Top 7 Dog Breeds Ideal for Deer Hunting

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If you are into deer hunting, you need a canine partner to help you with the task. For some dog breeds, deer hunting is part of their genetic code and comes as an instinct. Here are the 7 best dog breeds for deer hunting.

American Foxhound

As the name suggests, the American Foxhound was developed for hunting foxes in the USA. It originated by breeding the English Foxhound with hunting dogs.

Weighing up to 75 pounds and standing tall at 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder, the American Foxhound is a large dog. The breed has floppy ears, a long tail, and a short, dense coat.

The hallmark of the breed is the keen smell sense. Did you know that the American Foxhound’s nose allows for tracking prey for great distances and in rough conditions?

Well, that is great.

As a result, the American Foxhound can track and chase deer. The dog has stamina, thus being able to run for miles and keep up with running deer. Plus, the breed is easily trainable.

Overall, despite being originally bred to hunt foxes, the American Foxhound also excels at deer hunting, mainly because of its endurance and keen smell sense. When not hunting, the American Foxhound is a great family pet.

Black and Tan Coonhound

The Black and Tan Coonhound was developed in the USA to hunt raccoons and small game. The main traits of the breed are endurance, a great sense of smell, and tracking skills.

The Black and Tan Coonhound is a sizeable dog that is between 23 and 27 inches tall and between 50 and 75 pounds heavy. It has a long tail, floppy ears, and a short coat with unique black and tan markings.

The Black and Tan Coonhound has a remarkable nose that allows it to pick up distant scents. Plus, the dog can run without tiring due to its exceptional stamina. Additionally, this breed is very easy to train and handle.

All in all, the Black and Tan Coonhound is great for hunting deer and other large game. This dog is a skilled tracker with a potent nose and stamina.

But does it make a good pet? Luckily, yes. The Black and Tan Coonhound is also very social and makes an excellent pet, even for non-hunters.

Nice!

Bloodhound

Developed in medieval Europe, the Bloodhound’s original job was tracking game, or to be more specific:

Wild boar
Deer

Even today, the breed is known for its persistence and sense of smell.

The Bloodhound is a rather large dog with a wrinkly face and long, floppy ears. It stands between 23 and 27 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 80 and 110 pounds.

The Bloodhound’s nose is a truly wondrous organ. Namely, the dog can pick up scents that are weeks old. Therefore, besides hunting, the breed is used for search and rescue missions.

How amazing is that!

Another feature that makes the Bloodhound suitable for deer hunting is its focus - once on the trail of a scent, this dog is determined and will not back down until the prey is tracked down.

All things considered, the Bloodhound is great in deer hunting. Its potent sense of smell and stamina allow this dog to track deer over a long time and distance. At the house, the Bloodhound makes an affectionate pet.

English Pointer

The English Pointer, as the name implies, comes from England. Its initial purpose was hunting birds. However, when properly trained, this dog can learn to hunt large game as well.

Unlike the previous dogs on this list, the English Pointer is medium-sized (weighs between 44 and 66 pounds and is between 23 and 28 inches tall). Its body is lean, the head narrow, and the coat short and smooth.

When the English Pointer catches the smell of the prey, it freezes and uses its nose to point to where the scent comes from. Then, the hunter can follow the lead and flush out the prey.

English Pointers are also athletic and known for their speed. They can keep up with the running prey. They are also skilled competitors in field trials.

Overall, if you need a dog to flush out deer, consider the English Pointer. This dog has powerful pointing instincts and is very easy to train. It is also friendly and can make a great family pet.

German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer, or GSP, comes from Germany and is known to be a versatile hunter. The breed was developed in the late 19th century to hunt on water and land.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to large dog that usually stands 21 to 25 inches tall at the withers and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds. The dog has a very long and powerful tail.

The main reason the GSP is such a skilled hunter is its versatility. This dog can point, track, and retrieve on different terrains. Plus, it is very smart and trainable and quickly learns commands.

German Shorthaired Pointers are also known for their stamina. If not used on the hunting field, they require ample amounts of physical exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Simply put, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a versatile hunter with impeccable tracking instincts. It can be trained to hunt big game and upland game. But do not get confused by these skills - the GSP is also an excellent pet companion.

A great choice overall!

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Native to Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is a remarkable dog. Originally, the breed was developed to track and hunt large predators like lions. Today, this is a versatile hunter and a loving companion dog.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a large and robust dog. Typically, it is around 24 to 27 inches tall and weighs between 70 and 85 pounds. The hallmark of this breed is the stripe of hair on the back that runs in an opposite direction.

Unique!

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are determined and fearless. On the hunting ground, they show persistence and bravery. Plus, they are highly trainable and quickly learn new commands.

Additionally, members of this breed have go-all-day stamina and are athletic. They need tons of physical activity and are often used in competitions, such as:

Agility
Lure coursing

When looking for a deer hunting partner, do not forget the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Breed to hunt big game, this dog is courageous, strong, and loyal. It is also protective and can be an affectionate companion.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

As you can assume by the name, treeing comes naturally to the Treeing Walker Coonhound. Originally developed to hunt raccoons in the USA, this breed can hunt and track various prey, including deer.

In terms of size, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is medium to large (usually around 20 to 27 inches tall and weighing between 45 and 80 pounds). The coat is short and dense.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds have remarkable senses of smell. They can track a scent even on challenging terrains. Plus, they are athletic and durable, meaning they do not back down once on a pursuit.

Sounds perfect!

Another reason the Treeing Walker Coonhound is great for deer hunting is its keen brain and eagerness to please. As a result, the dog is highly trainable.

All things considered, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is skilled in both hunting and retrieving deer. As the name suggests, treeing is natural for this dog. Plus, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a great pet.

Vizsla

Another breed suitable for deer hunting is the Vizsla. Coming from Hungary, this dog excels in the following activities:

Tracking
Retrieving
Hunting

The Vizsla is a large and muscular dog. Usually, this dog weighs around 45 to 65 pounds and is between 21 and 24 inches tall. The coat is short, dense, and in shades of red.

Vizslas are fast and agile. This, paired with endurance, allows them to go after prey even on rough and challenging terrains. Their noses are also powerful and pick up distant and old scents.

In terms of training, the Vizsla is simple. The breed thrives on human attention and is eager to please. Plus, it is smart, thus making training easy and quick.

All in all, the highly energetic Vizsla makes an excellent tracker. The dog can be trained to hunt both big game and upland game. When not working on the field, Vizslas are exceptional pets for active, outdoorsy families.

If you love outdoor activities, this is your perfect choice!

Weimaraner

The Weimaraner is a relatively new breed developed in Germany. Originally, it hunted big game - deer, bears, and wild boars. Today, it can be trained to hunt almost any prey.

The Weimaraner is between 22 and 27 inches tall at the shoulders and weighs between 55 and 90 pounds, thus being a medium to large-sized breed. The Hallmark of the Weimaraner is the grey coat that gives a graceful appearance.

The Weimaraner is excellent at tracking and has a powerful nose. It also has high energy needs and go-all-day stamina. Plus, the breed is smart and very easy to train.

Weimaraners are strongly attached to their human families and are protective. If not used for hunting, they are kept as pets and enrolled in dog competitions, like:

Agility
Obedience

Overall, the Weimaraner is a versatile hunter with a strong prey drive. Intelligent and athletic, this dog can quickly learn to hunt deer, birds, and other small and big game.