T.D. Mountain Curs do not have any breed-related health problems and live up to 16 years so you can enjoy their companionship for a long time. T. The official state dog of North Carolina, the Plott Hound is an excellent hunting dog originally used for hunting bears. Compared with the other retriever breeds, this loyalty is what makes Chessies such good watchdogs. In fact, its a little puzzling that the red dogs arent more popular. I got my first hunting dog after college and became obsessed with all things hunting dog and hunting dog training. Due to their great stamina, the Blackmouth Curs can run the hunt the whole day. When it comes to groundhog hunting, downrange power, wind and trajectory conspire against rimfire rifles. There we have it, the 10 best breeds of hunting dog for taking down hogs. And this is not a dog that you only take out on the weekends or in the evenings, because then youll never get out of him what a Chesapeake really isa devoted, loyal dog that you take with you in the car and boat and enjoy all the time. They also require a lot of attention at all times so can take up a lot of your time. Keen markers and powerful swimmers, theyll fill the bill for all but the most hardcore waterfowlers. The breeds partisans will tell you an Irish setter is every bit the gun dog the English setter is, and theres plenty of evidencebulging gamebags, satisfied smiles, diehard allegianceto support the claim. A Dogo Argentino is your best bet for a catch dog thanks to his incredible build. The usual pattern for a hunt was: The Master of Hounds would take the pack to an area where a fox was known to be, and they would cast for scent until they got it, and then it was off to the races. Labrador Retriever. Groundhogs can be captured or killed year-round without a permit or hunting or trapping license from the DNR, and there are no limits to the number that can . Use a toy or a rope to distract them and reward them only after release. These Sighthounds sniff out and chase rabbits with vigor. These dogs are surprisingly non-aggressive in their role on the hunt and stay calm, but can be very protective of family members and wary of strangers. I have seen dogs running loose that will lay for hours near a groundhog den and wait until the groundhog is far enough from his hole, then catch him. The gestation period is 31-32 days. In calendars and sappy greeting cards, Labrador retriever puppies cavort and cuddle, but those arent the Labs a hunter loves. Make sure you cook to the proper temperature like all Pork. Louisiana ranks third with about 500,000 hogs statewide and hunting is legal year-round. The breed was created to accompany other hunting dogs during the hunt. Redbones are very mobile trackers and are comfortable on all sorts of difficult terrain and are very flexible, intelligent dogs. The tallest of the spaniel breeds, Irish Water Spaniels have noses that sniff out all types of feathered game. This disease is spread through the saliva of an animal. Redbones were initially bred to hunt raccoons in the 19th century. My Labrador retriever loves hunting and killing rats and mice. Alternatively, you could head out with an American original, the Boykin Spaniel. Groundhogs ( Marmota monax) belong to the squirrel family Sciuridae, a large group of 285 rodent species including tree, ground, and flying squirrels; chipmunks; prairie dogs; and marmots. Males weighing up to 70lbs and standing up to 27in, these sleek and powerful dogs have their origins in foxhounds and bloodhounds. This medium-sized spitz is a working dog and, as the name suggests, a fearless hunter of bears. Hunting style: Tracking dogsTemperament: highly enduring and even-temperedHeight: 22-27 inchesWeight: 50-70 pounds. Theyre a bit trashier, too. It depends on the hunting style you want. Once a Lacy is on the hog track, it will not give up until it finds the animal and corners it, holding the hog as long as it needs to for the hunter. This may present a problem if youre going after a distant, sneaky hog. Their intensity can be frightening. I was hunting grouse in northern Wisconsin with a friend and his golden, Sidney, when I nicked a bird. And cur dogs. Average Size: 24 - 26 inches. Under a confident owner these dogs are excellent helpers hunting feral hogs. She even showed her stuff at a local Dock Dog contest, holding our own against the larger competition. Ive been around treeing walkers ever since I was 8 years old. The first mention of beagles in English dates to about 1475, and the name may come from the French word begueule, meaning open throat. Henry VII kept small hounds called glove beagles due to their tiny size. Small breed dogs do not have the power to overwhelm a groundhog like a large breed, but often think that they can. Todays Plotts are athletic, medium-framed hounds best known for being able to sort out complicated scent trails over challenging terrain. Yep, theyre good dogs. If any hunting dog breed looks like it belongs in the house . He is cold and wet, but ready to hunthappy to vault toward a bird as many times as you will send him. The difference is the way they work around the animal. Great Dane . When solo hunting, the dog is trained to always check with the handler about the next move. Florida comes in second place. Only when they find prey will this breed bark to alert you to the find. Cairn Terrier: We recognize these peppy pups as the beloved Toto who was by Dorothys side in the Wizard of Oz. Our hunting party followed Danger, and two other dogs, up the mountain. They are courageous, and if properly trained to hunt in packs, they wont hesitate in front of the wild boar. Turns out my wife was righta Boykin is the perfect dog for me. 13 Hunting Dog Breeds with Spots (with Pictures). 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. For them, it was all just a tremendously fun game, so I stopped using them for that. The one constant is this: If you aspire to be a setter hunter, youd better have a philosophical bent. These large dogs have the build and stamina to hunt wild boar as well as other big game animals, like deer and bears. If you make this dog your buddy, youll get the very best of him. To be clear, just because its listed at No. Location: Central Illinois. Thanks to their prey drive and impressive strength, BMCs are often used and are well able to hold to the wild boar as long as the hunter needs to catch up and dispatch it. Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, usually are viewed as nuisance animals for homeowners and farmers. Barks and howls echoed across the mountaintop. However, not all rodent-hunters look or seem like the type to effectively chase off vermin. These little pups are excellent companions when out hunting on a small boat because of their compact size. Without vigorous exercise and lots of personal interaction, he is easily bored and may become destructive as he seeks to entertain himself. I like a dog with grit. But the dogs' drive and passion dissolved her apprehension. The pack of Blackmouth Curs can move fast and surprisingly quietly through the forest. The Master of Hounds would have to catch dogs with bloody paws and take them out of the hunt. 14. I hope everyone enjoys the video and be sure to like and subscribe for mo. To familiarize your dogs with hog hunting, its preferred to use small domesticated pets. Thanks to their powerful build, they can take down almost any hog individually. Assume those links are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy. They dig burrows in grassy areas and are known to eat through gardens. Often used for hunting smaller game, Mountain Curs are also excellent dogs for hunting feral hogs. It is a hunt that is dangerous for the terrier and a lot of hard work for the hunters, as Churchfield explains in his descriptions of typical Ohio groundhog hunts with terriers. They are very active and intense. However, some people dont spend enough time in their training and socialization, or they dont do it with sufficient firmness. It can be a bite, and there are also several other means by which this disease can spread. If there's one dog breed that can do it all in the outdoors, it's a Lab . Then you wait at the truck while they strike a trail and eventually tree the coon. They always look like they just finished an epic battle with a big game that left bloody stains on their mouth. The big question is what happens if the dog manages to catch the groundhog or tries to go into the burrow after it. I have a dachshund, which is actually a hound bred to hunt dachs, a badger-like animal native to Europe. A friend of mine takes his in a sneak boat to retrieve early-season ducks. Though many of the larger guard breeds such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers could also instinctively protect their families from vermin, often the smaller dogs are better at hunting and killing the creatures more efficiently. You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group.With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Newfoundlands . Hunting style: Catch dogsTemperament: Obedient and fierceHeight: 18-24 inchesWeight: 25-60 pounds. Many hunters praise this breed for never letting the feral animal go and attack the hunter until the hog is dispatched. There are several different types of hunting dog developed for various tasks and purposes. If your dog bays up a hog, you should try and shoot it with your rifle. The only thing I dont like about them is their relatively hot nose. 4. The story of an old humpback Browning that's Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. When youre hunting for game, youll want a dog who can literally point them out. They are not suited for guard dogs as they are a naturally friendly breed unlikely to attack intruders. Well take a look at how those breeds perform against hogs, what they do best, and what they lack. Squirrel and raccoon hunters have long favored feists and curs for treeing game. Nuisance Species: Groundhogs. Download this e-book for guidance on these questions and other important factors to consider when looking for a puppy. Like many of its German companions, the giant Schnauzer is loved for its intelligence and work ethic. T.E.N. Highlights: Clean, Loyal, Even-Tempered. Some hunters use bay dogs and catch dogs alongside each other. Their coats pick up no burrs, yet somehow keep the dogs warm on cold late-season hunts. Dont get me wrong; they can track hog trails. Polish Hounds are used during deer hunting as well, and the dogs baying varies between hog and deer trail. As the name states, it is a dog that will point to the hunter where his game is, but he won't retrieve it. Thankfully, no one told Sidney. Even though this breed can be rather large, they can still make for well-behaved dogs indoors due to their congenial nature. While kenneled GSPs can be standoffish, if you raise a shorthair in the house you will have a friend for life. We stood and listened as the baying intensified. Dont sell the golden short as a duck dog, though. How do you find a reputable breeder? We stopped to listen but heard nothing, so we kept climbing. If youre interested in how to scare away wild hogs I highly suggest reading this article on djursajten. Baying is also important to intimidate the hog even more. Needless to say, American Bulldogs are among the classic catch breeds currently in the US. Plotts are one of Americas great hunting dog breeds. The AmStaff is a very hardy and determined dog. Tom Davis. Hunting groundhogs isn't a new thing. The highest hog population is found in Texas. 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. Their lower jaw is usually longer than the upper, a bite known as a reverse scissor bite. Nevertheless, when they successfully corner a hog, youll watch an unmatched act of courage and grit. First on our list of best duck hunting dog breeds is the Labrador Retriever. If youre looking for a pet to live inside, dont consider Redbones. The Karelian Bear Dog is a hardy . The really good news for sportsmen is that cocker breeders have continued to keep their eyes on the ball and produce dogs with a wealth of natural abilitymeaning that you dont need a lot of equipment or expertise to train one. They are actually large squirrels. hit me up with an email in the contact form if you have any questions. Their body is covered with grizzled, grayish brown fur down its back. Stick of canine dynamite. They are loyal and feisty, ready to show any rat that hes not in Kansas anymore! We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. He nailed it dead to rights, then picked off the scattered singles so neatly it was as if the birds GPS coordinates had been downloaded to his brain. Woodchucks breed in late February or March and usually not until the animal is close to two years old. Ive lost track of how many Iowa pheasants Ive shot over my shorthairs and other peoples, and Ive also followed shorthairs after ruffed grouse in Minnesota forests, chukars on Idaho ridges, and blue grouse in Utah mountains. When they successfully corner a hog, theyll sound a distinctive bay to let you know about their victory.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'huntingpup_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_16',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-huntingpup_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); Its important to train your Redbone on following your orders. Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots in the Squirrel family (Scuiridae). What do you do when your dog bays up or catches a hog? Boykin Spaniel. But as with any dog, its important to consider the seven to nine months of the year when you wont be hunting. 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. This is a skill that all types of retrievers have developed. And that's a darn shame. Well also discuss other important questions that concern all hog hunters. My cousin used to hunt pheasants by day and raccoons by night with his shorthairs. American Pit Bull Terrier, or APBT for short, is a breed designed in the British Isles for hunting purposes. Otherwise, theyll prefer to follow their nose and leave you behind. And theyre very sweet. These dogs need to be trained and socialized with great care and need a dedicated owner for them to be most useful. That depends on who you ask. Review the list below to find out which dog breeds have proven to be the most successful, tried-and-true champions over rodents. When on the hog trail, the Polish Hound bays, alerting the hunter on the position of the hog. Run Beagles on Rabbits. Then, take your dog to that area and encourage him on tracking the scent. Mini Schnauzer: With guard-dog instincts, Schnauzers were once bred as loyal farm companions in Germany. But it doesnt bother me for them to run like that when theyre young. Here's the story of his hunt. There are always other dogs involved, be it Dogos or other catch dogs, or a pack of bay dogs. Their cold noses will track the furthest hogs. The Golden Retriever does have longer hair than the Lab and sheds frequently but is also considered the more sensible of the two breeds. Puppies reach full size at about 1 year. 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. From the 19th century factories of England, to the 20th century American farmhouses, many dog breeds have earned their keep by ridding their homes of rats, mice, voiles, moles, groundhogs and the like. If the groundhog could be located and harassed, he wouldn't be able to dig away. They do not possess a sense of smell as strong as other dog breeds but are capable of following a scent. Catch dogs are used to hold the hog down. Give them the necessary exercise and theyll also be great as pets. Bob Parker sorted through the hounds in his pickups dog box until he found a graying old Plott named Danger. Compared to other popular hunting dog breeds, golden retrievers have an image problem. Yorkshire Terrier: Yes, this long-locked beauty is best known for her lively spirit and pampered ways. Avoid headshots because it may hurt your dogs. After all, these are the most popular dogs in the United States for a reason. Brittany. But beneath the goldens Ralph Lauren exterior beats the heart of a rugged, athletic, all-purpose hunter. From a pair of incessantly reproducing guinea pigs, to chickens, fish, frogs, cats, dogs and horses, she became fascinated with animal behavior at an early age. Overview. A large groundhog can be up to 15 pounds, usually in September when it has eaten all . Working . Bay dogs find, chase, and bay the hog from a distance, alerting the hunter of the presence of the hog. Despite the breeds foundation, which involves now extinct Cordoba Fighting Dog, the Dogo Argentino is a very friendly and cooperative dog when adequately socialized with other dogs. If youre seeking an energetic and intelligent companion to help retrieve birds on land and in the water, you may want to hunt with a Labrador Retriever. After another 15 minutes, Danger zeroed in on the action and pulled hard against her leada 50-pound dog dragging a 250-pound man up a mountain. However, dogs can be part of the solution, whether hunting or dealing with groundhogs causing problems on your property. Ive seen two dogs go down with hypothermia and they were both pointers, hunting late-season pheasants in single-digit temperatures. That, my friend, is a dog. Another pick for hunting larger quarry is the Karelian Bear Dog. They are also excellent retrievers of waterfowls, whether on land or water. South Dakota hunter Terry Ernst took the incredible drop-tine buck in Sonora back in January. As highly intelligent dogs, Catahoulas learn very fast, and after few years of training, they dont need guidance anymore. groundhog, (Marmota monax), also called woodchuck, one of 14 species of marmots (Marmota), considered basically a giant North American ground squirrel. In other words, dogs made us human. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Lacy. A revival of cur breeding has produced recognized lines: black-mouthed curs, Catahoula curs, Tennessee treeing brindles, and more. (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. Bred from the now extinct Cordoba fighting dogs and mixed with breeds such as the Great Dane, Bulldog, Terrier, and Boxer, these dogs are protective and very brave. Because of their stature as a US hunting breed, they hold a special place in American hearts for their capabilities in the field. Thanks for visiting eatingthewild.com. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Your email address will not be published. American Bulldogs are characterized by their strong locking jaws. When socialized early, they are perfect pack-hunting dogs. They have incredibly expressive, often comical, faces, and a sensitive nature, which belies their impressive work drive and tenacity. Hunting style: Catch and tracking dogsTemperament: Fearless and trustingHeight: 16 to 25 inchesWeight: 40 to 95 pounds. There is also no problem with a prey drive or sense of smell. American foxhounds hunt by scent, and they are relentless. However, as Ohio's forested land was cleared for agricultural production, the number of groundhogs increased. These days they also make a great dog for the dove field. Still, there are plenty of recognizable dog breeds that you probably didn't know originated from the land of maple syrup and hockey. Jack Russell Terrier. Once these dogs grab the hog by the neck, you can easily dispatch it with a knife. This happens thanks to their exceptional endurance and perseverance. Founded in 1884, the not-for-profit AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for all dogs. I never planned on a Boykin spaniel. 2. Possibly even more than we do. This lures the ducks out and once youve downed them, a Toller will be more than happy to retrieve them for you. He has taken care of household mice x3 and 1 rat in Chicago thus far. Owning this kind of dog is not for the faint of heart, however, as they require plenty of regular exercise. A well-versed hunter who knows his dogs should recognize the ton of baying and know which animal his dog is after. These dogs can be as fast as an athlete and intelligent. Theyve got more go to them, and theyre gonna run a little more junk than the other dogs willyou know, deer or fox or whatever. A state dog of Louisiana, Catahoula Leopard Dog, is considered a herding dog, but his true purpose in the old days was hog hunting, and many people still keep the tradition going. After a lot of research, we have come with a list of some of these spotted dog breeds. As one of the oldest terrier breeds, and Cairns are known for being quick-witted action dogs. She truly was a gift. They should be courageous with a strong build and a powerful bite to go toe-to-toe with the angry and burly hogs. Belgian Tervuren. Say English pointer south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and folks will look at you funny. During pack hunting, Polish Hounds are usually driving firmly ahead. The wirehair is also a dog youd like to have by your side in a fight with anything: They are tough dogs and protective of their owners. Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources, iy_2023; im_03; id_02; ih_00; imh_22; i_epoch:1677745324862, py_2023; pm_02; pd_08; ph_03; pmh_04; p_epoch:1675854270470, link-block; link-block_link-block; bodystr, pn_tstr:Wed Feb 08 03:04:30 PST 2023; pn_epoch:1675854270470. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is one of the best breeds for hunting hogs. Jack Russell Terrier. What questions should you ask a breeder? Back in the day, the badger was considered a major pest for eating people's crops. Jack Russell Terrier: Next to the Rat Terrier, the lightning-fast Jack Russell Terrier is one of the most popular ratting breeds. Thats why its helpful to have a Pointer by your side. Description Appearance. Brittany's look more like house dogs than gun dogs, but they're excellent upland hunters. Theres no better flushing dog for grouse and woodcock (its the cocker, after all), and until youve hunted snipe with one, your education is incomplete. In 1957, four mountain music players from Georgia, Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee discovered a shared love for the old mountain curs, and organized a breeding effort that saved the original mountain cur from extinction. You may find yourself looking over your shoulder to see if the cops are coming. Plott Hounds are classified as Coonhounds, but they are not linked to Foxhounds. Its official name is pointer, period. Averaging 35 to 40 pounds and lacking the oily odor common to many breeds, springers make wonderful house dogs. Shrubs shake. For a hunter, cute is a Lab with a bird in his mouth, coat spackled with duckweed, paws slimed with mud. In this case, Pit Bulls might hurt strangers and even their owners. Their innate burrowing and digging skills help them track down mice and their vocal warnings help scare them away. The Labrador Retriever is considered an excellent family dog that is happy to live inside the house if they also have plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outside. Our hope is to make petcarefacts.com not only a comprehensive resource for dog and cat lovers, but also a fun place to interact, share experiences and explore all that our furry family members have to offer. 11 Best Fox Hunting Dog: The American Foxhound. I couldnt include Bulldogs without mentioning their similarly-looking cousins, the Pit Bulls. Both tenacious and energetic, Jack Russell Terriers inherited their speedy chase tactics from instincts from their fox hunting ancestors. Rhodesians are fiercely protective and loyal dogs to their humans, making them great for families with kids. Night hunts with these dogs sure are exciting. Just the idea of watching this dog that youve trained run out there and hold that point until you come up and flush the bird, and then bring the bird back to you after youve shot it, thats very satisfying. Like most Boykins, she had a strong prey drive, was a little too smart for her own good (a.k.a. After tracking dogs successfully spot a hog, they should chase and corner it. My dog looks like a black mouth cur, but she hunts really well without instruction from me. Hunting Dogs . These were the facts: The hunting dog breed had started in South Carolina in the early 1900s, first used by turkey hunters plying the swamps in small homemade boats. 1. This lets them track hogs over long distances and hold the hog until the hunter arrives. These are one of the top hog hunting dogs due to their incredible sense of smell and tracking ability. The actual training procedures differ according to whether the dog is a catch or a tracking dog. | As great an all-rounders known for their energy and eagerness to please, Labs are often coveted hunting companions. Lacys on the hunt are quiet and lightfooted, making it easy for them to sneak up on the hog. While hunting with cockers isnt new to these shoresFrank Forester, Americas first important outdoor writer, spoke glowingly of the breed in the 1850sby the 1960s theyd faded from the scene here. Like all Curs, Mountain Curs are working dogs who will excel hunting too little exercise and they will become destructive in the home.