Disclaimer: I have never had a hunting dog nor tried to train one. But, in my observation, Labradors seem to be pretty versatile. I've also heard that Wiemeraners (I know I misspelled it) are very versatile. I've always thought a German Wirehair/Chesapeake cross might be wonderful.
Biased, but honest I have fallen in love with Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Extremely loyal, intelligent, and versatile. One of the few hunting dogs recognized in the sport of schutzhund. Mine was heeling off the leash within 6 months of age, and would studiously ignore even aggressive dogs in their own yards or in public spaces. Capable of pulling a small sled or swimming for hours without tiring. At 15 years old, he is past any sort of real work, but I am in line for a new puppy next year. He did well with upland game, and tracked my siblings when asked...a deer can't be too much different. Here is some more info: Should I get a Chessie?
As unpopular as this may be, I would say a farm bulldog/hound or bird dog cross would be your best bet. When you break away from lines that have been bred for a specific task, you end up with a dog that is easier to mold to what you want. My family hunts wild hogs with dogs and that's what we use. I've seen people hunt squirrels, rabbits, hogs, and quail with the same dog. They won't be the best at everything, but they are adequate at it all. If you were looking for a dog that would find food for you, that would be the way to go. I would prefer a dog that could find some kind of food all of the time over one that was only able to find one type of food really well.
It's not the breed it's the individual dog. I inherited a cocker spaniel from an uncle that was great for hunting everything you can hunt with a dog including bear. I have noticed that bird dogs often get cross trained for small game, but I have never seen or heard of a hound getting cross trained for birds.
actually the type of dog has everything to do with whether it will hunt or not. the training comes after breed selection. i have a Viszla ( hungarian pointer-type dog ) looks like a small red version of a weimeriner. anyway, hounds are usually for furry game, pointers, flushers and retreivers are for birds, and pit bull types and hound dogs can be used in packs to hunt boars and predators. this isnt a rule, but a general guideline to follow. there are always exceptions. i find that smaller pointers like the brittany and the setters make excellent house pets, as well as great hunters in the field. Viszlas are to hyperactive, and remain puppies for ever it seems like. but after the initial calming down period are great family members. cheers -Thomas
english setter.lovable,but ferocious protector.smart,fast,and great noses.they will hunt anything if given the right training.
desert tom, brittanys rock too.i had a setter,and still have a brit/springer mix.those two were a great hunting combo.the setter was a way better hunter though,and alot smarter.
I would say German Shorthair, or German Wirehair. They are both bred to be exceptionally versatile hunting dogs and are known to hunt mostly birds, but can also be used to track Bear, Boar and more. The main thing to be sure of is that the individual dog that you get is up to the task. If you are getting from a breeder look for hunting titles etc.
desert tom, my black lab is 10 now & he STILL acts like a puppy, when I got him I had a husky & her husky/mutt mix puppy & they all self-trained to hunt/retrieve small game/varmints but maybe that's just another case of dogs being smarter than their owner ^_^
