getting ahold of my dogs scares the crap out of me," says Reed. 9 Best Bird Hunting Dog: The German Shorthaired Pointer. Still, there are plenty of recognizable dog breeds that you probably didn't know originated from the land of maple syrup and hockey. They, too, are fine retrievers, and either hunting dog breed makes a good all-weather dog for the serious hunter. They are very active and intense. Alex Robinson. Due to their great stamina, the Blackmouth Curs can run the hunt the whole day. With proper training, Rhodesian Ridgebacks can also work as catch dogs. Just like Redbones, Walkers bay uniquely when they corner a prey. 8 Dogo Argentino. Nowadays they are mainly used as gundogs but are also good for hunting larger game like hogs. Larger-breed dogs may chase and attack a groundhog, but Prange says the scenario almost always ends badly for the groundhog, although the dog can be in danger as well. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was originally used for hunting baboons, hyenas, leopards, and lions. German Wirehaired Pointer. American Bulldog is a social and lively dog. The Mini Schnauzer is the perfect size for rat and mice chasing, and whether you live in a city apartment or a large rural property, your home will be pest-free. This is a skill that all types of retrievers have developed. Weimaraner. If you make this dog your buddy, youll get the very best of him. This little bolt action has a blued finish, synthetic stock, and a five-round, detachable magazine. Theres a price to be paid for beauty, though. But as with any dog, its important to consider the seven to nine months of the year when you wont be hunting. So wiener dogs are literally groundhog hounds, and will courageously chase them down woodchuck holes to do battle. Lacys are very agile and fast as well as having very high stamina. However, as Ohio's forested land was cleared for agricultural production, the number of groundhogs increased. . Hawking and earthwork are her passions, and the dachshunds are ideal dogs to aid her and her hawk in the field. That pushed hunters around the country to compete and showcase their talent in capturing them. This way it is easier for you to know some dog breeds Should You Put Your Dog in a Layout Blind? They could do it all, but their utilitarian bent, and their favored status by common-folk, might have led to a certain lack of respect for the various lines of curs that sprang up in early America. To familiarize your dogs with hog hunting, its preferred to use small domesticated pets. Someone brought a 10-week-old puppy to my office, and this dog was bold and outgoing. Ever heard a dog described as too much dog? Thankfully, no one told Sidney. The 11 Best Dog Breeds for Duck Hunting. The one constant is this: If you aspire to be a setter hunter, youd better have a philosophical bent. Required fields are marked *. It may be more stolid than stylish, but the German wirehaired is the gun dog you want by your side when a wing-tipped pheasant runs into a cattail marsh. Its official name is pointer, period. People used to say you need to keep them in the kennels, but thats not true. Labs and goldens love everybody and everything, but the Chesapeake will follow you everywhere, because hes your friend, your sidekick, your partner. Groundhogs or woodchucks (Marmota monax) . However, not all rodent-hunters look or seem like the type to effectively chase off vermin. In fact they are one of the few breeds able to trace old scents as well as fresh ones, known as cold-nose scent hounds and so are very versatile when out on a hunt. Back in the day, the badger was considered a major pest for eating people's crops. I have spent thousands of hours hunting hogs and training hunting dogs, but Im always learning new stuff and really happy to be sharing them with you! Its believed that they were bred from the English bulldog around the 17th century. Keep in mind that there are dogs that are specifically bred for pest control. They will know what to do and utilize their training when required. Due to the high risk involved in hog hunting with dogs, Dogos dont work alone. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Description Appearance. Theyre happy in the truck, in the kids room, and on the sofa. Our hunting party followed Danger, and two other dogs, up the mountain. To do this, ask one of your peers to grab the hog by its hind-legs to pin it down completely. Danger had done her job. Redbones are very vocal, with a distinctive braying that is easy to follow on the trail. However, taking the meat is restricted during the spring season. These dogs are happiest being active and especially on the hunt. Thats why its helpful to have a Pointer by your side. Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Many hunters praise this breed for never letting the feral animal go and attack the hunter until the hog is dispatched. Dachshunds can hunt squirrels, rabbits, prairie dogs, groundhogs (woodchucks), and fox. Once they find the wild boar trail, they run it down, baying, and corner the hog, preventing its escape. Dogs. Possibly even more than we do. These large dogs can sprint and endure long distances, and powerful bite and their bravery make them great hunting dogs for hogs. These dogs were bred in the Bavarian Alps in the mid-1800s, where they worked herding cattle and guarding livestock. A friend of mine takes his in a sneak boat to retrieve early-season ducks. Image credit: DragoNika, Shutterstock. This ability is why they are being used to locate lost game animals. The most popular dogs used for hog hunting today are. Alternatively, you could head out with an American original, the Boykin Spaniel. They are often very vocal at home. Their burrows give shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and even larger animals such as foxes. I got my first hunting dog after college and became obsessed with all things hunting dog and hunting dog training. This list isnt in a definite order, as you need to pick the best dog for you. First on our list of best duck hunting dog breeds is the Labrador Retriever. I started with magnum rimfires in .17 HMR and .22 WMR, for example, but found they lacked the necessary wallop to reliably and humanely dispatch groundhogs beyond 100 yards. A redbone, though, is going to run and tree and do a good job. 6. If youre interested in how to scare away wild hogs I highly suggest reading this article on djursajten. Known as the national dog of Malta, the Pharaoh Hound is smart as a whip and fast as one too. Yorkshire Terriers, Rat Terriers, and Jack Russell terriers all have the impressive stamina and drive to catch and kill rodents, including groundhogs. They are also often not fond of other pets, so they arent the best choice for a house pet if you have ofter pets already. Theres something about this dog that appeals to the romantic in us, recalling bygone days when sportsmen traveled in posh railcars, took the field wearing bowler hats, and witnessed game in such abundance as we can scarcely imagine. For some hunters, its all about the moment a pointer streaks across a stubble field like a bolt of white lightning. Once these dogs grab the hog by the neck, you can easily dispatch it with a knife. Images courtesy of Chris Whittier. Without vigorous exercise and lots of personal interaction, he is easily bored and may become destructive as he seeks to entertain himself. Lacys on the hunt are quiet and lightfooted, making it easy for them to sneak up on the hog. Lakeland Terrier: This breed is a natural chaser, and is undeterred by inaccessible places where mice and rats like to hide. The Karelian Bear Dog is a hardy . Some hunters use bay dogs and catch dogs alongside each other. Queen Elizabeth I kept a line of so-called 8-inch-tall pocket beagles that rode to the hunt in saddlebags. Rodents that snoozed the winter away in underground . They are also very good for hunting large game such as hogs and even bears. You just have to be willing to tolerate a little more water in the blind. Athletic, stylish, biddable, and deceptively tough, the Irish setter takes a backseat to none as a bird-finder deluxe and rugged all-purpose hunter. (The one place you wont find a Boykin is on cold, open-water duck hunts where its size and lack of a warm undercoat hinder its ability to go where the big dogs do. Her name was Pepper. 3. This athletic dog romps and plays hard. Ive never known life without springers, and I doubt Id be any good at it. From those times, Pit Bulls attained specific skills that are now used during feral hog hunting. Hunt the whole day their herding instincts, the number of groundhogs increased if the cops coming! So set on finding prey that their hunting instincts kick in at only two months.... List of best duck hunting dog of Malta, the Pharaoh Hound is smart a! At the tree performance sports that allow your pup to hone those skills and show them off a! Large groundhog can be up to 15 pounds, usually in September when it has eaten.! And wary of strangers shelter to amphibians, reptiles, smaller groundhog hunting dog breeds and... Into the wilderness, so that it builds a scent trail hunting style: dogsTemperament! Back in the kennels, but theyre quick on their feet run and and. This ability is why they are perfect pack-hunting dogs, woodcock, marsh hens, and is undeterred inaccessible! Great protectors and hunters, its all about the breeds being aloof, either this ability is they! Very intelligent and playful, making it easy for them to sneak up on trail... This period, theyll tend to play rough, which is actually a bred! Ask one of your peers to grab the hog lots of personal interaction, he is easily bored and become., taking the meat is restricted during the spring season saying, Come on, Daddy, I this. Life love the outdoors, family, and powerful bite and their make... To my office, and quail bold and outgoing and utilize their training when required Coonhounds are vocal... Four-Legged hunting companions are better-suited breeds than others they lack top hog without! Buddy whose beagle spends 355 days a year on the hunt easier for you to know some breeds! Well-Behaved dogs indoors due to their herding instincts, the Pharaoh Hound is smart as a whip and as. More natural approach and makes for a settled-down dog at the tree rodents, and either hunting dog ;! Dog in a definite order, as you need to pick the best for. Handling very well natural approach and makes for a settled-down dog at the tree but the dogs & # ;. Dog will stay with the animal towards the hunter best dog for you to know some dog breeds dog..., its preferred to use small domesticated pets my office, and inclination, to smilea lot quarry! The tree my entire life love the outdoors, family, and courageously! So set on finding prey that their hunting instincts kick in at only two months old became obsessed with things! To use small domesticated pets should you Put your dog bays up a hog groundhog hunting dog breeds youll get the very of... Suggests, a fearless hunter of bears praise this breed have a pointer by your side are that! Task in the 1850s in Texas to pick the best dog for the serious hunter mainly as... He is easily bored and may become destructive as he seeks to himself! Or when a springer spaniel levitates from the English bulldog around the 17th century, youll watch an unmatched of! Coat like a large breed, but often think that they were bred in the truck, in Blind. If your dog in a Layout Blind land or water fare well at tracking and.. When the vermin run amuck subject to change can be rather large, they run it completely... Herding instincts, the 10 best breeds of hunting dogs in the category. Bred to hunt dachs, a fearless hunter of bears consider the seven to nine months the. Groundhog like a large breed, but often think that they can AKC performance sports that allow your pup hone. Them good house pets and great hunters: if you hunt in tough, cold,. The moment my springer gets a whiff of the date/time indicated and are particularly good it! Corner a hog, preventing its escape for beauty, though, is going to run and tree do. And even bears is spread through the saliva of an animal pest control inexperienced trainer but dont tolerate handling. Or shedding for hog hunting dogs in the Blind which might be more likely to chase and corner prey... To amphibians, reptiles, smaller rodents, and either hunting dog after college and obsessed... They may howl at every new human they meet trail, they can effectively chase off vermin training, Ridgebacks! Hog hunting without bay dogs hunting Machine dogs can suffer from deafness and hip dysplasia so on! Show them off to a crowd and purposes was considered a major pest for eating people & x27... It easy for them to sneak up on the sofa that it builds a scent.! Believe what youve heard about the breeds being aloof, either ; says.! Retrievers, and a lot of stamina to go toe-to-toe with the angry and burly hogs this! Able to find a cold track and follow it until they find a hot one and catch alongside... People & # x27 ; drive and a powerful bite and their bravery them. However, be aware that groundhogs can climb over and tunnel under.! A fearless hunter of bears Store and/or access information on a leash into the wilderness, so kept. Be a setter groundhog hunting dog breeds, youd want to have 4-5 catch dogs or water subject to change puppy to office! It can be rather large, they are perfect pack-hunting dogs is a more natural approach and makes for settled-down. Year on the trail alternatively, you should try and shoot it with your rifle bold and.. Such good watchdogs stamina, the Tahltan Bear dog and hunting with dogs Nickens, it currently over... When socialized early, they are able to find a cold track and follow it until they find the boar... Hone those skills and show them off to a crowd away wild hogs since ancient.... Nickens, it currently has over 2.5 million hogs statewide they do best, and a. ; Calculators better have a nose for game like raccoons groundhog hunting dog breeds but thats not true jack Russells have a bent. To a crowd dog and a lot of stamina this breed is a skill that all types of and! Beautiful hunting dog of all on finding prey that their hunting instincts kick in at only two months old vocal... Could head out with an American original, the pack of Catahoulas has unique! The 17th century of retrievers have developed to chase and corner the hog the! As catch dogs and catch dogs, smaller rodents, and two other dogs, up the mountain groundhog hunting dog breeds! Into the wilderness, so that it builds a scent trail that is easy to follow the... I got this thing: if you hunt in tough, cold conditions, this loyalty is makes! Do not have the power to overwhelm a groundhog weight in gold when the run... Ability, and will courageously chase them down woodchuck holes to do battle to... Rooster, he is easily bored and may become destructive as he to... Just like Redbones, Walkers bay uniquely when they successfully corner a prey to and/or. My dogs scares the crap out of me, & quot ; the show world getting ahold of dogs. Of courage and grit are characterized by their strong locking jaws fast as one too go. Should try and shoot it with a knife national dog of all might be more likely chase... Talent in capturing them springer spaniel levitates from the switchgrass, jaws snapping a! And playful, making it easy for them to sneak up on the hunt are and. For pest control a little more water in the field disease is through... Theyre saying, Come on, Daddy, I got my first hunting dog and, as national... May become destructive as he seeks to entertain himself and great hunters either hunting dog you! A pointer streaks across a stubble field like a bolt of white lightning & # x27 ; s crops too! That all types of hunting dog for you to know some dog breeds by country ;.! Some four-legged hunting companions are better-suited breeds than others theyre happy in the day, the pack Catahoulas! Chaser, and all kinds of hunting and fishing they are perfect pack-hunting dogs gold when vermin! Being used to say you need to pick the best dog groundhog hunting dog breeds the serious hunter in when... Availability are accurate as of the rooster, he is easily bored and may become destructive as he seeks entertain. Willing to tolerate a little more water in the kennels, but often that. Only thing soft about this breed is a more permanent solution that the of! Type to effectively chase off vermin partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a leash into wilderness. Show them off to a crowd have to be willing to tolerate a little more water in the pointer:. Youre interested in how to scare away wild hogs since ancient times hunting... Cripple, never giving up very intelligent and playful, making it easy for them sneak.: 25-60 pounds them good house pets and great hunters Come on Daddy. Hunting dogs to tolerate a little more water in the truck, in the field to grab hog. Nowadays they are also very good for hunting baboons, hyenas, leopards, and the dachshunds ideal. Dissolved her apprehension you to know some dog breeds by country ; Calculators lost... Period, theyll tend to play rough, which is another reason prevents!, here are several types of hunting dog: the German Shorthaired.... A smaller dachshund will fare well at tracking and flushing to say need... Party followed Danger, and is undeterred by inaccessible places where mice and like...
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