Boar hunting, also known as wild boar hunting, is a challenging and exhilarating activity that involves pursuing and capturing or killing wild boars. Boars are large, powerful, and intelligent animals, making them a terrifying game for hunters. Wild boars, also referred to as feral pigs or wild pigs, are descendants of domesticated pigs that have returned to the wild or their descendants. Boar hunting can be pursued using different methods, depending on the terrain, hunting regulations, and personal preferences. The boar hunting practices include driven hunts, stand hunting, dog hunting, spot and stalk, etc. Boar hunting can be dangerous, and safety precautions should always be taken. Wild boars are strong and capable of inflicting serious injuries with their tusks. It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of local hunting regulations, practice safe firearm handling, and take proper precautions when approaching wounded or cornered boars. Hunting in groups and using experienced hunting dogs can enhance safety during boar hunts.
Dog Breeds Used To Hunt Wild Boar
Several dog breeds are commonly used for hunting wild boar because of their specific traits and abilities that are well-suited for this challenging activity. Some of the dog breeds commonly used for hunting wild boar include the Catahoula leopard dog, American pit bull terrier, Plott hound, Black mouth cur, Dogo Argentino, Lurcher, Rottweiler, etc. It is important to note that wild boar hunting practices can vary by region and individual preferences. The choice of dog breed may depend on factors such as the terrain, the size of the boars, local hunting regulations, and the specific hunting techniques employed. Always consult local hunting laws, seek guidance from experienced hunters, and prioritize safety when engaging in wild boar hunting activities. In this article, you will come to know about different dog breeds that are used to hunt wild boar. Scroll down to know more.
1. Lurcher Dog
The Lurcher is a type of dog rather than a specific breed. It is a crossbreed or mixed-breed dog that is commonly bred for hunting, particularly for coursing small game. We know these dogs for their speed, agility, and keen sight, which they inherit from their sighthound lineage. Lurchers originated in the British Isles, where they were developed by crossbreeding sighthound breeds, such as Greyhounds, whippets, or salukis, with working terriers or other breeds. While these dogs are primarily known for their abilities in coursing and hunting small game, they are not commonly used for hunting wild boar. The Lurcher’s heritage as a crossbreed of sighthounds and terriers typically lends itself more to pursuing and capturing small game such as rabbits, hares, or foxes. Boar hunting typically involves dealing with large, powerful animals that can be dangerous and challenging to control. It is important to consider the specific requirements of boar hunting, and regional hunting practices, and adhere to local hunting regulations. Hence, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
2. Dogo Argentino Dog
The Dogo Argentino is a powerful and muscular dog breed, originating from Argentina. Bred for big game hunting, this breed possesses strength, agility, and endurance. With a distinctive white coat and a robust build, we know the Dogo Argentino for its fearlessness, loyalty, and protective nature. Created to hunt large game, including wild boars, the Dogo Argentino exhibits remarkable bravery and determination. The Dogo Argentino is a dog breed that is commonly used for hunting wild boar. The breed’s powerful bite force, stamina, and high prey drive make it an effective hunting companion when facing these formidable and often dangerous game animals. The Dogo Argentino’s loyalty and protective instincts further contribute to its suitability for boar hunting, as it can help track, restrain, and subdue the boars until the hunter arrives. Thus, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
3. Rottweiler Dog
The Rottweiler is a robust and versatile dog breed with a rich history. Originally hailing from Germany, this breed has excelled in various roles throughout the centuries. With a muscular build, deep chest, and distinct black and tan markings, Rottweilers exhibit strength, power, and an imposing presence. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature, making them popular as both working dogs and family companions. We have used the Rottweiler breed for hunting wild boar because of its strength, endurance, and protective instincts. Their muscular build, tenacity, and powerful bite force enable them to engage and control boars, which are formidable and aggressive animals. Rottweilers’ natural guarding instincts and loyalty to their handlers contribute to their effectiveness in hunting scenarios, as they can track, confront, and hold boars at bay until the hunter arrives. Hence, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
4. Black Mouth Cur Dog
The Black Mouth Cur is a versatile and rugged dog breed that originated in the southern United States. Known for its intelligence, strength, and working abilities, this dog breed is highly regarded as a hunting and working companion. The breed’s name derives from its distinctive black muzzle, which contrasts with its coat colour, which can range from yellow to brindle. They have a strong prey drive and excel in hunting pursuits, including hunting wild boar. With their tracking abilities, endurance, and tenacity, Black Mouth Curs are well-suited for the challenging task of hunting and controlling boars. The breed’s protective instincts and loyalty further enhance their suitability for boar hunting, as they can help control and subdue boars until the hunter arrives. Thus, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
5. Plott Hound Dog
The Plott Hound is a strong and energetic dog breed originating from the United States, specifically from the state of North Carolina. These dogs have a distinctive appearance, with a muscular build, deep chest, and a sleek and glossy coat that comes in various shades of brindle. They possess a keen sense of smell and excellent tracking skills, allowing them to pick up and follow scent trails with precision. Because of their exceptional tracking abilities and strong work ethic, Plott Hounds are highly valued for hunting, including wild boar hunting. Responsible ownership, training, and adherence to local hunting regulations are essential when using Plott Hounds for boar hunting to ensure safety and successful outcomes. Therefore, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
6. American Pit Bull Terrier Dog
The American Pit Bull Terrier is a powerful and athletic dog breed that has a rich history. Originally bred in the United States for various works, including bull-baiting and farm work, they have since become known for their loyalty, strength, and agility. These are medium-sized dogs with well-defined musculature and strong jaw. They have a short coat that comes in a wide range of colours and patterns. The American Pit Bull Terrier has a history of being used for hunting wild boar. With their strength, agility, and tenacity, we often employed them as catch dogs or “hog dogs” in persuading boars. The breed’s muscular build, determination, and high pain tolerance allowed them to engage and hold on to boars until the hunters could arrive. Their strong prey drive, fearlessness, and willingness to confront large game made them valuable assets in boar-hunting scenarios. Hence, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
7. Catahoula Leopard Dog
The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a versatile and resilient breed that has been used for hunting wild boar. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are known for their striking coat patterns, including merle and leopard-like spots, as well as their sharp intelligence and strong instincts. They possess a combination of strength, agility, and endurance, which are valuable traits for hunting wild boar. When hunting boar, Catahoula Leopard Dogs typically exhibit skills in tracking, herding, and working as catch dogs. Their ability to track scents and detect boar trails, along with their natural herding instincts, makes them adept at locating and controlling boars. Their fearless nature allows them to confront and hold the boar until the hunter arrives, assisting in the overall success of the hunt. Hence, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
8. Blue Lacy Dog
The Blue Lacy, also known as the Lacy Dog, is a breed that has been used for hunting wild boar. Originating in Texas, United States, this working breed was developed specifically for herding livestock and hunting game, including boars. The Blue Lacy is known for its remarkable speed, agility, and endurance, making it well-suited for the demanding task of hunting wild boar. Its coat comes in various shades of blue, ranging from light silver to deep charcoal, and it has a sleek and smooth texture. When used for boar hunting, the Blue Lacy showcases its tracking and herding skills. The breed’s keen sense of smell and a strong instinct to pursue and control livestock transfers well to hunting boars. Thus, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boars.
9. Mountain Cur Dog
The Mountain Cur is a versatile and hardworking dog breed that has been used for boar hunting. Originating in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region, the Mountain Cur is known for its agility, endurance, and hunting instincts. These dogs are medium-sized dogs with a muscular build and short, dense coat that comes in various colours. In boar hunting scenarios, Mountain Curs often exhibit skills in trailing, treeing, and baying. They can track the scent of boars, follow their trails, and alert the hunters by baying or barking when the boar is located. Mountain Curs’ courageous and tenacious nature allows them to confront and corner the boars, keeping them at bay until the hunters arrive. Hence, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
10. Treeing Walker Coonhound Dog
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a breed of dog known for its exceptional tracking and treeing abilities. With its roots in the United States, specifically in the state of Kentucky, this breed was developed for hunting raccoons and other small game. They are medium-sized dogs with lean and athletic build. They have a short, dense coat that can come in various colour patterns, most commonly tricolour or bicolour. Their long, floppy ears and soulful eyes add to their distinct appearance. While Treeing Walker Coonhounds are primarily known for their abilities in treeing raccoons and other small game, they can also be utilized for hunting wild boar. With their excellent scent-tracking skills and determination, Treeing Walker Coonhounds can contribute to boar-hunting endeavours. These dogs utilize their keen sense of smell to track the scent of boars. They can follow the boar’s trail, alerting the hunter to its presence and direction. While they are not typically involved in direct confrontation with boars, their tracking abilities can assist in locating and tracking down boars for the hunter. Therefore, this dog breed can be used to hunt wild boar.
