Top 7 Small Hunting Dog Breeds for Every Hunter
The best hunting dogs are those that have been companions to hunters for many years. When most people hear the term hunting dog, they think of Labradors or German Shepherds, the large breeds that are so effective in hunting. However, the small hunting dog breeds are no less skilled or reliable. They are compactly sized and highly effective at tracking, retrieving, and flushing out game. Here’s a guide to some of the best small hunting dog breeds.
Why a Small Hunting Dog Breed?
Small hunting dogs have many advantages over their large counterparts. Here’s why they can be the perfect hunting companions:
Agility: Their small size allows them to move through dense brush and tight spaces with ease.
Endurance: Many small hunting breeds have high energy levels and can work for long hours.
Versatility: These dogs can hunt a variety of game, including birds, rabbits, and small mammals.
Easy to Handle: Their smaller size makes them easier to transport and care for.
Top Small Hunting Dog Breeds
Here are some of the best small hunting dog breeds known for their hunting skills and companionship. These breeds also fall under the category of small dog breeds, making them great household pets as well.
- Beagle
Size: 13-15 inches, 20-30 poundsPersonality: Friendly, curious, and intelligentHunting Skills: Beagles have an excellent sense of smell, making them one of the best tracking dogs. They are commonly used for rabbit and hare hunting.
- Jack Russell Terrier
Size: 10-12 inches, 13-17 poundsPersonality: Energetic, fearless, and livelyHunting Skills: Originally bred for fox hunting, Jack Russell Terriers are great at digging out small game from their burrows.
- Cocker Spaniel
Size: 14-15 inches, 20-30 poundsPersonality: Affectionate, gentle, and eager to please. Hunting Skills: Cocker Spaniels are great bird dogs. They are specialised for flushing out game birds such as pheasants and quail.
- Dachshund
Size: 8-9 inches, 16-32 poundsPersonality: Brave, clever, and tenaciousHunting Skills: Originally bred to hunt badgers, Dachshunds are great for tracking and hunting small animals such as rabbits and squirrels.
- Brittany Spaniel
Size: 17-20 inches, 30-40 poundsPersonality: Intelligent, energetic, and obedientHunting Skills: This breed is known for pointing and retrieving game birds, making them excellent for upland bird hunting.
- Miniature Schnauzer
Size: 12-14 inches, 11-20 poundsPersonality: Alert, friendly, and fearlessHunting Skills: Bred to hunt rats and other small vermin, Miniature Schnauzers are great for pest control on farms and in the wild.
- American Water Spaniel
Size: 15-18 inches, 25-45 poundsPersonality: loyal, intelligent, and enthusiasticHunting Skills: This breed is a good retriever, especially in water. They are great at hunting ducks and other waterfowl.
Tips for Training a Small Hunting Dog
Training a small hunting dog requires patience and consistency. Here are some essential tips:
Start Early: Train them as a puppy to build obedience and hunting skills.
Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats and praise.
Socialisation: Expose them to new places, faces, and creatures.
Basic Training: Teach ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come’ commands before focusing on hunting.
Hunting-specific: Engage in activities that make them even better at natural hunting, like games of following scent.
Small Hunting Dog Breeds
Conclusion
Small hunting dog breeds are excellent companions for hunters and families alike. Their agility, intelligence, and hunting skills make them valuable partners in the field. Whether you’re looking for a beagle for tracking, a Jack Russell for digging, or a Cocker Spaniel for flushing game, there’s a small hunting breed that fits your needs. With proper training and care, these dogs will be your loyal hunting partners for years to come.
If you are interested in getting a small hunting dog, research each breed carefully and choose one that matches your lifestyle and hunting needs. These small dog breeds not only excel in hunting but also make affectionate and loyal pets.
Read Also: Small Dogs Breeds
FAQ
What are the smallest hunting dogs?
The smallest hunting dogs include the Beagle (13-inch variety), Jack Russell Terrier, Miniature Dachshund, Toy Manchester Terrier, and Border Terrier. These breeds are compact but skilled at hunting small game like rodents and rabbits.
What is the best hunting dog for small game?
The best hunting dogs for small game are typically Beagles, Jack Russell Terriers, and Dachshunds. These breeds excel at hunting small animals like rabbits, squirrels, and rodents due to their strong scenting abilities and high energy levels. Beagles are particularly known for their tracking skills, while Jack Russells are quick and tenacious, and Dachshunds are excellent for burrowing game.
