Best Dog Breeds for Pheasant Hunting

Pheasant hunting is much more difficult without the help of a good hunting dog. A long day of hunting can grow frustrating when you don’t scare out any Roosters and you leave emptyhanded. A good pheasant hunting dog can be an invaluable asset to a hunter’s experience in the field. There is no greater feeling than hunting with a well-trained, experience dog.

Many people from all over the world enjoy the sport of pheasant hunting, and over the years several dog breeds have risen to the top of the list of “Best Pheasant Hunters”.  While some of these breeds may not have the popularity of the Golden Retriever, or the cute looks of the Pomsky, they all are excellent bird dogs.

Take a look through our list of the Top 5 Pheasant Hunting breeds.  We are confident you will find the perfect one for you.

1. Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador retriever is a large breed with a smooth, short coat that is double layered and is usually solid Black, Yellow, or Chocolate in color. Their height ranges from 22 to 27 inches from the ground, and their weight usually ranges from 54 to 86 pounds. Labs are truly universal companion animals, which is why they are the favorite dog for hunters to own.
This special breed has great determination when they are pheasant hunting. You’ll be amazed to know how smoothly and quietly a lab can run when it’s bird hunting.  This breed has great retriever vision, can swim through icy waters, stand at point for long periods, and fetch a falling bird from any distance.  I guess that is where the “retriever” name comes from!
The Lab is a wonderful hunting dog with bundles of energy.  It’s cold-weather coat is meant for long periods of time outdoors, and they possess a readiness to go to any lengths to retrieve a downed bird.  The Labrador retriever is best known for its Duck hunting abilities, but can also make a great Pheasant hunter.

2. Boykin Spaniel
The Boykin Spaniel is a fairly new breed that has received high marks for its Pheasant hunting abilities. The has become especially popular with bird hunters in the southern part of the United States.

They typically weigh between 25 and 40 pounds. And its height varies between 14 and 18 inches. They have great hunting skills, typified by flushing and retrieving, with moderate speed and agility. Its hanging ears, smart expression, sturdy structure and friendly wagging tail make the Boykin Spaniel one of the best when it comes to pheasant hunting.

3. English Pointer
The English pointer usually displays a natural hunting instincts at a very young age.  This large breed has the power to cover larger areas of the ground in short periods of time. Pointers are usually bred for mountain hunting in warmer climates, but can cover pheasant filled plains of grass just as well.

They have short and smooth coat; its color is mainly white with patches of brown, black, lemon or speckles. Its height ranges from 22 to 26 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders, and the weight is usually between 45and 75 pounds.

They thrive when hunting running birds, like the pheasant. And are especially adept at flushing the birds out of tough places. Because of this, these dogs excel at catching birds that escape quickly, like the pheasant.

The English Pointer is the perfect company on large field hunts or through difficult terrain.

4. Brittany Spaniel

The Brittany Spaniel is a small breed that has great speed and dexterity, allowing them to cover a lot of different terrains. They are strong and durable breed; their skin and coat are built to withstand punctures and tears when running through thick cover.

The Brittany’s height usually ranges from 18 to 23 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders, and the

typically weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. Their friendly nature makes the Brittany an excellent hunting companion.

Brittany’s that have been bred for hunting require more exercise and attention than those bred only as a family dog. The Brittany remains true to the old land hunting breed hundreds of years ago, and can still make an excellent Pheasant hunting dog.

5.  German Wirehaired Pointer

The German Wirehaired Pointer is possibly the most admired pointer dog in the world. Elegant and powerful, the GWP is

perfectly suited for bird hunting.  They are extremely versatile and have a strange ability to move and spin with astonishing speed. Their strong, broad muzzle is ideal for pointing and retrieving pheasants.  Another advantage they have is their webbed feet, allowing them to go after waterfowl in the water without hesitation.

The hunting instinct of the German wirehaired pointer was derived from the German Pointer and Pudelpointer, while its wiry coat was brought from the Griffon.  It’s typically brown, white, black, ticked or roan, although an occasional color of the solid Brown is possible.

They are versatile hunters that will track, point, and retrieve both on land and in water. They are strong dogs that are very well muscled and tend to be very determine, even when in the field for long periods of time. They usually stand 22 to 26

inches from the ground, and weigh between 55 and 70 pounds. They are an affectionate breed and loyal family and hunting companion.

Conclusion:

Every hunter has a different opinion about which breed he likes best, so this list it firmly based in my own personal opinion.  Most hunters share a preference for the breed they have worked with the most, or the one that their fathers used with them when growing up.  However, choosing any one of these five breeds will ensure you have a loyal, patient companion on your pheasant hunts.  To find the perfect hunting dog, look for a highly reputable local breeder near you.

Hunter Dunbar

Author Bio: Hunter is an avid Outdoorsman and Outdoor Enthusiast that has hunted both nationally and internationally as well as trained several Gun Dogs for upland and waterfowl hunting.  Hunter has the knowledge and experience on a wide variety of topics and offers up some of the best information and reviews available on the web.

 

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