Pig Hunting Dogs and Their Major Breeds

Use of pig dogs in wild pig hunting is now a common practice in the states.

Wild boars, also known as feral hogs, are becoming a growing problem in the United States, with an estimated annual growth rate of around 20%.

The wild hogs’ estimated population is to be about 8 million. Americans spend over $2 billion annually on damages caused by wild pigs and the costs of controlling them.(Source).

As a result of these factors, hunting wild hogs with the assistance of dogs has become increasingly popular.

Readers may wonder why enthusiasts hunt pigs with hounds. It shows skill, strategy, teamwork, and risk management.

It is a practice that involves rigorous training of both the dogs and the hunters. The activity represents a level of expertise and discipline.

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What is a Pig Dogs or Pig hunting dog?

Dog breeds that are bred and trained specifically for hunting wild pigs or boars are known as pig dogs. These hounds are known for their ability to track, locate, and sometimes capture or immobilize wild pigs during hunting expeditions.

Characteristics

These pig hunting dogs have distinct traits that make them highly efficient for carrying out this particular duty.

Pig Hunting Dog Breeds

Here is the list of the most suitable dog breeds commonly used in wild pig hunting. These species are associated with the hunt for their specific characteristics.

It is also important to mention that responsible ownership, ethical training, and adherence to hunting regulations are crucial aspects of using any class for hunting purposes.

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American Pit Bull Terrier

The American Pit Bull Terrier is known for its strength, agility, and loyalty. Initially bred for bull-baiting and later for dogfighting, these dogs possess traits that make them versatile and powerful.

American Pit Bull Terriers are known for their tenacity and strength in restraining wild pigs. The use of this breed in hunting practices varies by region, hunting style, and regulations.

These sleek and graceful pups possess remarkable agility and endurance. They are skilled at keeping pace with the lightning-fast movements of wild pigs during hunts, using their sharp senses and quick reflexes to stay on their quarry’s trail.

Despite the challenges of the hunt, these dogs remain focused and determined. The hunters rely on their strength and cunningness in the pursuit.

Although these are not traditional scent hounds, Pit Bulls possess a notable sense of smell. They can track and locate wild boars, which makes them valuable assets in hunting wild boars. Pit Bulls can easily track animals by scent and follow their trail for miles.

They also have a strong sense of direction and can quickly determine the direction of their prey. Overall, Pit Bulls’ sense of smell and hunting instincts make them challenging hunters in the wild.

Bull Arab

This dog is specially bred for pig hunting in Australia. The pup was generated by crossing well-known breeds like Bulldogs, Pointing breeds, and Greyhounds.

Bull Arabs have a robust and muscular physique. It is a medium to large size dog with the strength to handle and restrain wild pigs during hunts.

It is known for its remarkable sense of smell. This breed has been used for tracking and hunting feral pigs for many years. They can detect the scent of a pig from as far away as 6 kilometers. They are a valuable asset for hunters and wildlife management professionals.

The Bull Arab combines the strength of a bull terrier, the speed of a greyhound, and the intelligence and scenting ability of pointers, making it an ideal hunting dog.

Bull Arabs are specifically bred and trained for their roles, and with their physical attributes and temperamental characteristics, it is the well-suited choice for this demanding task.

Blue Lacy

Lucy dog, also known as the Blue Lucy dog, is the official dog Breed of Texas State.

Blue Lacys are the epitome of agility and speed. Their remarkable ability to adeptly navigate rough terrains and effortlessly keep up with the swift movements of wild pigs during hunts is impressive.

The breed is for multipurpose. The pup is used for herding livestock in the states. The Lacy is highly proficient in tracking lost animals and hog hunting.

It has a strong sense of smell and can easily pick up scents from a long distance. It uses its nose to follow the scent trails and detects the slightest odor.

It is also an excellent hunter and catches pigs with great accuracy and agility. Its sharp insights and quick reflexes make it an ideal hunting counterpart.

These dogs possess the essential stamina and endurance required for prolonged hunts and chasing wild pigs over varied terrain.

Black Mouth Cur

The Black Mouth Cur, also known as the Southern Cur, Southern Black Mouth Cur, and the Yellow Black Mouth Cur, is an American dog breed. It is a famous hunting dog used in a variety of pursuits in the USA.

The Cur has a muscular build that provides the strength needed to handle and control wild boars during hunts. Their persistence allows them to sustain prolonged chases and exertion.

The Curs possess an excellent sense of smell that greatly assists in tracking and locating wild pigs during hunting expeditions, although not primarily scent hounds.

This particular breed tends to be cautious and suspicious when encountering individuals that they are not familiar with. They may exhibit signs of wariness, such as backing away or growling, when approached by strangers or unfamiliar people.

They may exhibit protective instincts towards their human companions, especially very protective of children.

Dogo Argentino

The Argentine dog breed is known for dog fighting and especially for hunting games. The hunting games are peccaries and wild boar hunts.

Dogos, catch dogs, are muscular and powerful. The dogs grip a hog by the ears and hold it till the arrival of the hunters. They possess the strength and grip required to handle as well as control wild boars in hunts.

The breed has a reasonable sense of smell, though not A dog with a good sense of smell. It can trace and locate the feral hog in hideouts. This pup is preferred for its form and stamina.

Regular exercises and health care are necessary to maintain body health and muscle structure. This particular breed is known for its fighting tendencies.

Hunters need to be careful when introducing it to other dogs. It is important to properly socialize and train this breed to reduce the risk of aggressive behavior towards other dogs. It may easily get aggressive due to its aggressive nature.

American Leopard Hound

It is an American pig-hunting dog, having a specialty as a scent hound, and is one of the oldest tree dog breeds in the USA. The hound has great tracking abilities and can track any prey for miles easily.

These hounds are loving and affectionate. They are extremely protective of their owner, especially of children.

Their most outstanding feature is their extraordinary intelligence. They have the ability to learn, acquire, and master new tricks, gestures, and commands rapidly. They are highly trainable.

These hounds are gentle and amiable. They are welcoming to strangers and other dogs. This friendly nature makes them an ideal breed for families and individuals looking for a loyal and trustworthy companion.

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Rhodesian Ridgeback is a South African pig-hunting dog breed. It is known to be loyal and intelligent. Initially, it was used to hunt baboons, hyenas, and leopards. It is famous among its natives for its ability of tracking and baying.

The Rhodesian Ridgeback breed possesses an innate instinct to pursue prey if compared to other hunting dog breeds. Their ability to track and locate their target without making sounds makes them efficient and effective hunters.

This courageous breed is well-known for its fearlessness when facing and standing up to aggressive boars. Their bravery is unmatched, and they can withstand the force of these notoriously dangerous animals.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are known for their impressive endurance and unyielding determination during hunts. Their remarkable stamina enables them to pursue prey for extended periods without faltering.

Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is an American hunting dog breed. It is the Louisiana state dog breed. The breed is also known for its capabilities as a herding pup.

In the earlier days, the breed was used as a hunting dog, and still, people in the USA like it for its hunting abilities.

Hunting enthusiasts often rely on this dog breed during their pig hunting and small game hunting endeavors. The pup provides them with a distinct advantage in tracking and taking down their prey.

The Catahoulas possess incredible energy and endurance. They cover long distances and work tirelessly. The dog experts prefer them in the search and rescue community due to their unique capabilities and traits,

Additionally, the Catahoula Leopard possesses incredible energy and endurance, which enables them to cover long distances and work tirelessly. Due to their unique capabilities and traits, they are highly valued in the search and rescue community.

Treeing Walker Coonhound

Treeing Walker Coonhound is an American dog. It is primarily bred for hunting, especially for raccoon hunting.

Many hunters across the United States prefer this breed of hound due to its distinctive bay, which allows owners to identify their dogs from great distances.

These beasts have an extraordinary sense of smell. They can easily detect even the most indefinite hint of a scent. They are relentless in their pursuit. They track their prey with an uncompromising focus and passion.

Their alertness and quick reactions make them formidable hunters, always ready to pounce at a moment’s notice. When it comes to following a scent, they are the ultimate experts, never giving up until they reach their goal.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds are a breed of hound dogs, known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are intelligent and confident dogs.

This breed has a perceptive sense of scent. This dog is one of the most popular choices for hunting enthusiasts. They are very social animals and love to interact with humans.

Pig Hunting Dog Categories

The experts divide these pig-hunting dogs into two categories.

Bay Dogs:

The main functions of bay dogs are to locate, corner, or contain a wild hog. They usually do not directly or physically combat any feral hog. They work with catch dogs and hunters to manage and capture hogs successfully.

They keep the wild boar concerned at specific places by barking loudly, providing space for hunters or catch dogs to capture or kill wild boars.

Catch Dogs:

These dogs play the main role in pig hunting. These trained dogs employ bite-and-hold techniques by gripping the boar firmly and effectively to immobilize it without causing excessive harm. They usually grip the base of a boar’s ear.

Their specific characteristics and training enable them to immobilize and hold the boar safely. They allow hunters to approach and complete the hunt in a controlled and safe manner.

These breeds, from the determined American Pit Bull Terriers to the adaptable Black Mouth Curs, bring unique attributes and a rich inheritance to the hunt.

Yet, amidst their valor, responsible ownership, and ethical practices stay imperative. Their legacy stands a testament to a deep bond between humans and their hunting companions—a bond rooted in tradition, survival, and a shared love for the chase.

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