Imagine embarking on a hunt through rugged terrain, navigating through thick forests and mountainous landscapes in search of an elusive game.
Now imagine having a skilled hunting companion by your side, one who can track prey with precision, retrieve fallen game with ease, and keep up with the most challenging of terrains.
These hunting dogs are no ordinary pets – they are specially trained breeds with instincts honed over generations to hunt wild game.
From the powerful and agile Rhodesian Ridgeback to the intelligent and adaptable Tosa Inu, these dogs possess an unbridled passion for the hunt and are bred to work tirelessly alongside their human counterparts.
With their finely tuned senses and unwavering loyalty, these six breeds are the ultimate hunting companions for those who seek adventure in the wild.
If you’re ready to take your hunting game to the next level, consider bringing one of these expertly trained dogs along for the ride.
With that said, here are six breeds that were historically used for hunting large game:
8. Rhodesian Ridgeback
Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred in southern Africa to hunt large game, including lions.
The breed’s name comes from the distinct ridge of hair along their backs that grows in the opposite direction from the rest of their coat, giving them a unique appearance.
When it comes to hunting lions, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are typically used in a group, sometimes referred to as a “pack.”
The dogs work together to track the lion, following its scent until they locate it.
Once the lion is spotted, the Ridgebacks use their speed, agility, and tenacity to keep the lion at bay while the hunter approaches to make the kill.
Despite their size and strength, lions are known for being cautious predators, and they will often avoid confrontation if they sense danger.
Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their bravery and loyalty, and they are trained to hold their ground and intimidate the lion until the hunter arrives.
Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the dogs are properly trained and equipped for this type of hunting to avoid injury or harm to both the dogs and the lions.
7. Karelian Bear Dog
Karelian Bear Dogs were specifically bred in Finland to hunt bears, and they are still used for this purpose today.
The breed is known for its courage, loyalty, and determination, and they possess a strong instinct to protect its owners and territory from threats.
When it comes to hunting bears, Karelian Bear Dogs are typically used in a group of two to four dogs, sometimes led by a human hunter.
The dogs work together to track the bear, following its scent until they locate it.
Once the bear is found, the Karelian Bear Dogs will approach it and bark aggressively to distract and intimidate the bear while the hunter prepares to make the kill.
Karelian Bear Dogs are highly skilled at avoiding injury while hunting bears, using their speed, agility, and powerful jaws to keep the bear at bay while staying out of reach of its claws and teeth.
The dogs are also trained to use their senses to detect changes in the bear’s behavior, such as aggression or fear, and to adjust their tactics accordingly.
6. Dogo Argentino
Dogo Argentino is a breed of dog originally developed in Argentina for big game hunting, including wild boar and puma.
The breed is known for its athleticism, strength, and loyalty, and has been trained for hunting purposes for many years.
When hunting wild boar or puma, Dogo Argentino typically hunts in packs led by their human handlers.
The dogs are trained to use their powerful jaws and strong teeth to hold onto the prey, and to work together to take it down.
The breed is known for its fearlessness and tenacity, and will often hold onto the prey despite injury or danger.
Dogo Argentino is also known for its ability to track prey by scent, and they are often used to locate the target animal before the hunt begins.
Once the animal is located, the Dogo Argentino will approach it and use its speed and strength to chase it down and hold it until the hunter arrives.
5. Black Russian Terrier
The Black Russian Terrier is a large, immensely powerful worker of heavy bone and coarse all-black coat. BRTs are known for their courage, confidence, and intelligence.
Bred to guard and protect, they are naturally aloof with strangers. What’s the word we’re looking for? Imposing? Massive? Majestic? How about just plain ‘big.’
Created in Russia, the black Russian terrier is a large, very strong hunting breed that will even go after a bear. This dog is daring to fight against much larger animals.
When hunting large and dangerous games such as bears, Black Russian Terriers are typically used in packs of two to four dogs, sometimes led by a human hunter.
The dogs are trained to track the prey by scent, using their powerful sense of smell to follow the animal’s trail.
Once the prey is located, the Black Russian Terriers will use their strength, agility, and tenacity to chase down the animal and hold it at bay until the hunter arrives.
4. Plott Hounds
Plott Hounds are a breed of scent hound that was originally developed in North Carolina for hunting big game such as bears and wild boars.
These dogs have a strong prey drive and are known for their tenacity and courage when pursuing a game.
When hunting, Plott Hounds will use their keen sense of smell to track and locate the game.
Once they have found the scent, they will follow it relentlessly, using their stamina and endurance to keep up with the game over long distances and difficult terrain.
Plott Hounds are also known for their excellent treeing skills, meaning that they can track game to a tree and bay loudly until the hunter arrives.
When it comes to actually taking down the game, Plott Hounds are skilled at using their powerful jaws and teeth to hold onto the animal.
They have a strong bite and can hold onto the game even when it tries to fight back.
3. Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu is a Japanese dog breed that was originally bred in the late 19th century for fighting and big game hunting.
They were developed through crossbreeding of several dog breeds including the Shikoku Inu, the Bull Terrier, the Great Dane, and the Mastiff.
The Tosa Inu was first recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1925 as a separate breed.
Tosa Inus were initially used for dog fighting in Japan, but this practice was outlawed in 1909.
After dog fighting was banned, the breed was used for big game hunting, particularly wild boar and bear.
They are known for their strength, courage, and loyalty, and are often used as guard dogs and family companions.
In terms of hunting, Tosa Inus were originally bred to take down large game, and they have a strong prey drive and fearless temperament.
They are often used for boar hunting in Japan, where they work closely with their handlers to track and catch wild boars.
In the wild, boars can be extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death to dogs and humans, so Tosa Inus must be properly trained and equipped for this type of hunting.
2 The Irish Wolfhound
The Irish Wolfhound is a highly skilled hunting dog that may stand up to 7 feet tall on its hind legs.
The breed was developed to hunt big game like wolves and elk, and because of their endurance, strength, and great sense of sight, they are perfect for extended hunts in challenging terrain.
The Irish Wolfhound is renowned for its ferocious hunting abilities and unyielding commitment to taking down its prey.
They are a great option for people looking for a hunting dog that is both effective and obedient because, in addition to their hunting skills, they are also extremely loyal and trainable.
1 Iranian Sarabi
The Iranian Sarabi is a specially trained hunting dog that has been raised through many generations in Iran to possess the endurance, power, and agility needed to hunt huge game like wild boars and mountain lions.
They are skilled trackers due to their tough physical makeup and strong senses, which include a remarkable sense of smell and acute hearing.
The Iranian Sarabi receives intense training in obedience and protection in addition to hunting techniques because it is a cherished and devoted hunting companion.
They are a great option for people looking for a terrifying yet devoted hunting dog since, despite their ferocious image, they are also renowned for their gentle and caring disposition toward their masters.
