Hunting dog breeds have distinct behavioural and physical characteristics due to their specialised roles.
They are usually larger and have a more sensitive smell than normal dogs.
Keep reading to learn these 24 small hunting dog breeds:
#1 Beagle
The Beagle is a small breed of scent hound. Beagles are excellent dogs for hunting rabbits and hares.
Not only is the Beagle an excellent hunting dog and loyal companion.
#2 Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell is a hunting dog that will go to ground at every given opportunity.
It is a confident hunting dog that was also used for fox hunting.
#3 Dachshund
Dachshunds are accomplished hunting dogs despite their lapdog reputations. Dachshunds were specifically bred to hunt European badgers.
#4 Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is a breed of gun dog.
#5 Boykin Spaniel
Boykins are perfect for almost any type of bird hunting, from upland to waterfowl.
#6 Brittany
The Brittany is a bright, high-energy dog who is bred to hunt. It is primarily used to hunt birds and rabbits.
Editor’s Pick
#7 American Water Spaniel
American Water Spaniels are outdoorsy athletes who love swimming and hunting. I love that they excel in the field as either an upland flushing dog.
#8 Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
The toller is a high-energy animal with amazing stamina. Developed in Canada for duck hunting, this dog breed is whip smart.
#9 Small Münsterländer
The Small Münsterländer was bred to hunt upland gamebirds and waterfowl.
#10 Basenji
The Basenji is a small hunting dog known for their feline-like temperament.
They are natural hunters, with the ability to make the best use of sound, scent, and sight.
#11 Sussex Spaniel
The Sussex Spaniel is a breed of gun dog able to work in districts where the undergrowth is very dense and the terrain is rough.
They have muscular legs and strong jaws.
#12 German Hunting Terrier
German Hunting Terriers are exceptional working dogs with fantastic drive and agility. They are persistent, spirited, and vital, and were bred for hunting.
#13 Miniature Fox Terrier
Miniature Fox Terriers are energetic and courageous small-sized dogs that are popular with Australian families.
It is a breed known for its fearless personality.
As far as I know, the Miniature Fox Terrier gained popularity as an efficient working dog.
#14 Podenco
Podenco is a Mediterranean sighthound known for its hunting prowess.
Podencos are also intelligent and highly energetic dogs.
They are mentioned as hunting companions in Spanish literature at least since the 15th century.
#15 English Cocker Spaniel
The English Cocker Spaniel is an outstanding rough shooting dog.
I like that they have hunting abilities which can rival any working breed.
Fun fact – the Cocker Spaniel’s name came from their prowess in hunting Eurasian woodcock.
#16 Papillon
Papillons are an old French breed of Spaniel.
The Papillon is a small dog with a fun attitude and a big personality. Papillons will happily run in the yard to chase after chipmunks, squirrels, and even insects.
#17 Welsh Terrier
They were bred to hunt otter, fox, and badger in the remote mountainous region of northern Wales.
Welsh Terriers were excellent at hunting because of their courageous nature. Affectionate and loyal, and excel in agility, obedience, and tracking.
#18 Irish Terrier
The Irish Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of Terriers.
They were originally bred for hunting and ratting purposes.
They were specifically bred to hunt small animals such as foxes and rodents.
This dog is very fast and tenacious.
#19 West Highland White Terrier
West Highland Terriers were initially bred in Northwestern Scotland as hunting dogs.
They are full of energy with a strong desire to hunt and to dig.
#20 Toy Fox Terrier
These dogs excel at hunting squirrels and other small animals.
The Toy Fox Terrier also does very well in hunting trials.
They are usually a healthy breed with a life span of 13-14 years.
#21 Andalusian Rat Terrier
The Perro Ratonero Andaluz is a very active, lively, and tenacious breed. The breed is an ace in the hunting of rodents or vermin.
#22 Bavarian Mountain Hound
The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is often called the original hunting dog. This breed has lots of stamina and will need at least two hours or more of exercise per day.
It is descended from the original hunting dogs that were called Bracken.
#23 Finnish Spitz
It is a versatile hunting dog that uses its voice to indicate the location of game.
This breed can be strong-willed like other working spitz breeds.
In Finland, they are bred for hunting and so live mostly in the countryside.
#24 English Springer Spaniel
The English Springer Spaniel is a breed of gun dog.
They run with a quartering pattern that is easily honed to the hunter’s expectations.