Most hunters won’t have heard of these four new kids on the block
Every breed of working dog known to man was developed to fulfill a specific need, and hunting was a primary driver in the birth of many breeds. People continue to develop breeds to fulfill specific jobs, though, and some of these lesser-known dogs could aid you on your hunts.
1. BRACCO ITALIANO
Also Known As: Bracco
Origin: Italy
Average Build: 21 ½ to 26 ½ inches tall; 55 to 88 pounds.
Overview: Braccos are popular gun dogs in Europe, and with recognition by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association and the United Kennel Club in the U.S., they are experiencing a rise in popularity here. Heavy-boned, with lanky legs and large feet, Braccos are pointing dogs that are also expected to retrieve to hand. Strong and energetic, they are slow to mature and can be stubborn. Trainers should be patient and expect to take a couple of seasons to finish the dog (and that’s with ample training time during the off-season), and should rely more on positive behavior modification than force training. When finished, the Bracco’s superb nose, staunch point, and reliable delivery will make the time investment worthwhile.
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2. CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG
Also Known As: Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog, Catahoula Hound, Catahoula Hog Dog
Origin: United States (Louisiana)
Average Build: 20 to 26 inches tall; 40 to 90 pounds, with females tending to be smaller.
Overview: Not every breed descends from Europe—the Catahoula is as American as it gets. Not only is it the state dog of Louisiana, it was possibly bred by Native Americans when they crossed their dogs with those brought by Hernando De Soto. Catahoulas are big-game dogs that have made their name tracking and baying bayou hogs. They’re also used for bears, mountain lions, raccoons, and squirrels, and they excel at trailing wounded deer. Dominant with other dogs and protective of their domain, they are family dogs, requiring daily interaction with their people, and they will earnestly protect the children in their family.
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3. DRENTSCHE PATRIJSHOND
Also Known As: Dutch Partridge Dog, Drent
Origin: The Netherlands
Average Build: 21 ½ to 25 inches tall; 40 to 65 pounds.
Overview: Resembling a springer spaniel in build, coloring, and markings, Drents are pointing dogs that work close to the gun. They can handle varied terrain and prey, from high-desert chukar to thick-timber grouse. They have a strong desire to retrieve and will hunt for downed game and deliver it to hand. Because of this, Drents can pull double duty as waterfowl dogs too. Their coats are dense, but not overly long. In terms of temperment, Drents are known to be more relaxed in the home than many hunting breeds, are very loyal, and are excellent around kids.
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4. DEUTSCHER WACHTELHUND
Also Known as: German Spaniel, German Quail Dog
Origin: Germany
Average Build: 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder; 40 to 55 pounds.
Overview: These dogs are solid—well boned and muscled. Similar in appearance and size to the Drent and related to the Small Münsterländer, the wachtelhund is a versatile dog that excels at flushing upland game, though it was bred to do it all: flush birds, retrieve waterfowl, and track furred animals such as rabbits and foxes. Even larger game, such as stag and boar, are potential targets for this all-purpose breed. In parts of Canada, they are used to track and flush black bears. Strict breeding criteria in Germany (only hunters are allowed to own them) have followed the wachtelhunds to the U.S.
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