Best hunting dog breeds

In short The breeds with the strongest hunting instinct are tough, keen and focused on quarry. They are the hunter’s working helpers and partners for very active people.
How we rated

The higher the “Hunting instinct” score, the higher the position. We factored in prey drive and working qualities.

Rankings:For apartmentsFor kidsFor beginnersMost affectionateQuietestHypoallergenicActiveSmartestGuard dogsLargestSmallestLongest-livedHealthiestCalmestCat-friendlyCold-hardyHunting dogsNon-drooling
1English GreyhoundEnglish GreyhoundPrey drive 5.0Energy 3.5Training 3.05.02Rampur GreyhoundRampur GreyhoundPrey drive 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.05.03Patterdale TerrierPatterdale TerrierPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 3.55.04New Guinea Singing DogNew Guinea Singing DogPrey drive 5.0Energy 4.5Training 2.05.05Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Mudhol Hound (Caravan Hound)Prey drive 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.05.06American StaghoundAmerican StaghoundPrey drive 5.0Energy 4.0Training 3.05.07Russo-European LaikaRusso-European LaikaPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 3.55.08East Siberian LaikaEast Siberian LaikaPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 3.05.09West Siberian LaikaWest Siberian LaikaPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 3.55.010BeagleBeaglePrey drive 5.0Energy 4.0Training 2.55.011German JagdterrierGerman JagdterrierPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 4.05.012Podenco CanarioPodenco CanarioPrey drive 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.05.013Bluetick CoonhoundBluetick CoonhoundPrey drive 5.0Energy 4.5Training 3.05.014DachshundDachshundPrey drive 5.0Energy 3.5Training 2.55.015Jack Russell TerrierJack Russell TerrierPrey drive 5.0Energy 5.0Training 4.05.016English FoxhoundEnglish FoxhoundPrey drive 4.5Energy 5.0Training 3.04.517Estonian HoundEstonian HoundPrey drive 4.5Energy 4.5Training 3.04.518Siberian HuskySiberian HuskyPrey drive 4.5Energy 5.0Training 2.04.519Podenco CampaneroPodenco CampaneroPrey drive 4.5Energy 4.5Training 3.04.520Poitevin HoundPoitevin HoundPrey drive 4.5Energy 5.0Training 2.54.521Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Poligar Hound (Rajapalayam Dog)Prey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.04.522Spanish GalgoSpanish GalgoPrey drive 4.5Energy 3.5Training 3.04.523Plott HoundPlott HoundPrey drive 4.5Energy 5.0Training 3.54.524LurcherLurcherPrey drive 4.5Energy 3.5Training 3.54.525WälderdackelWälderdackelPrey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.04.526Cretan HoundCretan HoundPrey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.54.527Kishu Ken (Kishu Inu)Kishu Ken (Kishu Inu)Prey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.54.528Carolina Dog (American Dingo)Carolina Dog (American Dingo)Prey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.04.529Can Guicho (Quisquelo)Can Guicho (Quisquelo)Prey drive 4.5Energy 4.0Training 3.54.530Ratonero Bodeguero AndaluzRatonero Bodeguero AndaluzPrey drive 4.5Energy 4.5Training 4.04.5
FAQ
Which breeds are the best hunters?
Pointing breeds (GSP, Pointer, setters), sighthounds, scenthounds and spaniels — depending on the type of hunting.
Is a hunting breed suitable for the city?
Only with a great deal of exercise and activity — without an outlet, the hunting instinct turns destructive.
Do hunting breeds get on with cats?
Often difficult — a strong chase instinct; early shared socialization is needed.
Т
The tvaryny.com editors — canine experts and vets
Ranking based on structured breed ratings. Updated regularly.