Exploring Medium-Sized Hunting Dog Breeds

types of hunting dogs

Medium-Sized Hunting Dog Breeds for The Bravest Companions

Hunting with dogs is a tradition that dates back many centuries, with many breeds actually bred for the sole purpose of tracking, flushing out, or retrieving game for their owners. 

While larger breeds like the Labrador Retriever or the Bloodhound instantly spring to mind, medium-sized hunting dog breeds possess the same traits and talents — in a more manageable size. And, many make awesome family pets too.

Medium-Sized Hunting Dogs Characteristics

Athletic by nature, hunting dogs use their special skills to assist their owners to catch game. Different types of hunting dogs have been bred to carry out different tasks, whether it’s in the forest, fields, marshlands, or even riverside. 

Temperament of Hunting Dog Breeds

While different breeds of hunting dogs often exhibit very different personalities, most medium sized hunting dogs form strong bonds with their owners. Plus, they display a strong loyalty and work ethic. 

However, some may be less suitable for family life than others. Fearless dogs like the Karelian Bear Dog can be very territorial and wary of strangers. This makes them excellent guard/watch dogs but less suited to playing with children or other family pets.

Intelligence and Trainability

A medium size hunting dog will generally be a quick learner and possess a high level of intelligence. Being easy to train is a trait preferred for effective hunting breeds, as they will need to understand and execute commands quickly in the field.

Training hunting breed dogs requires consistency, positive reinforcement, and a gentle but firm hand. Their eagerness to please and ability to understand more complex tasks contribute to their success as loyal hunting companions.

Adaptability

This versatility of medium hunting dog breeds makes them suitable for a wide range of hunting scenarios and popular choices among hunters with diverse interests.

Just because a dog is labeled a “retriever” or “pointer” style gun dog doesn’t mean they’re limited to that one role. Many can also find, lure, or flush out the prey as well as retrieve them once downed by the hunter.

Exercise Needs

One thing all hunting dogs have in common is their desire to move or keep busy. For example, tracking game takes a lot of power, with some dogs capable of covering vast distances to find their quarry. Likewise, retrieving requires agility, strength, and energy to either run or swim to collect and return the downed game. 

These canines are happiest when they have something to do, whether that’s in a physical sense, mentally, or both. 

The Top 10 Medium-Sized Hunting Breeds of Dogs

Here are our favorite 10 hunting dogs — that are neither too small nor too large — to be your next best friend and hunting buddy. Which one will you choose?

1. Boykin Spaniel

small to medium hunting dogs

Height: 15.5 - 18 inches

Weight: 25 - 40 pounds

The state dog of South Carolina, Boykin’s are American hunting dogs originally bred for flushing wild turkeys and retrieving waterfowl in the wetlands. Hunters on the Wateree River used small wooden boats, so they needed a compact yet rugged hunting dog, not a heavyweight Retriever.

Boykin’s, like most Spaniel breeds, are highly trainable. And, with their webbed feet and boundless energy, these enthusiastic pups make excellent swimmers. But, back home, these brown hunting dogs are extremely lovable companions.

Just remember though, like most hunting or working dogs, the Boykin will require plenty of exercise. Less active families may find a bouncy Boykin Spaniel too demanding.

2. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

medium-sized hunting dog breeds

Height: 18 - 21 inches

Weight: 35 - 50 pounds

From the Toller’s name, you can get the idea what they do. However, it’s a touch more clever than that. Tolling stems from ‘tollen,’ which means ‘to lure’ in Old English. These dogs would mimic fox-like moves to draw the ducks closer into firing range. Once the birds were downed, these well-trained canines would go and retrieve the fowl too.

The intelligence and enthusiasm of the Nova Scotia makes them eager to learn, but with an independent streak, they can be challenging to train. Reward-based training tends to work best. 

While they may not be as well known as the other Retriever breeds, they are the smallest of the group. Yet, with their impressive red coats, Nova Scotias are just as handsome. And, their playful nature makes them equally good family pets.

3. Irish Setter (Red and White)

hunting dog types

Height: 24.5 - 26 inches

Weight: 35 - 60 pounds

Slightly shorter but stockier than their cousin, the Irish Setter, the hunting dog that is the Irish Red and White Setter is a bird dog known for their athleticism and muscular body. The white and red coat of this tenacious pup would make it easier for bird hunters to keep them in sight.

Fun-loving, high-spirited, and friendly dogs, this breed gets on well with children, and other dogs to make a loving family member. As adept hunting dogs, these Setters exhibit robust strength and agility coupled with a keen bird sense and enough stamina for longer-duration hunts.

Built to move with ease over flat lands when hunting birds, Red and White Setters are a high-energy breed. Yet, they will quite happily engage in many sporting activities and games with their family.

4. German Shorthaired Pointer

best medium sized hunting dogs

Height: 23 - 25 inches

Weight: 45 - 70 pounds

The shortest of the three German Pointer breeds, Longhaired, Wirehaired, and Shorthaired, this medium-build hunting breed is a highly skilled gun dog at heart. GSPs are athletic, intelligent, obedient, and determined in the hunt.

Whether hunting deer, rabbits, or ducks, German Pointers are versatile — they point, hunt, and retrieve. They’re also bond-forming, friendly, and sweet pups, especially around children. They make great family pets as long as you can keep up with them.

German Shorthaired Pointers require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation every day. Hence, these dogs are best suited for families with an active lifestyle that can keep them engaged.

5. Brittany

how big is a medium sized dog

Height: 17.5 - 20.5 inches

Weight: 30 - 40 pounds

Smaller than a Setter but leggier than a Spaniel, Brittany dogs are agile popular hunting dogs that possess natural pointing instincts. With their medium build and athletic nature, the Brittany won’t have any trouble retrieving any downed birds either.

The enthusiasm and adaptability that make the Brittany a great all-around gun dog can also be channeled into many canine sports. Flyball, agility competitions, and dock diving are just a few ways you can keep this pup entertained. And, highly trainable, Brittanys excel at almost anything they turn their mind to.

However, while they make awesome hunters, as a family pet they will need plenty of attention, exercise, and positive reinforcement training. Plus, they become very attached to their family. If left to their own devices, they’re prone to separation anxiety and may develop destructive behavior out of boredom.

6. Vizsla

hunting dogs

Height: 22 - 24 inches

Weight: 44 - 60 pounds

Vizsla stems from the Hungarian word for ‘pointer,’ and is another medium hunting dog breed that can multitask — with incredible tracking, retrieval, and pointing skills.

With their sleek coats, Vizslas are fantastic swimmers who can retrieve a variety of waterfowl. What’s more, being one of the fastest dogs, they’re also masters at hunting quail, pheasant, grouse, and other land-based birds. 

Vizslas are not only adept hunters, but they also make loyal and affectionate family members. Sociable canines with a sensitive streak, Vizslas thrive on spending quality time with outdoorsy families. Besides hunting trips, long walks and play sessions in the yard are a must. They also make for an excellent jogging or biking buddy.

7. Basset Hound

hunting breeds of dogs

Height: Up to 15 inches

Weight: 40 - 65 pounds

The Basset Hound probably isn’t one of the first dogs you think of when looking at hunting hounds breeds. But with their remarkable heavy bones, powerful little limbs, and massive paws, they possess the strength and stamina of much bigger dogs. 

Their short legs keep that sensitive nose closer to the ground for tracking purposes. And, it’s often said, that where scenthounds are concerned, the Bloodhound is the only dog with a more accurate sense of smell. Determined on the hunt, yet at home, they’re calm medium dogs and only require moderate exercise.

With their droopy ears and puppy dog eyes, it’s no wonder the Basset Hound is such a beloved breed. Although not wildly demonstrative with their affection, Basset Hounds are steadfast and loyal companions who get along well with children of all ages.

8. Barbet

brown hunting dog

Height: 19 - 24.5 inches

Weight: 35 - 65 pounds

Like many water dogs bred to flush out and retrieve birds, the Barbet has a curly coat designed to keep them warm even when wet. An eager tracker, a supreme swimmer, and this canine picks up things very quickly due to their high levels of intelligence. 

Barbets have a cheerful disposition, are a sociable breed, and are very loyal to their companion owners. However, be ready for some frequent grooming with this breed, but as medium sized hunting dogs that don’t shed, they’re ideal for owners who may have allergies.

As a family pet, Barbets are pretty chilled pooches, so they’re content to lounge about, as long as they get the exercise they need. They’ll thrive when taking long walks, playing in the backyard with a frisbee, or other games of fetch.

9. English Springer Spaniel

what is a good medium sized dog breed

Height: 20 inches

Weight: 40 - 50 pounds

A classic medium size hunting dog known for their boundless energy and excellent noses, Springer Spaniels were originally bred in late 19th Century England to flush or “spring” game. 

Tough muscular hunters, Springers make ideal companion gun dogs and are keen to work closely with their owners. They’re a highly trainable breed who just loves to please people. Well-mannered, Springers are great with kids and other pets, and long to join any family activity.

However, the Springer craves company so much, they can become miserable if left home alone too often. Long walks, games of chase or fetch, and swimming are pastimes they will thank you for. Plus, it’s also a good way of ensuring their exercise needs are met.

10. Lagotto Romagnolo

medium hunting dog breeds

Height: 16 - 19 inches

Weight: 24 - 35 pounds

One of Italy’s medium hunting dog breeds, Lagottos were waterfowl retrievers to start with. However, these canines are super adaptable, and now they’re famous for truffle hunting. 

Their distinctive curly coat is water resistant and would keep the pooch warm when hunting in marshlands. What’s more, that coat is low shedding, which is a plus for allergy-suffering dog lovers.

The Lagotto Romagnolo makes a loving companion for the whole family that’s easy to train for scent work, obedience, and agility competitions. They aren’t demanding dogs either, Lagottos are quite happy as long as they get enough exercise and time with the family.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, many mid-sized breeds have the same hard-working ethic of the traditional larger hunting breeds in a much more manageable size.

If space is at a premium on your hunting trips, in the tent overnight, or even back at home, the best medium-sized hunting dog breeds can make the ideal companion for the hunter and their entire family. Just make sure your pup gets plenty of exercise to burn off that endless supply of energy.

Medium Hunting Dog Breeds FAQs

How Big Is a Medium Sized Dog?

Hunting dog breeds classified as medium-sized typically weigh between 20 to 60 pounds and stand around 18 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. This compact size allows them to navigate through diverse landscapes and environments without sacrificing too much strength or endurance. 

What Is the Best All Around Hunting Dog?

For the mid-sized category, Pointers, such as the German Shorthaired, are considered one of the best all-arounders. They’re trained to instinctively point out game and also retrieve once the game has been downed.

Which Dog Is Best for Hunting?

While not medium-hunting dog breeds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are often considered the most popular. This is due to the high levels of intelligence, the dogs’ eagerness to please, which equals ease of training, and swimming ability.

For tracking, Basset Hounds are among the best medium-sized hunting dogs. Their ability as a scenthound is almost on par with the well-known “King of Sniffers,” the Bloodhound.

What Is the Most Fearless Hunting Dog? 

The Karelian Bear Dog ranks as one of the most fearless hunting dogs. Despite their medium size, at the most only reaching 23.5 inches at the shoulder, these more compact pooches were bred for hunting large game, such as bears, by themselves. They’re stealthy and silent trackers, thanks to their size.

What Is the Best Small Game Hunting Dog?

It’s hard to beat the Beagle. Their strong sense of smell and extended ears make them ideal for small game hunting. These small to medium hunting dogs are masters at catching rabbits and hares.

What Is a Good Medium Sized Dog Breed for a Hunter and Their Family?

While hunting dogs have been bred to help their owners track down game in woodlands or wetlands, hunting dogs can also be loyal playmates for the family. 

Any of our breeds above will do well in a family environment. However, remember most hunting dogs don’t tend to have an “off” switch and need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and well-behaved.