Hunting Dogs Are as Useful to a Hunter as Are Their Weapons
Many people love nothing better than to go on a hunt. In fact, the sport of hunting too continues to attract many new entrants who are not hesitant in picking up a rifle to head out looking to set their sights on game animals to bring them home as prized trophies.
In their pursuit of game animals, many hunters make use of hunting dogs that accompany them and help them retrieve game. Such dogs have to be specially trained which actually means that only those dogs that have the trait of adapting well to their training can be chosen to become hunting dogs.
Special Breeds
There are, of course, certain dog breeds that are especially suited to act as hunting dogs that help a hunter in much the same way as a good and accurate rifle does. One of the more endearing traits in dogs is that they are very adept at sniffing out game and they also have excellent hearing as well. In addition, hunting dogs can be categorized into hounds, terriers or gundogs that are the main categories.
A hound is a hunting dog that is very adept at tracking and even chasing down game animals. Some hounds are called sight hounds while others are known as scent hounds, with the former following the prey and keeping it in his sights as opposed to the latter type that follows the prey by its scent. A very popular type of hunting hound is the Whippet who is most often used by hunters.
Most hunters employ hunting dogs known as gundogs or even bird dogs who help in locating the prey and even retrieving the game after it has been shot. If you are looking for hunting dogs that can hunt as well as kill vermin then the Terrier should be the one to choose and in fact these are the most preferred hunting dogs when it comes to hunting foxes, while for rabbits you would generally choose a Beagle. Other common hunting dogs include Airedale Terriers, American Water Spaniels, Alpine Dachsbrackes as well as Basset Hounds.
Whatever the type of hunting dogs you take along with you on your hunting trips, it is common for these dogs to have been trained for their tasks when they were pups. Thus, hunting dogs must be trained to stand still so that they do not alert the prey, and they are also fed very nutrient rich foods which help them improve their stamina. Even special trainers can be employed to teach them the requisite skills.
