Best hunting dogs
The pointers, retrievers and hounds bred to find, flush, retrieve and trail game — ranked by nose, biddability and stamina, and matched to how they hunt.
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The ranked shortlist
Ranked by our breed trait data — scores are out of 5.
1. Labrador Retriever
5/5The world's favourite family dog.
2. German Shorthaired Pointer
5/5The all-terrain athlete — pointer, retriever and devoted shadow in one sleek package.
3. English Pointer
5/5Bred to find birds and freeze — pure athletic focus in a sleek frame.
4. Bracco Italiano
4/5Italy's Renaissance pointer — all ears, jowls and unhurried elegance.
5. Beagle
4/5A nose with a dog attached — merry, musical and mischievous.
What makes a great hunting dog
A hunting dog is a match between three things and the quarry: a working nose, biddability (it hunts with you, within gun range), and stamina for a full day afield. Match the dog to the job — pointers and setters for upland birds, retrievers for waterfowl, scent hounds for trailing, terriers for going to ground — and remember every one of these needs a real outlet whether you hunt or not.