Dogs have been alongside humans for so much of our history as guardians, companions, helpers, and more. So many modern dog breeds have origins as hunting dogs, even some that are no longer really known as hunting dogs. There are also newer breeds and crosses that aren’t necessarily hunting dog breeds, but have traits that help them excel on a hunt. Here are some things to consider when it comes to unconventional hunting dogs:

What Makes a Good Hunting Dog?

When thinking about the best hunting dog breeds, what skills do they have in common? Usually, what we think of as hunting dog breeds were developed to have traits like these:

• Endurance and stamina
• Cold-hardiness and sturdiness
• Retrieval skills on land and in water
• Above-average scent tracking
• Intelligence and trainability
• Working dog mindset
• Eagerness to learn
• Tenaciousness

The specific traits and strengths you want to look for can vary depending on your hunting style, what you will be hunting, and where you will be hunting. Can and will they respond well to commands in the field? Are they biddable at long range? Can they hold a steadfast point if that is what you need?

There will also be limitations when it comes to official competitions. But, if you are hunting for yourself, you could find that the dog you already have could excel at helping you even if they aren’t a Bluetick Coonhound or traditional hunting dog breed. They don’t even need to be purebred; plenty of crosses and mixed breeds have all the traits and drive to make exceptional hunting dogs.

9 Unconventional Hunting Dogs That Might Surprise You

Some breeds and traits will be a better fit for some game than others. When it comes to hunting as a broad category, here are a few unconventional hunting dogs to consider if you already hunt as a hobby or are thinking of taking it up:

1. Afghan Hound

Afghan Hounds are popular show dog breeds. They are known for their lengthy limbs and long, flowing coats. These dogs can often be found competing in dog shows and conformation competitions.

Although their modern reputation may be more frou-frou and fashion, it’s important to remember that Afghan Hounds were developed as hunting dogs. They were bred specifically to be sighthounds that were able to run across rough terrain in harsh conditions. They may have become noble companions and status symbols throughout history, but these dogs are built to be athletic and versatile hunting dogs.

Despite their fashionable looks, they’re made for the hunt and they may surprise you at how well they fit in outdoor adventures with you. And, these dogs are fast. One of the facts about Afghan Hounds is that they can sprint at about 40 miles per hour. That’s only a little slower than Greyhounds and Thoroughbred racehorses!

2. Goldendoodle

Golden Retrievers are quintessential gun dogs and Standard Poodles were originally bred to be hunting dogs. Both breeds are highly intelligent, highly trainable, and athletic. Provided any cross between them maintains those traits, you have a lot of great potential for a hunting dog with the best of both parent breeds.

Although not every Goldendoodle will automatically make a great hunting dog, just as being a hunting dog breed alone doesn’t make a great hunting dog, these dogs do have the potential to excel as hunting dogs. Don’t be surprised if you see one show up at your local hunting or sporting club and see them demolish the courses and trials.

3. Labradoodle

When it comes to retrievers, the Labrador Retriever is one of the best. Just like crossing a Golden with a Poodle can create the potential for a great hunting dog, the same is true for crossing a Lab and a Poodle.

With two hunting dog breeds as parent breeds, you don’t want to discount a Labradoodle. These dogs tend to be smart, trainable, athletic, and study dogs that have the capacity to perform out in the field, especially if there will be water involved.

4. Schipperke

Although they are a small dog breed that may not be the best fit for bigger game or even larger fowl, Schipperkes have the potential to make great hunting companions. These little dogs were originally bred to be watchdogs and serve as exterminators on ships and barges.

Some facts about Schipperkes are that they tend to have a high prey drive and urge to chase, which can make them good hunting dogs for smaller game. They are highly intelligent dogs that will often be happy for the chance to be active with you. Despite their small size, they are also sturdy and hardy little dogs that are quite athletic and versatile.

5. Standard Poodle

Similarly to Afghan Hounds, the Standard Poodle also has a modern reputation for being a more fashionable companion dog. But, this breed too was originally developed as a hunting dog. They are incredibly intelligent, highly trainable dogs that are also hardier and studier than they look. Poodles were even popular hunting dogs from the 50s to 70s in the United States.

Their athleticism and versatility make them a top competitor and a good fit for several popular dog sports. This includes hunting. One of the facts about Poodles is that they were originally bred to be duck dogs and tend to excel in this arena, which includes water retrieval. Although the AKC recognizes the Standard Poodle as a member of the Non-Sporting Group, they are the only breed in that group that is eligible for AKC Retriever Hunting Tests.

6. German Shepherd

With a modern reputation as family protectors and police and military dogs, German Shepherds may not immediately come to mind when thinking of hunting dogs. Similar to other working dogs and herding breeds, German Shepherds have a lot of traits that can translate well to hunting. The same is true for other similar breeds like the Belgian Malinois, Belgian Tervuren, and more.

Some facts about German Shepherds are that they’re known to be loyal, highly trainable, and intelligent dogs that can pick up on things quickly and learn to do just about anything. Even though you’ll need to put in some specific training so they know what you expect, these traits along with their athleticism can make German Shepherds excellent hunting dogs, especially as gun dogs.

7. Siberian Husky

Siberian Huskies are one of the classic snow dog breeds. They are well-known for their origins as sled dogs and are often still popular sled dogs today. They also tend to have many of the traits that can contribute to being a good hunting dog, particularly a gun dog or bird dog.

Individual dogs will vary, but a Siberian Husky’s energy, endurance, and prey drive can serve them well in a hunting dog capacity. Their urge to wander and chase may require some consistent training to focus it on specific types of prey and to ensure they respond to recall commands instead of wandering off, but Siberian Huskies can excel in this capacity.

Some facts about Siberian Huskies are that they make great search & rescue dogs and that they have a lot of energy. Huskies need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy, and it serves both owner and dog well to have a positive outlet where they can channel all of that energy.

If they need the exercise anyway and you enjoy hunting, why not do some trials to see if your Siberian Husky is up for it? Who knows? It could end up being an activity they love and one that you both can enjoy together.

8. Jack Russell Terrier

If you’ve ever spent time with a Jack Russell Terrier, then you already have an idea of their energy, courage, and overall tenaciousness. In addition to these traits, Jack Russell Terriers also have high prey drives. They were originally bred to hunt foxes and vermin after all.

Although the Jack isn’t a common hunting dog now, they still have the instincts and plenty of traits that make them a good fit for various types of smaller game. Some facts about Jack Russell Terriers are that they are high-energy powerhouses and sturdy, athletic dogs despite their smaller size.

Plus, that high prey drive is also paired with a fetch drive, which makes these small dogs great candidates for retrieval. These are also common traits in Terriers overall, which could mean other Terrier breeds would also make good hunting dogs.

9. Border Collie

Border Collies are known as quintessential herding dogs. Even though they may not be one of the first breeds that come to mind when you think of hunting dogs, many of the skills they have that make them excel at herding also translate well to hunting.

Not only are Border Collies fast, but they also have endurance and stamina. One of the facts about Border Collies is that they are high-energy dogs. They require a lot of activity and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy, and their athleticism and versatility make them a great fit for a variety of activities.

On top of that, they are one of the smartest dog breeds and they tend to enjoy learning new things and tackling challenges. Provided you teach your Border what you expect while out in the field, they have a good chance at performing to or past your expectations.

These are just a few unconventional hunting dogs that you shouldn’t overlook and that might surprise you. There is a lot of training that goes into making a great hunting dog, but the potential for a lot of success is there provided you find the right mix of traits and the right dog that is a good fit for your lifestyle and hobbies.