Bear Hunting Dogs Breeds You Need to Know About

If you're serious about bear hunting, you'll want a dog that can keep up with the big guys. The Karelian Bear Dog is a popular choice for its exceptional tracking ability and fearless attitude.

This breed is known for its thick coat, which helps protect it from the elements, and its powerful build, allowing it to tackle larger game.

The Karelian Bear Dog is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Bear hunting dogs are a must-have for any serious hunter, and for good reason. They're capable of tracking and chasing down even the most elusive bears.

Many bear hunting hounds are actually the same breeds you'll find chasing coon, fox, and bobcat. These include the Plott, Walker, redtick, bluetick, black and tan, and redbone breeds.

These breeds have some amazing qualities that make them perfect for bear hunting. They're gritty, with a never-give-up attitude that's essential for tracking down a bear.

Their keen tracking skills are also a major asset. They can follow a bear's scent for hours on end, even through dense woods and rough terrain.

One of the most impressive things about these breeds is their infinite stamina. They can keep going all day long, even in the face of extreme weather conditions.

Of course, it's not just about the physical attributes of these breeds. They're also incredibly confident and loyal, which makes them a joy to hunt with.

Here are some of the top bear dog breeds, known for their exceptional tracking and hunting abilities:

The Walker hound is a popular choice for bear hunting, known for its hot-nosed tracking skills and ability to hunt well alone or with a pack. Its loving and good nature with humans also makes it a great companion.

The Walker hound comes in two variations: Treeing Walkers and Running Walkers. The Kemp Walker, bred by Mike Kemp of Oregon, is a top-notch bear dog line that combines the tenacity of a dog that can run with treeing ability.

The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish breed that has been used for centuries to hunt large game like bears. It's a medium-sized dog with a thick black coat and white markings, and is known for its fearless, determined, and agile nature.

Here are some key characteristics of the breeds mentioned:

The Bloodhound's exceptional sense of smell and tracking ability make it a top choice for bear hunting. Its loose, wrinkled skin also helps trap scents around its face and neck, allowing it to follow even the faintest scent trail.

Young people can be just as independent and strong-willed as bear dogs, wanting to do things their own way. This can make establishing a relationship order early on crucial, where you're in charge and they know their place.

They have a desire to please their owner, which can be leveraged for good if you're consistent and clear in your expectations. Bear dogs, in particular, are bred to track, so let them follow their instincts if they remain obedient.

Socializing is critical for young people, just like it is for bear dogs. Expose them to a variety of people and experiences to avoid any surprises down the line. This can help them develop good relationships and navigate different social situations.

In training, start with activities that tap into their natural abilities and interests. For bear dogs, this might mean starting them on raccoons at 6 months old, or even earlier with coons and running tracks. This can help them develop their tracking skills and learn to slow down and focus on the task at hand.

You'll need a dedicated space for your bear dog outside, as they're active dogs that need room to roam and exercise.

A kennel and dog box are essential for your bear dog's home, and you'll also need a separate dog box for transport.

Multiple leads are a must-have, but be aware that heavy-duty tie-up is a better option than rope or steel-wire leads, as these dogs will chew through them.

A Garmin Alpha 200i GPS e-collar and handheld are a great investment for tracking and training your bear dog.

Quality dry dog food is a necessity, and you'll also need a food and water dish for mealtime.

Here's a list of the basic gear you'll need for your bear dog:

The Plott is an iconic bear hunting dog breed that originated in the 18th century. Johannes George Plott, a German immigrant, brought Hanoverian hounds to Philadelphia in 1750 and later moved to North Carolina, where he established a farm and started a family.

Plott managed to keep the dog line pure as he passed it down to family members, including his son, Henry, in 1780. For the next 200 years, the Plott family continued to breed this line of dogs, their popularity growing across the Appalachians and Great Smoky Mountains.

The Plott family's dedication to preserving the breed's purity and quality is a testament to their commitment to bear hunting. Eugene Walker, a 77-year-old houndsman and breeder, has been chasing bears since he was 6 and swears by the Plott's grit and staying power.

Here are some key facts about the Plott breed:

The Plott's reputation as a top bear hunting dog breed has been built over centuries, and its popularity endures to this day.

The Karelian Bear Dog has a rich history that dates back to its origins in Finland. The breed is believed to have ancient roots from Neolithic times.

The Karelian Bear Dog was bred to hunt big game, like bears, for centuries by the folks in Finland. They were used for hunting in pairs, with the dogs bred to quickly bay and stop the bear for the hunter.

The breed standard for Karelian Bear Dogs was established in 1945, with the first dogs registered in 1946. Originally, the breed included dogs with coats of wolf gray, red, and black-and-tan, in addition to the traditional black-and-white markings.

Here's a quick rundown of the breed's history:

In Finland, the Karelian Bear Dog was used by the aristocracy for bear hunting, and its popularity has since spread worldwide for its physical skills and bravery.

The Bloodhound is one of the best dog breeds for bear hunting due to its exceptional sense of smell and tracking ability.

Their loose, wrinkled skin helps trap scents around their face and neck, making them even more effective at tracking prey.

Bloodhounds have the keenest sense of smell of any dog, being able to pick up and follow even the faintest scent trail left by a bear.

Their stamina allows them to continue tracking over long distances and rough terrain, making them ideal for bear hunting.

A Bloodhound's focus and determination when following a scent make them relentless in their pursuit of the bear, even if it tries to confuse its trail.

For their scenting ability and trail tenacity, Bloodhounds remain a top hunting dog breed for tracking bears.

Tibetan Mastiffs are the heroes of bear hunting for ages, known for their bravery and loyalty.

Their size and coat make them well-equipped to brave the cold and bear claws. They're a large, powerful breed with a thick coat that protects them from the cold and from bear claws.

Tibetan Mastiffs aren't typically used to track and tree bears, as they're not sight hounds. They have a different role - they're like the cheerleaders, baying at bears and hassling them until they back off.

These dogs can also stand guard, keeping hunters safe from any surprise bear visits. Their courage and loyalty run deep in their veins, making them a valuable companion in the wild.

Worth a look: Do Black Bears Attack Dogs

If you're looking for other breeds that can handle bear hunting, you might consider the Plott, Walker, redtick, bluetick, black and tan, and redbone breeds. These dogs are capable of pursuing bears due to their keen tracking skills.

Their grittiness and infinite stamina make them well-suited for long hunting trips. In fact, most any dog bred to track or tree game could potentially be a good bear dog.

These breeds are often confident and loyal, which are essential traits for a bear hunting dog. They're also known for their ability to work together as a team, which is crucial when hunting large game like bears.

Here's a list of some other breeds that might be worth considering:

As you prepare to bring a bear hunting dog into your life, remember that these dogs are more primal by nature and ready to hunt at a young age.

Research the lineage of the puppy and the breeder you intend to buy it from to ensure you're getting a quality hunting companion.

Don't expect to need extensive training before hitting the woods with your new bear hunting dog - they're ready to go as soon as you are.

Obedience training is still essential, but it's a good idea to do the necessary groundwork before letting your dog get on a game trail.